January
27.2°C ~ 81°F
4 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
Cao Dai Holy See
The headquarters of the Cao Dai religion, with a colourful Great Temple and four daily ceremonies open to visitors.
- Location
- Tay Ninh
- Time needed
- 1 – 1.5 hours
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Nov – Apr
Overview
The Cao Dai Holy See is the main temple of the Cao Dai religion, a faith founded in Tay Ninh in the 1920s that combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and Christianity. The Great Temple is known for its bright colours, carved pillars and dragons.
Visitors can watch daily ceremonies from a gallery. At noon, hundreds of followers in white robes enter the hall to pray and sing, and it is one of the most memorable sights in the south.
Highlights
- Watch the noon ceremony from the upper gallery
- See the temple’s colourful pillars and domes
- Look at the Eye of God above the main altar
- Learn about Cao Dai beliefs from a guide
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily; ceremonies at about 6:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 24:00 |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free |
| Time needed | 1 – 1.5 hours |
| Best time of day | Noon ceremony at 12:00 |
| Good for | Culture lovers, photographers, curious travellers |
| Accessibility | Steps at the entrance; mostly flat inside the temple |
| Facilities | Toilets, small shops, parking |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Tay Ninh by month.
February
27.9°C ~ 82°F
3 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
28.9°C ~ 84°F
5 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
29.5°C ~ 85°F
13 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
28.6°C ~ 83°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
June
27.4°C ~ 81°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
27.1°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
27.1°C ~ 81°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
26.6°C ~ 80°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
October
26.4°C ~ 80°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
November
26.6°C ~ 80°F
18 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
December
26.7°C ~ 80°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
How to get there
- From Tay Ninh centre
The Holy See is in Hoa Thanh, about 90 km from Ho Chi Minh City, a 2 hour drive. It is often combined with Ba Den Mountain and the Cu Chi Tunnels in a long day tour.
- Cao Dai Holy See
Tips before you go
- Arrive 20 minutes before the ceremony to find a place
- Dress modestly and wear long trousers or a long skirt
- Remove shoes at the door and do not talk during the ceremony
- Ask before taking photos of worshippers
Location
Hoa Thanh, Tay Ninh
More attractions in Tay Ninh
FAQs
What time is the ceremony?
Ceremonies take place four times a day, about 6:00, 12:00, 18:00 and 24:00. The noon ceremony is the most visited.
What should I wear?
Long trousers or skirts and covered shoulders. Hats and sunglasses are removed inside.
Can I take photos?
Photos are generally allowed from the upper gallery, but follow the rules and be respectful.