Location overview
With an impressive height of nearly 986m, Ba Den is widely known as the highest mountain in Southeastern Vietnam. Crowned by its elevation, Ba Den Mountain offers a vista that stirs the soul. Standing on the peak, you'll be rewarded with a breathtaking panorama – a sea of verdant mountains stretching towards the horizon, and the distant sprawl of Tay Ninh province.
Ba Den Mountain - Rooftop of the Southern Region
Just 100 kilometers northwest of the vibrant Ho Chi Minh City hustle, you'll find Ba Den Mountain, a towering giant nestled within the same name's cultural and historical relic complex.
The best time to hike
As the best advice from seasoned hikers and locals, you should plan your trip during the dry season only, which typically lasts from December to April. With minimal rainfall and clear skies most of the time, this period offers ideal conditions for Ba Den Mountain hiking. Enjoy your trek without the worry of sudden downpours or muddy trails, making for a more comfortable and enjoyable experience.
December to April is the ideal time for trekking
Ba Den hiking trails
There are 5 routes in the Ba Den Mountain hiking’s trail system ranging from easy to difficult:
-
The temple route: This is the easiest route located behind the mountain. There will be detailed signposts along the route to help you navigate more easily. It also has some stations and roadside stalls run by locals so you can stop to take a rest. By following this trail you will reach Ba temple before reaching the summit of Ba Den Mountain.
The temple route
-
The power line route: This is also another easy way. Thanks to the arrows and the tree trunks are numbered from 1 to 117 and evenly distributed along the way, you don’t have to worry about getting lost.
The power line route
The power line route illustration
-
The Ma Thien Lanh route: Known as a fairly challenging path because this route doesn’t have a trail. It offers a true test of your mountaineering spirit by featuring many large rocks and steep slopes. There are sections with sheer drops on one side and precarious cliffs with trees on the other. You need to be a proficient hiker to follow this route.
The Ma Thien Lanh route
The Ma Thien Lanh route illustration
-
The Phung Mountain route: For an upper level, opting for this route, you have to cross an entire Phung Mountain. Hence, it will take about 1-2 days to complete. Moreover, it will be quite hazardous because this route isn't marked by trails.
The Phung Mountain route
The Phung Mountain route illustration
-
The White Stone route: The most strenuous one among 5 routes. Travelers must conquer a path of steep, precarious boulders, making it a challenging trek to reach Stone Table Beach. Next up for hikers from Stone Table Beach onward is the daunting 700 Stone Slope, a test of endurance. Only seasoned trekkers typically conquer this challenging slope.
The White Stone route
The White Stone route illustration
Best spots to take Instagrammable photos
Seizing the most impressive moment on the summit is an unmissable part of this Ba Den Mountain hiking journey. Therefore, note down 2 famous spots that offer you the most Instagrammable photos.
-
Turtle Head Rock Outcrop: This unique rock clinging stubbornly to the mountainside. Here, you can admire the sweeping vista of Ba Den Mountain and Tay Ninh City.
Turtle Head Rock Outcrop
-
Ba Den Mountain Summit: Here, you can take a thousand photos on the picture-perfect scene and leave a permanent mark as a conqueror of the "Rooftop of the Southern Region”.
Ba Den Mountain Summit
-
Statue of Buddha Tay Bo Da Son: This statue has set a record as "The tallest bronze Buddha statue in Asia located on the top of a mountain".
Statue of Buddha Tay Bo Da Son
Essential tips
Whether you are a new hiker or even a seasoned hiker, there are still some things you should consider on a Ba Den Mountain hiking trip.
-
Prepare a sufficient supply of food, water, and any medications you might need.
-
Choose comfortable clothing and sturdy hiking shoes for your trip.
-
Prioritize conditioning your body and mind for a smooth departure.
-
Plan your route meticulously or consider hiring a knowledgeable guide.
-
The cable car is an ideal choice for those looking to shorten their ascent to Ba Den Mountain's peak. It only takes 8 - 11 minutes to reach the Ba Den summit with about 8 USD per adult.
To get the full picture, visit our article on hiking trails nrear Ho Chi Minh city!
We hope that with this complete guide, you will have a perfect plan for your Ba Den Mountain hiking trip. Besides Ba Den Mountain, Vietnam also has numerous majestic sites waiting for you to explore. Visit the New Asia Tours website to get more information about Vietnam tours.