Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh) Tours and Tickets

There are plenty of ways to experience Cao Dai Temple (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh). Looking at ratings and reviews previously given by customers, these are the best tours available right now:

• Tay Ninh—Cao Dai & Ba Den Mountain + Optional Cu Chi Tunnels

• Small-Group 1-day: Cao Dai Temple & Ba Den Mountain

• Cu Chi Tunnels—Cao Dai Temple & Black Virgin Mountain Full Day

• Black Virgin Mountain, Cao Dai Temple & Ben Duoc Cu Chi Tunnel

• Black Virgin Peak, Cu Chi Tunnels & Cao Dai Temple—Private Tour

While Cao Dai Temple is free for visitors, you can book many affordable tours that offer fascinating insights into the temple's history and architecture. Full-day city tours, which include time at the temple, start at US$25, while private tours are closer to US$100. Many of the tours bundle several attractions outside of the city, including the Cu Chi Tunnels and Black Virgin Peak.

Yes, the Cao Dai Temple is worth visiting—it's one of the most distinctive religious landmarks in southern Vietnam. Witness a prayer ceremony from the upstairs balcony and wander the sprawling Holy See grounds that house the Great Temple, a traditional herbal medicine hospital, and residences for Cao Dai priests. Consider booking a day trip that includes a guided tour of the Cao Dai Temple and more local sights, such as the Cu Chi Tunnels or Ba Den Mountain. This is a great way to learn fascinating insights about the temple and its grounds from a local expert guide.

Per one customer who booked the Tay Ninh—Cao Dai & Ba Den Mountain + Optional Cu Chi Tunnels, "The mountain is a great place to see as far as you can see around you and a very tranquil place to be. The temple is an added bonus to the tour. In both places, there are opportunities to explore the area within the allocated time without being stuck to the tour guide."

You can reach the Cao Dai Temple from downtown Ho Chi Minh City by bus, taxi, or car, but many tourists opt for a guided tour. The temple is located in Tay Ninh Province, approximately 55 miles (90 kilometers) from Ho Chi Minh City. Depending on traffic, the drive typically takes around two hours.

Yes, guided tours of the Cao Dai Temple are available. Many tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City offer day trips to the temple combined with other attractions around Tay Ninh Province, like the Cu Chi Tunnels. Some tours are timed to coincide with temple services, so guests can witness the rituals and singing.

You can visit the Cao Dai Temple on your own or as part of a tour group. If you want more time—most tours stop at the temple for less than an hour—or prefer the flexibility of exploring at your own pace, consider traveling independently. Tours will usually provide additional information about the Cao Dai religion, as well as the ease of organized travel.

When visiting the Cao Dai Temple, it's important to dress modestly and respectfully. Long pants or long skirts are advised, while shoulders should be covered. Avoid wearing shorts, tank tops, or sleeveless shirts, and remember to remove your shoes before entering the temple grounds.

There is no entrance fee to visit the Cao Dai Temple, however, donations are appreciated and contribute to the maintenance and upkeep of the temple complex. A donation box can be found near the right entrance, so bring some small bills or coins (Vietnamese dong).

The best time to visit the Cao Dai Temple is during the daily midday prayer ceremony—usually around noon—when worshippers dressed in colorful robes participate in rituals and chanting prayers. If traveling independently, check the temple's schedule in advance to arrive in time for the ceremony.

There are tons of things to do when you're done visiting Cao Dai Temple. According to travelers, these are some of the top attractions in Ho Chi Minh City:

• Cu Chi Tunnels

• Saigon Notre Dame Cathedral (Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Saïgon)

• War Remnants Museum (Bao Tang Chung Tich Chien Tranh)

• Saigon Central Post Office

• Reunification Palace (Independence Palace)

View Viator's guide to all the best attractions in Ho Chi Minh City.