1. About Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
1.1. Location & directions
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery is located in An Binh Ward, Can Tho (formerly My Khanh Ward, Phong Dien District), about 15 km away from the city center. It is among the largest Zen monasteries in the Mekong Delta. Its architecture reflects the aesthetics of the Ly and Tran dynasties.
You will find peace here, in both the temple grounds and its surroundings. The monastery’s calm atmosphere and traditional design make it an ideal stop for anyone seeking a moment of reflection.
From the center of Can Tho, you can reach the monastery by following Nguyen Van Cu Street southeast. After reaching My Khanh Tourist Village, keep going for a bit and you will arrive at the monastery.
1.2. Opening hours & entrance fee
- Opening hours: 6 AM - 6 PM
- Ticket price: Free of charge
1.3. History
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery carries both cultural significance and architectural pride. It was built to continue the legacy of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen school founded by King Tran Nhan Tong. General Pham Van Tra, former Minister of National Defense, proposed the project.
Construction began in July 2013 and finished in May 2014, taking only ten months to complete. The site covers over 38,000 square meters and features Vietnamese architecture modeled on Buddhist structures from the Ly and Tran dynasties.
The project received a total investment of VND 145 billion. Construction used high-quality materials such as South African ironwood and terracotta for flooring and the walkways. The use of nearly 1,000 blocks of imported lim wood gives the complex its enduring character.
2. Highlights of Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
2.1. Main gate
The main gate leaves a strong first impression. You will see curved tile roofs with stylized dragon heads and polished wooden doors in brown tones. On either side stand two tall, gold-plated statues. On the left stands Vi Da Bodhisattva, a protector of the Triple Gem. To the right is Tieu Dien Bodhisattva, often called Ong Tieu, who subdues evil spirits and helps those in need.
2.2. Courtyard & impressive works
Past the main gate, you will enter a spacious courtyard. The layout here feels balanced, with key structures placed throughout the grounds. These include the Avalokitesvara Hall, a One Pillar Pagoda replica, a Dharma lecture hall, guests’ quarters, a library, a dining hall, and a traditional medicine room.
On the right side, there is a small pavilion built over a round lake. A red bridge leads you to the pavilion, where a wooden statue of the Laughing Buddha sits with a gentle smile. On the left, another pavilion mirrors the design. Inside stands a 2-meter-tall white stone statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva.
Walking across the courtyard will lead you to the main hall. On the right stands a bell tower, with a curved roof and a polished bronze bell weighing 1.5 tons. On the left is a drum tower, which houses a large drum placed on a finely carved wooden stand.
2.3. Main hall & sacred statues
As you enter the main hall, the space immediately feels solemn. The hall stands on 44 large ironwood pillars, each polished and mounted on carved stone bases. These bases feature stylized lotus patterns that add both detail and symbolism to the structure.
At the center, you will see a gilded bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, about 2 meters tall and weighing 3.5 tons. The statue sits on a lotus base.
To the right is a smaller altar with statues of Manjushri Bodhisattva and Venerable Guardian. On the left is another altar with statues of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva and Venerable Sage. All were carved from 800-year-old yew wood with remarkable craftsmanship.
Each column carries Vietnamese couplets in black characters on gold backgrounds. These verses add to the sacred atmosphere of the monastery.
2.4. Ancestral hall
From the main hall, follow the path to the rear and you will find the ancestral hall. In the front yard, three stone statues sit in a meditating pose. These statues represent the three founding patriarchs of the Truc Lam Zen school: Tran Nhan Tong, Phap Loa, and Huyen Quang.
The hall features a four-sided tiled roof shaped like a curved boat, a design common during the Ly dynasty. Inside, you will see a standing statue of Bodhidharma placed next to the three patriarchs. Across from the hall, a peaceful garden features a statue of King Tran Nhan Tong in meditation.
2.5. Communal house
The communal house lies behind the ancestral hall. It includes a library, kitchen, exhibition, dining hall, and other functional spaces. Tall trees surround the house, creating an open space where you can walk, rest, or take photos. One part of the building is reserved for the monks’ quarters. This section is closed to the public to preserve the tranquility essential for spiritual practice.
2.6. Free medical treatment area
This area offers free traditional medicine treatment for those in need, especially low-income patients. The clinic uses herbal remedies and follows Vietnamese traditional healing methods. It operates on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays, from 7 AM to 11 AM and 1 PM to 5 PM.
>>> More on: Mekong Delta: A one-stop guide to the largest delta in Vietnam
3. Things to do at Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
At Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery, there are many ways to enjoy the serene surroundings here:
- Admire traditional Vietnamese architecture: You will see design elements from the Ly and Tran dynasties such as curved roofs, red fish-scale tiles, and dragon motifs.
- Take photos at scenic spots: If you enjoy photography, the monastery offers many beautiful angles. You can capture the drum tower, statues of Arhats, and gardens.
- Enjoy the quiet atmosphere: This is a place to slow down. The soft scent of incense, the echo of bells, and the garden layout create a grounding experience.
4. Important notes while visiting Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
Here are some tips to help make your visit smoother:
- You should wear modest clothing to respect the spiritual atmosphere of the monastery.
- The grounds are spacious and you will walk a lot, so consider visiting in the early morning or late afternoon when it is cooler.
- There is a rest area and a small self-service drink counter inside.
- Parking is free. If you want to contribute, you can place a donation in the nearby box.
5. Places to visit near Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery
After visiting the monastery, you can explore nearby attractions to round out your trip:
- My Khanh Tourist Village (280 meters away): This riverside complex spans over 30 hectares and offers a full Southern Vietnamese experience. It delights visitors with gardens, a resort, a playground, local dishes, and eco-tourism activities.
- Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm (800 meters away): Operating since the 1960s, this cacao farm covers 1.2 hectares. You can tour the garden, try cacao-based products, and watch how chocolate is made directly from fresh cacao pods.
- Ong De Tourist Village (900 meters away): Covering 2.5 hectares, this village offers a peaceful escape into the countryside. Here, you can enjoy local dishes, shady huts, and a natural setting surrounded by greenery.
>>> Check out: Mekong Delta tours: A fascinating journey through Vietnam's iconic region!
Truc Lam Phuong Nam Zen Monastery gives you more than just a sightseeing experience. It offers a chance to pause, breathe, and reflect. As you stroll through the courtyard, admire the sacred statues, or sit in silence, the calm atmosphere leaves a lasting impression. If you are planning a trip to Can Tho, this monastery will make a meaningful addition to your journey.
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