From Ho Chi Minh: Black Virgin Mount And Cao Dai Holy Mass

Nestled in the lush landscapes of Tay Ninh province lies the enchanting Black Virgin Mountain. This guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City promises a captivating blend of natural beauty and spiritual significance. Visitors can soar up the mountain via scenic cable car, enjoy the vibrant Cao Dai Holy Mass ceremony, and savor the flavors of local cuisine. With private transportation and an English-speaking guide, this experience offers a rich cultural exploration that leaves one intrigued to discover more about the region’s fascinating traditions and beliefs.

Key Points

• A one-day tour from Ho Chi Minh City to Black Virgin Mountain, featuring a cable car ride, temple visits, and attendance at the Cao Dai Holy Mass ceremony.
• The tour is priced at £126.04 per person and includes private transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch, entrance fees, and bottled water.
• Highlights include panoramic views from the 986-meter summit, visiting temples and pagodas, and experiencing the unique spiritual traditions of the region.
• The scenic landscape of Black Virgin Mountain showcases fruit orchards, mango trees, and the iconic Giant Maitreya Buddha statue.
• The tour provides a comprehensive experience of the natural and cultural wonders of Tay Ninh province, with opportunities to immerse in local cuisine and customs.

Tour Overview and Pricing

This tour is priced from £126.04 per person and lasts for 1 day.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and a reserve now & pay later option is available.

The tour includes private car transportation, an English-speaking guide, lunch at a local restaurant, and all entrance fees and bottled water.

Tips and personal expenses aren’t included, and any other meals not mentioned in the itinerary are also excluded.

Experience Highlights

The tour offers a chance to learn about the myths and legends surrounding the Black Virgin Mountain.

Visitors can enjoy panoramic views from the top of the 986-meter-high mountain and take a cable car ride to the highest peak in Southern Vietnam.

The itinerary includes visits to multiple temples and pagodas along the mountain, as well as the opportunity to participate in the Cao Dai Holy Mass.

Key highlights of the experience include:

• Learning about the myths and legends of Black Virgin Mountain
• Panoramic views from the top of Black Virgin Mount
• Cable car ride to the highest peak in Southern Vietnam
• Visits to various temples and pagodas along the mountain
• Participation in the Cao Dai Holy Mass

Scenic Attractions

Black Lady Mountain, also known as Black Virgin Mount, covers an impressive area of 24 square kilometers, comprised of three large mountains.

The breathtaking landscape is dotted with fruit orchards, mango trees, and woodland flowers, offering a feast for the senses.

Towering over the lush scenery is the awe-inspiring 36-meter-tall, 45-meter-wide Giant Maitreya Buddha statue, crafted from 6,688 sandstone stones weighing a staggering 5,112 tons.

Further adding to the region’s spiritual significance is the tallest sacred bronze Buddha statue in Asia, standing at an impressive 72 meters long and cast with 170 tons of red bronze.

Itinerary and Activities

Picked up from their hotel by a professional tour guide, guests embark on a captivating journey to explore the Black Virgin Mount and participate in the Cao Dai Holy Mass.

The itinerary includes:

• Cable car ride to a pagoda temple dedicated to the local Khmer deity, Bà Đen
• Optional hike to discover additional temples along the mountain
• Visit to beautiful temples and caves used by Buddhist monks
• Opportunity to enjoy the local cuisine in Tay Ninh province
• Participation in the Cao Dai Holy Mass, a unique religious ceremony

Throughout the day, guests are immersed in the myths, legends, and breathtaking scenery of the Black Virgin Mount.

Included Services

As part of the tour package, the services included cover a range of amenities to ensure a seamless experience.

Private car transportation and a professional, English-speaking tour guide are provided to escort participants throughout the day.

Lunch at a local restaurant and all entrance fees are also included.

Bottled water is available to keep guests hydrated during the tour.

While tips and personal expenses aren’t covered, the package provides a comprehensive set of services to make the journey to Black Virgin Mount and the Cao Dai Holy Mass a convenient and enjoyable one.

Additional Information

The tour package comes with a cancellation policy that allows participants to receive a full refund if they cancel up to 24 hours in advance.

Other notable details include:

• Tour transportation is provided via private car
• An English-speaking (or other requested language) professional guide accompanies the group
• Lunch at a local restaurant and bottled water are included
• All entrance fees to the sites visited are covered
• Tips and personal expenses aren’t included in the tour price

Travelers should also note that meals not mentioned in the itinerary aren’t part of the package.

Pickup and Transfers

Guests will be picked up from their hotels by the tour guide in a private car for the start of the day’s activities.

The tour guide will provide transportation throughout the day, ensuring a hassle-free experience. Participants can sit back and enjoy the scenic drive to Black Virgin Mountain.

Upon arrival, the group will board the cable car for the ascent to the pagoda temple. For those interested in additional exploration, an optional hike to discover more temples and caves is available.

Throughout the day, the tour guide will share insights and information, enhancing the overall experience.

Cuisine and Local Culture

During the tour, participants enjoy the local cuisine and culture of Tay Ninh province.

Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, featuring traditional Vietnamese dishes.

The menu may include:

• Pho – a fragrant noodle soup
• Banh Mi – a Vietnamese-style sandwich
• Nem Nuong – grilled pork skewers
• Goi Cuon – fresh spring rolls
• Ca Kho To – caramelized fish in a clay pot

This culinary experience provides a glimpse into the vibrant flavors and traditions of the region, complementing the exploration of the spiritual and natural wonders of Black Virgin Mount.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Fit Do I Need to Be for the Hike?

The hike to additional temples is optional, so visitors don’t need to be especially fit. The tour includes a cable car ride to the pagoda temple, so most of the sightseeing is accessible without a strenuous hike.

Can I Take Photos Inside the Temples?

Visitors are generally allowed to take photos inside the temples, but they should be respectful and avoid disruptive behavior. Some temples may have specific rules or restrictions, so it’s best to ask the tour guide.

Is There a Dress Code for the Cao Dai Holy Mass?

There is a dress code for the Cao Dai Holy Mass. Visitors should wear modest, loose-fitting clothing that covers the shoulders and knees. Shorts, tank tops, and revealing clothing are generally not permitted.

What Is the Best Time of Year to Visit?

The best time to visit Black Virgin Mountain is during the dry season from November to April, when the weather is pleasant and the mountain’s scenery is at its most scenic.

Can I Extend the Tour to Explore More of the Area?

Yes, the tour can be extended to explore more of the area. Visitors can add extra temples, hikes, and scenic attractions to their itinerary for a more comprehensive experience of the Black Virgin Mountain region.

Recap

This guided tour from Ho Chi Minh City offers a unique opportunity to take in the enchanting beauty and spiritual significance of Black Virgin Mountain. Participants can enjoy a scenic cable car ride, explore temples and pagodas, and witness the captivating Cao Dai Holy Mass ceremony. With private transportation, an English-speaking guide, and local cuisine, this tour provides a rich blend of culture, nature, and spirituality for visitors to the region.