A picturesque scene by Ong Thoai Lake. Photo: DANH THANH
From early morning, groups of visitors flock to Truc Lam Zen Monastery in An Giang . Some come to worship Buddha and pray for peace; others simply want to enjoy the fresh air after stressful days at work. Stepping through the triple-arched gate, all the noise seems to fade away, giving way to the tranquility of the monastery. Situated on the slopes of Sap Mountain, the monastery bears the distinctive mark of Buddhist architecture belonging to the Truc Lam Zen sect of Vietnam. The curved tiled roofs, sturdy columns, and spacious surroundings amidst the mountains and forests create a solemn yet approachable beauty. The ringing of the temple bells in the wind seems to bring the heart back to a state of peace and serenity.
From the mountaintop, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Truc Lam Zen Monastery situated beside the vast Ong Thoai Lake. This is considered one of the most beautiful locations in the Sap Mountain tourist complex. During the rainy season, the mountain ranges are covered in a deep green, reflecting onto the clear lake surface, creating a poetic natural landscape. Standing at Thanh An Pagoda and looking towards the monastery, the tiled roofs, bearing the solemn colors of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture, stand out against the tranquil lake. Amidst the mountain scenery and the lake, the ancient and majestic structure appears as a spiritual focal point in the vast natural landscape.
The Ong Thoai Lake area is also a favorite spot for many tourists. Under the clear blue water, thousands of colorful fish swim freely. Whenever visitors throw food into the lake, the fish splash around, creating a lively scene. Mr. Tran Minh Hoang, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, shared: “I learned about Truc Lam An Giang Zen Monastery through videos on social media. Seeing the beautiful scenery, I took advantage of the weekend to bring my family to visit. It's even more beautiful in reality than in the pictures, especially the very large fish pond area and the fresh air.”
Besides the approximately 100,000m² lake, Ong Thoai Lake still features natural rocky islands connected by bridges named Mai An Tiem, Khoa Bang, and Vong Nguyet. Large and small rocks jutting out from the turquoise water create a majestic yet poetic scene. Because of this unique beauty, many tourists liken Ong Thoai Lake to a "miniature Ha Long Bay" in the Southwest of Vietnam. The harmonious combination of the vast lake, natural rocky islands, and surrounding mountains creates a rare and unique feature, attracting many visitors to explore, experience, and capture beautiful moments. "When I came here, I was quite surprised by the beautiful scenery. The peaceful atmosphere is perfect for a weekend getaway," said Mr. Nong Van Dieu, a resident of Phu Thien commune, Gia Lai province.
Within the monastery grounds, many choose to sit under the shade of trees, silently gazing at the clouds or spending a few moments in quiet contemplation before the main hall. Their footsteps are light, their conversations soft, as if everyone wants to preserve the inherent peace of the place. As the sun gradually sets behind the mountains, its golden rays illuminate the monastery's tiled roof, and the lake becomes even more shimmering. Many visitors linger to take記念 photos before leaving. Ms. Nguyen Thi Kim Loan, a visitor from Long Xuyen ward, said: “Every time I come here, I feel very comfortable. The air is cool, the scenery is beautiful and peaceful. This is an ideal place for the whole family to rest and relax on weekends.”
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/diem-dung-chan-an-yen-a488819.html
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