Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery - Travel guide, travel tip

Introduction

Located on the top of Bach Ma Mountain, Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery provides a tranquil retreat, offering an escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life. Surrounded by lush forests and misty landscapes, this place radiates a sense of calm and spiritual harmony, perfect for quiet reflection.

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery (Source: Bao Nguoi Lao Dong)

Best time to visit

The weather in Hue is quite pleasant. Therefore, visitors can go to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery at any time of the year. Each time has its own beauty, with many activities to explore. In summer, you can enjoy the fresh, cool air, explore mountain climbing activities, and visit nearby tourist attractions. On the other hand, winter offers a different experience. Visitors can sit leisurely, drink tea, and listen to Buddhist chants, which bring about a sense of peace.

How to get there

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is located in Loc Dien, Phu Loc, Hue, Vietnam. First, tourists travel to Hue. There are many options such as bus, train, or airplane, if you are far away. Departing from Hue, follow the National Highway 1A for about 40km to the Truoi Bridge. From here, to get to the Zen Monastery, visitors will have to take a boat.

Visitors will take a boat to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

Visitors will take a boat to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery (Source: iVIVU.com)

What to do in Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery

Visit Truoi Lake

Truoi Lake has an area of about 400 hectares. The crystal clear water makes it look like a giant mirror. Visitors can rent a boat to go around and admire charming surrouding landscapes. The experience of sitting in the middle of the lake and being immersed in the sound of temple bells echoing in the mountains is unforgettable.

Truoi Lake is poetic and serene

Truoi Lake is poetic and serene (Source: Bao Nguoi Lao Dong)

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Admire the giant Buddha statue

A highlight of Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is the giant Buddha statue meditating on a hill in the middle of the lake. The statue weighs 1,500 tons, is 24m high, and is carved entirely of stone.

The huge Buddha statue is a landmark in this place

The huge Buddha statue is a landmark in this place (Source: Phatgiao.org)

Surrounding the pedestal are many carvings telling the story of Buddha's life, from birth to death and nirvana. All are vividly depicted, showing the hardships in the journey to save the human beings. Standing tall on a sacred hill with charming feng shui, the statue is a destination for many tourists and Buddhists to worship and pray for peace.

Wander around Truc Lam Zen Monastery

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is divided into three main areas: outer area, monks' courtyard, and nunnery. The outer area is the most solemn place. Passing through the three-door gate, visitors will arrive at the main courtyard in front of Dai Hung Palace, which is made entirely of wood.

Truc Lam Bach Ma is a large complex

Truc Lam Bach Ma is a large complex (Source: VietnamPlus)

The Zen Monastery is blessed with poetic beauty, featuring stunning scenery and refreshing air. Beyond its natural charm, it is a sanctuary of Buddhist art, where intricate decorative patterns and ancient temple roofs exude a timeless elegance. The bell tower, designed in a classic Asian architectural style, stands out with its two floors and eight gracefully curved roofs.

Tourists can walk around, visit the bold Buddhist architecture, and enjoy the beautiful surrounding scenery. The Zen Monastery is located in Bach Ma National Park, so it’s easy to encounter squirrels playing on the complex.

Wander around to enjoy fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere

Wander around to enjoy fresh air and a peaceful atmosphere (Source: Bao Nguoi Lao Dong)

Try local delicacies

Coming to Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, visitors can not only make a pilgrimage to the Buddha's land but also enjoy unique and delicious food. There are many tasty fruits, such as pomelo, jackfruit, Truoi strawberry, etc.

Tourists should try ‘banh uot’, a specialty in Hue. Banh uot is often served with roasted pork, crispy fried shallot, lean and fatty pork belly, fresh vegetables, and typical pickled onions. Just that is enough to awaken the culinary flavors of Hue.

Banh uot, a specialty in Hue

Banh uot, a specialty in Hue (Source: VinWonders)

Tourists can experience catching fish by themselves in the Truoi stream. However, be careful of slippery conditions to ensure safety. The fish caught directly from the stream is small but very firm. You should also ask the locals to cook the food to make it more appealing.

Travel tip

Physical health: This trip requires good strength to climb more than 100 steps and explore all the corners. So ensure your health before departing.
Dressing properly: Comfortable clothes are recommended. However, do not wear improper items like short skirts, tank tops, shorts, etc.
Show respect: Always respect the culture and customs of local people.

Conclusion

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery is where visitors can comfortably admire the ancient features of Buddhist structures and find a refuge to escape from the noise of cities. Are you ready to immerse in the pure nature and peaceful religious space now? Contact Asia King Travel and let us plan your getaway!