Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery is situated atop a hill in the picturesque surroundings of Da Lat. It is one of the largest Zen Buddhist monasteries in Vietnam, established in 1994 by Venerable Thich Thanh Tu.
We had arrived at the monastery after visiting Dalat Clay Tunnel and the place was already quite crowded. The vibrant flowers planted all over the place greeted us first. I felt like I had stepped into a garden. Basically, there were tourist everywhere taking photos of the flowers. Anyway, Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, who founded the Truc Lam Zen tradition in the 13th century, precedes the monastery. Truc Lam Buddhist Monastery is well known for its tranquility and stunning views of the surrounding landscapes.
Undeniably, the temple complex is rather huge as we explored around. Located somewhere at the central was what seem like a man-made lake or water catchment area. There was a pathway which led us downhill, all the way to Tuyền Lâm Lake.
Tuyền Lâm Lake
Tuyền Lâm Lake is a scenic freshwater lake located just within the vicinity of the Buddhist monastery. In truth, it is one of the largest and most beautiful lakes in the region, adding to the picturesque landscape. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, creating a serene and tranquil atmosphere. Visitors can take boat rides on the lake, but we just settled with relaxing and enjoy the stunning views.
In conclusion, visitors often come to the monastery to meditate, enjoy the peaceful ambiance, and admire the architecture and beautiful gardens. Tuyền Lâm Lake offer visitors a peaceful retreat where they can immerse themselves in nature, spirituality, and tranquility amidst the beautiful surroundings of Da Lat.
Regardless, remember to dress in appropriate attire since the place is a religious destination after all.
