Cao Dai Great Temple
 

My upcoming trip to Vietnam will end with about 4/5 days in the southern region. While my friend and I plan to organize a 2/3 day bike trip in the Mekong, we are unsure whether the remainder of our days should be spent in/near HCMC, or whether we should extend our time biking. In making such a decision can anyone provide their thoughts/impressions on the Cao Dai Temple. Also, as the temple is nearly 60 miles from HCMC city center, how did you get there, cost, did you hire a guide, and how long did you spend there. As we intend to visit the Vinh Moc Tunnels at the DMZ, we would not incorporate the Temple and the tunnels as a day outing.

Also, any other suggestions for what "must sees" in HCMC would be appreciated. Again, need to weigh our options.

Thank you in advance for any feedback.

I thought it definitely worth while - haven't seen anywhere else like it. Do make sure you're there for the mid-day prayers. I went on a tour booked through my hotel, but I don't think there any tours that don't also include the tunnels.

I also thought it was well worth it but two caveats: 1) When I went we were the only tourists there (it was the early 90s) so I had the feeling I was seeing the real thing and not a show for tourists. I hope that is still true. 2) I would try to do some reading about the religion and its history and the political role it played during the war.

I went as part of a day trip to the tunnels. But I think we spent a couple of hours there.

gloria - I went in '02, and was definitely NOT the only tourist there. The tourists were able to walk round the main hall, and then were sent up to the balcony while the service was conducted. The day tour to the tunnels plus temple is offered by hotels and agencies all over Saigon. If you arrange it yourself you could no doubt time it to miss the tourists on the organized tours, but then you'd likely miss the service too.

I visited Cao Dai in 92 and it was the highlight of my trip to Viet Nam. We took a car & driver from HCMC specifically for the purpose after reading Norman Lewis' account of his travels in Viet Nam in the 50's. (A Dragon Apparent)

I have always meant to return and often wondered why it doesn't figure more regularly on travel itineraries. For anyone interested in theology or architecture it's a must-see destination.

Thanks to all who have replied. My friend and I have nixed the DMZ day trip and will experience the tunnels at Vinh Moc in combination with the Cao Dai Great Temple. This day trip will culminate our three week trip to Vietnam ... from the tunnels underground to 33,000 feet above in less than 24 hours. What a ride!