For Vietnamese people, spirituality is indispensable in life, whenever traveling, besides recreational resorts, the pagoda is also a very important destination, so going to Vung Tau is not. You can ignore Chan Nguyen Truc Lam Zen Monastery!
About Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Monastery (also known as Monkey Pagoda ) is a Zen temple of the Dai Thua sect, located right at the foot of Ky Van mountain, in Phuoc Ha town, Long Dat district, Ba Ria – Vung Tau province and away from the pass. Long Hai Fresh Water is more than 1km.
The prime location of the temple (Photo @tranguyengiathuan)
Initially, the temple was just a small house under the supervision of Mrs. Tu, but when it was led by Venerable Thich Thong Luan – who has traveled to 15 countries around the world to lecture on Buddhism to be the abbot in 1987, the pagoda was has been repaired nicely and widely as today.
Architecture of Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery
Located in a prime location “like the mountain of water,” Chan Nguyen Pagoda impresses with the architecture bearing the imprint of Vietnamese Buddhism with its roof covered with red bricks, sharp claws to the tail and soaring to the sky like the sword, along with the use of brown and orange, creates an ancient, sacred feel.
Temple architecture (Photo @gaeulzk)
In addition, large windows and wide corridors are designed into many domes, making the temple feel airy, and at the same time can receive natural light and circulate air.
Design of the main hall (Photo @sallyvu_vn)
Revealing, for those who have been on a pilgrimage to many temples in the country, it will be easy to recognize that the architecture of this spiritual place is very similar to the famous Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Dalat.
Inside the main hall of Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Monastery is worshiped Buddha Shakyamuni meditating on the lotus. In front of the temple courtyard, there is a bell tower, an empty tower and two large stone pillars carved in the shape of an oil lamp that can be lit up at night, extremely impressive.
Buddha statue is worshiped in the temple (Photo @vox_xthanh)
The highlight of Chan Nguyen Vung Tau monastery is also at the back of the pagoda, because there are rocks carved in a very natural harmony through the magical hands of creation forming many strange shapes: There are blocks like the serpent of gems – a symbol of prosperity, the block is like a giant elephant kneeling or a block like the head of a Buddha statue, a Phoenix bird … very unique.
Unique rocks behind the temple (Photo @xuantancalligraphy)
On each rock is also engraved with a poem, a water-ink painting with bold Buddhist colors or meaningful Chinese characters … that visitors cannot ignore.
Moreover, this place is also placed with many gentle Buddha and Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara statues, each time the sun shines, it will feel like the statues are radiating aura, bless the blessings and blessings. for beings.
Compassionate coffin (Photo @sergeireyes)
In addition, along the mountainside, there are simple small huts for visitors to rest or small wooden huts for the monks at Chan Nguyen bamboo monastery to practice. However, to ensure the tranquility, visitors will not be allowed in the morning to visit.
Tourist’s place to stay (Photo @___truc_nhien___)
Note : Because this is a spiritual place, when entering, please dress discreetly, politely and solemnly, and at the same time walk and talk gently, do not swear, smoke or throw trash indiscriminately. in the temple grounds to show respect for the sacred place.
Memorable experiences at Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery
Located in the middle of immense nature, hidden behind majestic mountains and overgrown canopy of trees, the atmosphere at the temple is always fresh, pure and cool.
Standing in the temple grounds, listening to the monks’ chanting, the echoing temple bells, the sound of birds singing in the distance and the melodious wind chimes in the wind, you will feel your soul become extremely calm. , quiet and quiet
Peaceful atmosphere at the temple (Photo @bachhoangphong)
In particular, there are nearly 250 very gentle and wise long-tailed monkeys in the temple, so they are also called by local people with another very dear name, Monkey Pagoda or Phu Dang Hau and held a record of honor in Vietnam. is ” The temple with the most natural monkeys ” there.
The image of monkeys fighting each other for pieces of bread or a few bananas or running and jumping on rocks, branches will add freshness, excitement and bustle to the temple, making us feel like are standing in the Hanoman shrines in Indian Buddha land.
Super cute monkeys (Photo @ nguyendangtruong1111)
In addition, the monkeys at Chan Nguyen bamboo monastery will never attack or snatch away from guests like at the Galtaji temple in Jaipur, so visitors, especially children, can comfortably caress or shake hands. With them, sure to enjoy watching.
If you have time, do not forget to visit the famous tourist attractions in Vung Tau nearby such as Ngot Ngot Pass, Tinh Xa Ngoc Hai, Long Hai beach or Ky Van tourist area … there.
The ideal time to visit Truc Lam Chan Nguyen Zen Monastery
Every season, the scenery around the monastery brings its own beauty: the spring is poetic with the bright pink of cherry blossoms, the summer comes a fresh color, the autumn is romantic like a Korean movie. Because the yellow and red color of the dipterocarp forest is in the changing season, and when winter comes, it brings a wild, mysterious beauty.
However, the most ideal time to visit the pagoda is probably October and November, because the air is very cool, and there are no dangerous storms, will help you experience many pleasures in Vung Tau. More than that.
How to move to Chan Nguyen monastery
Passenger car : you go to the East bus station to buy a ticket or contact directly with the bus station to Long Hai to make a reservation. After getting off Long Hai, you can take a taxi or motorbike taxi to Ky Van mountain.
Personal vehicles :
Route 1 : You follow Highway 1 to Vung Tau roundabout, turn right to Highway 51, continue to Ba Ria junction, then turn left towards Long Hai. Or go in the direction of Cat Lai ferry through Nhon Trach Industrial Park and follow the national highway to reach Long Hai.
Road 2 : From Long Hai, you go towards Nuoc Ngot pass, go straight to Phuoc Hai – Loc An – Ho Tram about 1km, you will see a signpost. Just follow the signpost to get to the monastery.
If you are looking for a peaceful place to get rid of all your troubles, Chan Nguyen Truc Lam Zen Monastery in Vung Tau is the place for you!