"Keeweechic's Tay Ninh" Tinh Tay Ninh by keeweechic

Tinh Tay Ninh Travel Guide: 36 reviews and 175 photos

Tay Ninh lies north west towards Thailands border with Cambodia. This area is the original home of the Cao Dai religious sect which at one time ran its own army and was ruthlessly oppressed by Diem and his regime. The Cao Dais were punished by the confiscation of their lands and temples which they did not reclaim until 1985. This temple or cathedral as it is sometimes called, is the prime reason for going to the area for most.

Long Hao where the Cao Dai Temple is located is surrounded by schools and administrative buildings. The dual towered cathedral is of European design, but has distinctly Asian features. The religion is native to Vietnam and is quite fascinating when you go into it. Every aspect of Cao Daism reflects the combination of Eastern and Western philosophies. Some of their revered ‘saints’ consist of Victor Hugo, Joan of Arc, Rene Descartes, Louis Pasteur, William Shakespeare, and Lenin.

In the Tay Ninh area are well known sites such as Ba Den Mountain and Kim Quang Cave Museum. The province is the habitat of several valuable species of animals and insects. The main ethnic groups there are the Kinh, Cham, and Khmer. The province has 8 districts - Trang Bang, Hoa Thanh, Duong Minh Chau, Chau Thanh, Go Dau, Tan Bien, Ben Cau, Tan Chau. Tay Ninh is 64km from Cu Chi.

Intro Updated Apr 18, 2008
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Reviews (13)

The Eye Things to Do (9)

Above the portico of the temple is the symbol of the all-seeing eye. The eye became the religions symbol after appearing... more travel advice

Taking Photos Local Customs (3)

The Cao Dai do not mind having their photo taken, although as with any culture, it is always polite to ask first so as... more travel advice

Cao Daism Local Customs (3)

"The Secular Order consists of the non-married and married who earn a living as ordinary people. Their religious duties... more travel advice

Temple Formalities Local Customs (3)

When you enter the temple, you must first remove your shoes. They are perfectly safe and are there for your return. When... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Getting to Tay Ninh

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Comments (21)

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canary1 Apr 23, 2007 at 4:35 AM

I've been to Tay Ninh. Beautiful
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matcrazy1 Sep 26, 2006 at 3:10 PM

Fascinating place, excellent pictures of beautiful architecture. Very interesting info on Cao Daism.
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BluBluBlu Jun 11, 2006 at 12:39 AM

Very interesting pages...Blu
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DaDrifter Aug 5, 2005 at 1:17 AM

Very interesting read, KW! ... beautilful pictures. Fascinating place ... love the simplicity of Cao Dai principles.
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Nemorino Jul 12, 2005 at 7:34 AM

Brings back memories! I lived with a Cao Dai family in 1964/65 (they had no choice, but the big eye over the shrine in the living room kept us all safe), and finally saw their temple in 1995. Did you go to the Cu Chi tunnels as well?
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iwys Apr 11, 2005 at 5:54 AM

I didn't do this trip as , like Sir Richard, i couldn't fit it in. Thanks for telling me all about it.
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MalenaN Sep 14, 2004 at 8:30 AM

Sounds to be a fascinating place to visit!
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alza Dec 18, 2003 at 6:22 PM

Very interesting! Cao Dai...didn't know about this at all. In Yunnan, I visited a Caoxi temple but couldn't say if there is a link. I hope all humans unite in peace and goodwill :-) Very well done, tks keewee!
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SirRichard Oct 12, 2003 at 2:30 PM

I saw this tour announced, along with the CuChi Tunnels, in HCMC, but didn't have time for it. :-( It seems interesting, maybe next time... Thanx for the info!
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BerniShand Sep 21, 2003 at 3:11 PM

Fabulous tips and photos and great insight into the culture