Long Son Pagoda, also known as “White Buddha Pagoda” and “Chua Long Son,” is located at the base of the Trai Thuy Mountain in the city of Nha Trang. The shrine attracts many visitors for being the biggest in Nha Trang and being home to the “largest outdoor Buddha image in Vietnam” with a height of 24 meters (78.7 feet).
The statue can be easily seen from the city, nearby highway, and train tracks.
History of Chua Long Son
The pagoda was first built in the 19th century around the year 1886. In the year 1900, a terrible cyclone destroyed the temple, causing it to be relocated to where it is today. It underwent several more renovations, but in 1940 it was entirely redone with an expansion to its property under the direction of Thích Tôn Thất Quyền.
Unfortunately, it suffered even more damage in 1968 during the Vietnam War and was restored little by little over the years until its recent completion.
Visiting Long Son Pagoda
The structure is the largest of the remaining Khanh Hoa Province pagodas and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and intricate Taoist architecture. The entrance and rooftops of the complex are decorated with unique details in their glass and tile work, along with captivating dragons showcased throughout the property.
Most visitors climb the 152 steps to the top of the pagoda where the large Buddha statue is, along with a stunning panoramic view of Nha Trang and the lush trees that encompass the area.
Despite being a tourist attraction, Long Son Pagoda is also a functioning monastery that hosts pilgrims and Buddhist followers. The grounds can be incredibly crowded on the 1st and 15th of the lunar month when more people are attracted to the area to practice worship or find serenity.
Entry to the pagoda is free. Additionally, a restaurant is right outside the pagoda by the temple’s gate, offering both indoor and outdoor seating with a peaceful environment.
Details
Address: 22 Đ. 23/10, Phương sơn, Thành phố Nha Trang, Khánh Hòa Province, Vietnam
Season: Year-round
Hours: Daily | 9 am – 5 pm
Dinh Cau Temple – Phu Quoc
