Tay Ninh’s Caodaism and the Cu Chi Tunnels

Tay Ninh’s Caodaism
and the Cu Chi Tunnels

Two extremes captured in one day. Away from Saigon, a new world of religion and historical
reminders of a bygone era are visual proof of the diversity beyond Vietnam’s largest
city. Tay Ninh and Cu Chi are respectfully put in the spotlight on this day.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Combine the fascinating Cu Chi tunnels with Tay Ninh, the “holy land” of Caodaism, all captured during this full-day tour. Caodaism is one of the most remarkable religions in South-East Asia which combines beliefs and religious traits of Buddhism, Christianity, Taoism and Confucianism. Continue 40 km further up to Tay Ninh’s imposing church and attend an exotic mess at noon.

On the other side, and only a short drive from this holy sanctuary, Cu Chi is not only a peaceful countryside region but also heralded an iconic and heroic site. Its system of underground tunnels and chambers remains the best testimony of the resilience and intelligence of the locals during the Vietnam War that has assisted in winning some of the battles.

TRAIL ITINERARY

Tay Ninh’s Caodaism and the Cu Chi Tunnels

08:00 - 17:00

Our guide and driver will wait for you in the lobby of your Ho Chi Minh accommodation, and we start our 70-kilometre drive in a north-western direction in the direction of Tay Ninh. The Cao Dai religion is unique to Vietnam and is a blend of both ancient and modern beliefs. The Great Temple at Tay Ninh is the centre of the religion, demonstrated by an exotic temple, often likened to something out of a fairy tale! Here followers of this eclectic religion worship saints such as Victor Hugo, Joan of Arch and even Shakespeare. A highlight of this tour is the very colourful yet formal service held at midday, which you are welcome to observe.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we head out towards the Cu Chi Tunnels. The vast underground network of tunnels and rooms was built first as a defence against the French and later expanded during the American war. It was from here that the North Vietnamese waged their guerrilla warfare and you will marvel at their ingenuity and resilience. See secret trapdoors, underground kitchens, living areas and meeting rooms. The more adventurous ones may explore even the deeper second, and even third, level tunnels.

For those preferring to remain above ground, there is ample opportunity to view excavated areas from above. Your guide will explain some of the challenges and levels of difficulty for each tunnel one can expect before entering. Some are easily accessed by stairs, other passages require a bit more crawling and ducking. We recommend good walking shoes and sun protection for this tour and advise you may get a little dirty!

After this encounter with religion and history, we transfer you back to your hotel in Ho Chi Minh City, where you will arrive late in the afternoon.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)
  • All entrance fees for visits as mentioned in the description.
  • All applicable taxes and service charges

EXCLUSIONS

  • Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Ho Chi Minh City centre. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the city, harbour and the Ho Chi Minh’s International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • Customers are advised that during the TET celebrations (celebration of Vietnamese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal.
  • We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
  • We regret to inform you that this excursion is not suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
  • Entering parts of the Cu Chi Tunnels may not be suited for pregnant women, people with neck and back problems, those with limited mobility and visitors with claustrophobia.
  • For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
  • Natural elements of any kind have a destructive effect on electronic equipment. It is the customer’s own responsibility to ensure that any camera, mobile telephone or other device is properly wrapped and protected against these elements. We cannot be held responsible in any way for negligence and/or not following suggestions for any damage related to this.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
  • We reserve the right to make necessary changes to the excursion in case of unfavourable weather conditions or situations where we are forced to make alterations to guarantee the safety of our guests.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • In the event of no-show or change of accommodation without prior consent and confirmation from us within 24 hours may result in the applicable cancellation charges as outlined in the terms and conditions.

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