Posts Tagged ‘Cao Dai’

Just outside Tay Ninh and 60 miles northwest of Ho Chi Minh City is the Great Temple or Holy See, the center of the intriguing Cao Dai sect. Cao Dai is a syncretist Vietnamese religious movement that incorporates aspect of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism and even Catholicism. The Cao Dai Temple (as it is more commonly known) was built in 1933 in a unique architectural style that reflects its blended traditions. Most people visit on a day trip from Ho Chi Minh City. Cao Dai (a.k.a. Dao Cao Dai or Caodaism) is a syncretist Vietnamese religious movement with a strongly nationalist political character. Cao Dai draws upon ethical precepts from Confucianism, occult practices from Taoism, theories of karma and rebirth from Buddhism, and a hierarchical organization (including a pope) from Roman Catholicism.

(more…)

In the morning, pick you up at your hotel around 7:30 – 8:00 and transfer to Cao Dai Temple (99km), which is considered one of the most striking structures throughout Asia. Arrive in Cao Dai Temple. Admire the construction between 1933 and 1955 and attend the monk prayer session to witness the daily mass held by the Cao Dai followers.

In the afternoon, take a bus to visit Cu Chi Tunnels considered as a heroic district for its role in the anti American war in Vietnam. Explore the destruction, damage and defoliation all over the area, caused by bombing and mines. Then return to Ho Chi Minh City at the end of the day. Drop off at your hotel.