Truc Lam Pagoda is a Zen Buddhist monastery six kilometres south of Da Lat city centre. Set on top of a hill shrouded in pine forest, it’s a pleasure to take a quiet stroll through the grounds which are full of exceptionally pretty gardens.Built in 1994, the main ceremonial hall is flanked by a drum temple and bell temple. What’s refreshing, aside from the fresh air and flutter of bird song, is that this is an active temple which means you’ll get a glimpse of monastic life. The monastery is located at the southern terminus of the city’s scenic cable car ride, so it’s best to combine these two experiences before walking down the steps to tranquil Tuyen Lam Lake (ho Tuyen Lam), also known as Paradise Lake.