Discover Buu Lam Pagoda in Phu Yen, Dak Lak Province! Explore cultural activities, costs, transport, and Legend Travel Group’s sustainable tours. Book your spiritual journey now!
Buu Lam Pagoda, nestled at the foot of Chop Chai Mountain in Tuy Hoa, Dak Lak Province, is a revered spiritual landmark in Phu Yen, located 450 km northeast of Ho Chi Minh City and 560 km south of Hanoi. Following Vietnam’s 2025 administrative merger, this historic Buddhist temple, famous for its 18-meter Sakyamuni Buddha statue, attracts over 25,000 visitors annually, especially during Lunar New Year. With free entry and cultural activities costing $1–$5 (25,000–125,000 VND), it’s a must-visit for cultural enthusiasts and eco-conscious travelers seeking Phu Yen’s spiritual heritage.
Overlooking Tuy Hoa’s serene landscapes, Buu Lam Pagoda blends ancient architecture with sustainable practices like biodegradable festival materials and solar-powered lighting. Its tropical climate (dry season: January–August, 22–30°C or 71.6–86°F; rainy season: September–December, 20–28°C or 68–82.4°F) ensures year-round visits. Legend Travel Group’s eco-tours immerse you in this sacred site, supporting local communities and Dak Lak’s green initiatives. Book via links in this guide or contact us at WhatsApp: +84825862222 or email: sales@legendtravelgroup.com!
Vietnam’s 2025 restructuring merged Phu Yen into Dak Lak Province, with Phu Yen and Tuy Hoa now wards. Buu Lam Pagoda, in Tuy Hoa, is easily navigated using ward-based maps, with Tuy Hoa as a central hub for cultural exploration.
With over 17 years as Southeast Asia’s leading sustainable tourism operator, Legend Travel Group crafts eco-friendly tours to Buu Lam Pagoda, blending spiritual discovery with environmental care. Our low-impact transport (electric scooters, bicycles) and English-speaking guides share insights on Buddhist traditions, local history, and green practices. Supporting Tuy Hoa’s artisans and communities, our tours align with Vietnam’s sustainability goals. Enjoy transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support. Sign up for a Legend Travel Group account to track our guides and book eco-tours via links on this page!
Located in Tuy Hoa, Buu Lam Pagoda is a historic Buddhist temple with roots tracing back centuries, rebuilt in 1956 at its current site near a lotus pond, earning its original name, Buu Lien (Precious Lotus). Despite wartime destruction, the pagoda was restored in 1974, with significant additions like the 18-meter Sakyamuni Buddha statue in 1999, a 12-meter bell tower in 2004, and a 240 m² Main Hall in 2006, showcasing ancient Vietnamese architecture. As a cultural hub, it hosts the Lieu Quan Intermediate Buddhist Studies and festivals with traditional music and dance. Sustainable features like eco-friendly lighting and local-guided tours preserve its sacred ambiance, making it a cornerstone of Phu Yen’s cultural tourism.
These sustainable activities, costing $1–$5, blend spirituality and culture:
Explore the Main Hall and 18-meter Sakyamuni Buddha, best at 8:00 AM, with free entry. Join guided tours ($2–$4 or 50,000–100,000 VND).
Cost: Free; guided tour $2–$4.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Respect sacred areas; avoid touching artifacts.
Tip: Included in Legend Travel Group’s Buu Lam Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Practice mindfulness near the pagoda, best at 7:00 AM, with guided meditation sessions at $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND). Enjoy mountain tranquility.
Cost: $2–$4; entry free.
Hours: Daily, 6:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Stay on paths to protect flora; carry reusable bottles.
Tip: Wear comfortable attire; included in Legend Travel Group’s Buu Lam Spiritual Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Join vibrant festivals (January/February), best at 6:00 PM, with free entry and donations ($1–$3 or 25,000–75,000 VND) for performances.
Cost: Free; donations $1–$3.
Hours: Seasonal, typically 5:00 PM–9:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Support biodegradable festival materials; respect rituals.
Tip: Check festival dates; included in Legend Travel Group’s Phu Yen Cultural Eco-Tour ($100–$150).
Shop for Buddhist crafts near the pagoda, best at 9:00 AM, with souvenirs costing $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND). Support local artisans.
Cost: $2–$5; entry free.
Hours: Daily, 8:00 AM–6:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Buy handmade, sustainable products; use reusable bags.
Tip: Bargain respectfully; located along Nguyen Tat Thanh Street.
Admire the 12-meter bell tower and 1.5-ton Dai Hong Chung bell, best at 10:00 AM, with free entry. Learn its history from guides ($2–$4).
Cost: Free; guided tour $2–$4.
Hours: Daily, 7:00 AM–5:00 PM.
Eco-Friendly Note: Avoid loud noises; respect sacred spaces.
Tip: Combine with Main Hall visit; included in Legend Travel Group’s Buu Lam Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80).
Visit from January to August for dry, warm weather (22–30°C or 71.6–86°F), ideal for exploring and meditating. The rainy season (September–December) adds lush scenery but requires rain gear. Weekdays (Monday–Thursday) see 50–100 visitors daily, compared to 200–600 during weekends and Lunar New Year (January/February), when festivals draw crowds. Early mornings (7:00–10:00 AM) offer serene vibes, while evenings (5:00–7:00 PM) suit festival activities.
Buu Lam Pagoda, in Tuy Hoa, Dak Lak Province, is 5 km from Tuy Hoa’s city center (10–15 min) and 450 km from Ho Chi Minh City (7–8 hours):
By Private Car: Drive 10–15 min from Tuy Hoa’s center via Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, costing $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND) round-trip for 4 people. Book via Legend Travel Group.
By Electric Taxi (Xanh SM): Eco-friendly VinFast taxis, 10–15 min from Tuy Hoa, $3–$5 (75,000–125,000 VND) one-way. Use Xanh SM app.
By Motorcycle: Ride from Tuy Hoa, 10–15 min, $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day (175,000–300,000 VND). Helmets mandatory (fines up to $40 or 1,000,000 VND).
By Bicycle: Rent in Tuy Hoa ($2–$5/day), 20–30 min via Nguyen Tat Thanh Street, ideal for eco-travelers.
By Walking: Walk 5 km from Tuy Hoa’s center (45–60 min), free and eco-friendly, but challenging in heat.
By Flight + Taxi: Fly to Tuy Hoa Airport (VTS) from Ho Chi Minh City (1 hour, $30–$60 or 750,000–1,500,000 VND), then Xanh SM taxi to the pagoda (20 min, $4–$6 or 100,000–150,000 VND).
Navigation Tip: Save “Buu Lam Pagoda, Tuy Hoa, Dak Lak Province” in offline maps (Maps.me); look for the giant Buddha statue on Nguyen Tat Thanh Street. Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
Eco-Friendly Note: Bicycles or Xanh SM taxis reduce emissions; walking minimizes impact.
Safety: Secure valuables; confirm taxi fares.
Pack these essentials for a sustainable visit:
Clothing: Modest attire (cover shoulders/knees), light layers, comfortable shoes; waterproof jacket ($3–$7 or 75,000–175,000 VND) for rainy season.
Sun Protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, sunglasses.
Travel Essentials: Reusable water bottle, compact umbrella ($2–$5), mosquito repellent ($0.50 or 12,500 VND), hand sanitizer ($0.50).
Tech Gear: Smartphone with Grab/Xanh SM apps, offline maps, portable charger; Vietnamese SIM card ($5–$10).
Outdoor Gear: Small backpack, camera for temple shots.
Documents: Passport copy, travel insurance, VND (10,000–50,000 notes).
Eco-Friendly Items: Reusable tote for souvenirs ($1–$2); biodegradable wipes.
Extras: Snacks for breaks; cash for donations.
Tip: Carry small VND notes for donations ($1–$3) or souvenirs ($2–$5).
Entry and Activity Fees
Pagoda Entry: Free.
Guided Pagoda Tour: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Meditation Session: $2–$4 (50,000–100,000 VND).
Festival Donations: $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).
Artisan Souvenirs: $2–$5 (50,000–125,000 VND).
Snacks (e.g., Sticky Rice): $0.50–$2 (12,500–50,000 VND).
Drinks (Water, Coffee): $0.30–$1 (7,000–25,000 VND).
Guided Eco-Tour: $15–$25 (375,000–625,000 VND).
Transportation (Round-Trip, from Tuy Hoa Center)
Private Car: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).
Xanh SM Electric Taxi: $6–$10 (150,000–250,000 VND).
Motorcycle: $0.50–$1 (12,500–25,000 VND) fuel; rental $7–$12/day.
Bicycle Rental: $2–$5/day (50,000–125,000 VND).
Walking: Free.
Parking: $0.80–$1.20 (20,000–30,000 VND).
SIM Card: $5–$10 (125,000–250,000 VND).
Total Daily Cost (Per Person, from Tuy Hoa)
Budget: $3–$10 (walking, snacks).
Mid-range: $15–$25 (taxi, activities, souvenirs).
Luxury: $40–$70 (private car, premium tour, souvenirs).
Tip: Budget for activities ($1–$5) and transport ($0–$10); carry cash for vendors (no cards accepted).
Timing: Visit at 7:00–10:00 AM for cool weather; January–August for dry conditions. Weekdays for fewer crowds (50–100 vs. 200–600 during festivals). Lunar New Year for vibrant events.
Booking: Reserve Legend Travel Group’s tours 24–48 hours ahead for guided visits. No tickets needed for pagoda entry; book guides at the site.
Sustainability: Respect sacred sites; bring reusable bottles. Support local artisans for crafts ($2–$5) or snacks ($0.50–$2).
Navigation: Save “Buu Lam Pagoda, Tuy Hoa, Dak Lak Province” in offline maps; follow Nguyen Tat Thanh Street to the Buddha statue.
Safety: Wear comfortable shoes; secure valuables. Confirm taxi fares.
Weather: Dry season for easy exploration; rainy season needs rain gear ($3–$7) and waterproof bags ($3–$7). Check AccuWeather.
Cultural Respect: Dress modestly (cover shoulders/knees); say “xin chào” to locals. Avoid loud noises in sacred areas.
Health: Drink bottled water ($0.50); carry mosquito repellent and sanitizer.
Our eco-friendly tours showcase Buu Lam Pagoda’s spiritual splendor:
Buu Lam Cultural Eco-Tour ($50–$80/person, 1 day): Electric scooter from Tuy Hoa for pagoda tour, meditation, and artisan market visit, with local lunch ($2–$5). Includes guide, transport.
Phu Yen Spiritual Eco-Tour ($100–$150/person, 2 days): Buu Lam Pagoda, Nhan Ancient Tower, and Tuy Hoa markets, with homestay. Includes meals, eco-transfers.
Phu Yen Heritage Explorer ($250–$400/person, 3 days): Buu Lam, Ganh Da Dia, Bai Xep Beach, and homestays. Includes meals, guides. Prices include guides, eco-transfers, fees. 15% off for groups of 8+! Sign up for an account to track tours and book now via links!
Buu Lam Pagoda in Tuy Hoa Ward, Dak Lak Province (formerly Phu Yen), captivates with its 18-meter Sakyamuni Buddha statue, ancient architecture from the early 19th century, and sacred ambiance, drawing thousands within Dak Lak’s 1 million annual visitors, located 440 km from Ho Chi Minh City. Accessible for free in Lien Tri Village, Binh Kien Commune, this spiritual landmark, founded during King Minh Mang’s reign (1820–1841), blends Buddhist heritage with sustainable practices like eco-friendly pathways and local-guided tours. Legend Travel Group’s Dak Lak Tours ensure a green, immersive Dak Lak Travel experience, offering guided tours, participation in Lunar New Year festivals, and visits to nearby sites like Ganh Da Dia and Mang Lang Church. Don’t miss out—sign up for a Legend Travel Group account, browse our featured tours, and book your eco-friendly adventure today!
Ready to explore Buu Lam Pagoda in Dak Lak? Reserve your sustainable tour with Legend Travel Group and embark on an unforgettable spiritual eco-adventure!
Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi, with over 20 years of experience in the travel industry, guiding 100,000+ travellers across Southeast Asia. This guide draws from firsthand insights, guest feedback from Legend Travel Group surveys.
Sources:
Buu Lam Pagoda Information: dadiabeachhouse.com, palmbeachhotel.vn, vietnam.travel, vinpearl.com, vietnamtourism.org.vn
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