Temporarily stepping away from the pressures and rushed pace of city life, a pilgrimage to the Ngoa Van Patriarchal Land where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong practiced asceticism and entered Nirvana – is a perfect moment of pause for young people to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and pay tribute to the merit of their ancestors.
01 · PreparationPreparing Your Belongings and Directing Your Mind to the Patriarchal Land
To ensure your pilgrimage and veneration journey to Ngoa Van is complete and peaceful, preparing a light mindset and appropriate attire is extremely important:
Dignified and Comfortable Attire
Preparing Sincere Offerings
02 · Itinerary - Detailed Journey to Venerate Sacred Spiritual Sites
The journey retracing the footsteps of Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong takes you through core spiritual coordinates, where every footstep helps calm your mind:
Trans-Forest Cable Car Stepping into the Realm of Tranquility
The first leg begins with the Ngoa Van cable car ride gliding amidst the myriad clouds. Gazing at the deep green valleys from above and the majestic mountains of the Bao Dai forest. Gliding on this first cable car leg helps the body relax completely, releasing all daily tensions to be ready to receive the pure vitality of the sacred land of Ngoa Van.
Offering Incense and Venerating at Middle Ngoa Van Pagoda
Following the shaded trail of the mountainous forest, you will offer incense at Middle Ngoa Van Pagoda. Amidst the curling agarwood smoke, take a few minutes of silence to report your merits, commemorate the great life of the king who attained Buddhahood, and pray for peace and health for your family.
Upper Pagoda and Ngoa Van Hermitage The Sacred Coordinates of the Patriarchal Land
This is the most important destination of the Ngoa Van veneration pilgrimage where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong once practiced asceticism during his final days and peacefully entered Nirvana. Standing before the ancient Hermitage and stupas, you can practice writing promises to live well and usefully on wish ribbons, and reverently hang them on ancient trees.
This rustic activity is like a healing therapy, helping you let go of sorrows and gently entrust your wishes into the embrace of the old-growth forest.
03 · Experience - Nourishing Body and Mind at Ngoa Van Zen Village
Alongside the veneration pilgrimage, the space at Ngoa Van Zen Village is also an ideal coordinate for you to practice a liberated lifestyle through slow-living activities:
Enjoying Tea and Zen Songs - Dispelling All Worldly Distractions
After the ceremony, gathering together to enjoy a warm cup of tea with a light pastry will help all worldly distractions completely vanish. Blending with the tea fragrance, rustic Zen songs resonating amidst the mountains and forests will awaken compassion and a profound harmony in the soul.
Catching the Sunset at Ban Co Tien Peak Regenerating Energy
If time permits, linger at Ngoa Van Ban Co Peak as the afternoon falls to watch the radiant red afterglow dye the sacred peak. Watching the sun set behind the mountain in a centered state of mind helps you regenerate wonderful fresh energy.
04 · Return - Bringing Peace and the Flame of Mindfulness Back to Everyday Life
The Ngoa Van Yen Tu veneration pilgrimage does not end when you descend the mountain — it continues to live on in how you perceive life, in every conscious breath amidst a busy day, and in silent gratitude for what you have.