1. General information about Tay Ninh Holy See

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.

1.1. Address and opening hours

• Address: The Tay Ninh Holy See is located on Pham Ho Phap Street, within the Holy See Inner City, Long Hoa Ward, Hoa Thanh Town, Tay Ninh Province. About 6km southeast of the administrative center and approximately 100km from Ho Chi Minh City, visitors can easily combine a day trip.
  
• Opening hours: Open from 6:00 to 22:00 daily. During major religious festivals such as the Supreme Being Festival or Dieu Tri Cung Banquet Festival, the Holy See opens all day to serve believers and pilgrims.
  
• Prayer times:
  

• Morning: 6:00
• Noon (main service): 12:00
• Evening: 18:00
• Additional service at 9:00

Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)

1.2. Area

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)

1.3. Entrance fees

Free for all domestic and international visitors.

2. History of Tay Ninh Holy See formation

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:

• October 1931: Beginning of foundation construction phase, excavating Bat Quai cellar -- an important part with spiritual significance in Cao Dai architecture.
  
• 1933: Official groundbreaking for the Tay Ninh Holy See construction.
  
• 1935: Completed Hiep Thien Dai tower, cast main columns and roof ceiling, shaping the main hall architecture.
  
• 14/02/1936: The Holy Assembly called on believers to donate funds to prevent construction interruption -- evidence of community spirit and deep faith.
  
• 28/6/1941: Construction temporarily halted due to French colonial authorities arresting Ho Phap Pham Cong Tac, who played a key role in Holy Assembly administration and construction supervision.
  
• 30/8/1946: After release, Ho Phap Pham Cong Tac returned to oversee construction while initiating repairs of war damage.
  
• 24/01/1947: Completed all main components and handed over to Tay Ninh Holy Assembly for management.
  
• 01/02/1955: Official inauguration ceremony held, marking the birth of the Holy See as a major religious and architectural symbol of South Vietnam.
  
• 2023: The Holy See underwent restoration, preserving its original state while strengthening structure to serve numerous domestic and international visitors commemorating 100 years of construction.

Tay Ninh Holy See renovated in 2023 (Source: Internet)

3. 7 main areas within Tay Ninh Holy See

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:

Main gate

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)

Dai Dong Xa courtyard

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)

Hiep Thien Dai

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)

Cuu Trung Dai (Main hall)

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)

Cung Dao

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.

Bat Quai Dai

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.

Grounds and surrounding spaces of the Holy See

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)

4. Unique architecture of Tay Ninh Holy See

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.

Architecture resembling Long Ma Bai Su

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:

• Ground floor: Semi-circular hall with intricately carved dragon columns, reminiscent of Chinese temple architecture.
  
• Middle floor: Medieval European style, combined with familiar scripture motifs from Vietnamese communal houses.
  
• Top floor: Impressive with curved sword-shaped roofs simulating Islamic mosque and Taoist temple architecture, creating an overall ancient yet mysterious appearance.

Unique architecture of Tay Ninh Holy See (Source: Internet)

Vaulted roofs, motifs and impressive interior spaces

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:

• Two rows of undulating dragon columns in vivid colors, symbolizing cosmic energy flow.
  
• The blue ceiling divided into nine cloud layers, representing spiritual levels in the believer cultivation system.
  
• The center of the main hall features a 3.3-meter diameter cosmic sphere, decorated with 3,072 stars, symbolizing the vast universe and connection between heaven -- earth -- humanity.
  

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)

5. Special festivals at Tay Ninh Holy See

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:

Supreme Being Festival (9th day of 1st lunar month)

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:

• Solemn sacrificial ceremonies
• Reading proclamations of blessings, praying for prosperity for all people
• Organizing religious dance groups and sacred art performances

Long Ma dance, Four Sacred Animals procession: Dragon, Unicorn, Turtle, Phoenix celebrating the Supreme Being Festival (Source: Internet)

Dieu Tri Cung Banquet Festival (15th day of 8th lunar month)

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:

• Lantern and floating light procession ceremonies
• Four Sacred Animals and Long Ma dance performances
• Proclamation readings for national peace and prosperity
• Palace banquet atmosphere simulation with hundreds of vegetarian feast trays arranged elaborately and solemnly.

Grand Dieu Tri Cung Banquet Festival (Source: Internet)

6. Tips for visiting Tay Ninh Holy See

6.1. Interesting activities

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.

Beautiful check-in spots within the Holy See grounds

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:

• In front of the main gate: Four sacred animals motifs, twin dragons competing for pearls in raised relief are extremely impressive.
  
• Wide courtyard in front of the Holy Temple: Ideal viewing angle to clearly see the Long Ma head, corridor lines, and hundreds of colorful stained glass panels.
  
• Green grounds: Surrounded by ancient trees and two small forest areas -- where you can easily spot monkey troops playing by the forest fence.
  

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.

6.2. Best time to visit

The Tay Ninh Holy See is open year-round, however, major festival occasions will help visitors fully experience the sacred and bustling characteristic atmosphere:

• 9th day of 1st lunar month: Supreme Being Festival -- the year's biggest festival.
  
• Full moon of 8th lunar month: Dieu Tri Cung Banquet Festival -- occasion for lantern processions, lion dances, distinctive religious art performances.
  

Additionally, weekends or spring season also see the Holy See grounds bustling and scenic for sightseeing and photography.

6.3. Transportation and accommodation

From other provinces to Tay Ninh

Currently, Tay Ninh doesn't have its own airport. Therefore, if you're from far away, the most convenient way is:

• Fly to Ho Chi Minh City (Tan Son Nhat Airport), then continue by road.
  
• Distance from Ho Chi Minh City -- Tay Ninh Holy See: about 100km, travel time 2-2.5 hours.
  

Vietnam Airlines currently operates many convenient domestic routes such as:

• Hanoi -- Ho Chi Minh City
• Da Nang -- Ho Chi Minh City
• Hai Phong -- Ho Chi Minh City
• Vinh -- Ho Chi Minh City

Suggested transportation from Ho Chi Minh City to Tay Ninh

• Private motorbike or car via National Highway 22B, taking about 2-2.5 hours.
  
• Ho Chi Minh City -- Tay Ninh bus route (departing from An Suong Bus Station), ticket prices ranging 100,000-280,000 VND.
  
• Day tour shuttle services, combining visits to multiple Tay Ninh attractions.
  

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.

6.4. Other notes

Should do:

• Dress modestly and appropriately -- especially when entering the main hall for ceremonies.
  
• Ask permission from attendants if you want to light incense, film, or take photos.
  
• Register for tour guides to better understand architectural details and rituals.
  

Should not:

• Don't wear sandals into the main hall.
  
• Don't enter through the main door, only use the two side doors according to regulations.
  
• Don't draw, write, or touch walls or artifacts within the complex grounds.
  

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.