Ba Den (Black Virgin Mountain)

996m (3,268ft)

It takes 2.5 – 3 hours for the hiking portion of the ascent to reach the summit, (not including rests) and about 2 hours for the descent. It is about 6.6 km (4 mi) to the summit.

The climb up Ba Den is quite steep but manageable for those who have a moderate level of fitness. The trail is well-defined and makes its way through the forest most of the way up. There are boulders and rocky areas where you will have to climb over rocks.

The most popular (and easiest) route is called Electricity Pole Trail or Power Poles. This trail goes straight up the mountain.

The trail starts on the fringes of the forest. The ground is bare dirt and there are ‘beware’ signs surrounding the trailhead. From here it is an uphill climb, and it continues to get steeper as the hike progresses.

For most of the trail, the path is covered in rocks and boulders used as steps. They can make it hard to keep steady on your feet. You will sometimes have to crawl over the tricky sections. The path is surrounded by banana trees and other vegetation.

There aren’t really any signs or posts besides one or two rocks that have a red arrow painted on them, and these are not always reliable. However, if you follow the powerlines, you should find your way.

There is a place where there are rectangular ‘steps’ bolted onto a kind of climbing wall, also made of rock – be careful, this is not the correct way to go! Continue following the trail.

Close to the summit, two pillars show the way to Sun World, (an amusement park of sorts.) There is a rest stop here.

At the summit, there is a triangular prism made of rock that shows that you have reached the top of the highest mountain in South Vietnam. There is also a Lady Buddha and a spectacular view.

You can follow the same trail back down the mountain or take the cable car.

The other trails available are called the Temple Route, the Water Pipe Route, Ma Thien Lanh, Nui Heo, Nui Phung, and Da Trang. The temple route takes 3 – 4 hours to reach the top and is the second most popular route. It has similar terrain to the Power Pole Route, but the other routes are significantly more difficult with massive stacked boulders on the path.

In South Vietnam, the weather is generally hot and humid. There is a consistent average temperature of 27-30℃ (81-86℉) all year round.

The rainy season is from May to October. One should not do the trail if it is raining, as the trail becomes slippery and the rocks on the trail can come loose and tumble down to hurt you.

It is recommended to start the hike very early in the morning as it can become particularly strenuous hiking at midday when it is very hot.

For this trail, you’ll need good hiking boots, and gloves to protect your hands when grabbing onto and climbing over rocks.

Hiking poles will also be extremely helpful in keeping stability over the rocky path.

As it is a very humid, sweaty hike, a moisture-absorbent shirt would make it a lot more comfortable.

Long pants are advised but not necessarily essential, as legs will get scratched when climbing over the boulders.

There is food and water available at the trailhead, shortly before the summit at Sun World, and at the summit. There are not many rest stops on the Power Pole Trail, but there are several rest stops on the Temple Route. There is food and water available at the temple on the Temple Route, (about halfway up to the summit).

A guide/porter is not necessary for this hike and is not required by any regulation. The trail is clearly defined, and not difficult to navigate.

Ba Den is located in the province of Tay Ninh about 3 hour’s drive (roughly 100km/62 mi) from Ho Chi Minh City.

To get to Ba Den, you must catch a flight to Ho Chi Minh City, and hire a motorbike or a driver from Ben Thanh Market in the city to take you to the mountain. It takes 2-3 hours depending on traffic.

Depending on which route you choose, you will either have a 5-minute walk to the trailhead or you will have to take a tram, or a gondola, or both to get to your trailhead.

There aren’t many safety concerns for this hike. It is busy on the weekends and quieter during the week.