It is an attempt to create the ideal religion of the North and South Vietnamese religions before reunification. The result is a colorful mishmash of Buddhism, Confucianism, Taoism, Vietnamese spiritualism and Christianity. "Cao Dai" literally means "high tower"; in this way it refers to God. In Tay Ninh province and the Mekong Delta this belief is most strongly represented. There are about 3 million followers of caodaism at the beginning of 2006. The ultimate goal of a follower of caodaism is to escape from the circle of reincarnation.
In terms of doctrine, this religion contains many elements of the various Asian religions, but the form and names of the clergy and churches is rather Christian inspired.