Caodaism, a religion deprived from Tay Ninh, Vietnam, has become increasingly attractive to people around the world. Once you travel to the Southern area of Vietnam, do not loose the chance to visit Cao Dai Temple. This is truly worth your time!
The following is general information on Caodaism, the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh and useful tips to reach there when you travel luxury Indochina tours
About Caodaism
Caodaism is also known as The Great Faith for the Third Universal Redemption, which was “newly” established in Tay Ninh by the end of 1926. In Vietnamese, it is called Cao Dai, which literally means “high abode”. The founder of Caodaism, Ngo Van Chieu was said to have been picked by the Supreme Being to deliver his message which became the philosophy of Caodaism. Then he had a dream of the All-seeing Eye and turned it the symbol of Caodaism.
All-seeing Eye is the symbol of Caodaism -source: internet
Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh
Located about 100km to the North West of Ho Chi Minh city, Cao Dai Temple is a popular destination for tourists. This is a complex of the art, architecture and religion, which is considered to be the Cao Dai Holy See. The construction took 14 years to build from 1933 to 1947, however, it was officially launched in 1955.
Cao Dai Temple from the outside -source: internet
With a total area of 40 square km, Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh is a complex which includes nearly 100 different structures. Especially, there are schools, free health care center and transportation system built orderly. Except for the ritual time, vehicle can freely go through the surrounding site.
During the Mass time -source: internet
The two most expected festivals annually take place in Jan 9th and 15th Aug in Lunar calendar. During these festivals, not only the Cao Dai believers but also tourists go to Tay Ninh to participate in. Beside, travelers can visit the temple every day without any admission fee. The best time to be there is 12:00 when the daily religious ceremony occurs.
Believers wear white for special occasions- source: internet
There are basic rules visitors need to follow on visiting the temple. Firstly, you need to wear clothes suitable for the worshiping places. Secondly, you are only allowed to enter the side gate, particularly, the right one is for male only and the left one is for female only. Thirdly, you must take off shoes (socks are allowed) before entering the main hall. Finally, remember that on going inside the building, you should travel the entire interior to get out of it.
How to reach
Tourists can go to Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh by bus from An Suong bus station from 5am to 7:30pm. One departs every 10 minutes. It takes about 2-2.5h to move from Ho Chi Minh city to Tay Ninh. The price ticket is about US$3-4 per person. Besides, travelers can catch the city bus no.703 from Ben Thanh to Moc Bai at a cost of US$2, then get on the bus no.05 to go from Moc Bai to Tay Ninh at the cost of US$0.75. Certainly, you can go by motorbike. It sometimes takes longer time, instead you will see beautiful scenes.
You can see more: mekong river tours vietnam
Beautiful scenes along way to Tay Ninh -source: internet
If you have chance travelling to the South of Vietnam, Tay Ninh is one of the destinatons you should spend your time! Besides Cao Dai Temple, there are even more to see in Tay Ninh.
See more:
- Classic Adventure Vietnam and Laos (16 Days, 15 Nights)
- Lao Mekong cruise with The World Heritage sites (14 Days, 13 Nights)
- Laos Overland (7 Days, 6 Nights)
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