Overview
Tay Ninh is a compact province in the southeast, most easily accessed from Saigon. The main draw is the Cao Dai Holy See, a striking pink-and-yellow temple complex about 4 km outside the town center. Unless you're doing a longer road trip through the Mekong Delta (메콩 델타 / 湄公河三角洲 / メコンデルタ), most travelers treat it as a day visit or overnight excursion.
From Saigon (Ho Chi Minh City)
By Bus
This is the fastest and cheapest option. Saigon (사이공 / 西贡 / サイゴン) has two main bus stations:
Mien Tay Bus Station (District 10, southwest Saigon) is the primary hub for routes west and northwest. Buses leave regularly for Tay Ninh town, roughly every 30–45 minutes during daylight hours. The journey takes 2–2.5 hours; cost is around 60,000–80,000 VND. Vehicles range from air-conditioned coaches to older minibuses, so arrive early if you want a seat near the front.
Bus 701 from Saigon also serves Tay Ninh but is slower (3+ hours) and runs less frequently. Use it only if Mien Tay is inconvenient.
Practical tip: Many Tay Ninh buses continue to Ha Tien or Chau Doc in the Mekong Delta. If you're combining provinces, ask the ticket seller about onward routes before buying.
By Motorbike or Car
Renting a motorbike in Saigon and riding yourself takes 2–2.5 hours via Highway 22. Cost is roughly 100,000–150,000 VND for a day's fuel and bike rental. The road is well-maintained and mostly flat; traffic thins out once you leave the city.
Renting a car with driver costs 800,000–1,200,000 VND for a full day (8–10 hours), including pick-up and drop-off in Saigon. This is best if you're traveling with others or want comfort. Many hotels in Saigon can arrange drivers on a few hours' notice.
By Taxi or Ride-hail
Grabcar or Uber from central Saigon to Tay Ninh town runs 200,000–280,000 VND for a standard sedan, depending on traffic and exact pickup location. Grab Bike (motorbike) is cheaper (~100,000 VND) but not practical if you have luggage. Metered yellow taxis from the airport or hotels also work but negotiate the fare or use the meter to avoid overcharging.
By Train
There is no direct railway to Tay Ninh. The nearest station is Tay Ninh Railway Station on a minor branch line, but passenger service is minimal and unreliable. Skip this option unless you're a rail enthusiast.
From Hanoi
Tay Ninh is 1,600+ km south, making it impractical as a same-day trip. You have two realistic options:
Overnight bus: Several operators run Hanoi–Tay Ninh routes (or Hanoi–Can Tho/Ha Tien with a stop in Tay Ninh). Journey time is 20–24 hours depending on traffic and stops. Fares range from 400,000–600,000 VND for a sleeper berth. Book at Hanoi's Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam bus stations, or online via Busbud or Baolau.
Fly + bus combo: Take a budget flight from Hanoi (하노이 / 河内 / ハノイ) to Saigon (2–3 hours; 400,000–800,000 VND), then bus or taxi to Tay Ninh. Total travel time is 4–5 hours but less grueling than an overnight bus.
Photo by Quang Nguyen Vinh on Pexels
From Da Nang
Da Nang to Tay Ninh is roughly 650 km. Most travelers fly to Saigon first, then head to Tay Ninh, as overland routes are long and inefficient.
If you're doing a multi-week motorbike road trip down the coast, you could ride from Da Nang via Nha Trang and the Central Highlands (중부 고원 / 中部高原 / 中部高原) to Saigon, then loop to Tay Ninh—but this is a specialized itinerary, not a direct route.
Where to Stay
In Tay Ninh town: Budget hotels like Tay Ninh Hotel (280,000–400,000 VND/night) and Quoc Hoa Hotel (220,000–350,000 VND/night) are basic but clean. WiFi can be spotty. Rooms fill up quickly during local festivals, so book ahead if you're arriving during Tet or the Cao Dai's major holy days.
As a day trip: Many visitors stay in Saigon and hire a driver or catch a bus for the day. This gives you more dining and nightlife options and avoids the relatively bland Tay Ninh accommodation scene.
Near the temple: A handful of small guesthouses (150,000–300,000 VND) operate within 2–3 km of the Cao Dai Holy See, catering to pilgrims. These are spartan but authentic.
Photo by Theodore Nguyen on Pexels
Getting Around Tay Ninh
The town center is small and walkable. To reach the Cao Dai Holy See (4 km away), take a xe om (motorbike taxi) for 20,000–40,000 VND, or rent a motorbike (50,000–80,000 VND/day). A few hotels can arrange shared van trips to the temple.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does the bus journey from Saigon to Tay Ninh take?
Buses from Mien Tay Bus Station in District 10 depart every 30 to 45 minutes during daylight hours and reach Tay Ninh town in 2 to 2.5 hours. Fares run 60,000 to 80,000 VND. Bus 701 also serves the route but takes 3 or more hours and runs less frequently, so Mien Tay is the better starting point for most travelers.
What is the cheapest way to get from Hanoi to Tay Ninh?
An overnight sleeper bus from Hanoi's Giap Bat or Nuoc Ngam bus stations costs 400,000 to 600,000 VND but takes 20 to 24 hours. A faster alternative is a budget flight from Hanoi to Saigon (400,000 to 800,000 VND, 2 to 3 hours), followed by a bus or taxi to Tay Ninh, cutting total travel time to around 4 to 5 hours.
When is the Cao Dai Holy See worth visiting during a day trip from Saigon?
The Cao Dai Holy See sits about 4 km outside Tay Ninh town center and is the main reason most travelers visit the province. Since Tay Ninh is typically treated as a day visit or overnight excursion from Saigon, arriving on the first morning bus from Mien Tay Station gets you there within 2 to 2.5 hours, leaving a full day to explore the temple complex before returning.
Practical Notes
Tay Ninh's main attraction, the Cao Dai Holy See, hosts regular services (morning prayer is around 6:00 AM and most atmospheric). Dress modestly (covered shoulders and knees). Buses from Saigon are frequent and reliable; allow extra time during rush hour or holidays. If you're on a tight schedule, a taxi or Grab from Saigon is faster, though pricier.
Last updated · May 19, 2026 · independently researched, never sponsored.
