Greeting to all beloved friends! How have you been? Recently, the area of my place is so cold and windy, so that’ve made me feel under the weather. After a few days of rest, I recover from my sickness. It’s been a quite rough week. So, after I recover, I decided to post about my trip to Vietnam since last year.
I had a trip to Black Virgin Mountain (Núi Bà Đen) in Tây Ninh, Vietnam, was an unforgettable experience. I did some research about the spot, this mountain stands at 996 meters, making it the tallest in southern Vietnam. It’s about 100 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City, so it's quite accessible for a day trip or a weekend getaway. I had saw a lot about its natural beauty on the internet, so I was excited to explore.
The Journey to Black Virgin Mountain
The journey to the mountain itself was smooth and enjoyable. My dad’s friends are living in Tây Ninh, so they guided us for the whole trip. We departed from Phnom Penh City to Bavet City, the border of Cambodia - Vietnam. We parked our car at the border and rent a vans to continue to the my dad’s friend’s house. We stayed for 2 nights.
In the next morning, We found a restaurant nearby and then had a morning coffee before we reached to the place.
As we got closer, I could see the silhouette of Black Virgin Mountain towering in the distance. It was quite an imposing sight, and I couldn't wait to get closer.
Once we arrived, the area was bustling with activity, as many visitors come to this mountain for different reasons. Some come for spiritual purposes, as there are many temples and pagodas at the base and near the top. Others, like myself, come for the adventure and the incredible views. The mountain has a long history tied to local legends, particularly the story of a young woman, the "Black Virgin," who is said to have lived on the mountain. This gives the place a sense of mystery and sacredness that you can feel as soon as you step foot there.
The best part of the trip, for me, was taking the cable car. I had read that the hike to the top could be quite challenging and take a few hours, we opted for the cable car ride instead. The cable car is a modern addition to the mountain, making it accessible to more people and allowing them to experience the beauty of the area.
When we boarded the cable car, I could feel the excitement building. The ride started smoothly, and soon, we were ascending higher and higher. The views from the cable car were breathtaking. Below, we could see the green forests covering the mountain, and as we went higher, the sprawling countryside of Tây Ninh province came into view. In the distance, I could even see the Cambodian border, a reminder of how close this region is to the neighboring country.
The cable car ride took about 10 to 15 minutes, but it felt much shorter because I was so mesmerized by the scenery. It was peaceful up there, with only the soft hum of the cable car in the background. We floated over thick forests, and occasionally, I could spot a small temple or shrine hidden among the trees. It was like being in another world, far from the busy cities and everyday life.
When we reached the top of Black Virgin Mountain, the first thing that struck me was the cool breeze. It was such a refreshing change from the heat down below. The views were even more impressive. I could see the landscape stretching out in all directions, with fields, rivers, and distant towns scattered across the land.
The summit area has been developed to accommodate visitors, with a temple dedicated to the Black Virgin and other shrines for people to pray and offer their respects. Many people were there to pray, light incense, and make offerings. The spiritual atmosphere was strong, and it was clear that this place held deep meaning for many Vietnamese people.
Even though I'm not particularly religious, I could appreciate the sense of peace and reverence that filled the air. I took some time to explore the temples, admire the intricate carvings, and watch people engaged in their rituals. The whole experience was very calming.
After visiting the temples, I took some time to walk around the summit. There are several walking paths that lead to different viewpoints, each offering a unique perspective of the surrounding landscape. Some paths were quiet, shaded by trees, with the sound of birds chirping all around. It felt like I was walking through a peaceful forest sanctuary.
One of the highlights was reaching a viewpoint that overlooked the entire region. From there, I could see Tây Ninh town, the Vàm Cỏ Đông River winding through the land, and in the distance, the Cambodian border. The patchwork of green rice fields below was dotted with small villages, and it was a reminder of how beautiful and serene the countryside of Vietnam can be.
The Descent and Reflections
After spending a couple of hours at the top, it was time to head back down. We took the cable car again, and this time, the descent was even more relaxing. I felt a sense of contentment as I looked out at the views once more. The trip had been everything I had hoped for—an escape into nature, a bit of adventure, and a chance to experience a place that holds both natural and spiritual significance.
Visiting Black Virgin Mountain gave me a deeper appreciation for Vietnam’s landscapes and its rich cultural heritage. The combination of stunning scenery, local legends, and peaceful temples made this trip a truly memorable one. If you're ever in southern Vietnam and looking for a mix of adventure, spirituality, and breathtaking views, Black Virgin Mountain is a destination worth visiting. The cable car makes it accessible to everyone, and whether you’re there for the views or the spiritual experience, you’ll leave feeling refreshed and inspired.