Truc Lam Zen Monastery: Useful info for first-time visitors

Contents

Truc Lam Monastery – one of the most popular spiritual sites in Da Lat (Source: Collected)

If you are planning to visit Da Lat on your upcoming trip, you should not miss the opportunity to step into the serene realm of Truc Lam Zen Monastery, a haven of tranquility amidst charming landscapes. Prepare to be enchanted by the peaceful atmosphere, majestic surroundings, and profound teachings that await at Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Da Lat.

1. Where is Truc Lam Zen Monastery? How to get there?

• Location: Ward 3, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province

Truc Lam Zen Monastery is located approximately 6 kilometers away from the center of Da Lat City in Lam Dong Province, Vietnam. The monastery is beautifully situated atop Phuong Hoang Mountain, providing a stunning view of the serene Tuyen Lam Lake. It is nestled within a vast pine forest, offering a peaceful environment. Truc Lam is one of the three largest Zen monasteries in Vietnam, making it a significant site for both spiritual practice and tourism.

To reach Truc Lam Zen Monastery by road, start from the center of Da Lat City and take National Road towards Prenn Pass. After about 4 kilometers, you will see a stone trail that turns right, marked by a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha sitting under a Bodhi tree. Follow this trail straight to Truc Lam Zen Monastery. 

Alternatively, you can take the cable car. From the center of Da Lat City, head towards Street 3/4 and make your way to the top of Robin Hill. Buy a cable car ticket here for a scenic ride directly to the Zen monastery. Whether you choose to travel by road or by cable car, the journey to Truc Lam Zen Monastery offers beautiful vistas and a sense of tranquility that enhances the overall experience.

Truc Lam Temple attracts thousands of tourists annually (Source: Collected)

Plan an amazing Da Lat itinerary to make the most of your time here!

2. Basic information about Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Da Lat

2.1. History

Truc Lam Zen Monastery, founded by Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, was built between 1993 and 1994 on a 25-hectare site, with 2 hectares for the monastery and 23 hectares for the premises. The design, a collaboration between monk Vu Xuan Hung, monk Tran Duc Loc, and architect Ngo Viet Thu, blends traditional Zen aesthetics with modern elements. This serene environment makes the monastery both a significant spiritual site and a beautiful architectural landmark, attracting many visitors and practitioners.

2.2. Opening hours & ticket price

• Opening hours: Daily, 7 am – 5 pm
• Ticket price: Free of charge

3. The unique architecture of the Zen monastery

Truc Lam Zen Monastery is divided into four main areas: the main hall, the inner nunnery, the outer courtyard, and the monk’s retreat. At the center of the monastery is the main hall, a spacious area filled with natural light. Inside, a 2-meter-tall Buddha statue holding a lotus flower stands gracefully, enhancing the hall’s spiritual atmosphere. 

Next to the main hall is Tinh Tam Lake, which reflects the pine trees on Thanh Luong Jill. Nearby, a two-story guest house in a lush garden offers accommodation for short-term practitioners and provides stunning views of Elephant Mountain and Tuyen Lam Lake.

The impressive architecture of Truc Lam Zen Monastery Da Lat (Source: Collected)

On the right side of the main hall is a beautifully carved bell tower with intricate Buddhist reliefs. It contains a large bell, nearly 2 meters high and over 1 ton in weight, crafted by bronze artisans from Hue. The bell features an inscribed poem by Truc Lam Dau Da, the dharma name of King Tran Nhan Tong, the founder of the Vietnamese Zen sect.

The monastery grounds also feature a variety of exotic flowers brought by Buddhists from around the world. These colorful gardens, along with the Guanyin Buddha statue, ancient stone steles, and crystal balls, are unique highlights to the peaceful ambiance of the monastery.

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4. Essential tips for your first trip to Truc Lam Monastery

Here are some useful tips for your upcoming trip to Truc Lam Monastery:

• Dress respectfully in neat attire, avoiding clothes that are too revealing. If wearing a skirt, ensure it falls below the knee.
• Photography is prohibited in the main hall. 
• Do not burn incense.
• Refrain from entering the inner nunnery and the monk’s retreat.
• Avoid engaging in commercial activities, causing disturbance, or making loud noises within the monastery premises.

The surroundings of Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery (Source: Collected)

5. Famous attractions near Truc Lam Zen Monastery

To optimize your time and explore more of Da Lat’s beauty, consider visiting these nearby attractions:

• Tuyen Lam Lake: Just 1.9 kilometers away from Truc Lam Zen Monastery lies Tuyen Lam Lake, one of Da Lat’s most enchanting lakes. Alongside Xuan Huong Lake, it serves as a green haven for the city, inviting visitors to unwind amidst serene waters and lush pine forests. Activities like sightseeing, kayaking, and canoeing make it a perfect spot for relaxation.

• Datanla Waterfalls: Merely 2 kilometers away from Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Datanla Waterfall is a natural marvel within Da Lat City. With its cascading water and surrounding greenery, it offers a breathtaking escape into nature. Visitors can indulge in thrilling adventures such as high-rope swinging and canyoning, or opt for a more leisurely experience by taking cable car rides to soak in the scenic beauty here.

• Bao Dai Summer Palace III: Located just 4.7 kilometers away from Truc Lam Zen Monastery, Bao Dai Summer Palace III stands as a testament to Vietnam’s royal history. Once the summer residence of King Bao Dai, the last emperor of Vietnam, this elegant mansion exudes grandeur amidst a tranquil pine hill backdrop. With its 25 rooms and captivating architecture, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the opulent lifestyle of Vietnam’s royalty.
• Clay Tunnel: Situated 9.2 kilometers away from Truc Lam Zen Monastery, the Clay Tunnel is a unique addition to Da Lat’s tourist attractions. Nestled in a verdant pine forest, this 2-kilometer-long tunnel showcases intricate artistry and depicts the history of Da Lat, from its early days to its modern development. Visitors are drawn to its captivating portrayal of the city’s vibrant evolution.

Bao Dai Summer Palace III (Source: Collected)

Truc Lam Zen Monastery is a not-to-be-missed spiritual attraction in your Vietnam travel. From its tranquil surroundings and minimalist design to its rich history and spiritual practices, the monastery invites all to experience a deeper connection with themselves and the world around them.

After you explore the wonders of Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Da Lat, why not extend your journey to discover the diverse beauty of Vietnam? From Hanoi, Ha Long, Hoi An, Nha Trang, and Phu Quoc, each destination offers its own unique experiences waiting to be explored.

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