Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is an incredibly captivating spiritual tourist destination in Hue. Here, visitors not only find inner peace in the realm of Buddhism but also have the opportunity to admire the breathtaking scenery and connect closely with nature. Join us at DanangPrivateCar.com’s to explore this heavenly retreat in Hue in the following article!
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Introduction to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery
Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery was founded by Most Venerable Thuong Thanh Ha. It is the first Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery in the Central region. The construction of Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery commenced on March 30, 2006.
Currently, the monastery consists of three areas: the outer monastery, the monk’s quarters, and the nun’s quarters, with over 20 major and minor structures. Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is like a picturesque landscape and has become an attractive tourist destination for visitors traveling to Hue.
From the high vantage point of Bach Ma National Park, visitors can overlook the panoramic view of Truoi Lake and Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery. The place is surrounded by clouds throughout the year, creating a cool and fresh climate. Every day, hundreds of tourists come to the monastery to admire the scenery and offer incense.
Here, visitors can listen to the sound of water flowing in the streams and the singing of birds. By strolling around the monastery, you can enjoy the natural scenery and Buddhist structures. With the allure of pristine landscapes, you will feel a closer connection to nature than ever before.
Where is Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery located in Thua Thien Hue?
Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is located in Loc Hoa commune, Phu Loc district, Thua Thien Hue province, Vietnam. The monastery is situated at the foot of Bach Ma Mountain, between Truoi Lake and the Loc Hoa area.
Although it is about 30km southwest of Hue city, Truc Lam Bach Ma remains a highly attractive tourist destination due to its peaceful and romantic ambiance, as well as impressive architectural structures.
When is the best time to visit Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery?
The climate in the Bach Ma range is relatively mild due to its proximity to the sea, about 5km as the crow flies from the East Sea. Located at an ideal altitude of 1450m, it receives both continental and sea breezes, resulting in an average temperature ranging from 19°C to 21°C. This is an ideal climate for visiting the monastery at any time of the year.
However, since Truc Lam Bach Ma is situated on a mountain, the recommended period to visit is from March to September. During this time, there is typically less rainfall, allowing visitors to easily capture beautiful photographs.
Similar to the weather in Dalat within the heart of Hue, during the summer, visitors can enjoy the cool and refreshing atmosphere here. However, if you visit during winter, it is advisable to prepare warm clothing and scarves, particularly lightweight waterproof jackets, as there is often mist and drizzle.
After visiting Truc Lam Monastery, if you have ample time and want to go on a trekking adventure, exploring Bach Ma National Park is a fantastic choice. You can immediately book a private car trip from Danang to Bach Ma National Park for the most convenient transportation.
How to get to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery?
Visitors can reach Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery by bus, car, or motorcycle. Leaving Hue city, take National Highway 1 heading south towards Da Nang city. Truc Lam Bach Ma is approximately 30km from Hue city.
Detailed directions to the monastery from Hue:
- From Hue City, travel south for about 30km until you reach Truoi Bridge.
- Turn right and continue straight for about 10km along Truoi Dam Road.
- Follow the river until you reach Truoi Dam.
- About 500m from the foot of the dam is Truc Lam Bach Ma. Visitors need to take a boat to reach the monastery’s main gate. It takes about 15 minutes to reach the monastery via Truoi Lake.
You can either hire a private car with a driver in Hue or rent a motorcycle for the day. DanangPrivateCar.com’s specializes in providing private car rental services with professional English-speaking drivers in Hue who have years of experience in transporting foreign tourists. They will ensure a comfortable and cost-effective journey for you. Don’t hesitate to contact us for the quickest consultation.
Getting to Truc Lam Monastery in Hue from Da Nang.
The distance from Da Nang to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is about 69km. It takes approximately two hours to visit the monastery when traveling from Da Nang.
From the center of Da Nang city, move onto National Highway 1A. Then pass through Hai Van Tunnel and Phuoc Tuong Tunnel. When you see the sign for “Dam Trieu,” turn left. Continue to ask local residents for directions to the boat pier. Take a boat across Truoi Lake to reach Truc Lam Bach Ma.
Admission fee for Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery.
Visitors do not have to pay an entrance fee to the monastery area. However, you will incur the cost of the boat ride to the monastery.
- Boat tickets are around 30,000 VND per person.
- If you rent the entire boat to the monastery, it costs 240,000 VND for a boat with less than 12 people.
- If you rent a boat for sightseeing around Truoi Lake, the price is 600,000 VND for a maximum of 20 people.
The architecture of Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery has its unique features.
When you cross the lake to the other side of Truoi Lake, you will be greeted by a towering staircase reserved for pilgrims. To reach Truc Lam Bach Ma, you have to climb these 172 steps. And there stands the majestic Tam Quan Gate, imposing amidst the high sky.
Tam Quan Gate of Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery.
The monastery is situated on a mountaintop at an elevation of 1,450 meters, welcoming around 50,000 visitors annually. From the Tam Quan Gate, as you gaze downward, you will be amazed by the picturesque landscape of Truoi Lake reflecting the sky.
As you enter the temple grounds through the Tam Quan Gate, you will feel a serene and tranquil atmosphere. From the temple courtyard, visitors can easily spot the main hall and ancestral shrine, exuding a sense of solemnity. Alongside the traditional and ancient architecture of the temple, resembling the Thien Mu Pagoda.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is divided into three areas. The outer court houses the main shrine and the shrine where Buddha meditates under the bodhi tree. Behind the main hall is the ancestral shrine of the Zen master. The monastic area is where male monks and male Buddhist followers practice. The nunnery is a dedicated area for female nuns and female Buddhist followers.
Main Hall of Truc Lam Monastery in Hue.
The main hall is the largest area within the monastery complex. It is a two-story structure with ancient fish scale-shaped tiled roofs. Alongside are gracefully curved dragon motifs.
The doors and windows are made of durable and fragrant precious wood, such as ironwood or other valuable types of wood, giving a sturdy and natural scent. To enter the main hall, you need to climb about 20 steps.
Inside the main hall, there is a solemn stone statue of Buddha seated on a lotus pedestal. On both sides of the Buddha statue, there are incense burners for visitors to light incense and pray for peace, health, or good luck.
Bell Tower of Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery.
Upon leaving the main hall, visitors can explore the bell tower area. The bell here is entirely cast in bronze and of considerable size.
The bell tower of the monastery is designed in the traditional style of Vietnamese temples, featuring a unique two-story tiled roof. Additionally, the bell tower is adorned with intricate carvings of flowers, leaves, and vivid dragon motifs.
Interior of Truc Lam Monastery in Hue.
Inside the monastery, the atmosphere is cool and cozy, designed with wood, showcasing the distinctive Vietnamese architectural style. The wooden front door can be fully opened to welcome guests, while the windows on both sides provide ventilation and allow natural light to enter.
Must-visit attractions at Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery.
Truc Lam Monastery is one of the famous tourist destinations in Hue City. Here, visitors can enjoy a sense of peace, serenity, and escape from the busyness of life. Below are the must-visit attractions when visiting the monastery:
Truoi Lake – a fairyland scenery in Hue.
Truoi Lake is likened to a gem nestled between Hue City and Da Nang. It is the first and largest irrigation system in Hue, covering a total area of 400 hectares. The lake holds about 60 million cubic meters of water.
In November 2019, Truoi Lake was officially recognized as a tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the cool and fresh air and breathtaking scenery at any time of the year.
When boating around the lake, visitors can see the crystal-clear emerald water. Most boat operators, who are local residents, can also serve as tour guides and even photographers for tourists.
In the summer, the lake resembles a giant mirror reflecting the mountains and the sky in brilliant sunlight. In winter, mist can cover the landscape like a fairyland. The boat will stop at Truc Lam Bach Ma located in the middle of the lake.
Giant Buddha statue.
When taking a boat to Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery, you will be able to admire the 24-meter-high, 1,500-ton Thich Ca Buddha statue made of stone. The Buddha statue is seated in meditation on a hill facing the lake.
Surrounding the statue, there are numerous paintings depicting the life of the Buddha, from his birth to his attainment of enlightenment and entry into Nirvana. Located in the sacred hill area with favorable feng shui, this Buddha statue is a popular destination for many visitors to visit, worship, and pray.
Stunning check-in spots throughout the monastery.
With its picturesque landscapes of green mountains and blue waters, Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery offers countless stunning backgrounds. It allows you to capture unique and impressive photos.
When visiting Truc Lam Monastery, many tourists choose to wear traditional Ao Dai costumes of Hue to have beautiful and memorable photos during their visit to Truc Lam Bach Ma.
Ba Trai Stream.
Having arrived at Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery, you should take the time to visit Ba Trai Stream nearby. Ba Trai Stream is one of the four famous streams in the area, hidden with pristine beauty and allure.
It takes about 30 minutes from Truoi Lake to Ba Trai Stream. The journey provides you with ample time to capture breathtaking landscape photos.
The scenery here is still very untouched, surrounded by mountains and lush green trees. Below is the mysterious, crystal-clear water with many fascinating stories told by the local people.
In addition to enjoying the pure beauty of nature, you can also try fishing and have a direct barbecue by the stream. You will undoubtedly cherish the feeling of living amidst the peaceful nature of mountains and forests here.
Apart from Ba Trai Stream, you can also explore other pristine streams near the monastery, such as Ong Vien, Vung Thung, and Hop Hai streams.
Important notes when visiting Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery.
If you want your visit to the monastery to be safe, complete, and meaningful, you must pay attention to the travel experiences compiled by DanangPrivateCar.com’s below!
- Only bring the most essential items for your trip.
- Wear comfortable shoes as you have to climb 172 steps to reach the Tam Quan Gate of the monastery. The monastery is a place of solemnity, so you should dress respectfully.
- Check the weather forecast before your visit to Truc Lam Bach Ma.
- There are no food stalls within the temple area, so you should bring your own food and drinks. In the monastery, there is no requirement for absolute silence, but you should avoid loud conversations as it is a place for meditation and contemplation.
- If you visit during the rainy season (from October to February), bring warm clothes, a scarf, and a lightweight waterproof jacket.
Truc Lam Bach Ma Monastery is among the list of the eight most beautiful monasteries in Vietnam. If you enjoy exploring peaceful lands or ancient architecture, consider choosing an affordable one-day tour in Hue to experience the serenity and immerse yourself in the resonating sound of bells amidst the tranquil and pristine nature of beautiful tourist destinations in Hue with DanangPrivateCar.com’s.
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