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With the iconic image of the eye in a triangle -- symbol of the Supreme Being, along with the harmonious blend of multiple cultures, the Tay Ninh Holy See offers an unforgettable distinctive cultural and spiritual experience. Join Vietnam Airlines in exploring the beauty and profound meaning of this Cao Dai temple complex on your journey to discover the mysterious land of Tay Ninh.
The Tay Ninh Holy See, also called Den Thanh or To Dinh by locals, is the most important religious structure of Cao Dai religion. The characteristic symbol of Cao Dai religion is the divine eye within a triangle, representing the Supreme Being, solemnly placed above the main hall.
What makes Cao Dai religion unique is its harmonious beliefs: besides worshipping the Supreme Being, the doctrine also reveres many religious leaders of major religions such as Buddha Shakyamuni, Jesus Christ, Confucius, Lao Tzu, Quan Am Bodhisattva, etc. This creates an open and harmonious spirit rarely found in world religions.
Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)
The Tay Ninh Holy See is built on an area of over 1km², equivalent to about 100 hectares -- a vast space and scale rarely seen in religious structures in Vietnam.
Within the complex, a system of nearly 100 large and small architectural structures are scientifically and harmoniously planned, connected by spacious, tree-lined roads, creating an overall architecture that is both magnificent and serene.
The entire Tay Ninh Holy See complex viewed from above (Source: Internet)
Free for all domestic and international visitors.
To achieve its current magnificent, majestic and unique appearance, the Tay Ninh Holy See has undergone a long construction journey filled with dedication. The most remarkable aspect is that the entire structure was not built from professional architectural drawings, but entirely based on spiritual intuition, creative minds and skilled hands of Cao Dai believers.
Below are significant milestones in the Holy See's formation:
Tay Ninh Holy See renovated in 2023 (Source: Internet)
The Tay Ninh Holy See is planned as a self-contained religious complex, harmoniously balancing spiritual elements, architectural art, and nature. Below are representative areas, each carrying distinct meaning and function within the Cao Dai religious organization system:
The largest main gate located on the western front of the Holy See. The main gate is designed solemnly, usually opened only on special occasions, used to welcome heads of state or leaders of other religions visiting. This gate symbolizes absolute solemnity and sanctity of the worship place.
Main gate (Chanh gate) located on the western front of Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)
This is the central square of the Holy See with a length of about 300m and average width of 81m -- capable of accommodating thousands of people simultaneously. Here stands the flag pole, Cuu Trung Thien tower, and statue of Prince Siddhartha -- three symbols representing the spirit, ideals, and spiritual origins of Cao Dai religion.
Dai Dong Xa courtyard viewed from above (Source: Internet)
Serving as temporary legislative and judicial body, Hiep Thien Dai connects the visible and invisible worlds. This area includes two bell and drum towers, used to signal prayer times. The architecture is highly symbolic, reflecting the spirit of "tam tai harmony": Heaven -- Earth -- Human.
Section within Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)
This is the main hall of the Holy See, where official ceremonies take place and also serves as the executive body in the Cao Dai religious organization system. The main hall is divided into 9 prayer sections, corresponding to 9 ranks of clergy and believers. This space is magnificently decorated with ceiling simulating the universe, undulating dragon clouds, and the Divine Eye symbol placed in the central position.
Interior space of Cuu Trung Dai (Source: Internet)
Located between Cuu Trung Dai and Bat Quai Dai, Cung Dao functions as a spiritual bridge, where less important religious discussions take place. The architecture of Cung Dao is simpler but still maintains dignity and solemnity.
The most sacred area within the entire Holy See, located at the rear of the main hall. Bat Quai Dai is built in octagonal form, symbolizing universal harmony, where Saints, Gods, Immortals, and Buddhas are worshipped. This area is not open to the public, only clergy may perform ceremonies here.
The entire Holy See complex covers nearly 100 hectares, surrounded by ancient forests of trees like dipterocarp, rubber, etc., that existed before the structure was built. Two natural forest areas are fenced to protect the safety of animals living inside, including wild monkey troops beloved by children.
Each evening, the grounds become a place for local residents to stroll and relax. The vast lawns, cool breezes, and clean, peaceful scenery make this place even more vibrant during festivals, especially during spring days.
Readers can experience visiting the Tay Ninh Holy See and listen to online commentary through AR - VR 360-degree technology [Here]
Virtual tour of Tay Ninh Holy See through 360 online map (Source: Internet)
The Tay Ninh Holy See makes a strong impression with its religious architecture subtly blending East -- West styles. The structure is built with bamboo-reinforced concrete, both durable and close to traditional materials, clearly expressing the harmony philosophy of Cao Dai religion.
From the main gate, visitors are amazed by the tam quan pavilion roofs carved with four sacred animals, lotus flowers, and prominent twin dragons competing for pearls -- symbols of majesty and sanctity. Surrounding the front courtyard are Bat Quai-carved treasure towers, statue of Prince Siddhartha riding a horse seeking the Way, an 18m-high flag pole, and ancient bodhi trees, each element carrying deep spiritual meaning.
Viewed from outside, the Holy See resembles the image of Long Ma Bai Su -- a spiritual creature in Eastern culture, bowing westward. Both sides of the structure feature towering bell and drum towers like a pair of horns, creating a powerful yet solemn appearance.
Between the two towers is a prominent three-story building, each floor featuring different architectural styles:
Unique architecture of Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)
The entire sloped roof extends from Hiep Thien Dai, Cuu Trung Dai, Cung Dao to Bat Quai Dai creating a seamless connection, binding the spiritual space. Along the walls is a ventilation window system decorated with Divine Eye -- the sacred symbol of Cao Dai religion, representing the illumination of the Supreme Being.
Inside the main hall is a spectacular and highly symbolic space:
Unique architectural style of Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)
Symbol of Cao Dai religion (Source: Internet)
Delicate motifs on each window panel (Source: Internet)
The Tay Ninh Holy See is not only the largest ceremonial center of Cao Dai religion but also hosts many distinctive spiritual festivals attracting numerous believers and visitors annually. These festival occasions carry deep religious significance and offer visitors opportunities to discover the characteristic folk culture of South Vietnam. The two biggest festivals of the year are:
This festival commemorates the day the Supreme Being -- the Highest Creator of Cao Dai religion -- established the religion and founded the new faith. The Supreme Being Festival takes place on a grand scale at the Holy See main hall, gathering thousands of believers. Some typical activities:
Long Ma dance, Four Sacred Animals procession: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix celebrating the Supreme Being Festival (Source: Internet)
Considered the most important festival of the year for Cao Dai religion, the Dieu Tri Cung Banquet Festival is held on the full moon of the eighth lunar month, honoring Duc Dieu Tri Kim Mau -- the Sacred Mother of all beings. The festival recreates the banquet at Dieu Tri Palace (sacred realm according to Cao Dai beliefs), rich in spiritual and artistic elements:
Grand Dieu Tri Cung Banquet Festival (Source: Internet)
Festival
Time of event
Meaning of the festival
Main activities
Procession of Gods, Saints, Fairies, and Buddhas
01/01 Lunar calendar
Bringing the Divine Beings from Heaven to Earth, opening a peaceful new year
Offering New Year's Prayer, reading Spring Wishes, ritual of welcoming the sacred deities
Shangyuan Festival
January 15th Lunar Calendar
On the occasion of the great amnesty of the Supreme Being, in memory of the deceased
Offering Prayers, Worshiping the Nine Generations of Ancestors, Offering Worship to the Temple, Dancing with the Dragon Horse and Jade Unicorn
Festival of the Supreme Lord Laojun
February 15th Lunar Calendar
Celebrating the birthday of Lao Tzu – one of the Three Patriarchs
Performing the Great Altar, reading the Taoist scriptures, chanting sutras, preaching moral teachings
Festival of Buddha Quan Am
February 19th Lunar Calendar
Commemorating the enlightenment of Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, praying for world peace and freedom from suffering for all people
Preaching about the merits of Guanyin of the South Sea, chanting sutras for peace, solemn traditional rituals
Admiring the unique architecture of the Holy Temple The Tay Ninh Holy See makes a strong impression with its harmoniously combined Asian -- European -- Middle Eastern architecture. You'll be attracted by the undulating dragon column rows, blue cloud-layered ceiling, wave-like sword roofs, and numerous intricately carved details from outside to inside. Particularly, the overall shape of the Holy See resembles Long Ma Bai Su, uniquely one of a kind.
Participating in ceremonies -- praying for peace with Cao Dai believers One of the special experiences at the Holy See is attending traditional worship ceremonies. Visitors might consider visiting at 12:00 noon daily, when the midday ceremony is solemnly held at the main hall.
Participating in the main ceremony of Cao Dai followers (Source: Internet)
Learning about Cao Dai religion history The Tay Ninh Holy See is not only a religious architectural structure but also preserves the formation and development history of Cao Dai religion. Visitors can ask clergy or longtime believers to share stories about the construction, resistance, and restoration process of the Holy See. This will be a valuable opportunity to understand more about the "Tam Ky Pho Do" doctrine and Cao Dai religion's contributions to Vietnamese culture.
The Tay Ninh Holy See is not only a sacred place but also an ideal location for artistic photos with distinctive religious -- architectural characteristics. Some suggestions:
Taking photos with the Holy See (Source: Internet)
Suggestion: If you have time, you should combine visiting the Tay Ninh Holy See with Ba Den Mountain, Go Ken Pagoda, Dau Tieng Lake, and enjoying specialties like Trang Bang dew rice paper, Tay Ninh shrimp salt to make your trip more complete.
The Tay Ninh Holy See is open year-round, however, major festival occasions will help visitors fully experience the sacred and bustling characteristic atmosphere:
Additionally, weekends or spring season also see the Holy See grounds bustling and scenic for sightseeing and photography.
Currently, Tay Ninh doesn't have its own airport. Therefore, if you're from far away, the most convenient way is:
Vietnam Airlines currently operates many convenient domestic routes such as:
In Tay Ninh city, you can consider some quality hotels near the temple such as: Hoang Mai Hotel; An Nhien Hotel; Nhat Quy Hotel; Sunrise Hotel; Meliá Vinpearl Tay Ninh, etc.
Should do:
Should not:
The Tay Ninh Holy See is not only an important spiritual destination but also living evidence of the distinctive cultural, architectural, and religious exchanges of Vietnam. Whether you're a Cao Dai believer or simply someone who loves cultural tourism, a visit to the Holy See will help you deeply appreciate the traditional and spiritual values of this land.
Vietnam Airlines is honored to accompany you on your journey to explore fascinating lands like Tay Ninh, providing safe and convenient flight experiences.
Passengers are required to have adequate travel documents for all flights on all concerned airlines and to abide by national laws and regulations. Vietnam Airlines does not take responsible if passengers are denied entry into any country.
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