Last updated : 09:18 on 30/07/2025

Panoramic view of Nha Trang from Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda

Location and majestic beauty

Nine-Bend Mountain, located in Vinh Thai Commune, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa, now Nam Nha Trang Ward, is one of the largest and most prominent mountains in the area. With an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level, this mountain stands tall as a symbol of the western landscape of the city. From the top of the mountain, you can see the entire winding coastline, the bustling Nha Trang city center and the blue Nha Trang Bay, creating a rare and spectacular panorama.

From the top of the mountain, you can clearly see Ninh Van Bay, the entire North of the city, Hon Dung, Hon Rua, Hon Tre (Vinpearl), Hon Mun island, Hon Mieu, Hon Tam island, even Yen Island - Hon Noi. Almost all of the Nha Trang tourist attractions are all within your sight from here!

The mountain's location is quite convenient, only about 6 km from the city center, and can be easily connected via the 8-lane Vo Nguyen Giap Avenue and Phong Chau Street.

Journey to conquer and feel nature

The journey up Nine-Bend Mountain is a worthwhile experience in itself. You will explore the winding road around the mountainside, immerse yourself in the wild nature and enjoy the fresh air. The smooth curves leading to the top are not only a physical path but also a journey that brings the soul closer to the tranquility of the earth and sky.

Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son has the vision of a key spiritual tourist area.

Nine-Bend Mountain is undergoing a dramatic transformation, from a natural mountain to a large-scale cultural and spiritual area of Khanh Hoa province. This project, formerly known as Cuu Long Son Tu, is expected to become one of the largest spiritual complexes in Vietnam, second only to the Bai Dinh Pagoda complex in Ninh Binh in terms of scale.

This development is not just about construction but also a strategic vision to turn Nine-Bend Mountain into an architectural, landscape and spiritual cultural highlight. The master plan for Nine-Bend Mountain area (nearly 1,000 hectares) aims to develop sustainable eco-tourism and resorts, while preserving nature and managing unique ecosystems.

The area will include theme parks, eco-tourism areas and resorts, all designed to blend in with the distinctive hilly landscape and protect the environment. This shows a commitment to creating a destination that is not only spiritual but also a place where visitors can enjoy natural beauty in a well-planned space.

Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda (Cuu Long Son Tu): A Zen Monastery Among the Clouds

Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son

Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda, formerly Cuu Long Son Tu, is a sacred pagoda located on the top of Chin Khuc Mountain. It is important to note that this pagoda is completely different from Truc Lam Tinh Vien located on Hon Tre Island. Truc Lam Tinh Vien on Hon Tre is a massive Buddhist structure, inaugurated in September 2008 and recognized by the Vietnam Book of Records Center as the largest island pagoda in Vietnam in May 2009. Truc Lam Tinh Vien on Hon Tre stands out with its traditional Northern pagoda architecture, majestic curved roofs, and especially the 14m high statue of Quan Am Nam Hai overlooking the ocean.

Meanwhile, Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda (Cuu Long Son Tu) is a newly emerging spiritual structure on Chin Khuc Mountain, offering a unique and different experience, combining the majesty of Buddhist architecture and the majestic natural landscape of the mountains and forests.

Meaning of the name "Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son"

The name "Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son" is not only a beautiful name, but also contains profound philosophy about religion, life, and the path of practice in the sacred mountains.

“Truc Lam" is a familiar image in East Asian culture - bamboo forest symbolizes nobility, humility, and indomitability. But in Vietnamese Buddhism, the two words "Truc Lam" are also associated with Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect – a Zen sect founded by Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, laying the foundation for a unique Vietnamese practice, combining meditation, study, and practice. Therefore, “Truc Lam” here is not only a symbol of natural scenery, but also the embodiment of the spirit of Zen, compassion, and wisdom.

Letter "Phoenix"means to serve, to offer - expressing the aspiration of a monk: to live for the religion, to practice for the sake of sentient beings, to offer all sincerity to the Three Jewels (Buddha - Dharma - Sangha). It is a meaningful commitment, a vow to serve tirelessly.

“Thuy Son" can be understood as "the mountain illuminated by the Buddhas' compassion", or it can also be "the gentle mountain, casting its compassionate shadow over the human world". The word "Thuy" in Buddhism is often used in the phrase "thuy tu" - that is, the compassion of lowering oneself, letting go, and transforming sentient beings with great compassion.

Overall, "Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son" is a harmonious combination of Zen Buddhism – Vows – and Realms, is an affirmation of a place of pure practice, serving the Dharma, located in the heart of the peaceful mountains and forests, where every step is a return to oneself, a return to the tranquility of the soul.

Unique architecture and spiritual meaning

Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda was built in traditional Buddhist architecture, with a harmonious combination of majesty and majestic natural landscape.⁵ The houses in the temple are arranged in layers, forming the shape of the letter "cong", connecting from the Front Hall, Main Hall to the Back Hall.¹⁴ The entire structure is built of ironwood with sturdy pillars and beams, intricately carved with four sacred animal motifs, horizontal lacquered boards, parallel sentences, and statues according to Truc Lam Buddhist standards. The bright red tiled roof with gold border, combined with the high-low layered design, creates a majestic yet soft whole, winding along the mountainside, making the most of the unique terrain.

The architectural highlight here also includes the impressive 13-storey Golden Stupa, you will go through long stairs leading to the main areas, feeling the solemnity and antiquity of the space. The Bell Tower, Drum Tower and Tam Quan Gate are also important architectural elements, contributing to creating a complete and majestic temple complex.

Tranquil space and meditation experience

Coming to Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda, you will immediately feel a different serenity and peace. The cool mountain breeze and the sound of the temple bell echoing in the green forest seem to wash away all worries, creating an ideal space for worship, praying for peace, or simply finding yourself. This is where visitors can temporarily put aside the hustle and bustle of life, relax their souls and immerse themselves in the peace of the Zen monastery.

Impressive new check-in point

In addition to its spiritual value, Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda is also an ideal place for taking photos. From the top of the mountain, you can see the whole view of Nha Trang coastal city and the beautiful bay in the distance.⁵ This majestic scene makes for some pretty magical photos, especially at sunrise or sunset, when the natural light adds a magical touch to the scene.

What time does Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son open?

Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda is a relatively new destination, in the process of being completed and opened to visitors. According to updated information, the pagoda welcomes visitors from 9:00 to 16:00. Although there is information about the official inauguration or full opening in mid-2025. ⁷, the fact that the temple has opening hours for visitors shows that this is a destination that is gradually becoming stable. You should check the latest information from the management board or reliable sources before departure to ensure the trip goes smoothly.

Detailed guide to Nine Bends Mountain

To make your journey to explore Chin Khuc Mountain and Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda from the city center most convenient, you can refer to the following route:

From Nha Trang center to Nine-Bend Mountain

Once in the center of Nha Trang city, Nine-Bend Mountain is only about 6-15 km to the West. Visitors can choose popular means of transportation such as:

• Taxi: This is a convenient and quick option, especially if you are traveling in a group. You can consider the following airlines: Nha Trang taxi
• Motorbike: For those who love freedom and exploration, renting a motorbike is a great option to conquer the mountain road yourself.

From Phong Chau street, go straight to the foot of Chin Khuc Mountain, and keep going!

Important notes for the trip

The road is very steep, with many dangerous turns, be really careful when driving a motorbike, make sure to keep a safe distance, speed, and check the braking system carefully.

To have a complete and memorable trip, visitors should note the following:

• Skin: Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda is a sacred spiritual site. Therefore, visitors should wear polite, modest clothing (shoulders and knees covered) to show respect.
• Hours: The temple is open to visitors from 9:00 to 16:00. Please arrange your visit time to have enough time to explore and worship without being rushed.
• Personal preparation: Since it is a trip up the mountain, visitors should bring drinking water, hats, and sunscreen to protect their health. Comfortable walking shoes are also indispensable for easy movement on the steps and temple grounds.

Below is a summary of useful information for your trip:

Useful information for the trip to Chin Khuc Mountain & Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda

Item	Detail
Location	Nam Nha Trang Ward, Vinh Thai Commune, Nha Trang City (formerly), Khanh Hoa (about 6-15km west of Nha Trang center)
Height of Nine-Bend Mountain	About 500m above sea level
Temple opening hours	9:00 – 16:00 (Visitors)
How to get from Hon Tam	Canoe/Boat to Nha Trang port (~15-20 minutes) 16, then take a taxi/motorbike to the foot of Chin Khuc mountain (in the direction of Khu Dat Lanh), then take the steep road up to the pagoda.14
Important Note	Dress politely and modestly when entering the temple; prepare drinking water, hat, sunscreen, comfortable walking shoes. Check for updated information on opening hours/regulations before going.

Unforgettable experience at Nine-Bend Mountain – Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda

Nine-Bend Mountain and Truc Lam Phung Thuy Son Pagoda are a perfect combination of the majestic beauty of nature and the serenity of spiritual space. From the top of the mountain, visitors can not only admire the panoramic view of Nha Trang stretching to the horizon but also find deep peace in the meditative space of the pagoda. This is a new destination, offering a unique experience, completely different from the bustling beaches or familiar entertainment areas.

In short, this is a new, unique but also challenging place for you to explore Nha Trang, come to a quiet space to blend with nature, return to your true self. Read more Nha Trang travel experience for more great tips for your Nha Trang exploration days!