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Chuang Yen Monastery

Chuang Yen Monastery, Carmel

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Chuang Yen Monastery

See all things to do
See all things to do
Chuang Yen Monastery
4.5
147
#1 of 12 things to do in Carmel
Religious Sites
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9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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About
Visitors learn about the principles of Buddhism by attending meditation classes provided in both English and Chinese.
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Full view
The area
Address
Best nearby
Restaurants
52 within 3 miles
Florrie Kaye's Tea Room
80
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • British • Vegetarian Friendly • Vegan Options
Luigis Famiglia Cucina
30
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • Italian • Pizza • Vegetarian Friendly
Carmel Diner Inc.
42
0.7 mi$$ - $$$ • American • Diner
George's Place
44
0.7 mi$ • American • Diner • Vegetarian Friendly
Scoops N More
19
0.7 mi$ • Dessert • American • Fast Food
Carmel Bagel Deli Licious
11
0.7 mi$ • Bakeries
Cheff's Italian Deli and Market
2
0.7 mi
The Alley Cafe Creperie
10
0.8 mi$ • Dessert
Pueblo Viejo
12
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Mexican
Thai Golden
53
0.8 mi$$ - $$$ • Asian • Thai • Vegetarian Friendly
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Attractions
13 within 6 miles
Veterans Memorial Park
6
1.1 miParks
Salingers Orchard Farm Market and Bakery
90
Farms
Mt. Ninham Fire Tower
13
2.6 miHiking Trails
Tilly Foster Farm Museum
13
2.8 miFarms
Nimham Mountain State Forest
4
2.6 miMountains • Hiking Trails
Arts On The Lake
1
Theaters
Mahopac Lake
15
Bodies of Water
Brewster Public Library
15
Libraries
Studio Around the Corner
5
Points of Interest & Landmarks
Niese's Maple Farm
11
Farms
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
4.5
147 reviews
Excellent
90
Very good
50
Average
5
Poor
1
Terrible
1
Adventures0fAandL
New York City, NY316 contributions
Quite Interesting
Couples
Initially I wanted to stop here on the way to somewhere else primarily to see their gardens. This turned out to be a very interesting and relaxing stop. I came on a Sunday morning and, although I am a Christian not a Buddhist, I found much to enjoy here. I did not realize they would be holding services during my visit and the chanting and bit of pageantry were lovely and immediately transported one to Asia without the airfare. Another pleasant surprise was the $6 vegetarian plate lunch. Simple, authentic Chinese home cooking! Some nice things in the gift shop, a pretty lake and some monuments to see also. Never did find much in the way of cultivated (as opposed to woodland) gardens but was very glad we stopped. I believe much of what we enjoyed (lunch, chanting) is only happening on Sunday around noon though, so check their website. Also, be sure and wear slip off shoes and be aware that there are lots of stairs involved.
Written August 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
2011hdesl
Yonkers, NY5 contributions
Eradicate suffering
去塵除垢
Watch silent turtle wading
As tour bus gatherings feed coy beyond the No feeding signs
Release the worries of cities so near
Soak in the incense purify the spirit if only for a moment
Bring your own utensils for discounted lunch prices...Simple fair any vegan would relish
I like the instant coffee to get back from serenity
My child enjoys the Great Buddha sitting quietly

Largest statue of Buddha in North America....
Written June 25, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
YGr
Staten Island, NY770 contributions
The Largest Buddha in the Western Hemisphere
Family
A very beautiful and peaceful place in upstate with charismatic and powerful influences. The Great Buddha Hall is majestic. Giant statue with fantastic environment. You should put off your shoes entering the building. Light music and a lot of flowers everywhere. Outstanding meditation hall. A lunch for veggies from 12 to 1 PM on weekends for 6 $. Don't miss monastery lake. It's very picturesque. This monastery is really impressive and one of a kind. You should spend at least 2-3 hours there.
Written May 11, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
IngaVlad
Westchester, New York, United States92 contributions
Awful place!..Avoid!..
Family
If I could I would not give this horrible place even one star!..I don’t know what kind of terribly cheap strong chemicals they using to clean carpet there!..Me and my young daughter got terrible contact dermatitis on our feet after walking barefoot inside the temple...Two weeks late we still suffering from it!..Shame on you, people!..
We have been in many places where required to walk barefoot (masks in Istanbul...Andalusia ) but never got anything like that!..Shame on you!..
Written August 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Bjorkus
Syracuse75 contributions
Not what I expected
Couples
We were there on a Saturday morning around 9:30am. There was only one other car in the visitor parking area, but the main building was packed full of people, all in special attire, having some sort of service. Most of the signs have English under them, so you know what something is, but there aren't any directions as to where you should be going to see stuff, what there is to see, or areas you're allowed to go into. None of the other buildings were open as far as we could tell, and we were only able to peak inside at the giant Buddha, because we didn't want to be disrespectful and disrupt their service. The buildings are interesting for someone who's never been to China, but overall it just doesn't feel like the kind of place a tourist should stop.
Written October 7, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
travaillour
New Jersey993 contributions
great place to chill out
Beautiful campus, gives feeling of peace. Wear walking shoes some areas are steep. Gift shop does not take plastic.
Written November 14, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
tclaudio2017
New York City, NY35 contributions
Not what you would expect but you come away feeling very calm
While it is a Monastery in every sense of the word, you do not feel ovewhelmed by it, rather you come away with whatever you let yourself feel. For me, it was a deep sense of calm. Allow extra time to hike the trails near by.
Written July 7, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Vincenza123
Carmel, NY4 contributions
Peaceful
Solo
A great place to get away from the noise of today's world. There are courses offered in Buddhist teachings (a peaceful way of life), meditations, and even just walking the grounds lifts your spirits and calms your mind. The vegetarian lunch is also very good.
Written July 10, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Kathi H
20 contributions
Unique experience for Putnam County visitors
Solo
One of the top experiences for visiting friends and family to our home- can be quiet and contemplative Or a place for the kids to run with exuberance ( not in the temple..... :-). )
Written April 9, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Chin S
29 contributions
Serenity at its best.
Friends
The last place you expect to see a Giant Buddja - Great experience for the family. I heard they have retreats there as well which a friend of my went to. Stay for the lunch, It is vegetarian and about $6.00.

I can imagine this place in the winter time, Filled with snow, makes great background for weddings and photography
Written May 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Frequently Asked Questions about Chuang Yen Monastery
Chuang Yen Monastery is open:
  • Sun - Sat 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM