Tây Ninh, Southeastern province near Cambodia, Vietnam
Tây Ninh is a southeastern province near the Cambodian border, covering mostly flat land crossed by roads and canals. Ba Đen Mountain rises in the southeastern part of the province, standing above the surrounding rice fields and rubber plantations.
Vietnamese settlers began moving into this formerly Khmer territory around 1770, gradually establishing villages and farmland. During the First Indochina War, the area saw several military operations that shaped the lives of local communities.
Followers of the Caodai faith gather daily in their central temple, where prayer ceremonies blend Buddhist, Christian, Confucian, and Taoist traditions under one roof. Visitors can watch these rituals as priests in colorful robes move through the ornate hall while music and incense fill the air.
The province can be reached from Ho Chi Minh City by bus or car, with the journey taking several hours depending on traffic. Travelers should plan their visit between December and April when roads are dry and weather is more comfortable.
Ba Đen is the only major mountain in an otherwise flat landscape, drawing pilgrims who hike to Buddhist shrines along its slopes. A cable car now runs to the summit, allowing less experienced hikers to enjoy the view over the plains.
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