"Keeweechic's Tay Ninh" a Tinh Tay Ninh Travel Page by keeweechic

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.