January
17.3°C ~ 63°F
7 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
Truc Lam Zen Monastery
A hilltop Zen monastery above Tuyen Lam Lake, reached by cable car or a long stairway.
- Location
- Da Lat
- Time needed
- From 1 hour
- Entry fee
- Free
- Best months
- Nov – Mar
Overview
Truc Lam Zen Monastery sits on a hill over Tuyen Lam Lake, about 5 to 7 km from the centre of Da Lat. Gardens of pines, flowers and neatly clipped trees surround the main hall, and the view of the lake from the terrace is the highlight. The monastery is part of the Truc Lam Zen tradition and is a working place of worship.
You can reach the main hall by cable car from Robin Hill, which takes about 12 minutes, or by walking about 140 stone steps up from the lake. Opening hours are listed at about 5:00 to 21:00 daily in a 2025 source. Dress modestly, keep quiet and be respectful of monks and worshippers.
Highlights
- See the view over Tuyen Lam Lake
- Walk through the monastery gardens
- Ride the cable car from Robin Hill
- Visit the main hall
Visitor information
| Opening hours | Daily, about 5:00 – 21:00 (2025 source; confirm) |
|---|---|
| Entry fee | Free to enter. Cable car fare not confirmed for 2026. |
| Time needed | 1 – 2 hours |
| Best time of day | Morning |
| Good for | Culture lovers, couples, photographers |
| Accessibility | Steps from the lake, or take the cable car |
| Facilities | Garden, tea shop, toilets |
Prices and hours can change. Check the official source before you go.
Best time to visit
Weather in Da Lat by month.
February
17.7°C ~ 64°F
5 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
March
19.3°C ~ 67°F
9 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
April
20.1°C ~ 68°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
May
20.1°C ~ 68°F
26 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
June
19.6°C ~ 67°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
July
19.2°C ~ 67°F
29 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
August
19.3°C ~ 67°F
27 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
September
19°C ~ 66°F
28 days of rain
Crowds: Quiet
October
18.6°C ~ 65°F
25 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
November
18.3°C ~ 65°F
15 days of rain
Crowds: Moderate
December
17.4°C ~ 63°F
8 days of rain
Crowds: Busy
How to get there
- From Da Lat centre
About 5 – 7 km from the centre of Da Lat. Taxi or ride-hailing, or take the cable car from Robin Hill.
- Truc Lam Zen Monastery
Tips before you go
- Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered
- Go in the morning for clear views
- Take the cable car if you do not want the 140 steps
- Keep quiet in the halls
Location
Phoenix Hill, near Tuyen Lam Lake, Da Lat
More attractions in Da Lat
FAQs
How do I get up to the monastery?
By cable car from Robin Hill, or 140 stone steps from the lake.
Is entry free?
Yes. The cable car is paid separately.
What should I wear?
Cover your shoulders and knees.