Overview
Truc Lam Pagoda is the branch of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen monastery. The pagoda is 5km from the center of Dalat city located on Phung Hoang mountain near Tuyen Lam Lake. This is not only the largest pagoda in Lam Dong, but also a sightseeing and worship place for many domestic and foreign tourists.
The pagoda was firstly built in 1993 and it was completed in 1994, the pagoda architecture was designed by architect Vu Xuan Hung and Tran Duc Loc with the participation of the famous architect Ngo Viet Thu ( who designed the Independence Palace - now the Reunification Palace, Ho Chi Minh City) based on the design and planning idea of Zen monk Thich Thanh Tu. The pagoda is divided into 4 areas: the outer area, the resting area of the monks, the resting area of the abbot, the inner area of the male monks and the inner area of the female monks.
Truc Lam Pagoda is a unique architectural work situated next to Tuyen Lam Lake. Going up from the side of Tuyen Lam Lake is a steep road with 140 stone steps, both sides of road are tall pine forests leading through 3 gateways to enter the main hall. The main hall has an area of 192 sq meters.
Looking down from the pagoda is Tuyen Lam Lake, the landscape here is so beautiful, the lake is clear and green. Beneath the hill, near Tinh Tam Lake is a 2-storey guesthouse, neatly located on a hill with a lush garden. In front of the guesthouse is lush bamboo forest. Standing in front of the yard, you can see the Elephant mountain bending its shadow down to Tuyen Lam lake.
