A Fun-Filled 2-Day Itinerary for Tây Ninh!
Day 1: Temples, Mountains, and Sparkling Lights
Let's say you arrive in Tây Ninh around 9 AM. If you're riding a motorbike, head straight to Gò Kén Pagoda, located just off the main highway. It's a scenic spot! Buy a bag of fish food for about 10,000 VND and enjoy feeding the fish and turtles. Light some incense and explore the vegetarian food options behind the temple. Don't forget to take some pictures!
Afterward, grab some lunch, check into your accommodation, and around 2-3 PM, make your way up Bà Đen Mountain.
(If you're craving a buffet, head straight to the mountain in the morning, enjoy the buffet lunch up there, and descend in the afternoon).
While on the mountain, be sure not to miss the immersive dome cinema experience! In the evening, witness the magical water fountain show with lights at the Maitreya Buddha statue (this light show isn't available every night).
For the evening, enjoy dinner, grab a coffee, and stroll through the central park.
Places to Explore: Your Choice!
Here are some highlights; customize your schedule to fit your interests:
- Lữ Quán near Bà Đen Mountain: Enjoy refreshing views and a variety of food, including hot pot. Prices are a bit higher than other places, but the food is generally good. Best visited early in the morning or late in the afternoon as there is no roof.
- Tòa Thánh (Cao Đài Holy See): A fantastic place for photos and sightseeing. In the mornings and afternoons, monkeys roam around. Bring fruit or snacks for them, but be cautious around the larger, older monkeys, as they can be bold. In the evenings, the grassy areas are popular with children playing.
- Gò Kén Pagoda: Visit in the morning or afternoon for cooler temperatures. Take photos and buy fish food at the entrance to feed the fish and turtles.
- Grape, Apple, Strawberry, and Melon Farms: These are located around the Bà Đen Mountain area. Search on Google Maps when you arrive. There are also rambutan and durian gardens! Look them up on Facebook for more info.
- Long Điền Sơn Tourist Area: Similar to Suoi Tien Theme Park in Saigon but smaller. The main attraction is the water park.
Day 2: Delicious Food and Relaxing Cafés
Food & Drink Recommendations
- Garden Restaurants with Hot Pot, BBQ, and Snacks: Quán Vườn Chôm Chôm (near cây xăng 53 gas station); Quán Thơ Mộng (near the mountain intersection).
- Restaurants with a Cool Ambience by the Lake: Quán Long Trung (Hòa Thành); Cây Phượng (near Kênh Tây canal).
- Gia Gia Food: Must-try crab noodle soup (55,000 VND), Thai noodle soup (60,000 VND), and fermented fish hot pot (around 250,000 VND for 2-3 people). Open from lunch to evening.
- Quán Đồng Quê: Offers various dishes, specializing in boiled pork with sour shrimp sauce and small fish wrapped in rice paper.
- Lẩu Cá Mít Một: Specializes in fish hot pot (with bông lau fish or diêu hồng fish).
- Bò Tơ 5 Sánh (near the highway): Spacious and airy with a variety of beef dishes. Prices are higher but reasonable.
- Bò Tơ 2 Lúa (Huỳnh Tấn Phát Street): More affordable and casual, with a smaller menu than 5 Sánh but good value.
- Pizza Cheese near Vincom Plaza: Delicious pizza (around 150,000 VND for 2 people), good pastries (25,000 VND each), and tasty Bingsu at the neighboring drink stall.
- Restaurants in front of Coopmart (central roundabout): Many dishes, reasonably priced (from 50,000 VND).
Cafés
- Galaxy Bida (Cách Mạng Tháng Tám Street): Features a sandy area and a relaxing view. Best visited in the late afternoon or evening as it can get sunny around 9-10 AM. Hammocks available, good for kids to play in the sand while parents relax.
- Ban Mê: Offers a free outdoor play area for children.
- Cà Na (Eden): Spacious with lots of greenery, air conditioning, and a children's play area (20,000 VND entry fee). A great option if you have kids.
- Hoa Lan; Cổ Quán: Features a fish pond.
Search for cafés with beautiful views on Facebook to take pictures. I usually visit cafés with play areas for my kids.
Other Activities
- Sala Swimming Pool: Has a water play area. Tickets are 50,000 VND.
- Xuân Hồng Park (central area): Best visited in the evenings when it's cooler and crowded with children playing, skating, and enjoying outdoor games. Many snack vendors nearby.
An Nhiên Hotel has rooms starting from around 300,000 VND. There are also many guesthouses available, but I haven't explored them.
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