Vân Sơn Zen Retreat - A Spiritual Haven on Con Dao Island

The Mountain Temple, also known as Vân Sơn Zen Retreat, stands as the sole sanctuary on Con Dao Island and arguably the most exquisite temple in Vietnam. Vân Sơn Zen Retreat is a sacred destination boasting incredibly unique architecture. If you haven't experienced spiritual tourism on Con Dao Island yet, you can delve into more information in this article.

Introduction to Vân Sơn Zen Retreat on Con Dao Island

A Brief History of Vân Sơn Zen Retreat on Con Dao Island

Vân Sơn Zen Temple sits atop Mount One in Con Dao District, Vũng Tàu. This is the only temple on Con Dao Island constructed by the American pseudo government in 1964, ostensibly to cater to the spiritual needs of officials and soldiers on the island.

Additionally, Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island was built by the Americans to deceive the international media and to charm the public in the face of their invasion. The temple served as a veil to conceal their brutal domination of prisoners.

Vân Sơn Zen Retreat - A Spiritual Haven Not to Be Missed

Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island

This is undoubtedly the majestic mountain scenery not to be missed when visiting Con Dao. By 1975, when our country officially drove out the invading forces, Vân Sơn Zen Temple became a place of worship for both Buddhism and the heroes who sacrificed for the country.

Vân Sơn Zen Temple features a design heavily influenced by East Asian Buddhism. The total area of the temple is approximately 19,434 m2, including the entrance gate, ancestral hall, Địa Tạng shrine, bell tower, statue of Guanyin Bodhisattva, and Sơn Thần shrine, among others.

The strategic location of Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island

Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island occupies an extremely strategic position, nestled against Mount One with all sides facing the sea. This ensures that visitors can feast their eyes on the beautiful townscape.

To the south of the temple lies a dense forest-covered mountain. Facing east, you'll see the vast expanse of Côn Sơn Bay and the town of Con Dao. You'll also have the opportunity to admire the vast An Hai lotus pond to the north of the temple.

The most prominent feature when visiting Mount One Temple is the statue of Guan Yin Bodhisattva holding a transparent water vase, standing over 2 meters tall on a lotus pedestal. The interior architecture of the temple will leave you in awe with its intricately carved sculptures.

Spiritual tourism experiences at Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island

To fully experience the spiritual journey to the temples in Con Dao, it's advisable to consult shared experiences to plan and organize your belongings properly:

Spiritual Tourism Experience at Vân Sơn Zen Temple

In particular, when visiting Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao, a profoundly sacred site, travelers should take note of the following:

These are some tips to ensure your spiritual journey is perfect, avoiding any unwanted situations during your temple pilgrimage.

Guidelines on how to travel to Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island

Travelers visiting Con Dao can choose to travel by plane or by boat to admire the scenery along the way to Con Dao.

To visit Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao, travelers can walk up the steps. The steps at the temple are relatively easy to walk, so you can choose to take the stairs.

Or if you're not physically fit enough, you can choose to take a motorbike taxi from the foot of the mountain to the temple. Currently, the motorbike taxi fare at the temple is quite cheap, starting from 10,000 VND per person per trip.

When reaching Mount One Temple, travelers will feel a serene and peaceful space with the scent of incense mixed with the sea breeze. Rest assured, this is one of the most enchanting scenes you'll encounter.

Furthermore, travelers will undoubtedly find some beautiful spots overlooking Côn Sơn Bay. They'll surely bring back some incredibly enchanting photos.

When should you visit Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao?

Travelers may wonder when is the best time to visit Con Dao to enjoy the most beautiful scenery. Each time of the year in Con Dao has its own beauty, so you can visit Vân Sơn Zen Temple at any time of the year.

However, travelers should note that they can visit the temple from March to September. This is the rainy season in the year, but the rain doesn't last long, and warm sunshine follows, making it suitable for spiritual tourism.

Vân Sơn Zen Temple, Con Dao

Recommendations for accommodation when visiting Vân Sơn Zen Temple on Con Dao Island

If you haven't found suitable accommodation for your spiritual journey in Con Dao, Mytour recommends some hotels in Con Dao below:

Ngoc Anh Hotel Con Dao

Located in Con Dao, less than 1 km from Lo Voi Beach, Ngoc Anh Hotel offers accommodation with a shared lounge, free private parking, and a terrace. The property provides a 24-hour front desk, airport shuttle service, room service, and free WiFi.

Famous attractions near the hotel include An Hai Beach, Con Dao Museum, and Con Dao Prison. The nearest airport is Con Dao Airport, located within 14 km radius from Ngoc Anh Hotel.

Address: Zone 8, Pham Van Dong, Con Dao (Hon Son), Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam

Price: From 900,000 VND/night

Maya Hotel 3

Maya Hotel 3 is located in Con Dao, strategically positioned for easy access to the famous tourist attractions in the area.

All rooms at the hotel are fully equipped with modern furniture and amenities. Maya 3 Hotel Con Dao offers accommodation with a fitness center, free private parking, and a bar. This 4-star hotel has a 24-hour front desk and room service.

Address: Le Van Luong, Zone 7, Con Dao (Hon Son), Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam

Price: From 1,850,000 VND/night

Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel

Stepping into Marina Bay Con Dao Hotel, guests will experience a luxurious European-style space, with carefully chosen and elegantly arranged furnishings.

Marina Bay Con Dao infuses the pristine beauty of Con Dao with a modern and youthful atmosphere, sophistication evident throughout the resort's grounds and each living space.

Designed in European style with full amenities and high-end furniture. From the outside in, the hotel emphasizes a dominant bright white color scheme, creating a cool and spacious atmosphere.

Address: Nguyen Hue, Con Dao (Hon Son), Ba Ria - Vung Tau, Vietnam

Price: From 2,565,000 VND/night

A must-visit spiritual destination in Con Dao

During a spiritual journey to Con Dao, if you have already visited Van Son Pagoda, you can consider exploring some nearby tourist destinations. This helps make your trip to Con Dao more complete.

Hang Keo Cemetery Con Dao

Hang Keo Cemetery Con Dao is located about 2km from the town center. This is the resting place of revolutionaries and compatriots who sacrificed their lives in the anti-invasion war.

Most of them are individuals who lost their lives at Con Dao Prison and were buried here. Visitors should pay homage to show gratitude for the contributions of previous generations in protecting peace and independence.

Hang Duong Cemetery Con Dao

Van Son Pagoda Con Dao

Especially at Hang Duong Cemetery Con Dao, there are currently three famous reliefs that visitors can admire. These reliefs depict the indomitable spirit of the nation's resistance: Offering Clothes, Indomitability, and Hope.

Con Dao Shrine

Con Dao is a deeply sacred island with a glorious history of national resistance. At the Con Dao Shrine, people worship and commemorate the contributions of heroic martyrs who dedicated their lives to the nation's independence and freedom.

What to Eat When Visiting Vân Sơn Tự Con Dao

Surely, when you're in Con Dao, you can't miss out on experiencing the incredibly enticing cuisine of the islands. Visitors can consider some must-try dining spots as follows:

Saigon Claypot Rice

The Banyan Tree Restaurant

Family-run Eatery

Above are detailed insights on traveling to Con Dao. Hopefully, with the information provided, visitors will have the most complete visit to Vân Sơn Tự Con Dao. Don't forget to choose Mytour for booking flights, hotels, tickets, and tours to accompany you on your journey!