Ba Den Mountain Travel Guide: Cable Car, Hiking & Hidden Gems

Located in Vietnam’s Tay Ninh Province and just a stone’s throw from Ho Chi Minh City, Ba Den Mountain, also known as the “Black Virgin Mountain,” is one of the country’s most iconic spiritual and adventure destinations. It is the highest peak in southern Vietnam. If you are looking for an adventure that blends nature, culture, and exploration, this is the perfect place to visit. From thrilling cable car rides to beautiful hiking trails and hidden cultural treasures, the mountain offers awe-inspiring views.

In this “Ba Den Mountain Travel Guide: Cable Cars, Hiking, and Hidden Gems” article, we tell you everything you need to know. Whether you are an adventure lover, a spiritual pilgrim, or simply a traveler in search of breathtaking scenery, Ba Den Mountain has something for everyone.

My experience on Ba Den Mountain

Ba Den Mountain is a wonderful place and a great photography spot for photography lovers like me. It is a beautiful blend of spirituality, natural beauty, and adventure, adorned with various types of flowers and other features. There are many prime photo points too; you will feel like standing in the middle of the clouds. Locals consider it a sacred site, with temples, pagodas, and legends of the Kali virgin goddess along the way to the mountain. Tourists visit here for panoramic views, the longest cable car ride in Vietnam, and some of the most relaxing hiking trails in the south. I will say again that it is a very beautiful and peaceful place, and you must visit here if you come to Vietnam.

Best for honeymoon couples

This place is also the best for honeymoon couples. If you have come to Ho Chi Minh City for your honeymoon, then you must visit Ba De Mountain because there are many good points for couples to take photos. The scenery here also looks very romantic, so you can spend a peaceful and joyful time with your partner.

Include view:

Panoramic view of the Tay Ninh countryside and beyond.
Sunrise & sunset spots from the summit.
Sacred temples & shrines, attracting thousands of pilgrims.
Modern cable car system by Sun World.
Adventure trails for trekking enthusiasts.

Getting to Ba Den Mountain

Ba Den Mountain is approximately 100 km from Ho Chi Minh City.

By Car/Taxi: The most convenient way is by private car or taxi, especially if you’re traveling in a group or with family.
By bus: Public buses and minibuses operate from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh. From Tay Ninh city, you can take a taxi or motorcycle to the foot of the hill.
By Motorbike: Adventurous travelers can also rent motorbikes for scenic rides through the countryside.

Ba Den Mountain cable car experience

One of the main attractions of visiting Ba Den Mountain is the Sun World Ba Den Mountain Cable Car System. This system is among the longest cable car routes in the world. It features two routes –

Ba Den Cable Car Route: This takes you directly to the summit (986m) in about 8 minutes, offering stunning views of the fields, rivers, and temples below.
Ba Pagoda Route: A route that guides visitors through multiple spiritual sites, including a stop at the Linh Son Holy Mother Temple.

Why take the cable car?

Saves time ( only 8 mintes to reach the top).
Comfortable and scenic view, especially for families and older visitor.
Avoids the challenging 3-4 hour hike.

Ticket Prices (2025 update):

Adults: 250,000 – 300,000 VND ( USD $10-12).
Children: 150,000 VND (USD $6).

Hiking trails on Ba Den Mountain

If you are an adventure lover, then hiking in the mountains can be one of the most enjoyable experiences for you. There are several trails with different difficulty levels to climb:

1. Pagoda Trail (Chua route):

This is the most popular route that passes through temples and religious places. It takes about 3-4 hours to reach the summit through this route. There are a lot of stone stairs that are a bit difficult to climb.

2. Electric Pole Trail (Cot dien Route):

This is a short but steep route. This is a popular route among young trekkers. It takes 2.5-3 hours to reach the summit through this route.

3. Ma Thien Lanh Valley Trail

It is a picturesque trail through lush green forests, offering spectacular views, but it requires good stamina.

Hidden Gems of Ba Den Mountain

Besides the famous cable car and views from the summit, Ba Den Mountain has other hidden cultural and natural gems which is worth exploring:

1. Linh Son Holy Mother Temple

Central to the legends of Ba Den is the temple dedicated to the black virgin goddess, highly revered and a spiritual icon by the locals.

2. Pagoda Complex

If you travel on foot, the route is paved with a series of temples such as Ba Temple, Hang Pagoda and Trung Pagoda, which offer both a spiritual experience and a peaceful retreat.

3. Ma Thien Lanh Valley

This is a quiet valley located in the foothills of the mountain, which is perfect for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts. If you want to spend some quality romantic moments with your partner, then this is the perfect place.

4. Local Food Stalls

Famous specialties of this region are Banh Trang Fai Sing Tai Ninh (dew-soaked rice paper) and Muoi Tam Tai Ninh (Tai Ninh shrimp salt). Don’t forget to try them.

Best Time to Visit Ba Den Mountain

Anyway, whenever you go to Ho Chi Minh City, you must visit Ba Den Mountain because it is such a good place that I would definitely recommend you visit it once. Still, I will tell you some good times to visit it –

Dry Season: December to April is the best time for hiking and clear panoramic views.
Festival Season: The ideal places to experience vibrant pilgrimages and cultural celebrations form the Lunar New Year to spring.
Rainy Season: May to November is the rainy season, which can make the ways slippercy, but the landscape is lush green and beautiful. it is better to use the cable car during this time.

If you want to avoid the crowds, plan your trip at times other than festivals and peak seasons.

Conclusion

Ba Den Mountain is a unique amalgamation of spiritual heritage, natural wonders and modern adventure. Whether you ride the cable car or challenge yourself on the hiking trails, it is going to be thrilling in every way. Discover hidden gems like temples and valleys. This sacred mountain is going to give you an unforgettable experience.

A place away from the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, you will find peace, adventure and cultural richness all in one, so Ba Den Mountain should be on top of your Vietnam travel list.