Long Son Pagoda offers visitors a profound spiritual and cultural experience right in the heart of Nha Trang. The pagoda stands as the headquarters of the Buddhist Sangha of Khánh Hòa Province and is famous for the massive white statue of Gautama Buddha that crowns the nearby hill. People widely recognize the site as one of the most important and beautiful cultural landmarks in the city.
History and Architectural Highlights
The pagoda’s history dates back to 1886 when Abbot Thích Ngộ Chí founded it under the original name Đăng Long Tự (Đăng Long Pagoda). After a devastating cyclone in 1900 damaged the initial structure on the hilltop, the community moved and rebuilt the pagoda at its current location at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill.
The Main Hall (Chánh Điện): The main temple exhibits beautiful traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. Intricate details cover the red-tiled roof and entrance, featuring mosaics made from broken glass and ceramic tiles. Inside, a large bronze Buddha statue sits, accompanied by two massive carved candles, which hold a national record for their size.
The Reclining Buddha: Midway up the hill (around the 44th step of the ascent), visitors find a striking marble statue of a Reclining Buddha depicting the Buddha entering Nirvana. A large relief carving sits behind this statue, illustrating the 49 disciples of the Buddha.
The White Buddha (Kim Thân Phật Tổ): This is the pagoda’s iconic centerpiece, sitting at the top of the 193-step climb. The 24-meter-tall white statue of a seated Buddha on a lotus throne overlooks the entire city. The base of the statue features portraits of monks who sacrificed themselves in protests against the South Vietnamese government in 1963, serving as a powerful memorial.
Visitor Experience and Cultural Significance
Long Son Pagoda functions as an active place of worship, allowing visitors to observe local monks and devotees engaging in prayer and rituals. This provides an authentic glimpse into the local spiritual life. Furthermore, the climb to the top rewards visitors with sweeping, panoramic views of Nha Trang and the surrounding landscape, making the effort worthwhile.
The pagoda also actively participates in charity work, supporting the community and reinforcing its role as a spiritual and social pillar in Khánh Hòa Province.
Essential Visitor Information
Accessing the pagoda is easy due to its central location near the train station. Visitors should adhere to proper etiquette to respect the sacred site.
| Information Point | Detail | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Address | 22 Đ. 23 Tháng 10, Phương Sài, Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa | Centrally located at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill. |
| Entrance Fee | Free | The pagoda does not charge an admission fee. |
| Opening Hours | Generally 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM, some sources say 24 hours. | Visit early morning or late afternoon to avoid heat and crowds. |
| Dress Code | Modest attire required: Cover shoulders and knees. | Wear comfortable shoes for the 193 steps to the top. |
| Phone Number | +84 258 3822 558 (Pagoda office) | Use for general inquiries. |
| Parking | Available near the entrance for motorbikes and cars. | Be cautious of informal "guides" or vendors near the entrance. |
Travelers must remember to be polite and mindful of the solemn atmosphere, refraining from loud conversation inside the worship areas.
