Vietnam Pagodas

Thiền viện Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã

Huế

Overview & history

Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã Zen Monastery is a monastery belonging to the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen school, and is a famous scenic site of Huế city. The monastery is located at the foot of Bạch Mã Mountain, in the middle of Truồi Lake, within the area of Lộc An commune, Huế city.

Trúc Lâm Bạch Mã Zen Monastery was founded by Most Venerable Thượng Thanh Hạ Từ, and is the first monastery of the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử Zen school to be built in Central Vietnam. Construction of the monastery began on 30 March 2006, and it has now been completed with three areas: the outer monastery (ngoại viện), the monks' quarters (tăng viện), and the nuns' quarters (ni viện), with more than 20 large and small structures.

Directions

From Huế city, follow National Highway 1 south for 30 km, cross Truồi Bridge, then turn right and go 6 km, passing through arid land with sparse villages. It may seem that:

Sơn cùng thủy tận nghi vô lộ

(Mountains worn down, seas dried up—one suspects there is no way forward)

But no:

Liễu ám hoa minh biệt nhất thôn.

(Green willows, bright flowers—there is a secluded village)

You will reach Truồi Dam; the Zen Monastery lies in the middle of the lake, about 500 metres from the foot of the dam (there are boats to take you across).

Photos

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Visiting 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: 16.24630, 107.79273

🧭 Directions on Google Maps

References

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