Introduction

Situated near the base of Son Tra Peninsula, not far from the city center, Son Tra Tinh Vien offers a distinctive and tranquil retreat during the fall weekends. Functioning as a bamboo conservation area, this place holds a special charm as a monk dedicated his entire life to collecting and cultivating numerous rare bamboo species, resulting in a collection of over 100 varieties. Many of these bamboo species are endemic and rare.

Nestled behind sub-area 64 of the Son Tra Peninsula nature reserve, Son Tra Tinh Vien is veiled behind a modest bamboo gate. Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the enchanting sight of a miniature countryside village adorned with the vibrant green hues of various bamboo types. Covering an area of over one hectare, the garden features an assortment of bamboo species and is surrounded by a network of ponds and lakes. Resembling a quaint village, life here is simple and refreshing, all crafted and nurtured by the hands of a monk who has dedicated over a decade to this endeavor - Master Thich The Tuong. In solitude, he has cultivated a once barren land, transforming it into a haven adorned with bamboo, driven solely by his passion and love for this versatile plant.

History

This location stands as an outcome of the hard work and commitment of the venerable monk Thich The Tuong. Opting for an abandoned plot on the Son Tra peninsula as his settling place, he has been personally engaged in exploration, tree planting, and pond excavation since 2005. His efforts have transformed the area into a verdant and serene environment resembling a village nestled in the midst of mountains and forests. Presently, Son Tra Tinh Vien has gained renown as a sought-after destination, drawing numerous visitors due to its exceptional and picturesque bamboo forest.

Top attractions in Son Tra Tinh Vien

Visit the one-of-a-kind bamboo museum

Sơn Trà Tịnh Viên là một khu bảo tồn tre nằm trong khu bảo tồn thiên nhiên Bán đảo Sơn Trà

The entrance of bamboo museum

Son Tra Tinh Vien stands as a renowned eco-tourism destination celebrated for its extensive and varied bamboo collection. Visitors to this area can marvel at over 100 bamboo species, constituting one-third of the rare species found in Vietnam. The collection includes distinctive bamboo varieties such as square bamboo, black bamboo, white bamboo, and red bamboo, contributing to the creation of a unique and visually appealing natural landscape. Beyond the indigenous varieties, the tourist area also features bamboo species imported from India, adding an element of novelty and distinctiveness to the reserve.

Explore the grounds of the museum

Tinh Vien Bamboo Museum is covered in a green shirt all year round

Immerse yourself in the green color of Son Tra Tinh Vien

The museum's grounds seamlessly incorporate a small lake area, and in addition to that, there are numerous hammocks and stone chairs scattered around the garden. Whether you seek a tranquil spot to sit and unwind, read a book, or simply contemplate life, this location proves to be the most idyllic destination. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the fish farm, take a leisurely stroll, and fully immerse themselves in the serene surroundings of this unique and peaceful setting.

Relax and chat with the monk

Every time you come here, if you have the opportunity, you can come and talk to the monk

Meet and chat with the monk

For many of us, our understanding of bamboo is limited, perceiving it as a plant with intriguing and diverse forms. When tourists visit this place, they often come not only to unwind but also to engage in conversations with Master Tuong. Additionally, the ambiance allows for moments of quiet and serenity, providing visitors with the opportunity to reflect in a tranquil and gentle setting.

Retreat at Son Tra Tinh Vien

Coming to Son Tra Tinh Vien, everyone can comfortably enjoy the atmosphere here

Monk Dai Duc Thich The Tuong - Abbot of Son Tra Tinh Vien

It's a rare experience to encounter a labyrinth of various bamboo species, creating a verdant, serene, and pristine maze that captivates the admiration of all who behold it. Each type of bamboo is thoughtfully presented with detailed information about its name, origin, and specific details, such as Buong from Thanh Hoa, Lo O from Quang Nam, Lo O Cat Tien from Lam Dong, and Bamboo Tap Giao. Surrounding the bamboo garden are numerous hammocks and chairs, strategically placed among carefully arranged rocks, providing visitors with inviting spaces to rest, contemplate, and fully immerse themselves in the poetic and picturesque scenery.

Traveling cost in Son Tra Tinh Vien

In order to establish the magnificence of Son Tra Tinh Vien, the monk discovered that a significant amount of funds was required for its collection and construction. However, it's important to note that not all places that involve investment demand an entrance fee. The entry fees for Son Tra Tinh Vien are determined by expressions of admiration and are typically based on the goodwill of visitors. Therefore, there's no need to be concerned about ticket prices here. While enjoying the sight of the renowned bamboo trees, you have the opportunity to hear stories that deeply resonate with people. Many visitors regard it as the most worthwhile destination to explore on the Son Tra Peninsula.

Best time to visit

The bamboo museum welcomes visitors throughout the entire year, allowing you the flexibility to explore at your convenience whenever you have the time or inclination. The majority of those who come to visit include tourists, students, and local residents seeking relief from the stresses of daily life.

According to the monk's recommendation, the optimal time to visit is during the summer. During this period, everything appears vibrant and exceptionally fresh. The most picturesque months span from February to September. The weather in the bamboo garden is consistently sunny, making it ideal for leisurely travel and sightseeing. In the summer, if you happen to wander through the grounds, you'll witness the gradual disappearance of the summer sun, replaced by a refreshing, cool breeze, creating a delightful and pleasant atmosphere.

How to get there

Due to its location in Son Tra, Son Tra Tinh Vien is a popular stop for tourists who take advantage of their time exploring the peninsula. What adds to the uniqueness of the visit is the route taken, which traverses the scenic coastal road of Hoang Sa - Vo Nguyen Giap - Truong Sa, renowned for its exceptionally distinctive natural beauty.

Starting from the city center and heading in the direction of Dragon Bridge, visitors can follow the route leading to Vo Van Kiet, which then connects to Vo Nguyen Giap street, ultimately leading to Son Tra Peninsula via the road to Tra Vien. Alternatively, travelers can opt to take Hoang Sa street directly, turning towards the peninsula at the intersection, and then left onto Le Van Luong, followed by Luong Huu Khanh street, providing another route to reach Tinh Vien