Wanting to make the most of our trip, we made sure that our first day in Vietnam is an early one. We had breakfast in an eatery near our hotel, which is fairly popular even to locals for gustatory reasons. Each meal is reasonably priced at VD25,000.00 to VD35,000.00. Mind you, it became our habit to eat there whenever we happen to be in the area.
We then went straight to De Tham to board our bus that will take us to the Cu Chi Tunnels. However, our first stop for the day was the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh which we were able to reach after a 2-hour leisurely drive. I suppose there is a prescribed speed limit of 60-70 kph since everybody is driving within such pace. Nonetheless, this presents a good time to enjoy the countryside and observe Vietnamese culture.
As mentioned by our guide, “Mr. Skinny”, Cao Dai is an amalgamation of a lot of religions, particularly Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Brahmanism, and Christianity. Its purpose is supposedly to incorporate the important aspects of one religion into one, hoping to brush aside differences in the process.
We then went straight to De Tham to board our bus that will take us to the Cu Chi Tunnels. However, our first stop for the day was the Cao Dai Temple in Tay Ninh which we were able to reach after a 2-hour leisurely drive. I suppose there is a prescribed speed limit of 60-70 kph since everybody is driving within such pace. Nonetheless, this presents a good time to enjoy the countryside and observe Vietnamese culture.
As mentioned by our guide, “Mr. Skinny”, Cao Dai is an amalgamation of a lot of religions, particularly Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Islam, Brahmanism, and Christianity. Its purpose is supposedly to incorporate the important aspects of one religion into one, hoping to brush aside differences in the process.
The Cao Dai Temple
The Cao Dai Temple is located inside a complex and is clearly the most dominant structure around. According to Mr. Skinny, only virgins were allowed to participate in the construction of the Temple which was finished sometime in 1955. Elaborate sculptures/icons dominate not only the exterior of the Temple but its interior as well. It resembles the usual Christian cathedral with two square towers and a balcony on the second floor. Entrance to the temple is allowed so long that you take off your footwear. Just remember where you left your footwear as it could easily get mixed-up with those of other tourists.
The All-Seeing Eye
Cao
DaiInside the Temple, what first caught my attention were the dragon-encrusted columns that were so intricately designed. These were really impressive. The all-seeing eye also adorns the walls cum windows of the Temple. The altar is located on the opposite end of the façade, with the most visible structure being the large globe with an all-seeing eye at the center.
Golden Bell
Amazing
Superb Architecture 
The Altar
The Cao Dai’s religious services at high noon presents a good time for tourists to observe. Hence, the temple really gets crowded at this time. Services are also held at 6:00AM, 6:00PM, and at midnight. Those who participate in the ceremony are dressed in robes colored yellow, red, blue and white. According to Mr. Skinny, yellow stands for Buddhism, blue for Taoism, red for Christianity, and white for the lay people. Traditional Vietnamese music is played and songs are sung by a choir at the loft in the second floor, where a balcony stretching the entire length of the Temple is also provided for visitors to observe and take pictures. Needless to say, this is the best part of the trip to Cao Dai.
The Religious Rites Begin
Deep Faith
The all-seeing eye on their headgears
Also, there are other notable structures in the complex, like the garden adjacent to the temple and the obelisk in front of the temple.
The Gate
Obelisk
Clean Surroundings
Garden
Hunny and Kuya Richard
Gambit in the House
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