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A pilgrimage to the Núi Cúi Marian shrine from Ho Chi Minh City is a day trip of about 90 km, usually 1.5–2 hours by car. The shrine sits near Highway 20 in Đồng Nai, and its 50-metre statue of Our Lady, including the base, can be seen from far along the highway. Around Christmas, year-end and the new year, many parishes and families travel in groups. This guide covers the route, timing to avoid crowds, choosing a vehicle for a group, and tips for travelling with older relatives.
From the city, take the HCMC – Long Thành – Dầu Giây expressway to the Dầu Giây interchange, then Highway 20 towards Đà Lạt for about 15–25 km; near Phú Dòng parish, turn onto the access road of about 800 m. Highway 20 carries many trucks and Đà Lạt coaches and passes through villages, so take it slowly.
On major feast days and Christmas-season weekends, the shrine is busy from the morning. Leave the city before 6 a.m. to avoid the eastern gateway jams and arrive before the midday heat. Coming back, the expressway towards the city is usually busy from about 3–4 p.m. on Sundays and the last day of holidays; leaving early or after dinner is easier.
Many groups combine the pilgrimage with lunch around Gia Kiệm or a stop at Trị An lake. For a full day, agree the plan with the driver in advance so you head back before the afternoon peak.
Book early for Christmas and Tết; Tết bookings need a deposit of about 10%. Chauffeured prices include fuel and tolls.
The Núi Cúi Marian pilgrimage centre belongs to the Diocese of Xuân Lộc and sits on Núi Cúi, also called Cát Minh hill, in the former Gia Tân 1 commune (Đồng Nai), facing towards Trị An lake. The allocated site covers about 13.6 ha, with a large square for big open-air Masses. The statue of Our Lady is 50 m tall including the base, with a 33 m figure on a 17 m plinth, and can be seen from Highway 20.
From mid-December to early January, many parishes travel as groups. On peak days the car park fills early and the access road slows. Large groups should agree arrival times with their organiser, leave early and pre-book lunch.
The statue's dimensions are symbolic. The 17 m base recalls Mary's age at the Annunciation; the 33 m figure stands for the years of Jesus' life; the total 50 m marks the fiftieth anniversary of the Diocese of Xuân Lộc (1965–2015). Construction began in April 2015. The statue was essentially finished and the centre first opened to visitors over Tết 2022, when thousands came each day.
The square is designed for very large Masses, so on feast days follow the stewards, keep exits clear and do not stand in the walkways. The statue's back faces Trị An lake; from its foot you can look out over the water and the surrounding rubber plantations.
To fit the whole 50 m statue in frame, walk back to the far end of the square and use a wide lens. In the morning the sun lights the statue's face; in the afternoon it is backlit, good for silhouettes.
The Gia Kiệm and Dầu Giây area has many long-established parishes with large churches, easy to visit from Highway 20. To the west lies Trị An, a wide reservoir dotted with islets; in the dry season the water drops to reveal grassy shores. For a full day: morning pilgrimage at Núi Cúi, lunch around Gia Kiệm, a stop by Trị An lake, then back on the expressway before the rush.
| Time | Plan |
|---|---|
| 5:30 a.m. | Pick-up, onto the HCMC – Long Thành – Dầu Giây expressway |
| 7:30 | Arrive at Núi Cúi, visit the statue, attend Mass if scheduled |
| 11:00 | Lunch around Gia Kiệm |
| 1:00 p.m. | Trị An lakeside or a parish church near Highway 20 |
| 3:00 | Head back to HCMC, ahead of Sunday-afternoon traffic |
North–South trains stop at Biên Hòa before Saigon. Sleeper passengers from the centre or north can get off at Biên Hòa, closer to Núi Cúi and clear of city traffic. Send the train code and carriage; the driver waits on the platform side and follows the real arrival time. From Biên Hòa via Dầu Giây and Highway 20 to Núi Cúi takes about 1–1.5 hours.
| Vehicle | Luggage | Suits |
|---|---|---|
| 7-seater | about 4 suitcases | Pilgrim families |
| 16-seat van, 9-seat limousine | about 6–8 suitcases | Small parish groups with older members |
| Option | Suits | Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Same-day return from HCMC | Busy families, younger groups | Leave before 6 a.m.; return ahead of the afternoon rush |
| A night in Biên Hòa | Groups with older members, rail arrivals | Go early the next morning to avoid midday sun on the square |
| Add Đà Lạt or Bảo Lộc | Families on a longer holiday | Núi Cúi is on Highway 20, the road to Lâm Đồng |
Because Núi Cúi sits on Highway 20, many families visit in the morning and continue to Bảo Lộc or Đà Lạt. Send the full multi-stop route when booking so it is quoted as one trip; a 7-seater holds about 4 suitcases, enough for a few days away.
Stalls serving pilgrims line the access road. Large groups should pre-book a meal in a town near the highway, or bring snacks and water for children and older relatives. Carry a rubbish bag and keep the grounds clean.
Send the date, group size, pick-up point and any extra stops through the quick-quote form. Every quote gets 10% off; chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls; cars are 2022–2025 models, with child seats on request.
Parish groups: a 16-seat van; larger groups: a 29-seat bus. See car rental in Dong Nai and the Long Thanh – Dau Giay expressway guide.
Lock in dates near Tết early: Tết bookings need about a 10% deposit and quotes are always 10% off. Chauffeur prices include fuel and tolls; 8% VAT invoices on request. Send your route through our quick quote form.
About 90 km, usually 1.5–2 hours by car.
Yes; leave before 6 a.m. and head back before the afternoon peak.
A 45-seat coach, or two 16-seat vans depending on luggage.
Biên Hòa; about 1–1.5 hours by car from there.
50 m including the base; the figure is 33 m.
Yes, but it is busy; leave before 6 a.m. and pre-book lunch.
The Diocese of Xuân Lộc; the centre stands on Núi Cúi, also called Cát Minh hill, overlooking Trị An lake.
Yes; it is on Highway 20 towards Bảo Lộc and Đà Lạt. Send the multi-stop route when booking.
Tell us when booking so the car has enough boot space, and ask the shrine staff about accessible paths.
Modest clothing, flat shoes for the slopes, a hat and a light jacket for early mornings.
Related details are covered in Vehicle rental for Catholic parish pilgrimages in southern Vietnam.
Real cars at the Car Rental Vietnam depot
Travel guides for this trip
Private cars with driver from 4 to 45 seats, including Limousine vans and 29- and 45-seater coaches. Tolls, trip insurance and the driver's pay are included:
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