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Located in Southeast Vietnam, Tay Ninh Province boasts diverse landscapes ranging from highlands to plains, with the most iconic being Ba Den Mountain. Its rich cultural and religious heritage further enhances the province’s charm. Join Asia King Travel in this article as we explore the wonders of Tay Ninh.
Ba Den Mountain – the symbol of Tay Ninh’s nature and culture
The Vietnamese began settling and developing the land that is now Tay Ninh around the 17th century. During the Nguyen Dynasty, the province was part of Gia Dinh Province (the predecessor of Saigon). Tay Ninh was separated and established as its own province during the French colonial period.
In the Vietnam War, the National Front for the Liberation of South Vietnam was founded in Tay Ninh. In 2025, Long An Province was merged into Tay Ninh. Today, the province has a population of about 3.5 million people.
Tay Ninh connects Central Highlands with the Mekong Delta, giving it both the characteristics of a highland and the features of a lowland region. Ba Den Mountain, at 986 meters, is the highest peak in southern Vietnam. The terrain gradually slopes from north to south, descending toward the Mekong Delta in the former Long An Province.
Tay Ninh boasts the beauty of both mountains and plains, and even more remarkably, lakes
To the east, the province borders Ho Chi Minh City and Dong Nai Province. To the south, it borders Dong Thap Province. The western and northern sides share a border with Cambodia. Moc Bai Border Gate in Tay Ninh is the largest border crossing between Vietnam and Cambodia.
Thanks to its proximity to Ho Chi Minh City, getting to Tay Ninh is quite convenient. From Tan Son Nhat Airport, you can take Truong Chinh Street then National Highway 22 heading north for about 100 kilometers to reach the province, with a travel time of around 2–3 hours. A one-way bus ticket from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh costs about VND 200,000.
Tay Ninh’s climate is divided into two distinct seasons. The dry season lasts from December to April and has sunny and pleasant weather, ideal for sightseeing. The rainy season runs from May to November. Overall, the province enjoys a relatively mild climate, making it suitable to visit at any time of the year. Even during the rainy season, there are still stretches of beautiful sunny days.
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Tay Ninh is home to 22 ethnic groups living together. In addition to the majority Kinh (Vietnamese) population, the Khmer people have also left a strong cultural imprint. The province has two ancient towers from the Funan Kingdom that are almost perfectly preserved, as well as many other historical relics from the Champa Kingdom.
Caodaism is a widely practiced religion in southern Vietnam
Caodaism was founded in Tay Ninh and is the third-largest religion in Vietnam. This unique faith was developed by the Vietnamese themselves. Tay Ninh Holy See is the most iconic structure of Caodaism and one of the province’s most famous tourist attractions.
Trang Bang thick noodle soup is the pride of Tay Ninh cuisine. Along National Highway 22 from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh, you’ll find many roadside eateries serving this dish. A bowl of noodle soup is a harmonious combination of chewy, tender noodles and a light, naturally sweet broth. The noodles are made from non-glutinous rice flour, giving them a pure white color and a soft yet elastic texture. The broth is simmered from bones until clear and flavorful.
A hearty breakfast for you
The noodle soup is served with pork knuckle and boiled pork blood, accompanied by a variety of fresh herbs. A touch of spicy satay also adds depth and flavor, making Trang Bang noodle soup even more enticing. A delicious bowl must have a perfect balance of sour, spicy, salty, and sweet flavors.
Trang Bang is also the birthplace of dew-wetted rice paper. This snack is hugely popular among Vietnamese youth. After the rice paper is made, it is briefly exposed to the early morning dew to soften it, hence its unique and charming name.
A simple yet incredibly addictive snack
The rice paper is seasoned with a hint of spiciness and saltiness, then rolled with fried shallots, dried shrimp, butter sauce, and satay (optional). With each bite, you’ll experience an explosion of sweet, salty, and spicy flavors that will have you reaching for the next roll in no time. One small note: the rice paper is slightly chewy, so it may not be ideal for those with dental issues.
And the secret behind the irresistible salty and spicy kick of both dishes is Tay Ninh shrimp salt. The key ingredients that give this seasoning its soul are dried shrimp, table salt, and chili powder. All the ingredients are ground together and then dried to create the final product. Besides being used as a seasoning for dishes, shrimp salt is also delicious as a dip for fresh fruit. Be sure to bring some home as a gift so your loved ones can try this unique local flavor.
Although it has no coastline, Tay Ninh produces a famously delicious salt
Near Ba Den Mountain, a special variety of custard apple is grown, famous across the country. The area’s fertile soil makes it ideal for cultivating this fruit. Ba Den custard apples have a uniquely delicious flavor unlike any other on the market. Their flesh is firmer, the seeds are smaller, and the taste is sweet with a pleasant aroma.
You may have never tried this fruit before, but trust us, it’s absolutely delicious
Tay Ninh is a fantastic destination for travelers who love exploring nature and learning about local culture. It has all the elements to become a “multi-experience” land, blending nature, culture, and modern life. Contact Asia King Travel for an unforgettable trip to Tay Ninh!
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