Truc Lam Pagoda & Cable Car
This peaceful Zen Buddhist pagoda, about 6 km (4 miles) from central Dalat, sits on top of Phuong Hoang Hill, and the best way to get here is via a beautiful cable car ride, with views of farmlands, pine forests, mountains, and lakes. Completed in 1994, the 24-hectare complex includes a working monastery in a section that's closed to the public, as well as a meditation center. The public areas include a ceremonial hall, bell tower, beautiful flower garden, cafe, and vegetarian buffet restaurant. It's a 15-minute stroll down to Tuyen Lam Lake, a pretty reservoir.
Day visits to the meditation center can be arranged in advance, since every guest needs to be approved by the Grand Master. Longer stays are possible but require some complicated paperwork. The monks or nuns can explain the steps involved.
