Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang: A must-visit spiritual destination!

Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang is one of the tourist attractions you cannot miss when traveling to Nha Trang independently, especially for those who enjoy a spiritual and ancient place. There are many things that make me remember this place, a spiritually rich location that is also romantic in its own way…

Long Son Pagoda – A Spiritual Landmark in the Heart of Nha Trang

• Address: 22, 23 Thang 10 Street, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.
• Opening Hours: Open daily, all day.

Long Son Pagoda (also known as Dang Long Tu or the White Buddha Pagoda) is one of the most famous and sacred temples in Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa Province. Originally built in 1886 by Venerable Thich Ngo Chi, the pagoda began as a small thatched hermitage on the top of Trai Thuy Hill.

After a major storm in 1900, the temple was relocated to the foot of the hill and renamed Long Son Tu, meaning “Dragon Mountain Pagoda,” symbolizing peace and prosperity for the region.

The pagoda is dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha, the founder of Buddhism, and has hosted many significant events in the history of Vietnamese Buddhism. In 1936, it became the headquarters of the Khanh Hoa Buddhist Association, playing an essential role in promoting and developing Buddhism across Central Vietnam.

Recognized as a national historical site in 1988, Long Son Pagoda stands as both a spiritual sanctuary and a must-visit cultural attraction for travelers from around the world.

Where is Long Son Pagoda? How to Get There Easily

Long Son Pagoda is located at 22, 23 Thang 10 Street, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province, about 2 km west of the city center. Thanks to its convenient location on the main road, visitors can easily reach the pagoda by various means of transportation.

Here are the most common ways to get to Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang:

• Motorbike: From the city center, take Le Thanh Ton Street, turn onto Thai Nguyen, then continue straight to 23/10 Street. The pagoda is right on the main road and easy to find. Travel time is about 5–10 minutes.
• Private Car or Taxi: If you are traveling with family or friends, taking a private car or taxi is a convenient option. The route is the same as by motorbike, and it takes only 5 minutes from the center.
• Bus: For those who prefer public transport, several bus routes stop near the pagoda. Routes 1, 2, and 6 have bus stops within walking distance. Bus tickets cost about 7,000 – 10,000 VND per ride.
• Private Car Rental in Nha Trang: For the most comfortable experience, especially if you plan to combine your visit with other attractions, you can book a private car with driver in Nha Trang through VnCarRentals’s. This option offers flexible schedules, professional drivers, and door-to-door service.

Discover the Unique Architecture of Long Son Pagoda

Long Son Pagoda is not only a significant spiritual destination but also captivates visitors with its distinctive architecture that harmoniously blends tradition and modernity. Built in the Mahayana Buddhist style, the pagoda stands out with its gracefully curved tiled roofs and intricate dragon carvings – symbols of sacredness and majesty.

The Triple Gate – Entrance to the Pagoda

The Tam Quan Gate is the first highlight visitors encounter. Featuring a red-tiled roof and ancient Han-script couplets, the gate is adorned with dragons facing the sun, representing the solemn power of Buddhism. Passing through the gate, visitors are immediately embraced by a serene and spiritual atmosphere.

The Main Hall – The Heart of the Pagoda

At the center lies the Main Hall, dedicated to Shakyamuni Buddha. Designed in warm golden-brown tones, the hall houses a large Buddha statue placed on a high altar, flanked by statues of Dharma Protectors and Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. The ceiling is exquisitely decorated with motifs of flying dragons and dancing phoenixes, symbolizing harmony between heaven and earth.

A Peaceful Courtyard with Greenery

The spacious courtyard of Long Son Pagoda is filled with centuries-old trees, bonsai gardens, and lotus ponds, creating a refreshing and tranquil environment. Stone-paved pathways lead visitors through peaceful gardens, offering a sense of calm and mindfulness with every step.

The White Buddha Statue – Icon of Long Son Pagoda

The most iconic feature of Long Son Pagoda is the Great White Buddha Statue (Kim Than Phat To), located on the summit of Trai Thuy Hill at about 24 meters high. Completed in 1964, this is the largest seated Buddha statue in Vietnam.

At the statue’s base are reliefs of seven monks in meditation, symbolizing steadfastness and the boundless compassion of the Buddha. From this vantage point, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Nha Trang City, with its turquoise coastline, bustling streets, and vibrant urban landscape.

As the sun sets, golden rays illuminate the White Buddha, creating a mystical and sacred scene that leaves every visitor in awe.

Tourist attractions near Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang

Oceanographic Institute – about 7km away

• Address: No. 1, Cau Da, Tran Phu, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

The Oceanographic Institute is known as a museum that preserves and collects over 20,000 specimens of 4,000 different marine species. Don’t forget to check-in with the extremely large whale skeleton measuring 28m in length, 3m in height, and featuring 48 preserved vertebrae!

Visiting the Oceanographic Institute, tourists can explore the laboratories, admire rare marine animals, and gain valuable knowledge about offshore marine life.

Tram Huong Tower – 5.3km away

• Address: Tran Phu, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Nha Trang always leaves a lasting impression on many tourists with its beautiful beaches, cool atmosphere, and vibrant city life. One cannot miss Tram Huong Tower located right in the city center.

Tram Huong Tower showcases a six-tier architecture with a stunning five-petal flower shape. The first floor of the tower connects to a large square where people come to enjoy themselves, take photos, and admire the ocean view. At the base of the tower, there are five statues depicting waves of Nha Trang. The four upper levels of the tower preserve and display beautiful and meaningful images, capturing the simple activities of the people in this area. Additionally, the tower also exhibits many rare and valuable marine products, extracts, and specimens.

Ponagar Tower – 4.4km away

• Address: Hai Thang Tu Street, Vinh Phuoc, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Nha Trang, the coastal city, impresses visitors with its unique ancient architecture. One of them is Ponagar Tower, the largest Cham architectural complex in Central Vietnam.

Situated on a hill more than 50m above sea level, Ponagar Tower consists of three main areas: the Gate Tower, the Mandapa precinct, and the main temple tower. However, due to the ups and downs of history, today Ponagar Tower only retains five main structures in the Mandapa and temple tower areas.

The impressive feature of Ponagar Tower’s architecture lies in the close connection between each brick. Each tower has a unique four-tier design, and inside the tower, there are numerous stone-carved goddess statues sitting on lotus platforms, creating a mysterious and solemn atmosphere.

See More: The latest experience to visit Ponagar Cham Tower in Nha Trang

Nha Trang Stone Church – 2.1km away

• Address: No. 1 Thai Nguyen, Phuoc Tan Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province

Another fascinating tourist spot in Nha Trang, located about 2.1km from Long Son Pagoda, is Nha Trang Stone Church. It is not only a religious church but also a testament to long-standing history.

Nha Trang Stone Church is built in Western architectural style entirely with stone blocks. Don’t miss this highly attractive tourist destination during your trip to Nha Trang!

Notes when visiting Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang

Based on my experience visiting Long Son Pagoda, here are some things to note:

• When passing through the three entrance gates to enter the pagoda, walk on the right side, and when leaving, walk on the left side. Absolutely do not use the central main gate.
• When visiting the pagoda, dress modestly and respectfully. Some altars may require you to wear long pants to ensure proper reverence.
• Wear comfortable shoes for climbing the three-level stairs and for easy access to the halls during ceremonies.
• Move and speak gently, avoiding loud noises.
• In Long Son Pagoda, there are many Buddha statues. You should not touch or climb on the statues, and especially, do not ring the temple bell without permission.
• For worshiping and making offerings, choose pure and clean items, avoiding salty foods. Arrange and place the offerings according to the instructions of the pagoda.
• Outside the pagoda, there is a large incense burner. Light incense there and avoid doing so inside the halls as it can affect the sacred space and the Buddha statues.
• From the highest position on the hilltop, you can enjoy a panoramic view of Nha Trang city. You can take beautiful photos here for your virtual memories! However, if you intend to capture the scenery inside the pagoda, be mindful not to pose inappropriately.

Conclusion

Long Son Pagoda is not only a sacred spiritual site but also a cultural symbol of Nha Trang. With its unique architecture, peaceful atmosphere, and the majestic White Buddha statue overlooking the city, the pagoda offers visitors unforgettable experiences – from seeking peace and blessings to admiring panoramic views of Nha Trang from above.