Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple & Ba Den Mount Day Trip

Summary

Ba Den cable car views, Cao Dai colors and Cu Chi tunnels in a day

You’ll ride the Ba Den cable car above lush countryside, witness vibrant rituals at Cao Dai Temple, share a Vietnamese lunch with locals, and crawl through historic Cu Chi Tunnels—all in one day with pickup included. Expect moments of awe (and maybe nerves) alongside laughter and real stories from your guide.

What’s the experience like?

We almost missed our hotel pickup because I’d underestimated Saigon’s morning chaos—motorbikes everywhere, horns, that sticky heat. Our guide, Hien, just grinned when we finally stumbled out, sweating and apologizing. She handed us cold water and said something like, “No rush here, just more stories to tell.” The van felt like a little bubble as we left the city for Tây Ninh. I remember the road: endless green rice paddies flashing past, and at one point someone’s rooster darted across the highway (everyone laughed except maybe the driver).

The cable car up Bà Đen Mountain was smoother than I expected—no swaying or creaking—and suddenly we were above everything. There’s a kind of hush up there except for kids giggling and someone’s ringtone playing some old K-pop song. The air was cooler; you could smell incense drifting from somewhere. Hien pointed out Cambodia in the distance, which I wouldn’t have guessed. We wandered around the giant bronze Buddha (it really is massive), but mostly I just stared at those patchwork fields down below.

Cao Dai Temple came next—honestly, it looked like something out of a dream: dragons everywhere, every color you can imagine. We tried to follow along with part of the ceremony but I got distracted by this old man in a blue robe who kept nodding off mid-prayer. Lunch was at a local spot nearby—five courses, all things I couldn’t pronounce (Li laughed when I tried to say it in Mandarin—probably butchered it). The tofu dish had this smoky flavor that stuck with me.

I thought I’d be brave in the Cu Chi Tunnels but wow—they’re smaller than you think. Crawling through them felt claustrophobic; you could taste earth and metal in the air. Hien told stories about people living down there for months—hard to imagine until you’re actually inside. We tried boiled tapioca after (chewy, not my favorite), then sat quietly on the drive back while dusk settled over the fields outside. Sometimes travel days feel like a blur but parts of this one—I still think about that view from Bà Đen and how quiet it got underground—you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Cu Chi Tunnels, Cao Dai Temple, Ba Den Mount

• Pick up guests from hotels
• Drive to Tây Ninh province
• Take cable car to Bà Đen Mountain peak
• Admire Buddha statue and panoramic views
• Visit Cao Đài Temple and join ceremony
• Enjoy lunch at local restaurant
• Drive to Củ Chi Tunnels Historical Site
• Watch propaganda video and explore tunnels
• Try local tapioca
• Drive back to Hồ Chí Minh City
• Drop off guests at pick-up points

Top questions

How long does the Cu Chi Tunnels tour take?

You’ll spend about an hour exploring the tunnels after watching an introductory video.

Is lunch included on this day trip?

Yes, a five-course Vietnamese lunch is served at a local restaurant during the tour.

Does this tour include hotel pickup from Ho Chi Minh City?

Yes, pickup is included from several hotels in central Ho Chi Minh City starting around 7:00am.

How high is Ba Den Mountain?

Bà Đen Mountain is the highest peak in southern Vietnam.

Can you attend a ceremony at Cao Dai Temple?

Yes, you can join part of a ceremony to experience Cao Dai religious traditions firsthand.

What should I bring for visiting Cu Chi Tunnels?

Wear comfortable clothes you don’t mind getting dusty; closed shoes are recommended for crawling through tunnels.

Are drinks provided during the tour?

You’ll get two bottles of Lavie water per person as part of your inclusions.

Is this day trip suitable for all fitness levels?

The tour is suitable for most fitness levels but not recommended for pregnant travelers or those with poor cardiovascular health.

What’s included

Your day includes early morning hotel pickup in Ho Chi Minh City by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees for Bà Đen Mountain cable car, Cao Dai Temple ceremony access and Cu Chi Tunnels exploration; two bottles of water per person; boiled tapioca tasting; plus a five-course Vietnamese lunch served at a local restaurant before returning to your drop-off point in the city center.