Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery: Can Tho’s Spiritual Oasis

Nestled in the tranquil outskirts of Can Tho City, Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery is a serene spiritual haven and one of the Mekong Delta’s largest Buddhist temples. Following the merger of Soc Trang and Hau Giang, Can Tho has become Vietnam’s largest city by landmass, drawing millions to its vibrant floating markets, lush orchards, and cultural landmarks. Located in Phong Dien Ward, this Zen monastery, built in the style of the Lý-Trần dynasties, offers a peaceful retreat for those seeking solace and cultural immersion. Recognized as a significant spiritual site since its completion in 2014, it embodies Can Tho’s commitment to preserving Buddhist heritage while promoting sustainable tourism under the “Green Delta” initiative. Legend Travel Group’s eco-friendly tours provide an enriching experience at this sacred destination—book your tour via the links throughout this guide!

Legend Travel Group, a premier local tour operator, specializes in sustainable Southeast Asia adventures. Our Can Tho tours feature low-impact transport—bicycles, electric boats, and eco-taxis—guided by local experts who share the Delta’s cultural and spiritual heritage. Supporting communities in Phong Dien and Ninh Kieu Wards, we align with Can Tho’s eco-vision. With transparent pricing, free cancellations up to 48 hours before departure, and 24/7 support, we ensure a seamless journey. Contact us at sales@legendtravelgroup.com or WhatsApp +84825862222 to book eco-tours and explore Trúc Lâm Phương Nam responsibly!

Vietnam’s administrative restructuring has merged Soc Trang and Hau Giang into Can Tho City, with Ninh Kieu as the central hub. District-level units are now wards or communes, enhancing access to cultural sites like Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery in Phong Dien Ward. Supported by sustainable infrastructure—cycling paths, electric ferries, and a VND800 billion flood mitigation project—Can Tho offers seamless exploration of its spiritual attractions.

Located at My Nhon Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien Ward, approximately 15 km from Can Tho’s city center, Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery is a sprawling 3.8-hectare Zen temple, the largest in Southwest Vietnam. Construction began on July 16, 2013, proposed by former Minister of National Defense General Phạm Văn Trà, and was completed in May 2014 at a cost of 145 billion VND. Affiliated with the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử sect, founded by Emperor Trần Nhân Tông, the monastery features Lý-Trần dynasty architecture, blending Vietnamese Buddhist traditions with serene landscapes. Surrounded by fruit orchards and eco-tourism areas, it offers a tranquil space for meditation, worship, and cultural exploration, attracting Buddhists and tourists seeking peace and spiritual renewal.

Key Features:

• Location: My Nhon Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien Ward, Can Tho City.

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Significance: Largest Zen monastery in Southwest Vietnam, reflecting Trần dynasty heritage.

• Sustainability: Promotes eco-friendly tourism and cultural preservation.

Tip: Visit early morning for serene meditation sessions, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

The monastery is 15 km from Can Tho’s city center, accessible by various eco-friendly and budget-friendly options:

• By Road: Follow Trần Phú Street to Cách Mạng Tháng 8, then Hùng Vương and Nguyễn Văn Cừ to Provincial Road 923 in Phong Dien Ward (20–30 minutes).

  • Taxi/Grab: $5–$8 (125,000–200,000 VND).

  • Motorbike Rental: $5–$10/day (125,000–250,000 VND).

  • Bicycle Rental: $1–$3/day (25,000–75,000 VND), 45-minute scenic ride.

• By Private Car with Tour: Book with Legend Travel Group for eco-friendly transfers, including cycling or electric vehicle options.

  • Cost: $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND) for guided transport.

• By Bus: Take a local bus from Can Tho central bus station to Phong Dien ($0.50–$1 or 12,500–25,000 VND, 30 minutes), then a short taxi ride ($2 or 50,000 VND).

• By Motorbike from Can Tho International Airport: 17 km, 30 minutes ($5–$10 or 125,000–250,000 VND for rental).

Tip: Cycle or use electric vehicles for an eco-friendly approach, included in our Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85).

Top Activities

1. Admire Lý-Trần Architecture: Explore the temple’s grand main hall (Đại Hùng Bảo Điện), three-entrance gate, bell and drum towers, and ancestral hall, featuring red-brown tiles, ironwood pillars, and intricate Buddha statues.

   • Cost: Free entry; donations ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND) appreciated.

   • Tip: Study the ceramic rooftop dragons, included in our Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70).

2. Participate in Meditation and Rituals: Join morning meditation sessions (5:30 AM–6:30 AM) or offer incense to pray for peace and prosperity.

   • Cost: Free; incense $1–$3 (25,000–75,000 VND).

   • Tip: Attend guided meditation, included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).

3. Explore the Grounds: Stroll through 3.8 hectares of manicured gardens, lotus ponds, and Buddha statues, including statues of the Trúc Lâm sect’s patriarchs (Trần Nhân Tông, Pháp Loa, Huyền Quang).

   • Tip: Relax by the lotus pond, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

4. Photography: Capture the temple’s vibrant architecture and serene landscapes, ideal for sunrise or late afternoon shots.

   • Tip: Use respectful angles to avoid disturbing worshipers, included in our Can Tho City Explorer Tour ($45–$65).

5. Learn About Trúc Lâm Zen: Discover the history of the Trúc Lâm Yên Tử sect, founded by Emperor Trần Nhân Tông, through exhibits and guided tours.

   • Cost: Guided tour $10–$15 (250,000–375,000 VND).

   • Tip: Engage with monks for insights, included in our Mekong Delta Immersion Tour ($250–$400).

Nearby Attractions

• My Khanh Eco-Tourism Village (3 km): Explore fruit orchards and folk games ($2–$5 or 50,000–125,000 VND entry).

• Muoi Cuong Cacao Farm (5 km): Tour an organic cacao farm ($3–$5 or 75,000–125,000 VND).

• Cai Rang Floating Market (12 km): Visit the Delta’s largest market ($10–$20 or 250,000–500,000 VND boat tour).

• Tip: Combine with the monastery for a cultural and eco-tourism day, included in our Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80).

• Location: My Nhon Hamlet, My Khanh Commune, Phong Dien Ward, Can Tho City (15 km from city center).

• Hours: Daily, 5:00 AM–9:00 PM.

• Admission: Free; donations ($1–$5 or 25,000–125,000 VND) encouraged.

• Accessibility: Paved paths for most areas; limited wheelchair access due to steps in some buildings.

• Contact: Legend Travel Group for tours (+84825862222).

• Dry Season (January–April): Sunny mornings (25–36°C or 77–96.8°F) are ideal for exploring gardens and architecture, with clear skies enhancing photography.

• Rainy Season (May–October): Cooler temperatures (22–32°C or 71.6–89.6°F) and lush greenery; fewer visitors offer a more tranquil experience, though bring rain gear for showers.

• Festivals:

  • Vesak Day (April or May, lunar calendar): Celebrate Buddha’s birth with vibrant rituals and lanterns.

  • Vu Lan Festival (July, lunar calendar): Honor ancestors with offerings and ceremonies.

• Daily Timing: Early mornings (5:00 AM–8:00 AM) for meditation and cool weather; late afternoons (4:00 PM–6:00 PM) for serene ambiance.

• Tip: Visit on weekdays to avoid crowds, especially during festivals; check lunar calendar dates and AccuWeather for updates.

• Book Tours Early: Reserve eco-tours via Legend Travel Group (sales@legendtravelgroup.com, WhatsApp +84825862222) 2–3 weeks in advance, especially for festival periods.

• Dress Code: Wear modest clothing (covered shoulders, long pants or skirts) and remove shoes before entering sacred areas; bring a hat for outdoor exploration.

• Sustainability: Support cultural preservation by avoiding litter and choosing eco-friendly transport like bicycles or electric vehicles.

• Navigation: Download offline maps (Maps.me) for Phong Dien Ward.

• Safety: Secure valuables; respect worshipers’ privacy during rituals.

• Cultural Respect: Maintain silence during prayers; say “cảm ơn” (thank you) to guides or monks; avoid climbing statues or touching sacred items.

• Health: Carry bottled water ($0.50 or 12,500 VND) and mosquito repellent for outdoor areas.

Our sustainable tours pair Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery with Can Tho’s top attractions:

• Can Tho Heritage Tour ($50–$70/person): Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery, Binh Thuy Ancient House, Ong Temple. Includes eco-transfers, lunch, and guide.

• Can Tho City Explorer ($45–$65/person): Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery, Ninh Kieu Wharf, Cai Rang Floating Market. Includes bike rentals, snacks, and guide.

• Can Tho Foodie Tour ($65–$85/person): Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery, Cai Rang Floating Market, local cuisine tasting. Includes eco-transfers, meals, and guide.

• Tra Su Eco-Tour ($60–$80/person): Tra Su Bird Sanctuary, Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery, My Khanh Eco-Tourism Village. Includes boat rides and eco-transfers.

• Mekong Delta Immersion ($250–$400/person, 2–3 days): Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery, floating markets, homestays ($10–$25/night). Includes transfers, meals, and activities.

Prices include English-speaking guides, eco-transfers, and entrance fees. Enjoy 10% off for groups of 8+ or seasonal promotions. Book now via links around this page!

Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery, a spiritual and cultural jewel in Can Tho City, offers a serene escape with its majestic Lý-Trần architecture, tranquil gardens, and Zen traditions. As the largest monastery in Southwest Vietnam, it invites travelers to find peace and connect with the Mekong Delta’s Buddhist heritage. Legend Travel Group’s Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery Tours guide you through this tranquil haven, ensuring a sustainable Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery Travel experience paired with Can Tho’s floating markets, orchards, and historical sites. Don’t miss out—browse our featured tours and book your Can Tho adventure today!
Ready to find serenity at Trúc Lâm Phương Nam Monastery? Reserve your eco-tour with Legend Travel Group and immerse yourself in its timeless tranquility!

Author Bio: Written by Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group, 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.

Source: By Tony Bùi at Legend Travel Group