Samten Hills Dalat

Samten Hills Dalat is a cultural-spiritual complex inspired by the Vajrayana Buddhist culture. It impresses visitors with its magnificent buildings decorated with elaborate artworks that spread the Buddhist teachings and bring peace to the souls. Let’s explore this sacred sanctuary with Asia King Travel now!

Samten Hills Dalat, a cultural-spiritual complex

Location

Samten Hills Dalat is located in Kambute Village, Tutra Commune, Don Duong District, Da Lat City, Lam Dong Province. This is a large-scale religious complex featuring the Vajrayana Buddhism, a sect of Buddhism originating in Northern India. 

How to get there

• Get to Da Lat City:

Airways is the first choice for those who love convenience. You will catch a flight to Lien Khuong Airport, then head for the city center by bus or taxi. If you prefer slow travel and enjoy the landscapes along the way, take a train. This way takes around 2 days, yet it is more economical. Just a reminder that Da Lat doesn’t have a station, so you should stop by Nha Trang Station to catch a bus to Da Lat.

For those departing from nearby cities, traveling by bus also works. However, the commuting time may last for several hours, depending on your departure point. Long travel can drain you before reaching the final destination, so think wisely!

• Get to Samten Hills Dalat:

Samten Hills is 40 kilometers from the city center. You just need to follow the directions of Google Maps, or more simply, catch a taxi to the destination. 

Best time to visit

The ideal time to visit Samten Hills, as well as other attractions in Da Lat, is from November to April. The weather during these months is mild and comfortable, which ensures the best experience in this city of mist.

The best time to visit Samten Hills is between November and April

Opening time & Entrance fee

Samten Hills Dalat is open 6:00 am to 6:00 pm every day, though specific areas within the complex may operate on different schedules. For the most accurate and up-to-date information, we suggest checking their official website in advance.

For in-day visits:

• Adults: VND 250,000
• Children between 1m and 1.4m tall, and seniors over 65: VND 180,000
• Children under 1m, monks, and individuals with disabilities: Free entrance

The site also offers various packages, such as the Sunrise Experience Combo or the 1-day Dalat-Samten Hills Tour. You can search for the price tour and detailed schedule on their official website.

Meaning of Samten Hills Dalat 

In Tibetan, the word “Samten” means stability and balance of mind. The Samten Hills Dalat is more than a tourist spot; it’s a sacred religious space inspired by the Vajrayana Buddhism, featuring architectural landmarks like the Great Stupa, Buddha Statues, etc. 

This huge construction is the last heritage of a venerable Indian practitioner and scholar, Drubwang Sonam Jorfel Rinpoche. He led the creation of the Samten Hills in Dalat in order to create a pure and peaceful space for body, soul, and mind, as well as a sanctuary for Vajrayana Buddhists.

Thanks to its efforts in preserving and promoting the values of Vajrayana Buddhism in Vietnam, Samten Hills has been awarded a certificate by the Vietnam Federation of UNESCO Associations as a Vajrayana Buddhist Spiritual Cultural Space at Da Lat.

The complex’s architecture is inspired by Vajrayana Buddhist culture

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Highlights in Samten Hills Dalat

The Great Stupa of Drigun Kagyu Rinchen Khorchen Khorwe Go Gek

The Great Stupa is basically a giant prayer wheel, or Mani wheel, an iconic feature in Vajrayana Buddhism that brings peaceful energy to sentient beings. This construction consists of 3 main parts, following the standards of Vajrayana Buddhism architecture. 

The first part, the tower base, imitates a large lotus decorated with elaborate carvings of 12 Eastern zodiac animals, symbolizing the continuous rotation of the universe and the Dakinis (the female deities). Surrounding the tower base is a wheel, by which visitors can rotate the Great Stupa and pray for good things. You should rotate the prayer wheel clockwise, implying following the natural principles, while concentrating on praying and reconnecting with your pure inner self.

The prayer wheel harmonizes with the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, creating a great spiritual power

The second part, the tower body, is filled with countless relief carvings of “Om Mani Padme Hum” mantras in ancient Sanskrit and obfuscated Tibetan. The Vajrayana Buddhists believe that rotating the prayer wheel will pull along the movement of the Om Mani Padme Hum mantra, creating a great spiritual power that brings peace and positive energy to the souls.

The third part, the top of the stupa, consists of 2 meticulous structures: the large parasol and the Kadam Stupa. The parasol is meant to protect all living beings from suffering and to awaken kindness and compassion. On the other hand, Kadam Stupa with a round, bell-shaped base represents the enlightened mind of the Buddhas and Masters. 

The large parasol and the Kadam Stupa on top

Drigung Kagyu Samten Ling Exhibition Hall

The Drigung Kagyu Samten Ling Exhibition Hall is constructed within a circular ground with a symmetrical roof along the building's central axis. It is a special structure inspired by the Mandala Circle, a typical symbol in Vajrayana Buddhist culture.

Once you step into the main hall, you’ll be overwhelmed by lively artworks covering every wall, the ceiling, and the columns. These paintings are completely handmade by skillful artists from India and Nepal. They vividly recreate the sacred figures of the Drigung Kagyu lineage, including Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, and Sangha, which makes you feel like being in the immortal worlds of powerful gods.

The Exhibition Hall is decorated with sacred figures of the Drigung Kagyu lineage

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Buddha Statue System

Another highlight in the Samten Hills is the Statues of Maitreya Buddha and Longevity Buddha. With a height of 10.5 meters, these are the largest outdoor statues of Maitreya Buddha and Longevity Buddha in Vietnam. Besides the giant appearance, they’re featured with sympathetic eyes looking down on the worshippers, implying the understanding of Buddha towards the mortals’ struggles and suffering.

The Statue of Longevity Buddha

OM Meditation Garden

Situated within the grounds of the cultural-spiritual space, Samten Hills Dalat, OM Meditation Garden is a perfect space to slow down. If you want to relieve stress and find peace in your soul, don’t skip this place! 

Find a seat under the pine canopy, clear your mind, take in a deep breath of the fresh air, and enjoy the quiet, peaceful atmosphere. A short meditation in the OM Garden will help you reconnect with yourself and regain the balance of body and mind.

Find your inner peace at the OM Meditation Garden

Other works

Besides the above impressive buildings, you can admire other symbolic structures, such as the Himalayan Columns (representing the Himalayan mountains) and the Entrance to Drigung Kagyu Samten Ling Exhibition Hall. Each is imbued with Vajrayana Buddhist architectural features and elaborate decorating patterns, making your visit a feast of visuality and spirituality. 

The Himalayan Columns represent the Himalayan mountains

Conclusion

The Samten Hills Dalat offers a holistic experience to regain the body-mind-soul balance and learn more about the Vajrayana Buddhist culture. This is a true escape into the majestic nature and splendid religious architecture. What are you still waiting for? Contact Asia King Travel now to explore this complex and find your inner peace!

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