Ba Den Mountain Leads Vietnam’s Tourism Surge: A Guide to the Record-Breaking Colours of Tay Ninh Festival

The vibrant “Colours of Tay Ninh” festival, held annually on the mist-shrouded peaks of the Ba Den Mountain National Tourist Area, has recently illuminated Southern Vietnam’s cultural landscape. As the Lunar New Year celebrations began on the evening of February 20 and continued until February 21, 2026, an unprecedented influx of visitors was observed. This increase in tourism not only emphasises the province’s spiritual significance but also demonstrates a high level of crowd management and provincial hospitality.

A Province Transformed by Pilgrimage

The transition from the city’s hustle to the serene heights of Ba Den Mountain was marked this year by a sea of devotees and travellers. The cable car systems, which serve as the primary artery to the historic Ba Pagoda and the towering Van Son peak, were reportedly utilized to their maximum capacity. Such was the demand for presence at the site that conventional accommodations, including guesthouses and local cafes stretching from Tan Ninh ward to the mountain’s base, were found to be completely occupied well in advance.

In a display of communal devotion, the lack of indoor lodging did not deter the faithful. Large sections of the open mountain areas were transformed into makeshift campsites where visitors remained overnight. This collective vigil was sustained by the shared belief that early morning prayers offered at the summit act as a catalyst for prosperity and good fortune in the coming year.

Weathering the Influx with Grace

The logistical challenges posed by such a massive gathering were mitigated by exceptionally favourable meteorological conditions. The region was graced with dry, sunny weather, which facilitated the movement of crowds and supported the outdoor overnight stays. It is anticipated by local observers that this high level of visitation will be maintained until well after the first full moon of the lunar year, a period traditionally associated with heightened spiritual activity.

While the density of the crowds was noted to be significantly higher than in previous years, an atmosphere of order and cleanliness was successfully maintained. The responsibility for the environment was shared among the pilgrims, ensuring that the sacred site remained pristine despite the heavy foot traffic. This sense of shared stewardship is often cited as a hallmark of the Tay Ninh pilgrimage experience.

Statistical Growth and Economic Impact

The vibrancy of the tourism sector during the Tet holiday has been officially confirmed by the Tay Ninh Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism. According to data released for the period between February 14 and 19, the province was visited by approximately 395,000 individuals. This represents a substantial year-on-year growth of 19.8 per cent.

Within these figures, the dominance of Ba Den Mountain is clearly visible. The peak alone was sought out by 327,000 visitors, marking a 10 per cent rise from the previous year. These statistics serve to reinforce the mountain’s reputation as the preeminent spiritual destination in Southern Vietnam. The economic dividends of this popularity are equally impressive, with total tourism revenue over the six-day holiday period estimated at over VND 365 billion (approximately USD 14.5 million), a robust 26.2 per cent increase compared to the same period in the prior year.

Diversifying the Tay Ninh Experience

While spiritual tourism remains the primary draw, the province’s broader portfolio of ecotourism and agritourism sites also witnessed healthy engagement. A combined total of 68,000 visitors were welcomed by a variety of attractions, including:

• Long Dien Son and Chavi Garden
• Happy Land and My Quynh Zoo
• Milan Farm and Van Lai Vien
• The serene Tan Lap Floating Village

This diversification suggests that Tay Ninh is successfully evolving into a multi-faceted destination capable of appealing to nature lovers and families alongside traditional pilgrims.

Governance and Safety Standards

Despite the logistical challenges posed by the increased number of visitors, provincial authorities reportedly maintained a high level of public safety and security. Traffic management protocols were strictly followed to avoid bottlenecks on the roads leading to the National Tourist Area. Furthermore, strict oversight of food safety and commercial ethics was maintained.

Local businesses were required to prominently display listed prices, and compliance was monitored to prevent tourist exploitation. No reports of overcharging were documented, demonstrating the government’s commitment to sustainable and ethical tourism growth. Tay Ninh continues to set the standard for holiday tourism in the region by combining cultural heritage and modern management practices.

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