Cao Dai Holy See

The Cao Dai Holy See (Toa Thanh Tay Ninh) is the central temple and headquarters of Caodaism in Long Hoa, Hoa Thanh, about 5 km southeast of Tay Ninh city, Tay Ninh Province, southern Vietnam. Completed between 1933 and 1955, it is notable for its vivid, syncretic architecture blending Eastern and Western styles, its Divine Eye symbol, and its role as the spiritual center of a religion founded in 1926 that claims several million followers.

Visitors can expect a large, colorful temple complex set in a spacious grounds with tree-lined avenues, ornate gates and administrative buildings. Inside the main temple, they see a long colonnaded hall with brightly painted columns featuring dragons, a vaulted ceiling, and an altar dominated by the Divine Eye. Visitors observe daily prayer ceremonies with worshippers in white ao dai seated by rank, accompanied by traditional music, from a raised balcony viewing area.

The Holy See is the center of Caodaism, a syncretic religion officially founded in 1926 by Ngo Van Chieu and followers in southern Vietnam. Construction of the present temple began in 1933 and was completed in 1955, after interruptions. It has served as the administrative and spiritual headquarters of the Tay Ninh branch of Caodaism, the largest branch, and reflects the religion's early 20th-century development.

As the holiest site of Caodaism, the temple embodies the religion's syncretic doctrine that combines elements of Buddhism, Taoism, Confucianism, Christianity and other beliefs. The Divine Eye, colorful iconography, and structured ceremonies illustrate its teachings of universal harmony. It remains an active place of worship and pilgrimage for millions of followers and a prominent example of Vietnam's modern religious architecture.