Unique Bamboo Art Installations at Ngoa Van Zen Village

When visiting Ngoa Van Yen Tu, tourists are extremely delighted with the one-of-a-kind check-in spots at the Zen Village. The bamboo installation artworks create a space that is both familiar and novel, bearing special meanings. 

Awakening

Thousands of bamboo tubes are suspended like silent wind chimes. When the wind gently passes by, a deep, rustic sound resonates – not to agitate, but to remind us to pause. Immersing oneself in the simple sound of bamboo, one can hear the Emptiness (Sunyata) of all phenomena - within the hollow body of the bamboo - where all sounds dissolve into silence.

The "Awakening" artwork at the Three-entrance Gate (Tam Quan) courtyard

The artwork evokes the spirit of the Truc Lam Zen Sect: A mind of tranquil emptiness. It reminds us not to seek enlightenment far away, but right in every breath of wind, every chime, every footstep on the ground, right here and right now.

Awakening 2 with a concentric layout

Ensō (円相)

Inspired by the Ensō (円相) circle - a symbol of wholeness and perfection. The artwork aims to recall an outstanding figure of our nation who attained perfect Nirvana here. It is located at the current PEACE BRIDGE (Cau Binh An). Based on the existing circular wooden railing and corridor structure, red-painted bamboo structures will be extended to form a higher circle, creating a highlight against the vast space behind.

Peace Bridge on the way up to Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda

The artworks were created by Artist Nguyen Thanh Hien, an installation and floral artist of the Ikebana Sogetsu school, as well as a designer, founder of the driftwood handicraft brand (Lua Decor), and co-founder of the AITRA brand. She is the author of the book series: "Tren ban tay hoa no" (Flowers bloom on the hands), "Yeu khong can goi ten" (Love without naming), and the publication "Binh Sinh" (Lifelong).

She holds an international teacher's certificate certified by the Tokyo Ikebana Sogetsu School and is a member of the Ikebana Sogetsu Teachers' Association. 

She regularly participates in exhibitions and teaching activities abroad, winning international awards such as:

- Tsukino-fune Award (A moon-crossing the sky) 月の船賞, Tokyo 2025.

- Bronze Award at Ikebana Melbourne 2024

- Solo exhibition, Binh Sinh 2023

- Gold & Bronze Awards at Ikebana Melbourne 2020, 2019.

As the founder of the "Learning Ikebana Sogetsu Floral Art" community, she is always passionate about sharing and inspiring thousands of students practicing Ikebana every day.

Coming to Ngoa Van Yen Tu, making a pilgrimage up to Ngoa Van Hermitage - Pagoda, revering the holy site where Buddhist Emperor Tran Nhan Tong entered Nirvana, and checking in with these unique artworks will bring you a distinct and memorable experience.