The mass pilgrimage flocking to Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh at the beginning of the Lunar New Year
BA DEN, VIETNAM - Media OutReach Newsdwire - 10 February 2025 - During the recent Lunar New Year, images capturing packed crowds at the foot of Ba Den Mountain, Tay Ninh resembling an emotive abstract painting, have created a sensation. These photos, shared hundreds of thousands of times by Vietnamese social media platforms, have sparked widespread interest from across the world.
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, located in the centre of Tay Ninh province in Vietnam, is the highest mountain in southern Vietnam, with an altitude of 986 metres. As a unique cultural heritage, Ba Den Mountain is not only a naturally scenic spot, but also a significant spiritual centre, visited by tourists with hopes of peace and good health for the year ahead.
The Ba Den Mountain Spring Festival Held annually from the fourth day of the Lunar New Year to the 16th day of the first lunar month, is a unique cultural event and one of the largest festivals in Tay Ninh province.
During this time, massive crowds resembling a 'festival camping ground' often appear at the foot of the mountain.
Many pilgrims choose not to stay in hotels or guesthouses but instead spread out mats and blankets to sleep within the Ba Den National Tourist Area, embracing the sacred energy of this revered land. This also allows them to ascend the mountain early the next morning to visit the Ba Pagoda at the summit. Over the years, spending the night at the foot of Ba Den Mountain during the Tet holiday has become a tradition, a spiritual journey, shaping an extraordinary New Year festival unlike any other.
The first month of the lunar calendar, according to Vietnamese beliefs, marks the beginning of a New Year but also a new opportunity and is considered a time to open up the spiritual realm. People believe that offering incense at Ba Den Mountain during this time will bring blessings from Linh Son Thanh Mau (Linh Son Holy Mother) Bodhisattva, a revered deity in southern Vietnamese folklore, known for her miraculous manifestations and compassion, and that they will receive good luck and protection throughout the year. The combination of traditional and spiritual elements has created a huge attraction, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors, including international tourists eager to explore Vietnam's unique cultural heritage.
Ba Den Mountain is known as the 'Roof of Southern Vietnam'.
At Dien Ba and Ba Pagoda — centuries-old temples on the mountainside — thousands of devotees make their first offerings of the year, offering prayers and asking for blessings. At the summit, visitors eagerly pay homage to the towering Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue, the tallest of its kind in Asia, as well as one of the world's largest Maitreya Bodhisattva statues. Below the statues lies a vast exhibition space where visitors can immerse themselves in Buddhist culture and seek tranquility and joy in the early days of the New Year.
Ba Den Mountain is now gaining international recognition. In 2024, photographer Tran Tuan Viet's work, The Highest Mountain in Southern Vietnam, a sensational photograph featuring the Tay Bo Da Son Buddha statue amid clouds atop Ba Den Mountain, was selected from over 415,000 images, created by 74,000 photographers from 206 countries and territories worldwide, to represent Vietnam in the Sony World Photography Awards. The image captivated visitors when it went on show at an exhibition at the prestigious Somerset House, London, in April 2024.
At that time, the breath-taking beauty of Ba Den Mountain caught the attention of international media, with leading global publications such as The Times of London, the Daily Record from Scotland and Euronews broadcasting from Lyon in France, along with many others, praising the image, ranking it number one in their lists of award-winning photographs.
Ba Den Mountain's natural beauty is stunning. From its summit, travellers can take in sweeping views of the vast Tay Ninh plains, where lush green rice fields stretch endlessly out to the horizon, the immense Dau Tieng Lake shimmers and winding roads create picturesque landscapes.
From now until the end of spring, Ba Den Mountain will remain a destination for pilgrims, with vibrant festivals. The Ba Mountain Spring Festival continues throughout the first lunar month, with events such as the joyful Maitreya Festival, the God of Wealth Festival and the Full Moon Festival.
Then on May 9, Ba Den Mountain will serve as the main venue for the United Nations Day of Vesak Celebration 2025, one of the largest Buddhist events globally. The grand festival will include numerous remarkable moments, with the highlight being an extensive lantern-offering ceremony, attended by revered monks, esteemed Buddhist leaders and delegates from 80 countries, alongside tens of thousands of Buddhist followers from Vietnam and abroad.
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Key Market Drivers Increasing Dental Awareness and Oral Hygiene Rising Disposable Incomes Technological Advancements in Dentistry Government Support and Healthcare Infrastructure Key Market Challenges Access Disparities Between Urban and Rural Areas Affordability and Financial Accessibility Shortage of Skilled Dental Professionals Key Market Trends Rising Demand for Cosmetic Dentistry: In Vietnam, the surge in demand for cosmetic dentistry reflects a broader societal shift towards valuing personal appearance and aesthetics. As economic prosperity grows, so does the desire among Vietnamese individuals to improve their smiles and facial aesthetics. Procedures like teeth whitening, veneers, and orthodontic treatments have become increasingly popular as they offer tangible enhancements that contribute to a person's self-confidence and social standing. The embrace of cosmetic dentistry is not merely about vanity but also about cultural norms that emphasize the importance of a pleasing appearance. In Vietnamese society, a healthy and attractive smile is often seen as a reflection of one's overall well-being and success. As a result, specialized cosmetic dental services have expanded to meet this demand, with clinics offering a range of innovative treatments tailored to enhance dental aesthetics. The accessibility of these treatments has improved as technology advances and dental professionals receive specialized training. This combination of factors has made cosmetic dentistry more appealing and accessible to a broader consumer base in Vietnam. Consequently, the market for cosmetic dental services continues to grow robustly, driven by the aspirations of individuals to achieve not only dental health but also a smile that reflects their personal and cultural ideals of beauty and success. Increasing Dental Tourism: Vietnam has positioned itself prominently on the global map as a favored destination for dental tourism, primarily due to its dual appeal of affordability and exceptional quality in dental services. This Southeast Asian nation attracts a steady stream of foreign patients, hailing not only from neighboring countries but also from Western nations seeking cost-effective yet high-standard dental treatments. Over the past decade, Vietnam has elevated its dental care services to meet world-class standards, drawing patients from countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and the United States. Currently, more than 100,000 medical tourists from these regions travel to Vietnam annually for advanced dental treatments, generating over USD 150 million in revenue for the country's dental industry. This growth highlights the country's rising prominence as a destination for dental tourism. The allure of Vietnam lies in its ability to offer dental care that meets international standards at a fraction of the cost compared to many developed countries. This affordability factor is especially appealing to patients from Western nations where dental care costs can be prohibitively high. Vietnam's reputation for skilled dental professionals trained in cutting-edge techniques and equipped with modern facilities further bolsters its attractiveness as a dental tourism hub. The influx of international patients significantly contributes to the revenue of Vietnam's dental services sector. This revenue influx, in turn, fuels the growth and diversification of the dental tourism infrastructure across the country. Dental clinics and hospitals in popular tourist destinations such as Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Da Nang have adapted to cater specifically to international patients, offering services in multiple languages, comfortable accommodation options, and seamless treatment experiences. Regional Insights Based on Region, Southern Vietnam emerged as the dominant region in the Vietnam Dental Services market in 2024. Southern Vietnam, particularly Ho Chi Minh City, is home to a significant concentration of high-quality dental clinics that adhere to international standards. These clinics are equipped with cutting-edge technology and offer a broad array of specialized treatments, attracting both local and international patients. Ho Chi Minh City has experienced strong economic growth, with an average annual growth rate of 8.3% in 2019. The service sector is the largest contributor to the city's GDP, accounting for 57.8%, followed by industrial production and construction. The city is home to nearly 150,000 enterprises, ranging from startups and SMEs to large multinational corporations, employing approximately 2.5 million people. The region also boasts a large pool of highly skilled dental professionals, many of whom have received education and certifications from globally recognized institutions. This expertise ensures high-quality care, which plays a crucial role in the region's dominance in the market. Southern Vietnam stands out for its advanced infrastructure, including modern transportation networks, international airports, and diverse accommodation options, making it easy for both local and international patients to access dental services. The city's strategic location and proximity to key international markets, including those in Southeast Asia, Australia, and the United States, make it an ideal destination for dental tourism. Ho Chi Minh City's connectivity to the global market further enhances its status as a leading regional hub for dental services. The region's economic growth has also led to increased investments in healthcare, particularly in the dental sector, driving continuous improvements in dental facilities and services, reinforcing its competitive advantage. These factors, along with strong government support for dental tourism and healthcare, solidify southern Vietnam's position as the dominant force in the country's dental services market. Key Players Profiled in Vietnam's Dental Services Market Kim Dental Company Limited Sai Gon Dental Maxillofacial Specialist Hospital Corporation DKSH Vietnam Co., Ltd. Starlight Dental Clinic Worldwide Dental & Cosmetic Surgery Hospital I-Dent Dental Implant Center IDC Dental Company Far East Dental Picasso Dental Clinic Westcoast International Dental Clinic Report Scope In this report, the Vietnam Dental Services Market has been segmented into the following categories: Vietnam Dental Services Market, By Service Type: Prosthodontics {Porcelain Veneers, Crowns, Fixing Bridges, Others} Endodontics {Treatment of Dental Pulp, Root Canal Treatment} Cosmetic Dentistry {Cosmetic Teeth Whitening, Cosmetic Teeth Shaping & Teeth Bonding, Carbon Post, Others} Periodontics {Gum Graft Surgery, Laser Treatment, Others} Others Vietnam Dental Services Market, By End User: Hospitals Dental Clinics Vietnam Dental Services Market, By Patient Type: Inbound Outbound Vietnam Dental Services Market, By Region: Southern Vietnam Northern Vietnam Central Vietnam Key Attributes Report Attribute Details No. of Pages 82 Forecast Period 2024-2030 Estimated Market Value (USD) in 2024 $4.21 Billion Forecasted Market Value (USD) by 2030 $5.5 Billion Compound Annual Growth Rate 4.7% Regions Covered Vietnam For more information about this report visit About is the world's leading source for international market research reports and market data. We provide you with the latest data on international and regional markets, key industries, the top companies, new products and the latest trends. Attachment Vietnamese Dental Services Market CONTACT: CONTACT: Laura Wood,Senior Press Manager press@ For E.S.T Office Hours Call 1-917-300-0470 For U.S./ CAN Toll Free Call 1-800-526-8630 For GMT Office Hours Call +353-1-416-8900
