The monastery was founded by Thích Thanh Từ, who played a central role in restoring the Trúc Lâm Zen lineage in Vietnam.
The grounds feature a large collection of rare bonsai trees maintained by resident monks.
The monastery is built on a site that once housed a French colonial-era military outpost.
The main hall houses a prominent statue of Sakyamuni Buddha sitting on a lotus pedestal, flanked by Manjushri and Samantabhadra Bodhisattvas.
The architecture intentionally avoids the ornate, multi-colored style of older pagodas in favor of a minimalist aesthetic suited for meditation.
Thiền Viện Trúc Lâm is an active Zen Buddhist monastery situated on Phụng Hoàng mountain overlooking Tuyền Lâm Lake. Established in 1994, it serves as the center of the Trúc Lâm Zen sect in Southern Vietnam. The complex features a main ceremonial hall surrounded by meticulously maintained flower gardens and bonsai collections. Visitors can access the grounds via a walking path from the mountain peak or a cable car system from the city outskirts. The monastery grounds encompass a meditation hall, a bell tower, and residential quarters for practicing monks. Large stone carvings and Buddhist statues are integrated into the garden architecture. The layout follows a traditional Vietnamese monastery design with a focus on harmony with the natural forest environment.
The main courtyard entrance overlooking the monastery grounds with Tuyền Lâm Lake in the background.
Arrive early in the morning to experience the chanting sessions and avoid the peak arrival times of tour groups.
Follow the stone steps down from the temple gates to access the Tuyền Lâm Lake waterfront.
Maintain a quiet demeanor throughout the entire monastery grounds, including the public gardens.
Taking photos inside the main prayer halls where monks are meditating; wearing revealing clothing.
Visitors must cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes before entering any temple hall; avoid speaking loudly in garden areas.
