This Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tour combines war history at the extensive underground network of Cu Chi with spiritual discovery at the famous Cao Dai Temple and breathtaking views from Ba Den Mountain.
In a single journey from Ho Chi Minh City, you’ll explore three major destinations in Tay Ninh Province, each offering a distinct window into Vietnamese culture, troubled times and enduring faith.
Vietnam Trails Travels agent specializes in authentic cultural experiences that go beyond surface-level tourism.
A couple capturing a memorable moment at the Cao Dai Holy See in Tay Ninh
Our Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai Temple 1 Day Tour delivers comprehensive exploration with an English-speaking tour guide, air-conditioned transportation and carefully timed stops to witness the noon ceremony at Cao Dai Holy See.
Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai temple full day tour itinerary
7:00 AM: Meet the tour guide and driver.
Your English-speaking tour guide meets you from your hotel. Depart Saigon in an air-conditioned vehicle and begin your journey northwest toward Cu Chi.
The early start ensures you’ll arrive at the tunnels and have time to attend the famous noon ceremony at Cao Dai Temple.
8:30 AM: Arrive at Cu Chi Tunnels (Ben Dinh)
The Ben Dinh area is the first stop of Cu Chi Tunnels and Cao Dai temple full day tour.
It constructed in 1948 by Viet Minh fighters during the First Indochina War against French colonial forces.
Between 1960 and 1965, the Viet Cong massively expanded the system into what became known as “the backbone”, a three-level network reaching depths of 3 meters, 6 meters, and 12 meters underground.
A smiling female tourist wearing a Vietnam flag bucket hat, exploring the narrow concrete entrance of the Cu Chi TunnelsOur expert guide provides an insightful overview of the Cu Chi Tunnels complex
At its peak during the Vietnam War, the tunnels stretched over 250 kilometers from the outskirts of Saigon to the Cambodian border.
Underground tunnel crawl: Explore a widened 100-meter tunnel section (safe for tourists; original passages were much narrower at approximately 80cm wide and 80cm high)
Trap demonstrations: See authentic Viet Cong booby traps including punji stakes, trap doors, and swinging traps
Introductory documentary: Watch a short film about the tunnel network’s construction and use during the war
Hoang Cam kitchen: Visit the ingenious underground kitchen designed to disperse smoke through the forest floor
Shooting range: Fire an AK-47, M16, or K54 pistol (additional $1.50-3 USD per bullet, own expense)
M41 tank wreckage: See a preserved American tank destroyed in 1970
Tourists posing with life-sized mannequins of Vietnamese soldiers at a camp display in the Cu Chi Tunnels
11:00 AM: Scenic drive to Tay Ninh province
Travel 90 minutes through rice paddies and rubber plantations toward Tay Ninh.
This scenic portion of the Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple Full Day Tour offers a glimpse of rural Vietnam rarely seen by tourists who remain in Ho Chi Minh City.
12:00 noon: Cao Dai Holy See Noon Ceremony
You arrive at the famous Cao Dai Temple in time to witness the noon prayer ceremony.
You can see hundreds of Cao Dai followers in white, yellow, blue, and red robes chanting beneath the iconic Divine Eye symbol.
Tourists posing in front of the colorful Cao Dai Temple entrance
Construction of the Great Divine Temple began in 1933 and continued through nearly two decades of interruptions caused by World War II and political turmoil.
The Dai temple was finally completed and inaugurated in 1955.
This small and special religion blends Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism, Confucianism and Islam into a unique belief system with approximately 4.4 million followers worldwide.
1:00 PM: Local Vietnamese lunch in Tay Ninh
You can enjoy a traditional Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant featuring regional Tay Ninh specialties.
Vegetarian, vegan, and halal options available on request. Local restaurant mineral water and beverages are included.
2:30 PM: Ba Den Mountain Cable Car
You will board the Guinness-record cable car at Ba Den Station, the world’s largest cable car station at 10,959 m², and ascend 1,847 meters to the 986-meter summit in just 8 minutes.
Senior travelers posing in front of the giant Maitreya Buddha statue and waterfall feature during a Ba Den Mountain tourTourists visiting the spiritual complex at Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh
Next you will explore the Tay Bo Da Son Bodhisattva statue (Asia’s tallest bronze Buddha at 72 meters), visit the ancient Ba Pagoda complex and enjoy panoramic views across Tay Ninh Province.
5:00 PM: Return to Saigon
You can relax in the vehicle as you return to Ho Chi Minh City at 6:30 PM.
Before boarding or disembarking from the cable car, please do not leave any belongings behind; the cable car operates in one direction only, so if you forget anything, you will need to purchase a new ticket to go back up the mountain.
Trip tips
Dress code: Visitors must wear modest clothing covering both shoulders and knees. Shoes must be removed before entering the Cao Dai Temple sanctuary, and headwear is not allowed inside.
Physical activity prep: The morning at the tunnels involves dirt trails and optional crawling. Wearing comfortable athletic shoes and bringing a small towel will help manage the daytime heat.
Cable car safety: Passengers must check all personal items before exiting the Ba Den Mountain cable car. The system runs in one direction, so returning for forgotten items requires purchasing a new ticket.
Sun and altitude protection: Sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat are essential for the open areas at the mountain summit and temple courtyard. The mountain peak can also experience sudden temperature drops or strong winds.
Extra cash: Travelers need physical cash in Vietnamese Dong (VND) for optional activities like firing weapons at the shooting range or purchasing local Tay Ninh snacks, as vendors do not accept credit cards.
