Halong Countryside
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Port
Halong Bay, Vietnam
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Activity Level
Strenuous
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Excursion Type
All
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Wheelchair Accessible
No
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Starting At
$79.95
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Minimum Age
Information Not Currently Available
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Duration
Approximately 5 Hours
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Meals Included
Meals not included
Enjoy this peaceful escape — an introduction to Zen in an idyllic landscape of lush rice paddies and charming villages, with plenty of serenity and tranquility to go around.
A 90-minute scenic drive leads to the Giac Tam Buddhist Zen Monastery. Here, you'll learn about the history of Vietnam's Zen Buddhism, established by the Tran Kings who routed Kublai Khan's troops in the 13th century. The monastery was the first Zen Monastery in the north. It is situated on the site of the Cai Bau Pagoda, on the banks of Bai Tu Long Bay. Visit the monastery and take a Zen lesson led by one of the monks, who will demonstrate proper Zen meditation.
Walk into the village made up of small roads, houses and temples. At a local farmer's home, you'll chat with the owner and interact with the children. Learn about their lives and ways of worship. Enjoy a cup of tea and visit the farmer's gardens, which feature numerous fruit trees.
Then, reboard the coach for the drive back to the pier.
Notes:
Tour requires considerable walking. Terrain includes even and uneven surfaces, inclines, gravel, grass, and more than 170 steps. Restrooms are not available on tour; however, you will have the opportunity to use very basic facilities at a farmer's house. In the event that monks are not available to give the Zen lesson, your guide will lead the lesson and meditation. Shade is limited; to avoid sunburn, wear light, long clothing suitable for use as a cover-up. Bring a hat and sunglasses; wear biodegradable/reef-safe sunscreen. Bring bottled water. The trees may or may not have fruits or flowers during your visit.