Nestled in the stunning Bach Ma mountain range, the Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is a serene spiritual sanctuary overlooking the picturesque Truoi Lake. Featuring magnificent traditional Vietnamese temple architecture harmoniously blended with tranquil pine forests and lush gardens, it offers a peaceful retreat for meditation and reflection. Accessible via a scenic boat ride followed by stone steps, this breathtaking destination provides visitors with both profound tranquility and stunning panoramic views of the surrounding natural landscape.
You may also like: Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula)
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
– Location/address: Loc An commune, Hue city, Vietnam
– Other name(s): Thiền viện Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã (Vietnamese)
– Opening hours: 7 am to 5 pm daily
– Ticket price: free to visit
– Reason(s) to visit: one of the most charming Buddhist temple in Hue area, off the beaten track attraction, perpect sightseeing stop between Hue and Da Nang Hoi An
– Best time(s) to visit: the dry season, sunny days
– Time to spend: 1 hour
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/truc-lam-bach-ma-zen-monastery/
– Food and drink: yes available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact: Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is one of many Truc Lam Buddhism institutions across Vietnam.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery on Map
What to Expect at Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery?
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery stands atop the small hills (named Linh Son mountain) on a peninsula of Truoi Lake, and surrounded by forests in Bach Ma National Park, one of the largest protection areas in Vietnam. The lake is artificial, constructed in 1996 for agricultural purpose, and expanses up to 400 ha.
Due to the special location, visitors need to take a boat to reach Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery. This is no other ways now. The price for a round trip is approximately 250.000 VND, and one boat can carry 5 persons. After arriving, it’s needed to walk for 200m and climb more than 170 stairs to see the first building. That’s why those who have limited mobility should consider very carefully because come here, just like the temples in the Marble Mountains.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery was established by Vietnamese monk Thich Thanh Tu, and contructed from 30th March 2006 to 20th April 2008. Today, it has up to 20 buildings. The largest one – the Mahavira Hall or the Precious Hall of the Great Hero, the central altar enshrines a majestic statue of Buddha Shakyamuni in a state of meditation. Behind the Buddha statue is a large stone relief depicting a historic Bodhi tree, symbolizing Buddha’s enlightenment. To the right of the Buddha (looking from the outside) is an image of Manjushri Bodhisattva riding a lion. To the left of the Buddha is an image of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva riding a six-tusked white elephant.
Near the worshipping halls, there are private halls for monks, and sure, visitors can’t go inside them and visit or take photos.
Monks at Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery have practiced ‘Truc Lam Buddhism’, a unique Vietnamese zen tradition that was found by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13rd century. Its core philosophy emphasizes an engaged spiritual life, teaching that enlightenment is found by integrating mindfulness, wisdom, and compassion into everyday duties rather than fleeing society. Furthermore, the tradition uniquely harmonizes Buddhist principles with traditional Vietnamese cultural identity as well as elements of Confucianism and Taoism.
Apart from the temple complex, on the top of an island, there is a big Buddha statue (more particularly Shakyamuni Buddha). He is 24 meter tall and weighs up to 1.500 kg.
HOIAN DAY TRIP organizes the tour to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery and Hai Van Pass from Hue or Da Nang/Hoi An.
See details in https://hoiandaytrip.com/hai-van-pass-truc-lam-bach-ma-monastery-tour/
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you very much!
How to Get to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is located on a peninsula on Truoi Lake in Loc An commune, Hue city, Vietnam (formerly Phu Loc district, Thua Thien – Hue province). This monastery also lies within Bach Ma National Park, one of the most important biodiversity protection areas in Vietnam. Currently, the only way to reach it is taking the boat from the station near the dam body.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is quite close to Vedana Lagoon Resort & Spa in Phu Loc (around 10 km away). If stay overnight here, consider a half day trip to this lovely site.
From Hue, the distance to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is around 40 km. To get there, visitors can take a taxi, private car/van or book a tour. If go by car, travel time is nearly 1 hour.
The best motorbike route from Hue to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is Highway QL1A (or AH1). From the city, just follow it, towards the south and at this crossroad (Google maps location: 16°17’24.4″N 107°48’57.3″E), turn right. Go straight, follow the signs on the way, and then it’s easy to find the boat station for the monastery.
From Lang Co area (Banyan Tree hotel, Angsana hotel,…), the distance to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is 30-35 km. To get there, visitors can take a taxi, private car/van or book a tour.
From Da Nang, the distance to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is around 70 km. To get there, visitors can take a taxi, private car/van or book a tour. If go by car, travel time is 2-2.5 hour. For that reason, we recommend combining some famous places in Hue to make a better trip (such as Hue Imperial Citadel, royal tombs,…).
HOIAN DAY TRIP organizes the tour to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery and Hai Van Pass from Hue or Da Nang/Hoi An.
See details in https://hoiandaytrip.com/hai-van-pass-truc-lam-bach-ma-monastery-tour/
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you very much!
Guided Tours to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
HOIAN DAY TRIP organizes the tour to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery and Hai Van Pass from Hue or Da Nang/Hoi An.
See details in https://hoiandaytrip.com/hai-van-pass-truc-lam-bach-ma-monastery-tour/
To book, contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/zalo) or hoiandaytripcompany@gmail.com
Thank you very much!
Photos, Videos about Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery
Here are beautiful photos, videos about Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery:
