Chùa Khỉ (Thiền viện Trúc Lâm Chân Nguyên)
TP. Hồ Chí Minh(formerly Bà Rịa – Vũng Tàu)(Chùa Khỉ)
Overview & history
Khỉ Pagoda (officially named Trúc Lâm Chân Nguyên Zen Monastery), is located at the foot of Minh Đạm Mountain, in Phước Hải Commune, Hồ Chí Minh City. The pagoda was built in 1990.
Architecture
Trúc Lâm Chân Nguyên Zen Monastery (Khỉ Pagoda), belonging to the Mahayana Zen school, features architecture reminiscent of Trúc Lâm Đà Lạt. The pagoda is situated at the foot of Minh Đạm Mountain in Phước Hải Town, just over a kilometre from the Long Hải Nước Ngọt Pass.
Origin of the Name
Khỉ Pagoda is the name commonly used by locals for the Trúc Lâm Chân Nguyên Zen Monastery located at the foot of Minh Đạm Mountain, in Phước Hải Commune, Hồ Chí Minh City. The pagoda was originally a small hermitage (am) tended by Mrs. Tư. In 1987, Venerable Thích Thông Luận came to repair the pagoda and practise there. The pagoda has simple architecture and worships Shakyamuni Buddha meditating on a lotus throne. The pagoda's scenery is very beautiful. Following the right side of the pagoda up to Kỳ Vân Mountain, there are many rocks with strange shapes, such as rocks shaped like a snake's head, dolphin, elephant, turtle, and phoenix... In addition, there is a centuries-old bodhi tree whose roots wrap around a large rock, creating an ancient and interesting feature for visitors. Especially, a wild troop of nearly 200 monkeys lives on Kỳ Vân Mountain; every early morning, they often come down to eat 'pagoda offerings' and play amusing games until the sun rises high, then return to their caves on the mountain.
Photos
📷 Contribute photosVisiting tips
- Dress modestly; remove hats and keep quiet inside the main hall.
- Incense, flowers and offerings are usually sold right outside the gate; light an odd number of sticks (1 or 3).
- Most pagodas open from early morning to evening and are free to enter (some major sites charge a small scenic fee).
- Full-moon days, the 1st of the lunar month and Tet are very crowded; visit on weekday mornings for a quiet experience.
- Ask permission before photographing inside shrines; do not touch statues or altar objects.
Read more & references
Useful links to learn more before your visit:
Location
Coordinates: 10.39733, 107.26342
🧭 Directions on Google Maps