Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang: A Stunning Day Trip
Visiting Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang is a popular day trip that you will enjoy. A highlight of the day is the giant White Buddha on the hilltop with a panoramic view of the city.
A visit to Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang should be high on your list of the best things to do in Nha Trang. It is an exciting and unique way to experience the Buddhist traditions and the culture of Vietnam. Be prepared to get involved in special religious events and be part of the crowds to admire the magnificence of Long Son Pagoda.
About Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda is also known as ‘The White Buddha Pagoda’. The Buddha statue with its impressive size and majesty is to embody Buddhist teachings.
Where is Long Son Pagoda?
Long Son Pagoda is located at No.22, Street 23/10, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City. It is at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain, about 400 m west of the railway station. From Long Son Pagoda, there is a road leading up to Hai Duc Temple. Long Son Pagoda together with Hai Duc Temple forms the city’s most popular religious sites.
The history of Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda was originally constructed on another mountain in 1886 by the abbot Thich Chi Ngo, who participated in anti-French resistance forces. In 1900, the pagoda was destroyed in a cyclone and they moved it to its current location.
In 1940, the pagoda was renovated and expanded but it was again heavily damaged during the Vietnam War in 1968. It was not until 1971 that the restoration of the pagoda was 60% complete when it was interrupted by the Fall of Saigon.
>>> If you are in Ho Chi Minh City, there are some must-see pagodas and temples for you to explore the local religions.
The highlights of Long Son Pagoda, Nha Trang
The popularity of Long Son Pagoda demonstrates the importance of the ancient Buddhist religion to the local culture of Nha Trang. Its unique architecture reflects the harmony between humans and nature.
The 3,000-square-meter grounds include a garden with shades of trees, making the atmosphere so fresh and peaceful. The dragon figures on the entrance and roofs are made from glass and ceramic tiles, like the majority of Buddhist temples in Vietnam.
The main ceremonial hall is where many locals gather on the first and fifteenth day of the lunar month. During these days, the pagoda is filled with incense smoke and offerings from Buddhists to create merit and good karma.
On the way to the top of Trai Thuy Mountain, you will see a lying Buddha and carvings of 49 Buddha’s pupils assembling on the day of the Buddha’s death.
Continue with 152 stone steps up from the entrance, you will reach the mountaintop. This is where the giant White Buddha sits on a lotus throne and gazes peacefully over the pagoda and the forested surroundings below.
The White Buddha at Long Son Pagoda is 24 m from the ground up and 21 m from the base. In front of the statue is a pair of dragons which are 7.20 m long. The Buddha’s long earlobes showcase the rejection of material things for the rewards of spiritual enlightenment. Also, the lotus throne on which he sits is a symbol of purity.
The giant White Buddha at Long Son Pagoda is visible from afar and from here, you can see the mountains and forest around as well as the whole city. It is time for total relaxation and mindfulness.
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Notes for visitors
Long Son Pagoda is a religious attraction, and visitors should pay attention to local etiquette. If this is also your first trip to Vietnam, follow some tips will help you avoid inconvenience.
Long Son Pagoda dress code
Just like any other Buddhist temple, Long Son Pagoda is a sacred place with a peaceful and serene atmosphere. Therefore, it is important to respect the rules and etiquette of the temple and the local people.
Both men and women should dress modestly by covering their knees and shoulders. Low-cut tops and shorts are easily frowned upon, so prepare a sarong. You can also buy one at the local shops.
When you enter the pagoda, it is not compulsory but you should take off your hat to show your respect to the Buddhas and deities. Also, leave your shoes outside the main hall (socks are ok). If you have a tattoo of Buddha or any other deity, cover it, as it can be seen as disrespectful.
Long Son Pagoda entrance fee and behavior
Long Son Pagoda is free to visit. However, visitors usually make an offering to the Buddha by placing incense, candles, food or money in front of the altar or in a donation box.
You can also light a candle or incense stick and say a prayer or wish. Bow your head slightly when you make an offering or when you pass by a Buddha statue.
When you get inside the pagoda, lower your voice and avoid inappropriate conversation. Do not touch or climb on a Buddha statue. It is also taboo to take selfies with the Buddha or pose in front of him. If you want to take photos, it is better to do it outside and ask for permission first.
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Best time to visit the pagoda
Visitors can come to Long Son Pagoda at any time of the year. However, be careful when you plan your trip during the Vietnam rainy season. The way up to the mountaintop may be slippery when it rains a lot.
Also, if you want to avoid the crowds, don’t visit Long Son Pagoda during Tet Holiday (usually starts in late January or early February), the Reunification Day and International Labor Day (30/4 & 1/5) or the National Day (2/9).
Long Son Pagoda is a good bet for the Nha Trang Day Tour. The best time to visit this coastal city is from February to May. You can also visit Nha Trang Cathedral and Po Nagar Tower on the same day and experience Nha Trang fishing village and snorkeling tour at Hon Mun Island.
Must-try foods for visitors
The local cuisine has become an essential part of any trip to Nha Trang. When you visit Long Son Pagoda, you can try some vegan dishes at the restaurant just right behind the entrance. If you want to have some other tastes, consider the following:
• Banh can (mini pancake): It is Nha Trang’s signature dish loaded with seafood and chopped spring onions, served with sweet and sour fish sauce.
• Bun cha ca (rice noodles with fried fish cake): The rice noodles are made from rice flour. Bun cha ca is served with fresh vegetables, bean sprouts, onions and fish sauce.
• Nem nuong Nha Trang (Nha Trang grilled pork rolls): A typical roll includes grilled pork, fried spring rolls, green mango slices, cucumber, pickles, fresh herbs, all wrapped in rice paper. Shrimp sauce is customary in Nha Trang.
>>> See more on 10 Must – Try Foods in Nha Trang To Enjoy
Nearby attractions
After your visit to Long Son Pagoda, it is essential to plan to visit some nearby attractions to complete your trip to Nha Trang.
1. Nha Trang Cathedral – 1.3 km from Long Son Pagoda
Address: Số 1 Đường Thái Nguyên, Phước Tân, Nha Trang
Highlights: Visiting Nha Trang Cathedral is definitely one of the best things to do in Nha Trang Vietnam. Nha Trang Cathedral is also known as the Stone Church or the Mountain Church because it stands on a small hill. Built in 1928 by a French priest, the cathedral features a Gothic style with a high bell tower, stained glass windows and a bronze cross on its top.
Opening hours: Every day from 5.30 a.m. to 5 p.m. (Sunday from 5 a.m. to 7 a.m. and 11 a.m. to 4.30 p.m.)
2. Dam Market – 1.7 km from Long Son Pagoda
Address: Đường Phan Bội Châu, Phường Vĩnh Hải, Nha Trang
Highlights: Dam Market is a popular tourist attraction in Nha Trang. It is not only a place for shoppers but a cultural and historical symbol of Nha Trang. What to buy in Nha Trang? You can buy beautiful souvenirs, from pearl jewelry to agarwood products. There are also local vendors serving Nha Trang street foods in and around the market.
Opening hours: Every day from 5 a.m. to 6.30 p.m.
>>> Check out Shore Excursions in Nha Trang
3. Alexandre Yersin Museum – 2 km from Long Son Pagoda
Address: 10 Trần Phú, Xương Huân, Nha Trang
Highlights: The museum is named after Alexandre Yersin – a French-Swiss bacteriologist who made significant contributions to Vietnam’s science, medicine and agriculture. At Alexandre Yersin Museum, visitors can see Yersin’s library, laboratory equipment, letters and documents. The information is presented in Vietnamese, English and French.
Entrance fee: VND 10,000/ child – VND 20,000/ adult
Opening hours: Monday – Friday, from 7.30 a.m to 5 p.m.
4. Po Nagar Cham Tower – 4.7 km from Long Son Pagoda
Address: 61 Hai Tháng Tư, Vĩnh Phước, Nha Trang
Highlights: Po Nagar Tower is an ancient tower of the Cham people. Contrary to others’ belief, the tower is rather close to the city center, among modern buildings. Now only four out of eight towers remain. This landmark showcases the diversity of Nha Trang and serves as a vantage point to view the city below.
Entrance fee: VND 30,000/ person
Opening hours: Every day from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
>>> If you travel with children or people with disabilities, take a look at our Accessible Guided Tours.
You can enjoy scenic beaches in Nha Trang and get a lot of fun activities with an island hopping tour. On the other hand, visiting Long Son Pagoda is a way to get a glimpse of the more traditional vibe of Nha Trang. Nha Trang is a destination that makes every moment of your trip filled with unique experiences. Reach out to us for the Best of Nha Trang Private Tour and feel free to ask us questions about Nha Trang Travel Guide!