Thien vien Van Hanh (Thiền viện Vạn Hạnh) is a famous buddhist monastery attracting pilgrims and many tourists in Dalat city.

Most famous for their 79 feet-high golden Buddha statue sat in the lotus position (The Lotus Position is a cross-legged sitting posture originating in meditative practices of ancient India, in which the feet are placed on the opposing thighs), Van Hanh's property is a great place to walk around during the day with its surrounding green gardens and lush palm trees.

What is the meaning of the lotus flower in Buddhism?

The lotus is one of the most well-known symbols of Buddhism. The lotus flower is one of the "Eight Auspicious Symbols" in the religion, and is one of the most important images in the faith. The roots of a lotus flower extend into the mud and the stem grows up through the water. The pristine bloom is rising above the surface.

No entrance fee! It seems strange to precise it but more and more tourist sightseings are not free anymore...

There isn't much to do here except admire the huge golden Buddha statue and snap a few photos. In the first temple, you will be surprised to see 2 reclining buddhas and many wooden statues all around.

On the main temple, you will discover the praying area, nicely decorated with a beautiful meditating buddha statue, in this pose, the Buddha is depicted with both hands in the lap, face up, and the legs are crossed, in a Lotus pose.

Did you know that many of the largest Buddha Statues, for example in Japan, such as the Great Kamakura Buddha Statue at Kotokuin Temple, and large statues in Korea are in the Meditation Pose? This pose is also known as the Amithabha Buddha, which means “Boundless Light.”

Other interesting Buddha statues in Vietnam:

- Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang city

- White Buddha statue in Giac Lam pagoda in Ho Chi Minh city (district 5)

- Massive Buddha statue at Vinh Trang Pagoda in My tho city

- Large Buddha statue in Marble Moutains in Danang city

- The statue of more than 33 m high on the Forbidden Mountain in An Hao Commune, Tinh Bien District, An Giang Province