Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple

Visit Hsi Lai Buddhist Temple for stunning views, mindful moments, and a wholesome vegetarian lunch

Escape the everyday and immerse yourself in an extraordinary cultural and spiritual experience at the breathtaking Hsi Lai Temple (pronounced “She Lie”), the largest Buddhist monastery in the Western Hemisphere. Just 30 miles east of Los Angeles, this serene sanctuary is tucked away on 15 peaceful acres in Hacienda Heights, where fragrant gardens, elegant courtyards, and majestic architecture create a setting that feels worlds away from the bustle of city life.

As we arrive, you’ll be struck by the temple’s grandeur—the sweeping tiled roofs, intricate carvings, and vibrant colors that reflect centuries of Buddhist tradition. A friendly docent will guide you on an enlightening journey through the temple’s sacred spaces, including the awe-inspiring Main Shrine, adorned with golden statues and intricate artwork, and the central courtyard, where the air is filled with a sense of calm and reverence. You’ll also explore the on-site museum, which houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist artifacts and art from countries across Asia, each piece with its own story to tell.

Between sightseeing and discovery, you’ll be treated to a sumptuous all-you-can-eat vegetarian lunch buffet in the temple’s tranquil dining hall. Prepared with care and bursting with fresh, flavorful dishes, it’s a meal that’s both delicious and deeply satisfying—whether you’re a vegetarian or simply love great food.

This is more than just a sightseeing trip—it’s a chance to open your heart and mind to a different way of seeing the world. Whether you’re drawn by the art and architecture, the history and culture, or the promise of a peaceful day in a beautiful setting, your visit to Hsi Lai Temple will leave you enriched, inspired, and uplifted. 

Tour Manager:* Nathalie d'Adelhart Toorop

Activity Level: High

This tour involves a walking tour of the temple with a considerate amount of walking, incline and stairs. There will be periodic stops to learn about the temple and buddhist practices, but there will be no seating available during these stops, and standing for extended periods is required. The terrain may be challenging for persons with mobility limitations.

What's Included in the Tour Fare

• Round-trip luxury motor coach transportation from pickup locations throughout San Diego County

• Professional Tour Manager throughout the trip

• Complimentary bottled water and snacks on the coach

• Visit to the Hsi Lai Temple, including a guided tour

• Vegetarian buffet lunch, the daily rotating menu consists of: fragrant steamed rice, savory noodles, a colorful array of hot veggies, freshly cooked greens, crunchy fried goodness, hot soup, as well as fresh fruit.

What's Not Included in the Tour Fare

• Cancellation Protection

• Gratuities for the Tour Manager and driver

How to Make a Reservation

Making your reservation is easy. Simply click the Book Now button above to select your date and confirm your space online, 24/7. You can also call the DayTripper Tours reservations department at (619) 334-3394 during business hours M-F, 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.

Know Before You Go

Dress Code:

• Preferred: shirts with sleeves (male and female)

• Preferred: no tank tops, shorts, short skirts/dresses, flip-flops, or slippers.

• When entering the Main Shrine, you might be offered a shawl to cover your bare shoulders, or a wrap to help lengthen your short skirt/shorts, out of respect to the Buddha.

Photos:

• Outdoors ONLY.

• All photos and videos are for PERSONAL use ONLY and may not be taken to help promote, sell, or advertise any merchandise or event, including clothing and other items.

• NO indoor photos. NO pictures/videos can be taken inside the Main Shrine, Bodhisattva Hall, Art Gallery and the Museum, Dining Hall/Vegetarian Buffet, and other inside spaces.

• ALL commercial photography and videos (including advertising) are PROHIBITED without approval/permission.

Handicapped/Less-abled Accessible:

• Elevator from parking lot up to temple courtyard level to the right of central staircase.

• Elevator from courtyard up to Main Shrine at upper right corner stairwell, past flagpole.

Smartphones

Although not necessary to fully enjoy your trip, a personal smartphone can greatly enhance your tour experience. Take high-quality photos, share your experience on social media in real time, search for nearby restaurants and topics of interest, set reminders, and more.

14-Day Cancellation Deadline

• If you purchased the optional Cancellation Protection Plan (CPP) prior to the deadline, you can cancel your booking at any time for any reason and you'll receive a full refund of the tour fare.

• If you declined the CPP, you may cancel your reservation fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date to receive a refund less a $15 per person cancellation fee. Alternatively, when you cancel your booking fourteen (14) or more days prior to the departure date, you can avoid the cancellation fee by transferring the funds to another tour or a non-refundable voucher, which can be applied to any future excursion booked within one year of the original tour date. Bookings canceled within 14 days of the departure date are nonrefundable and nontransferable for any reason. Name changes on daytrips are always permitted at no additional cost.

* Tour Manager is subject to change without notice.