Escape the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City and explore the rural countryside of Tay Ninh on this small-group day trip. Visit great Cao Dai Temple and witness the midday religious ceremony, a curious blend of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity. Next, explore the Cu Chi Tunnels and discover their importance during the Vietnam War. This unique tour highlights two fascinating aspects of life and history in Vietnam.
Leave Ho Chi Minh City in the morning and travel approximately 2.5 hours to the Tay Ninh countryside, where you’ll head to a local family’s house with your guide and enjoy a home-cooked lunch.
After lunch, visit Cao Dai Temple with your guide and watch the colorful midday ceremony to gain insight into the unique religion of Cao Dai and its followers. Cao Dai combines the teachings of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism and Christianity, and was officially founded in 1926 by Vietnamese officials, who developed a profound interest in the occult. At the center of Cao Daist belief is spiritualism, including communication with the dead as well as with the higher spirits of the occult world.
Next, take a trip back in time to the Cu Chi Tunnels, when the Vietnam War between the North and South began. This intricate network of tunnels was first built to protect the Viet Minh resistance force from French air raids, and was later used by the Viet Cong as a strategic base due to its close proximity to the southern capital of Saigon. The tunnels housed schools, hospitals, kitchens and military war rooms.
The Vietnamese government has preserved approximately 46 miles (75 kilometers) of the tunnels as a memorial park. The tunnels remain largely untouched, however, some have been widened and have had low powered lights installed so that tourists can fit through the complex.
While above ground, learn about the historical importance of the tunnels through displays and a photo gallery before exploring the tunnels and discovering what life was like down below.
Return to Ho Chi Minh City by minivan at approximately 6pm.
