As a tranquil haven in Dalat, Truc Lam Zen Monastery attracts a lot of tourists and locals who come to witness the beautiful landscapes, enjoy the calm atmosphere, and practice Buddhism. This pagoda is such a peaceful getaway for those who are under stress or sorrow.
1. About Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat
1.1. Location of Truc Lam Zen Monastery
- Location: Truc Lam Yen Tu Street, Ward 3, Dalat City, Lam Dong Province
- Opening hours: Daily, 5:00 AM - 9:00 PM
- Entrance fee: Free
The monastery is located on Truc Lam Yen Tu Street, on the top of Phuong Hoang Mountain. About 5 kilometers south of the center of Dalat, it is an ideal location for visitors to come and explore. Truc Lam Zen Monastery also has an outstanding view of Tuyen Lam Lake - the most beautiful lake in Dalat, as it stands next to the lake and is surrounded by hills and forests.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery’s opening hours are from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM. It is also open for people who want to stay here and learn about Buddhism. You can ask the monks or nuns here to be allowed to stay.
1.2. History of Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery
Initiated by the Vietnamese government in an effort to restore and promote the teachings of Zen Buddhism and Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen School, Truc Lam Zen Monastery was built from 1993 to 1994 by Zen Master Thich Thanh Tu. This pagoda has harmoniously combined different Zen schools in the world with Vietnamese culture into Vietnamese Zen.
Its location near Tuyen Lam Lake was chosen following a dream of Thich Thanh Tu in 1986, who considered Dalat as a perfect place thanks to its pleasant climate, poetic nature, and serene atmosphere. The name "Truc Lam" means "Bamboo Forest".
Today, Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat is one of the most well-known and respected Vietnam monasteries, attracting thousands of visitors each year who come to learn about Zen Buddhism and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.
2. How to get to Truc Lam Zen Monastery?
As the monastery is only 5 kilometers away from the city center, it is easy for you to get here by car, taxi, or motorbike. It only takes about 15-20 minutes to get to the monastery, depending on the route you choose.
Moreover, if you want to admire the breathtaking panoramic view of Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery and Tuyen Lam Lake from above, you can take a unique cable car ride from Robin Hill to the Monastery.
To take this ride, you can get to Robin Hill, buy a cable car ticket, and get to Truc Lam Zen Monastery after a 2-kilometer journey full of impressive natural views. The cable car is available from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The ticket price is 100,000 VND for a round-trip ticket and 80,000 VND for a one-way ticket.
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3. The stunning architecture of Truc Lam Monastery Vietnam
Not only a sacred place for meditation, this monastery is also a sight to behold. It has traditional oriental architecture, intricate detailing, and breathtaking scenery. Truc Lam Zen Monastery is divided into 2 main areas: the internal area for monks and nuns, and the external area.
Climbing 222 steps through a triple-arched gate to the main hall, you will be in awe of weeping curved roofs, intricate wooden carvings, and many different statues. Inside the 192-square-meter hall stands the 2-meter-tall statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, along with two Bodhisattva statues.
Outside the courtyard are a drum tower and a bell tower. The most impressive area of Truc Lam Zen Monastery is the colorful flower garden. Here, there are many precious plant species and the peaceful Tinh Tam Lake with rows of green trees. This is where you can enjoy the fresh air and find peace in your mind.
4. TOP unmissable experiences on your excursion to Truc Lam Zen Monastery
4.1. Take a boat ride on Tuyen Lam Lake
As the monastery is located next to Tuyen Lam Lake, it is convenient for visitors to take a boat ride here. Boating amidst the magnificent pine forests, misty hills, colorful flower gardens, and calm blue waters, you will feel as if you are lost in a paradise where all hustle and bustle are left behind. This is an interesting leisure activity in a picturesque background that you should not miss out on.
4.2. Experience amazing treks in Phuong Hoang Mountain
To admire the serene beauty of Truc Lam Zen Monastery from a different viewpoint, tourists who love adventure can have a trek in Phuong Hoang Mountain. The trek will take you through dense forests, steep hills, and rocky terrain. Along the way, you will come across diverse flora and fauna and have a chance to interact with the local ethnic communities.
4.3. Find inner peace by registering for a retreat course at the monastery
Today, meditation is a popular activity for people to help them live in “full awareness” and find peace in their soul. At Truc Lam Zen Monastery, there are retreat courses for anyone who wants to practice meditation. Joining these courses, you will get to focus on yourself, build a carefree mind, and find your good nature.
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5. Notes for visitors to Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery
Visiting a spiritual place like Truc Lam Zen Monastery, you should keep some tips in mind:
- Dress politely, avoid revealing clothes
- Take off your shoes before entering the main hall
- Refrain from making loud noise
- Do not take pictures of the film inside the main hall
- Keep away from the internal area of the monks and nuns
- Do not light incense
Besides Truc Lam Zen Monastery Dalat, Vietnam has many sacred cultural and spiritual attractions, as well as a variety of famous natural wonders that are waiting to be discovered. Some of the most popular tourist destinations are Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Ha Long, all with beautiful landscapes, rich culture, and diverse cuisine.
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Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a must-visit place in Dalat if you want to immerse yourself in tranquility and free yourself from everyday worries. Come here, take a deep breath, and find your inner peace in the greatness of nature.
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