Truc Lam Zen Monastery
A serene Zen Buddhist monastery on a hill, offering picturesque gardens and breathtaking mountain and lake views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
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Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Best Time
Peaceful atmosphere
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene Zen Buddhist monastery on a hill, offering picturesque gardens and breathtaking mountain and lake views.
"An amazing and out-of-this-world experience, a must-visit for real bliss and peace in Dalat."
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Show respect for this sacred site.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Wander through the beautiful, well-kept gardens for a peaceful experience.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Main Shrine Hall
Central temple area
Marvel at the serene Buddha statue and the intricate architecture, a true sanctuary of peace.
Tuyen Lam Lake Viewpoint
Bamboo Forest area
Breathtaking panoramic views of the most beautiful lake in Dalat, surrounded by lush hills.
Zen Gardens
Throughout the monastery grounds
Wander through meticulously maintained gardens, offering a tranquil escape and picturesque photo opportunities.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for Serenity
Respectful Attire and Conduct
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Stay at Thiền viện Trúc lâm Tây Thiên
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Show respect for this sacred site.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Wander through the beautiful, well-kept gardens for a peaceful experience.
English speaking meditation retreats in Vietnam?
🚠 Scenic Cable Car Ride
Take the cable car for stunning views on your way up.
🤫 Keep Noise Low
Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the monks and the serene environment.
Tips
from all over the internet
🧥 Dress Modestly
Cover shoulders & knees. Show respect for this sacred site.
🚶♀️ Explore the Gardens
Wander through the beautiful, well-kept gardens for a peaceful experience.
🚠 Scenic Cable Car Ride
Take the cable car for stunning views on your way up.
🤫 Keep Noise Low
Maintain a quiet demeanor to respect the monks and the serene environment.
💰 Donations Welcome
Entry is free, but donations are appreciated to maintain the monastery.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Truc Lam Zen Monastery for its breathtaking beauty, profound peace, and spiritual atmosphere, making it a must-visit in Dalat. The stunning views of Tuyen Lam Lake and the meticulously maintained gardens are frequently highlighted as major draws. However, some note that it can get crowded with tourists, and advise on respectful attire and behavior.
"So beautiful and peaceful. I cried so many times. I’m thankful for the opportunity to experience the beauty of Truc Lam monastery. I visited on a spiritual and healing journey. Lots of tourists here for photo ops. The grounds ate big enough to escape them for solitude, if you desire."
Mommy PurpleFlower
"Nice place. 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.
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."
Lukas
"This is one amazing and out of the world experience. It’s a must visit if you’re in dalat. You’ll experience real bliss and peace. The shrine as well as the flower gardens are magnificent and peaceful. The occasional chimes in the background feels really good
A good place to sit and forget the busy life . The shrine has a beautiful life size of Buddha. A very picturesque place"
Manish Tiwari
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most scenic way to reach Truc Lam Zen Monastery is by taking the Dalat cable car, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape. Alternatively, you can drive, as there's a parking area nearby. Renting a motorbike or hiring a car with a driver for the day is also a popular option, allowing for exploration of Tuyen Lam Lake afterwards.
Yes, there is a parking area available for visitors who choose to drive or hire a car to reach the Truc Lam Zen Monastery.
Many visitors find the Dalat cable car to be the most enjoyable and scenic route to Truc Lam Zen Monastery. It provides a unique perspective of the area.
While possible, walking to Truc Lam Zen Monastery from Dalat center is a significant distance. It's more practical to use transportation like the cable car, motorbike, or car.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery is located about 5 kilometers south of the center of Dalat, making it a relatively short trip by most forms of transport.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, admission to Truc Lam Zen Monastery is free. However, donations are gratefully accepted to help with the upkeep of the beautiful grounds and facilities.
Truc Lam Zen Monastery is open daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, allowing visitors ample time to experience its peaceful ambiance.
Yes, it is possible for visitors to stay at Truc Lam Zen Monastery to learn more about Buddhism. You would need to inquire with the monks or nuns about availability and arrangements.
No advance booking is required as entry to Truc Lam Zen Monastery is free. You can visit anytime during its opening hours.
The main restriction is to dress modestly, covering shoulders and knees, and to maintain a respectful and quiet demeanor within the monastery grounds.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed in most outdoor areas of Truc Lam Zen Monastery, especially in the gardens and scenic viewpoints. However, be mindful and respectful when taking photos inside the main shrine hall or during prayer times.
The viewpoint overlooking Tuyen Lam Lake from the Bamboo Forest area offers stunning panoramic shots. The meticulously maintained gardens also provide beautiful backdrops.
While outdoor photography is usually fine, it's best to avoid intrusive photography inside the main shrine hall or during religious ceremonies to maintain the sanctity of the space.
You can expect to capture serene landscape shots of Tuyen Lam Lake, detailed architectural photos of the monastery, and peaceful garden scenes.
Any camera, from a smartphone to a DSLR, can capture the beauty of Truc Lam Zen Monastery. The key is to be present and capture the peaceful atmosphere.
🎫 🧘 Onsite Experience
The atmosphere at Truc Lam Zen Monastery is overwhelmingly peaceful and serene, offering a spiritual and healing journey for many visitors. It's a place to sit and forget the busy life.
While Truc Lam Monastery is a place of Zen Buddhism, finding structured English-speaking meditation retreats with clear booking information online can be challenging. It's best to inquire directly with the monastery for any available programs.
You can explore the beautiful gardens, admire the main shrine hall, enjoy the stunning views of Tuyen Lam Lake, and soak in the peaceful, spiritual ambiance.
Absolutely. Many visitors describe their experience as spiritual and healing, finding solace and peace within the monastery's tranquil surroundings.
While it's a popular spot, the grounds are large enough to find solitude. However, during peak times, coach loads of tourists can turn up, so visiting during off-peak hours is recommended for a more peaceful experience.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Encourage children to explore the gardens respectfully and to appreciate the peaceful atmosphere. It's a good opportunity to teach them about different cultures and the importance of quiet contemplation. Remember to dress modestly as a family to show respect for the religious site.
🧘 Solo Travelers & Spiritual Seekers
While finding structured English-speaking retreats can be difficult, the monastery itself offers a sanctuary. Spend time wandering the gardens, sitting by the lake viewpoint, or simply absorbing the tranquil energy. The opportunity to potentially stay at the monastery, if arrangements can be made, offers a deeper immersion into Buddhist teachings.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Visitors often come seeking a spiritual and healing journey, finding the monastery's serene environment conducive to introspection and peace. The occasional chimes and the overall tranquil ambiance contribute to an 'out of this world' experience for many. While structured retreats can be hard to find information on, the very presence of the monastery offers a profound sense of calm and spiritual connection.
The monastery's location on Phuong Hoang Mountain, overlooking the picturesque Tuyen Lam Lake, further enhances its spiritual appeal. This natural beauty complements the inner peace sought by visitors, making it a destination that nourishes both the soul and the senses. It's a place where the grandeur of nature meets the quietude of the spirit.
Experiencing the Natural Beauty of Truc Lam
The monastery grounds themselves are a testament to natural beauty, featuring well-looked-after gardens that are a delight to wander through. These gardens are not only visually appealing but also contribute to the overall sense of tranquility. The Bamboo Forest area, in particular, provides a stunning vantage point for capturing the expansive beauty of the lake and its surroundings.
For those looking to combine their visit with an appreciation of nature, the journey to the monastery can be as rewarding as the destination itself. Whether arriving by cable car or exploring the lake area afterwards, the natural landscapes surrounding Truc Lam Zen Monastery offer a refreshing and rejuvenating experience.
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