Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery tours with best prices and high quality in 2026

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery, belonging to the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen lineage, is the first Zen monastery built in Central Vietnam, located in Loc Hoa Commune, Phu Loc District, Thua Thien Hue Province. Commenced in 2006 and inaugurated in 2008 under the guidance of Most Venerable Thich Thanh Tu, this site is not only a center for Buddhist study and practice but also a scenic landmark attracting thousands of tourists and Buddhists every year. Positioned uniquely between Truoi Lake and Bach Ma Mountain, the Zen monastery offers a peaceful ambiance, blending nature and spirituality.

The Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery Tour is often designed to combine pilgrimage, exploration of Buddhist culture, and nature experiences. It is an ideal choice for those who wish to step away from the hustle and bustle of daily life to find a place of peace.

Embarking on a journey to find peace at Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery with Sovaba Travel, you will combine spiritual pilgrimage, relaxation amidst majestic nature, and exploration of unique landmarks in the ancient capital of Hue.

Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery

• Nestled in the heart of the majestic Bach Ma mountain range, the Zen monastery is designed in harmony with the natural landscape, divided into three main sections: the outer courtyard – dedicated to worshipping Shakyamuni Buddha under the bodhi tree; the monks' precinct – a retreat area for male monks; and the nuns' precinct – dedicated to female monks. Structures such as the triple-arched gate, Main Hall, bell tower, and relic tower appear majestic yet harmonize seamlessly with nature, offering a sense of peace from the moment you step foot inside.
• An unmissable highlight of the tour is the 24-meter-tall outdoor statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, weighing 1,500 tons, standing grandly amidst lush green pine hills, surrounded by bas-reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha from birth to Parinirvana. When joining the tour with Sovaba Travel, visitors also have the opportunity to listen to Buddhist teachings from Zen masters, learn about the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen tradition, and immerse themselves in the serene atmosphere with the echoing temple bell and spreading incense smoke. These moments will be captured through stunning photos at breathtaking check-in spots amidst the tranquil forests and mountains.

Truoi Lake

• To reach the monastery, the journey takes you across Truoi Lake – a giant green gem spanning over 400 hectares, surrounded by rolling mountains. Sovaba Travel organizes a 15–20 minute boat trip carrying guests gently across the clear blue lake, listening to the soft paddling sound in the quiet space. This is not just a transit journey, but a scenic excursion through nature, where sky, water, and clouds merge into one. Along the boat pier and around the lake are poetic check-in spots, ideal for preserving memories of your trip.

Nearby Attractions

• Vung Thung, Hop Hai, Ba Trai Streams: Small streams flowing down from Bach Ma Mountain into Truoi Lake, providing a cool space ideal for stream bathing or catching fish. The experience cost is only around 30,000-40,000 VND per turn.
• Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge: An ancient wooden bridge with a unique architecture of "house above, bridge below", located about 30km from the Zen monastery. This is a place to explore the cultural charm of Hue's countryside.
• Lang Co Bay and Lap An Lagoon: If the tour is extended, you can visit Lang Co Bay – one of the most beautiful bays in the world, or Lap An Lagoon – the "Tuyet Tinh Coc" (mystic haven) of Hue.

Local Cuisine

Cuisine is also an indispensable part of the tour experience. Sovaba Travel creates conditions for you to savour Hue specialties such as banh loc (tapioca dumplings), Hue beef noodle soup, Thanh Tra pomelo, or rustic grilled stream fish, all prepared by locals to preserve authentic home flavors. Additionally, you can enjoy a peaceful vegetarian meal at the monastery or at vegetarian restaurants near Truoi Lake, light, pure, yet nutritious.

Below is a sample itinerary for the Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery tour departing from Hue or Da Nang:

• 07:30-08:00: Pick up guests at the rendezvous point (center of Hue City or Da Nang) by car and tour guide.
• 08:30-09:00: Travel to Truoi Bridge, then continue another 6km to Truoi Lake boat pier.
• 09:00-09:30: Board the boat across Truoi Lake, admiring the poetic natural scenery and the outdoor Shakyamuni Buddha statue.
• 09:30-11:30: Visit Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery:
  • Climb 172 steps to reach the triple-arched gate.
  • Pay homage at the Main Hall, bell tower, and relic tower.
  • Learn about Truc Lam Zen school and listen to Buddhist discourses (if available).
  • Enjoy free time to take photos and embrace the peaceful atmosphere.
• 11:30-12:30: The group will have lunch at a local restaurant near Truoi Lake, with a menu featuring rustic Hue specialties or light vegetarian dishes according to preference.
• 12:30-14:30: Sovaba Travel will guide you to explore nearby natural destinations like Vung Thung, Hop Hai, or Ba Trai streams. Here, visitors can comfortably bathe in the stream, catch fish, or simply relax amidst the fresh mountain forest.
• 14:30-15:00: Return to the boat pier, board the vehicle, and head back to the city center.
• 15:30-16:00: End of the tour. The tour guide and car drop off guests at the initial meeting point, concluding a satisfying and relaxing day of rich experiences.

Note: The itinerary can be adjusted depending on weather or group requirements. If combined with locations like Lang Co or Thanh Toan Tile-Roofed Bridge, the duration may extend until 17:30-19:00.

For a convenient and complete experience, you can book Sovaba Travel's tour through the following methods:

• Visit the website sovaba.travel, select a suitable tour, fill in your information, and pay online.
• Contact hotline: 0934.733.223 for detailed consultation and booking 

Note:

• Ideal booking time: April-May, when the weather is dry and cool (19-21°C). In winter (October-February), bring warm clothes and waterproof jackets to stay protected from the cold.
• Attire: Choose polite, elegant attire, preferring light, gentle colors. Avoid wearing excessively short skirts or revealing clothes to show respect for the spiritual space.
• Safety: Always wear life jackets when taking the boat, and be careful when stream bathing to prevent slipping.

The Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery Tour is an ideal journey for those seeking inner peace amidst the rolling mountain scenery and sacred spiritual ambiance of Hue. With Sovaba Travel, you will worship the outdoor Shakyamuni Buddha statue in the heart of poetic Truoi Lake, experience floating gently on crystal-clear waters, and discover the peaceful architecture of the monastery hidden in the deep green forest. A lunch with Hue specialties or rustic vegetarian food completes the trip, bringing physical and mental relaxation.

Besides the Truc Lam Bach Ma Zen Monastery Tour, you can also explore other outstanding Hue tours at Sovaba Travel to plan memorable journeys with friends and family.