Ba Den (The Black Virgin) Mountain

Ba Den Mountain stands as the tallest peak in southeastern Vietnam. Situated approximately 11 km northeast of Tay Ninh City, this majestic mountain rises to a height of 986 meters, embodying the spirit of the Tay Ninh region.
Photo: galatourist.asia

The Nui Ba Complex spans a total area of 24 km² and consists of three notable mountains: Nui Heo (Pig Mountain), Nui Phung (Phoenix Mountain), and Nui Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain). Within this complex, visitors can discover numerous temples and pagodas, including Ha Temple, Trung Temple, Thuong Temple, and Cave Temple. A variety of caves have been transformed into small worship places by local monks, with names such as Thanh Long Cave, Ong Ho Cave, Ba Co Cave, and Ba Tuan Cave. Each year, this stunning complex draws a significant number of tourists due to its breathtaking natural beauty and revered religious sites. Of the three mountains, Ba Den Mountain is the most renowned, deeply tied to the legend of Ly Thi Thien Huong, a figure regarded as the Black Virgin.  
Photo by @pedlnw

According to local lore, during the late 18th century, the nation was engulfed in turmoil caused by the conflict between the Trinh and Nguyen families. A young man named Le Sy Triet from Quang Hoa, known for his intelligence and valor, bade farewell to his beloved, Ly Thi Thien Huong, as he joined Nguyen Hue’s army, who eventually became King Quang Trung. Ly Thi Thien Huong, characterized by her beauty and sun-kissed skin, remained loyal to him throughout his absence. However, she was later coerced into marrying a powerful local man. Heartbroken and desperate, she chose to leap from the mountain's edge to preserve her virginity. In remembrance of her tragic fate and exceptional beauty, locals constructed a temple atop the mountain, which was subsequently renamed Ba Den Mountain, to honor and worship her. This tale transformed into a revered custom as pilgrims began visiting the temple in the spring, a tradition that has persisted over generations.

While visiting Ba Den Mountain used to be fraught with difficulty and took considerable time, modern advancements have made access significantly easier, with improved roads and the installation of a cable car system in recent years.

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