Sun World Ba Den Mountain was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip to Tay Ninh. In fact, it was the stunning Buddhist landmarks perched atop the mountain that inspired me to plan this journey in the first place. With assistance from the friendly staff at DP Hotel, I booked my transportation through Thảo Kim Ngân, a transport company operating services between Ho Chi Minh City and Tay Ninh.
After a good night’s rest, I wasted no time heading to Sun World Ba Den Mountain the next morning after breakfast. I hailed a Grab bike, which was my first-ever experience riding one. I was admittedly nervous at first, especially with the roads still wet from the early morning’s rain. Fortunately, the ride was smooth, and I arrived at my destination rather quickly.
Upon reaching the entrance, I headed straight to the ticket counter. Adult entrance tickets, which includes round-trip cable car ride cost 250,000 VND for the Hang Pagoda route. 450,000 VND for the Van Son Peak route, or 650,000 VND for the combined Hang Pagoda and Van Son Peak package. Additionally, there was also a buffet-inclusive package available for visitors who wished to dine on the mountain.
The cable car rides offered spectacular views throughout the journey. One thing to note is that the connecting cable car route between Hang Pagoda and Van Son Peak was closed. This meant I had to descend back to the base station before taking another cable car up to Van Son Peak.
Sun World Ba Den Mountain – Hang Pagoda
My first destination was Hang Pagoda, officially known as Linh Son Long Chau Pagoda.
Founded in 1830, this sacred cave pagoda sits halfway up Ba Den Mountain and is one of the region’s most important Buddhist pilgrimage sites. Built in traditional Mahayana Buddhist style, the temple is closely associated with the famous legend of the “Cracked Rock.” According to local folklore, a massive rock once blocked access to the temple, forcing pilgrims to take a difficult detour. Patriarch Tanh Thien is said to have chanted sutras continuously for 100 days until the rock miraculously split apart, creating a 1.5-metre-wide passageway.
The morning crowd was relatively light and mostly comprised local devotees. I was probably one of the few foreign visitors around. Better still, I had an entire cable car cabin to myself. As the cabin ascended the mountain, I enjoyed the beautiful scenery unfolding beneath me.
My previous cable car experience was only a few months earlier. It was when I rode across the sea from Phu Quoc to Sun World Hon Thom. While that journey offered breathtaking ocean views, I found myself preferring this mountain ride. The cooler temperatures and the sensation of being surrounded by mist and clouds made the experience feel magical.
Before long, I arrived at the midpoint station – Hang Pagoda Station and made my way towards Hang Pagoda. The temple grounds were already bustling with local worshippers. Some were offering flowers while others knelt quietly in prayer.
After paying my respects, I climbed a series of stone steps leading further up the hillside. The climb itself was not particularly difficult, though my legs felt surprisingly shaky after the Grab bike ride earlier. After exploring the surroundings, enjoying the peaceful atmosphere, and catching my breath, I returned to the cable car station. It was time to descend to the base before heading up to the mountain’s highest point.
Sun World Ba Den Mountain – Van Son Peak
The cable car journey to Van Son Peak was obviously longer, giving me even more time to appreciate the mountain scenery. Once again, I had the entire cabin to myself.
Upon arriving at Van Son Station, I noticed several souvenir shops lining the area. They sold everything from incense and wooden prayer bead bracelets to beautiful, gold-plated leaves. I was very tempted to buy one of those gold-plated leaves. Looking back, I regret not bringing one home as a souvenir.
Stepping out of the station, I was greeted by a light drizzle and thick fog. Visibility outdoors dropped to less than 200 metres, with the mist shrouding much of the surrounding landscape. Fortunately, the clearly signposted pathways made it easy to find my way through the mist to the Buddhist Art Gallery. There was where I started my indoor exploration of the summit.
Here are some of my favorite highlights which visitors should not miss at Van Son Peak.
1. Udumbara Garden
Hidden at the central of the tranquil Udumbara Garden is one of Ba Den Mountain’s best spiritual landmarks — the golden Konagamana Buddha Statue. Surrounded by a serene pond filled with golden lotus flowers and symbolic turtles, the statue radiates a sense of peace and enlightenment. The curved golden backdrop enhances the grandeur of the setting, while the mountain breeze and distant views create an atmosphere perfect for quiet reflection. It was one of the most photogenic and my top favorite place of Van Son Peak.
2. Maitreya Buddha Statue
One of the most cheerful landmarks on the mountain was the Maitreya Buddha Statue. It depicts the Laughing Buddha with a joyful smile. The statue symbolizes happiness, abundance, and good fortune, making it a popular photo spot among visitors. It also features a musical fountain and water show that combines water effects, lighting, music, and projections surrounding the statue.
3. Lady Buddha Statue
The Lady Buddha Statue is undoubtedly another crown jewel of Van Son Peak. Standing majestically atop the mountain, the towering statue is among the tallest Buddha statues in Asia. Eventually, the fog has cleared, and the sight was incredibly awe-inspiring. The statue radiates peace and spirituality, creating a serene atmosphere across the entire summit.
4. Buddhist Art Gallery
The Buddhist Art Gallery showcases various Buddhist artworks, cultural exhibits, and religious artefacts. It serves as an excellent introduction to Buddhist traditions and offered a welcome indoor refuge from the rain and fog.
5. Buddhist Exhibition Center
One of the most unexpected highlights at Van Son Peak was the Buddhist Exhibition Center located beneath the Lady Buddha Statue. At its centre stands a magnificent Thousand-Handed Thousand-Eyed Avalokitesvara surrounded by rows of Bodhisattva statues. The exhibition hall becomes even more impressive when the massive dome ceiling comes alive with a 3D mapping show, transporting visitors through oceans, galaxies, and Buddhist interpretations of the universe. The combination of modern technology and spiritual symbolism creates a truly immersive and memorable experience.
6. Bodhi Garden/ Zen Garden
The beautifully landscaped gardens feature Buddhist sculptures and other symbolic elements that inspire reflection and contemplation. The open spaces with tranquil walking paths create a calming, peaceful environment for visitors to slow down and appreciate the spiritual atmosphere of Ba Den Mountain.
7. Van Son Restaurant/ Taste of Vietnam Restaurant
Finally, Van Son Restaurant is a popular dining stop for visitors exploring Ba Den Mountain. The spacious restaurant offers panoramic views of the surrounding landscape while serving an extensive buffet featuring local Tay Ninh specialties, Vietnamese favorites, Asian cuisine, and vegetarian dishes.
On the other hand, Taste of Vietnam Restaurant would be best for visitors who prefer à la carte Vietnamese dishes and a lighter meal.
A Spiritual Experience to Remember
I spent more than half a day exploring the various attractions at Sun World Ba Den Mountain, from the sacred temples to beautiful Buddhist landmarks, and picturesque mountain scenery.
Additionally, what made the experience truly memorable was the overwhelming sense of peace that accompanied me throughout the day. Despite the rain and heavy fog in the morning, the sky managed to clear for my exploration. The place remains one of the most spiritually enriching destinations I have visited in Vietnam. Whether you are a Buddhist pilgrim, a nature lover, or simply someone seeking a unique travel experience, this remarkable destination deserves a place on your itinerary.
Since I still had half a day remaining and another morning before returning to Ho Chi Minh City, I continued exploring other attractions around Tay Ninh. Be sure to check out my travel reviews too!