1. Where is Long Son Pagoda?
Long Son Pagoda is located at 22, 23/10 Street, Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province, Vietnam. It is located in the center of Nha Trang, about 390 km southeast of Ho Chi Minh City. And about 1,290 km southeast of Hanoi.
2. How is Long Son pagoda unique?
Long Son Pagoda, also known as White Buddha Pagoda, is located at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain, Nha Trang Ward. In this area, there are two famous pagodas, Long Son Pagoda below and Hai Duc Pagoda above. In particular, Long Son Pagoda has a giant white Buddha statue. As well as a pair of candles that are the largest in Vietnam, created by Venerable Thich Hien Chon, weighing 900kg and 3.4m high.
Long Son Pagoda was built in the 19th century. It has unique and sophisticated architectural sculptures from ancient times. After hundreds of years of many events and renovations, Long Son Pagoda has been certified as the oldest pagoda in Vietnam. When standing from the highest position and looking out into the distance. You will admire the bustling beauty of the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang.
3. History of the formation and development of Long Son Pagoda
According to records, the pagoda was founded by Venerable Thich Ngo Tri in 1886. Initially, the pagoda was just a thatched house on the top of Trai Thuy hill. However, in 1990, the pagoda collapsed due to a big storm. Therefore, Venerable Ngo Tri decided to move the pagoda to the foot of the mountain and also changed its name to Long Son.
In 1936, according to the will of Venerable Thich Ngo Tri. The pagoda was donated to the Central An Nam Buddhist Association to serve as the headquarters for the revival of Buddhism in Khanh Hoa.
Besides, Long Son Pagoda has gone through many important historical stages, from its construction to the present. Here are some important historical stages relating with Long Son Pagoda:
- 1900: People rebuilt Long Son Pagoda.
- 1940: Long Son Pagoda was repaired and expanded.
- 1946: Long Son Pagoda was completely destroyed during the resistance war against the French.
- 1950: People rebuilt Long Son Pagoda again.
- 1963: Long Son Pagoda was completely destroyed during the resistance war against America.
- 1971: Long Son Pagoda was rebuilt.
4. How to get to Long Son Pagoda?
Long Son Pagoda is located right in the center of Nha Trang ward, Khanh Hoa province. Therefore, there are many ways for you to get to the pagoda:
- If you are in the center of Nha Trang near Tram Huong tower. Then you move in the direction of Le Thanh Ton street to Thai Nguyen street and finally to 23/10 street, where the pagoda is located.
- If you are in the north of the city, you move in the direction of 2/4 street through Tran Quy Cap street – 23/10 street near Nha Trang Stone Church.
You can choose to rent a motorbike at accommodation facilities for about 150,000 VND – 200,000 VND/bike/day to be able to visit and move to the places you want to go. Or you can move by taxi, the price is quite reasonable depending on the type of vehicle and the number of people traveling. If you want to save money, you can use bus routes 01, 02, 74 with costs from 7,000 – 10,000 VND.
5. Some interesting activities and experiences when visiting Long Son Pagoda
5.1 Visiting the century-old ancient temple with bold Asian architecture
Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang has an area of over 3000m2, with unique architecture carved impressively, meticulously, boldly Asian. In harmony with this architectural work are rows of tall ancient trees, spreading their leaves to provide shade. Therefore, it helps the air around the temple to always be fresh and cool.
Moreover, the first impressive point when entering Long Son Pagoda, appearing before your eyes will be the stone towers, lamp posts, and reliefs. They are carved with sophisticated patterns in harmony with the delicate architecture of each temple roof.
In addition, from the yard to the main hall will be two steps. In the middle is a mosaic of porcelain carved with a dragon face and the word “Van”. The main hall of the temple is not too majestic but very solemn. The statue of Buddha sitting and preaching is displayed in the middle of the shrine.
It is even more unique…
In addition, the statues here are all made of bronze, weighing more than 700kg and nearly 2m high. In particular, in the central main hall, there are 2 giant candles. They are carved with dragons and lotus flowers, weighing up to 900kg and 3.4m high. Therefore, this pair of candles has achieved a Vietnamese record up to the present time.
Following the path on the right side of Long Son Pagoda, you will move up 193 more steps to reach the top of the hill. Stopping at the 44th step, you will admire the statue of Buddha entering Nirvana, 7m long and 5m high. Behind the statue is a relief of 49 monks clasping their hands to recite Buddha’s name.
When going up about 10 more steps, you will be the location of the great bell weighing more than 1,500kg. Every day in the early morning or late afternoon, the temple bell will ring with the sky and earth. So, it makes visitors feel more peaceful, more profound and at peace at the temple door.
With its unique features, Long Son Pagoda attracts thousands of visitors every year. When coming here, you seem to find a bit of serenity, show your respect and pray for good things in life.
5.2 Admiring the Golden Body Buddha statue – The largest outdoor Buddha statue in Vietnam
Located on the top of the hill of Long Son Pagoda is the Golden Body Buddha statue (white Buddha statue). The statue in the sitting position of preaching was built in 1963. This statue is built of concrete, about 24m high with a lotus platform 7m high and 10m wide in diameter.
In particular, the Golden Body Buddha statue has been recognized as “the largest outdoor Buddha statue in Vietnam”. From the early days of its construction, this Buddha statue was considered the largest in the Central region. From afar, the statue stands tall with the sky and earth, impressive and solemn.
Behind the statue is an entrance with guardian gods carved on both sides. Entering the lotus platform, you will see many Buddha statues carved on the wall.
5.3 Visiting the temple, admiring the whole view of Nha Trang from above
Standing on the top of the hill from Long Son Pagoda, you will admire the surrounding nature. As well as the whole view of Nha Trang city in your sight. Immerse yourself in nature, experience the fresh air at the Buddha’s door. To regain peace of mind, all worries will be quickly dispelled.
With this ideal height, you can capture the whole view of the peaceful city of Nha Trang. Don’t hesitate to check-in with impressive photos, saving memorable memories when coming to Long Son ancient pagoda.
5.4 Studying and practicing at Long Son Pagoda
In addition to annual sightseeing and events, this pagoda also organizes study and practice sessions. Moreover, Long Son Pagoda is also a place for studying and practicing Buddhism. Visitors and locals can participate in spiritual activities, learn about Buddhism and practice the teachings of Buddha.
5.5 Participating in annual events
During the festival and event season, Long Son Pagoda annually organizes festivals and folk customs activities. Such as: Flower lantern exhibition in the first lunar month, Buddha bathing ceremony in April, Vu Lan Bon festival in July, … Therefore, these events attract a large number of people and visitors from all over the world to visit and worship.
Long Son Pagoda is not only a sacred pagoda with unique architecture. But it is also a place to organize many cultural, spiritual and educational activities. So, it contributes to enriching the spiritual life of the local community.
6. Specialties when traveling to Long Son Pagoda
6.1. Seafood
Nha Trang seafood is extremely diverse, fresh and not expensive. Some of the Nha Trang seafood dishes that “captivate” all diners. They are: cheese lobster, butter-sauteed snails with garlic, anchovy salad, cow skin fish, jellyfish salad, etc.
Suggested addresses:
- Binh Dan Seafood: No. 06 Ngo Si Lien Street, Van Thang Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Long Vu Restaurant: No. 133, Thap Ba, Nha Trang City.
- Bo Ke Restaurant: 42B Cu Lao Trung, North of Tran Phu Bridge, Nha Trang City.
- Lang Chai Nha Trang Seafood Restaurant: near Bao Dai Port, Nha Trang City.
6.2 Banh Can
Nha Trang Banh Can has a quite different flavor compared to other regions. The main ingredients of the dish are rice flour, combined with eggs, shrimp, squid, etc. When enjoying, you dip it in a mixture of sweet and salty fish sauce, braised fish sauce, meatballs, and scallion oil.
Suggested addresses:
- Sister Gai’s Banh Can: Group 8 Thap Ba, Vinh Tho Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Le Thanh Ton Banh Can: 19 Le Thanh Ton, Phuoc Tien Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Banh Can No. 48 Hoang Hoa Tham, Nha Trang City.
6.3 Nha Trang jellyfish noodles
Nha Trang jellyfish noodles leave a lasting impression on diners after a trip to Nha Trang. Because of the sweet, salty taste of the ocean and the crunchiness of fresh jellyfish meat combined with all kinds of steamed and fried fish cakes. So, the dish is a great choice for breakfast or afternoon snack.
Suggested addresses:
- Doc Lech jellyfish noodle restaurant: Yersin and Ba Trieu intersection, Phuong Sai Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Fish noodle restaurant: No. 23A, Yet Kieu, Nha Trang City.
- Bun Ca Duc: B8 Phan Boi Chau, Nha Trang City.
- Quan Nguyen Loan: No. 123 Ngo Gia Tu, Phuoc Tien Ward, Nha Trang City.
6.4. Lac Canh beef
To change the taste after delicious seafood dishes, try enjoying the attractive Lac Canh beef from a brand that has been around for more than 40 years. The restaurant has many delicious dishes made from beef, the most prominent is the charcoal grilled beef with a rich flavor served with raw vegetables.
- Address: 44 Nguyen Binh Khiem, Nha Trang City.
6.5. Banh Canh Cha Ca
When traveling to Nha Trang, you must definitely enjoy the famous banh canh cha ca. A full bowl of banh canh with fish cakes, delicious fish cakes and sweet broth made from sea fish. It will make you remember forever.
Suggested addresses:
- Ba Thua Restaurant: 10A Phan Chau Trinh, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Nguyen Loan Restaurant: No. 123 Ngo Gia Tu, Phuoc Tien Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Phuc noodle shop: No. 53, Van Don, Phuoc Hoa Ward, Nha Trang City.
- Co Ha noodle shop: No. 14, Phan Chu Trinh, Xuong Huan Ward, Nha Trang City.
7. Accommodation when traveling to Long Son pagoda
- Cam Ranh Riviera Beach Resort & Spa. Address: Cam Hai Dong, Cam Lam, Khanh Hoa.
- Sheraton Nha Trang Hotel. Address: 26-28 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Six Senses Ninh Van Bay. Address: Ninh Van, Ninh Hoa, Khanh Hoa.
- InterContinental Nha Trang. Address: 32-34 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Muong Thanh Luxury Nha Trang. Address: 60 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Aroma Nha Trang Boutique Hotel. Address: 26A Tran Quang Khai, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa province
- Sata Hotel Nha Trang. Address: 24E Nguyen Thien Thuat, Loc Tho Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.
- InterContinental Nha Trang. Address: 32-34 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
- Vinpearl Condotel Beachfront Nha Trang. Address: 78 Tran Phu, Loc Tho, Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa.
Note: Because Nha Trang is a “tourist paradise”, it has a variety of accommodation types. It will meet your needs, preferences and suit your budget. Please contact Origin Vietnam for more details.
8. Some important notes when traveling to Long Son Pagoda
To make your visit to Long Son Pagoda solemn and meaningful. You need to refer to some necessary notes below:
- When going through the temple gate (Tam Quan gate), when coming, go to the right, when leaving, go to the left. You are not allowed to go through the main door in the middle.
- Dress modestly and politely. The temple requires wearing long pants to enter the main hall to preserve the solemnity of the temple. Choose shoes that are easy to put on and take off and comfortable for more convenience. When entering the shrines and climbing the steps.
- Speak and walk gently, pray to Buddha in your heart, no need to pray out loud.
- When praying to Buddha, you should be kind, pray for peace, health, national prosperity and people’s safety.
- Do not touch or climb on the Buddha statues in the temple. Do not ring the temple bell on your own.
- Prepare a pure offering including items such as incense, fruits, tea, candles, vegetarian food. Do not offer salty food. Arrange and place offerings according to the temple’s instructions.
- You should only burned the incense at the top placed outside. Limit burning incense inside the temple, causing smoke. Affecting the health of people in the temple and the current state of the Buddha statue.
- The temple has many beautiful scenes for you to take pictures to keep as souvenirs. However, you should be careful when taking photos in the temple. Do not pose in an offensive or ridiculous way.
- Keep the landscape and environment of the temple and the surrounding space always green, clean and beautiful. Do not litter.
It is worthy visiting Long Son pagoda
Long Son Pagoda is an ancient and sacred pagoda. This is a famous spiritual destination of Nha Trang in general and Vietnam in particular. If you have the opportunity to visit the beautiful coastal city of Nha Trang, do not forget to visit this pagoda. To have the opportunity to admire the ancient beauty and learn about the history and culture of Vietnamese Buddhism. Join Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator. We will accompany you on the Nha Trang tour to explore the unique pagoda with unforgettable memories.
