Truc Lam Vien Ngo Zen Monastery
Ninh Thuận(Thiền viện Trúc Lâm Viên Ngộ)
Overview & history
Truc Lam Vien Ngo Zen Monastery clings to the mid-slope of Da Chong mountain (Phung Son), in Khanh Hai town, Ninh Hai district, Ninh Thuan province, about 5 km northeast of Phan Rang – Thap Cham city. It is the largest Zen monastery in Ninh Thuan.
History
The foundation stone was laid on 6 December 2008; the monastery belongs to the Truc Lam Zen school. Its Buddha hall enshrines Shakyamuni Buddha flanked by the bodhisattvas Manjushri and Samantabhadra. Together with Trung Son and Trung Khanh pagodas, it forms a spiritual ensemble linked to Ninh Chu – Binh Son beach.
Architecture
Built mainly of stone and timber, the monastery is divided into separate monks' and nuns' quarters, its roofs backed against the mountain and facing the sea. Buddha statues and shrines climb from mid-slope to the summit, blending with the mountains, villages, rice fields and lagoons of sun-scorched Ninh Thuan.
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: