From Hcm: Cu Chi Tunnels, Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai

Escape the bustling city of Ho Chi Minh and embark on a captivating day trip that unveils Vietnam’s rich history and spiritual wonders. Venture to the iconic Black Virgin Mountain, where a modern cable car soars above lush landscapes leading to the towering Buddha statue. After an authentic local lunch, learn about the unique rituals of the Cao Dai Temple. The day culminates at the famous Cu Chi Tunnels, a network of underground passageways that played a crucial role in the Vietnam War. This comprehensive tour promises to leave you with a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s cultural tapestry – but there’s more to uncover.

Key Points

• This tour offers a full-day excursion from Ho Chi Minh City to explore the Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple, and the Cu Chi Tunnels.
• The tour includes a cable car ride up the Black Virgin Mountain, a visit to the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam, and attendance at the Cao Dai Temple’s midday prayer service.
• Lunch is provided at the Cao Dai Temple, and the afternoon is dedicated to exploring the historic Cu Chi Tunnels, used by guerilla fighters during the Vietnam War.
• The tour package includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, and tips, ensuring a seamless and comprehensive experience.
• The tour can be booked with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, and a reserve now, pay later option is available.

Tour Overview

The tour offers a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City to explore the stunning Black Virgin Mountain and the captivating Cao Dai Temple. Priced from Kč2,299 per person, the 1-day excursion allows free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Guests can reserve now and pay later.

Beginning at 6-6:30 AM, the tour includes breakfast, a cable car ride to the top of Black Virgin Mountain, and a visit to the tallest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam.

After Black Virgin Mountain, visitors attend a midday prayer service at the Cao Dai Temple and enjoy lunch before an afternoon visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Morning Tour: Black Virgin Mountain

Pickup time for the morning tour is scheduled between 06:00 and 06:30, allowing travelers to enjoy a hearty breakfast at a local restaurant before the journey to Black Virgin Mountain, approximately 3.5 hours northeast of Tay Ninh.

Upon arrival, visitors will ride a modern European cable car to the top of the mountain, taking in spectacular views along the way.

The tour will then explore the complex, marveling at the highest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam and wandering through the statues, water features, and flower gardens.

This morning adventure provides a glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural significance of Black Virgin Mountain.

Cao Dai Temple Experience

After visiting Black Virgin Mountain, the tour departs for the iconic Cao Dai Temple, where travelers will attend the midday prayer service. This unique spiritual experience allows visitors to witness the colorful and elaborate rituals of the Cao Dai religion. Following the prayer service, the group will enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Experience	Duration	Highlights
Attend Cao Dai Prayer Service	1 hour	Witness the distinctive Cao Dai rituals
Lunch at Local Restaurant	1 hour	Sample authentic Vietnamese cuisine
Explore Cao Dai Temple Grounds	1 hour	Admire the temple’s intricate architecture

The Cao Dai Temple visit provides a fascinating culture, complementing the natural wonder of Black Virgin Mountain.

Afternoon Tour: Cu Chi Tunnels

Departing for Cu Chi Tunnels at 13:00 after lunch, the tour explores the historical significance of the infamous underground network used by guerilla fighters during the Vietnam War.

Visitors can crawl through a portion of the 121 km long, multi-layered tunnel system to gain insights into the clever design, strategic trap doors, and resilience of the guerillas.

The tour also provides an opportunity to learn about survival techniques, including smoke concealment from cooking.

Plus, guests can opt to fire real AK bullets, adding an immersive and engaging experience to the day’s activities.

Inclusions

The tour package includes transportation via vehicle, along with a live English-speaking guide.

The cable car ride to Bà Đen Temple is included, as well as visits to the Cao Đài temples.

Lunch is provided, and all entrance tickets to the attractions are covered.

Tips for the service staff are also included in the tour price.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can expect a seamless and hassle-free experience as they explore the cultural and historical wonders of Black Virgin Mountain and the Cao Đài religious site, followed by an immersive visit to the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Pickup and Duration

When does the tour depart? The tour departs Ho Chi Minh City between 6:00 AM and 6:30 AM, with pickup from your hotel or selected meeting point.

The tour lasts for a full day, returning in the late afternoon.

The key details include:

• Pickup from 6:00 AM to 6:30 AM
• Travel time of approximately 3.5 hours to reach Black Virgin Mountain
• Full-day tour, with return in the late afternoon
• Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund
• Reserve now & pay later option available

Views and Attractions

After the morning pickup, visitors embark on the scenic 3.5-hour journey northeast to Black Virgin Mountain (Ba-Den Mountain).

Upon arrival, they’ll ride a modern European cable car to the top, taking in spectacular views. At the summit, they’ll visit the highest bronze Buddha statue in Vietnam and explore the complex with its statues, water features, and flower gardens.

Following this, the group will attend a midday prayer service at the Cao Dai Temple, a unique spiritual experience not to be missed.

With the morning’s activities complete, it’s time for lunch before heading to the Cu Chi Tunnels in the afternoon.

Spiritual Experience

Following their visit to Black Virgin Mountain, the group will head to the nearby Cao Dai Temple. This unique spiritual experience isn’t to be missed.

At the temple, they’ll attend the midday prayer service, which offers a fascinating glimpse into the Cao Dai religion:

• The ceremony is a vibrant display of colors, music, and ritual.
• Worshippers wear traditional long robes and engage in a synchronized, choreographed prayer.
• Visitors can observe the intricate architecture and symbolic iconography that characterize the Cao Dai faith.

After the service, the group will enjoy a local lunch before continuing their day at the Cu Chi Tunnels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is There a Dress Code for Visiting the Temples?

There’s no strict dress code, but visitors should wear modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees when visiting the temples. Light, comfortable attire is recommended to enjoy the tour comfortably.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

Passengers can’t bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The package includes breakfast, lunch, and bottled water. Bringing outside food or drinks is not allowed, as the tour provides meals and refreshments for a complete experience.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Tour?

The tour is open to all ages, but participants under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. There are no specific age restrictions or requirements beyond basic mobility to navigate the tour sites.

Can I Take Photographs Inside the Cao Dai Temple?

Yes, visitors are generally allowed to take photographs inside the Cao Dai Temple, though they should be respectful and avoid disrupting the prayer service. Please check with your tour guide for any specific guidelines or restrictions.

Is There Any Free Time to Explore the Sites on My Own?

Yes, there’s free time to explore the sites on your own. The tour allows time for independent exploration at Black Virgin Mountain and Cao Dai Temple, so you can wander and take photos at your leisure.

Recap

This captivating day trip from Ho Chi Minh City offers an immersive experience, blending stunning natural landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and Vietnam War history. From the breathtaking Black Virgin Mountain to the spiritual Cao Dai Temple and the intricate Cu Chi Tunnels, this tour provides a well-rounded exploration of Vietnam’s diverse wonders. Travelers can enjoy the convenience of transportation and a traditional lunch, making this an accessible and unforgettable adventure.