Located at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill, Long Son Pagoda is one of the most sacred landmarks in Nha Trang, famous for its 24-meter-tall White Buddha and tranquil spiritual atmosphere. This century-old temple beautifully combines Buddhist and Vietnamese architecture, offering visitors a peaceful retreat and panoramic views of the coastal city. Let's discover this attraction in Nha Trang with Vietpower Travel in the post below!
Long Son Pagoda, originally named Đằng Long Tự, was founded in 1886 by Venerable Thich Ngo Chi. After a powerful cyclone in 1900, the temple was moved from the top of Trai Thuy Hill to its current location for easier access and protection.
In 1936, the pagoda became the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of Khanh Hoa Province, making it a center of spiritual activity in Central Vietnam.
Near the main entrance stands the “Blessing Stele of the Tran Dynasty” — an ancient stone inscription with prayers for peace and compassion. This rare relic, often unnoticed by visitors, reflects the deep history and faith preserved through generations.
The pagoda’s architecture beautifully combines Taoist and Buddhist design with decorative details from the Nguyen Dynasty. Mosaic dragons, lotus carvings, and curved tiled roofs create a graceful, timeless appearance.
The complex features 193 steps leading through peaceful courtyards, a 700 kg bronze Buddha inside the main hall, and the majestic 24-meter-tall White Buddha sitting on a lotus base at the top of the hill.
At the main gate, the Dragon–Phoenix Carved Archway showcases delicate wooden carvings symbolizing the balance between heaven and earth. This 19th-century gateway remains one of the most well-preserved wooden artworks in Nha Trang.
For travelers exploring attractions in Nha Trang, the pagoda pairs perfectly with nearby landmarks such as Po Nagar Cham Towers Nha Trang, offering a meaningful cultural route through the city.
Long Son Pagoda is located at 22, 23/10 Street, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City, right at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill.
Opening Hours & Admission
Along the walkway, notice the vintage patterned tile path — restored from the early 20th century, it adds nostalgic charm to the peaceful temple grounds.
Dress Code & Visitor Etiquette
As a sacred site, visitors are asked to dress modestly — shoulders and knees should be covered. Light, breathable clothing and comfortable shoes are ideal for climbing the steps.
Keep your voice low, avoid flash photography, and refrain from using selfie sticks inside the prayer halls. Please remove your shoes before entering the main sanctuary and respect areas reserved for monks or meditation.
The Inner Sanctuary Experience
Inside the main hall, the deep sound of the Dai Hong Chung bell echoes through the temple, creating a peaceful rhythm that calms every visitor.
At the center stands a gold-microplated Guanyin Bodhisattva statue— a shining masterpiece under candlelight. This rare sculpture, known to few, reflects both exquisite craftsmanship and profound spiritual devotion.
The soft glow of lanterns, the scent of incense, and the tranquil chants make this a place where visitors can slow down, reflect, and feel genuine peace within.
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The Reclining Buddha at Step 44
The climb to the White Buddha statue begins with 193 steps winding up Trai Thuy Hill.
At Step 44, visitors reach the Reclining Buddha, showing Buddha’s moment of entering Nirvana — a peaceful image that reflects calm and freedom from worldly suffering.
Behind the statue is a carved relief of 49 disciples, hands joined in prayer, honoring their master. This detail makes the scene feel alive and deeply spiritual.
Next to this level is the sacred stone well. Locals believe the water here can bring peace and purity to both body and mind. During the Vesak Festival, many come to draw water from the well to pray for health, harmony, and blessings for their families.
The White Buddha – Symbol of Peace and Enlightenment
At the top of the hill stands the White Buddha Statue, completed in 1964.
The figure is 24 meters tall, seated on a 7-meter lotus pedestal, and can be seen from almost anywhere in Nha Trang. It represents peace, compassion, and enlightenment — the core values of Buddhism.
Around the lotus base are murals that tell stories about compassion and the rebirth of the soul. These carvings show how faith and art come together at the pagoda.
Behind the shrine is a small Taoist ceramic chimney. It was once used to release incense smoke during meditation ceremonies. Today, it has been carefully restored as part of the temple’s heritage preservation.
From the top, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of Nha Trang — the blue sea, green hills, and the city below. It’s one of the best viewpoints for photography and quiet reflection.
Ancient Bonsai Courtyard
Behind the monks’ school is a peaceful bonsai garden. The garden is filled with ancient Bodhi and tamarind trees, shaped over decades into beautiful, balanced forms. Each tree reflects the patience and mindfulness of Buddhist practice.
Visitors can rest under the shade, feel the cool air, and listen to the sound of leaves rustling — a quiet moment of calm before continuing their journey around the temple.
Lanterns and Festival Colors
During Vesak and Vu Lan festivals, Long Son Pagoda becomes bright with thousands of colorful lanterns. This handcrafted lantern system is made by local artisans using silk and bamboo. At night, the lights glow softly across the courtyards, creating a warm, peaceful atmosphere.
The lanterns symbolize light and wisdom — guiding people toward compassion and understanding. Their beauty makes Long Son Pagoda one of the most memorable attractions in Nha Trang Vietnam during the festive season.
Buddha’s Birthday (Vesak)
The Vesak Celebration Nha Trang takes place annually on the 15th day of the 4th lunar month (usually in May). This day honors the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Buddha, making it one of the most significant Buddhist events across Vietnam.
During Vesak, Long Son Pagoda becomes a vibrant sea of color. The temple is decorated with lotus lanterns, flowers, and prayer flags, creating a sacred yet festive atmosphere. The event includes a lantern procession, flower offerings, and chanting ceremonies led by monks and nuns from the Khanh Hoa Buddhist Association.
As night falls, the hillside glows with hundreds of lanterns symbolizing enlightenment and hope. The soft drumbeats, gentle chanting, and scent of incense fill the air, creating a tranquil scene that leaves a lasting impression on every visitor.
Many travelers consider Vesak at Long Son one of the most moving attractions in Nha Trang Vietnam, combining local devotion with artistic beauty and community spirit.
Vu Lan Festival (Festival of Filial Piety)
The Vu Lan Festival — also known as the Ghost Month or Ullambana — is held on the 15th day of the 7th lunar month (usually in August). It is a time for Buddhists to express gratitude and love toward their parents and ancestors.
At Long Son Pagoda, devotees gather early in the morning to offer food, incense, and flowers while praying for blessings and harmony. Visitors will see locals wearing roses on their shirts — red for those whose parents are still alive and white to honor those who have passed away.
A highlight of the festival is the “Festival Drum Performance” (Bộ trống lễ hội rượu cần). Monks and performers create a rhythmic ceremony that blends the deep tones of Central Highland drums with melodic Buddhist chanting. The powerful sounds echo across the hill, representing the connection between earthly life and spiritual awareness.
In the evening, the temple grounds are illuminated by thousands of floating candles and lanterns released into the air — each carrying wishes for peace, health, and happiness. For travelers, this is a beautiful and meaningful glimpse into Vietnamese family values and Buddhist compassion.
Local Craft & Sacred Art
Within the eastern corridor of Long Son Pagoda lies a rare and captivating artwork — the lacquer mural of Good and Evil.
Created by local artisans, this large painting portrays the eternal balance between right and wrong, compassion and selfishness. Its deep red and golden tones, highlighted by natural lacquer layers, shimmer beautifully under sunlight.
This mural isn’t just decorative — it tells a moral story deeply rooted in Vietnamese Buddhist philosophy. It reflects how faith and art coexist, inspiring visitors to live with kindness and awareness. For art lovers, it’s one of the hidden treasures that make Long Son Pagoda unique among cultural Buddhist events Vietnam.
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Duration: 4–5 hours (Morning 8:00 AM – 12:30 PM or Afternoon 1:30 PM – 6:00 PM)
Route: City Center → Long Son Pagoda → Stone Church → Dam Market → Hon Chong Promontory
Itinerary:
08:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel in central Nha Trang. Meet your English-speaking guide and start the city tour.
08:15 AM – 09:00 AM: Visit Long Son Pagoda, home to the 24-meter White Buddha Statue on Trai Thuy Hill. Learn about its history from 1886, admire the lotus-shaped platform, and enjoy a panoramic view of Nha Trang city from above.
09:10 AM – 09:50 AM: Stop at Stone Church (Nha Trang Cathedral), built from coral and mountain stones in French Gothic style. Capture great photos of its stained-glass windows and bell tower.
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM: Continue to Dam Market, the city’s largest shopping place. Explore local stalls selling seafood, dried fruits, souvenirs, and traditional handicrafts.
11:00 AM – 12:15 PM: Visit Hon Chong Promontory, a natural rocky area along the coastline. Hear the local legend about the giant handprint on the stone and take a break with a cup of Vietnamese coffee while enjoying the sea view.
12:30 PM: Return to your hotel. End of the half-day tour.
Duration: 8 hours (8:00 AM – 4:30 PM)
Route: Long Son Pagoda → Po Nagar Towers → Mud Bath Experience → Dam Market → Hon Chong Promontory
Itinerary:
08:00 AM: Pick up from your hotel. Begin the day with an introduction to Nha Trang’s culture and daily life.
08:15 AM – 09:00 AM: Visit Long Son Pagoda – climb 193 steps to the White Buddha and admire the view over the city. Learn about Buddhist customs from your guide and take time to reflect at the sacred site.
09:20 AM – 10:15 AM: Move on to Po Nagar Cham Towers, an ancient Hindu-style complex built between the 7th and 12th centuries. Discover the history of the Cham people and their worship of the Goddess Po Nagar.
10:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Enjoy a relaxing Mud Bath & Hot Spring Experience at Thap Ba or I-Resort. Soak in natural mineral water and rejuvenate your skin after the morning sightseeing.
12:00 PM – 1:00 PM: Lunch at a local Vietnamese restaurant featuring seafood, spring rolls, and noodle dishes.
1:30 PM – 2:15 PM: Visit Dam Market, the busiest shopping center in the city. Taste local snacks, buy souvenirs, and experience the lively atmosphere.
2:30 PM – 3:30 PM: Stop at Hon Chong Promontory, a peaceful coastal site filled with giant rocks and sea breeze. Take photos with the sea and the mountains in the background.
4:30 PM: Return to your hotel. Tour ends with memories of Nha Trang’s cultural and natural beauty.
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Long Son Pagoda, also called Cửu Long Sơn Tự, is located at 22, 23/10 Street, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. It sits at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill, about 2 km from the city center and is easy to reach by motorbike, taxi, or guided tour.
The pagoda is open daily from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Early morning and late afternoon are the most peaceful times to visit, with soft light and fewer crowds. Entrance is free of charge for all visitors.
The distance between Long Son Pagoda and Po Nagar Cham Towers is around 4 kilometers (about 10–15 minutes by car).
Most travelers include both sites in a half-day Nha Trang city tour to explore the city’s spiritual and cultural landmarks.
The pagoda is located in the Phuong Son Ward, near 23/10 Street, which connects directly to the main city roads. It’s easy to identify thanks to the large white Buddha statue visible from many parts of the city.
Vietpower Travel is a licensed international tour operator (License No. 01-711/TCDL-GPLHQT) with over 15 years of experience in cultural and spiritual journeys across Vietnam and Indochina.
The company offers safe, personalized tours designed for comfort and authentic experiences — from Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang to other famous attractions in Nha Trang Vietnam. With transparent pricing, secure booking, and 24/7 customer support, Vietpower ensures every trip is smooth and memorable.
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A visit to Long Son Pagoda is more than a sightseeing stop — it’s a journey through Vietnam’s spiritual heart and timeless artistry. From the White Buddha to ancient relics and festival traditions, every detail reflects faith and peace. Book your Long Son Pagoda Tour with Vietpower Travel, Vietnam’s trusted expert in cultural and spiritual tours, and experience Nha Trang’s sacred charm with comfort and authenticity.
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