Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang - A Hidden Gem in Vietnam

Name: A Hidden Gem in Nha Trang: Long Son Pagoda
Item: Vietnam, Nha Trang, Long Son Pagoda
Rating: 5
Author: sarahm_lee

A Hidden Gem in Nha Trang: Long Son Pagoda

summarizeEditor's Summary

Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang is a must-visit destination for anyone looking for a peaceful escape from the city's chaos. The stunning natural surroundings and beautiful white Buddha make it a unique temple experience. I rode my bike there and found it easier to park for free right by the road, but there's a parking lot available for 10,000 dong if you prefer. The hill is surrounded by lush greenery, and the peaceful atmosphere is a great way to unwind. It's a bit far from the city center, but it's still easily accessible by bike or taxi.

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Hello there!

When visiting temples in Asia, it's hard to resist the allure of a popular or unique spot with a stunning location. Nha Trang's Long Son Pagoda is an absolute must-see, especially if you're looking for a convenient and easily accessible destination.

We rode our bikes to the pagoda, and there's a parking lot available for 10,000 dong. However, you can easily park for free right by the road.

Don't miss the pagoda itself - the white Buddha is visible from afar, and the hill is surrounded by lush greenery with a big sign at the entrance that says 'Long Son'.

It's peaceful, spacious, and full of greenery.

Before you enter, you can buy incense sticks and place them, making a wish. The smell of incense creates a unique atmosphere of kindness and serenity.

The only downside is that they might ask you to buy those incense sticks a bit persistently.

The beautiful large mosaic, dragons, and lion statues are definitely worth a look.

As we climbed up, the stairs suddenly split in two - to the left, we found a reclining Buddha, and to the right, a big white Buddha waiting for us. We somehow missed the first one and headed straight up.

It was eerily quiet, and on a sunny day, there was a cool shade and a refreshing breeze. We spotted about five white rabbits jumping from branch to branch, darting around like they were possessed.

The climb was rewarded with a beautiful bell and a secluded little plaza.

We could buy coconuts, bananas, souvenirs, beads, and other stuff right there. But it all seemed a bit rough around the edges, more like a local market than a popular tourist attraction.

We encountered some beggars, but they weren't too pushy. We left a few bucks for an elderly woman and continued up.

White Buddha - a bright spot in the midst of lush greenery, gazing out into the distance.

I love visiting places like this, where it's quiet and peaceful, and there's a sense of something uplifting. I remember going to the Big Buddha on Phuket.

You can make a wish here, or on the other side, you can go inside by walking around the Buddha. You have to remove your shoes before entering.

It's also worth noting that there's a dress code, which is unspoken but still there - shoulders and knees should be covered. In practice, no one checks, but it's best to follow the rule. I'd read that some people might be turned away if they're not dressed appropriately, but we weren't asked to change, and my dress was just above the knee with covered shoulders.

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On the other side, there's some kind of plaza. To be honest, I felt like something was missing from a place as popular as this.

Looking back, the view from here is decent, but it's clear we skipped the review area and didn't see anything. We headed straight to the Buddha and missed the city view altogether.

Surrounding the Buddha is a bit of a wasteland, and it's really sad to see so much trash. It's frustrating that people are so careless and litter in a place like this.

But if you take the stairs down and take a closer look, the view opens up to something really beautiful.

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Going back up and turning into the other path, we stumbled upon the reclining Buddha. The statue is massive and really impressive!

You can stand there in silence, taking in the artwork and thinking about the good stuff. There's also a designated area for lighting candles.

The view of the houses from here is nice, especially since it's surrounded by lush greenery and it's not too hot.

Longshan Temple is a super popular spot, and we saw busloads of tourists, especially big groups of Chinese tourists. We were lucky to visit here in the middle of the day, and it was actually pretty quiet – we didn't see many people, except for a group of Chinese tourists who were just leaving when we arrived. To be honest, I think the atmosphere of this place gets lost in the crowds and noise.

The Buddha statue here is stunning, and it's a pleasure to be around.

So, who's this place for? If you're into history, respect different cultures and religions, you'll probably love it. On the other hand, if you're looking for something super exciting or unique, you might find it a bit dull.

We came here without any expectations, just had some free time and wanted to visit a landmark. That's why we ended up enjoying it – it was a nice surprise!

Comparing it to the Chiang Kai-shek Memorial Hall, I have to say that I'd love to come back to the latter – the area is really well-maintained and beautiful. The Buddha here is nice, but it's not quite on the same level, so one visit is probably enough.

I'd definitely recommend stopping by Longshan Temple - it's a must-see spot. The atmosphere of calm and serenity is pretty unique, as long as you avoid the crowds of Chinese tourists. Thousands of wishes are made here, and the best part is that admission is free (just be prepared to pay for bike parking) and it's super convenient to get to in the city.

live_helpFeatured FAQ

What's the best way to get to Long Son Pagoda?

You can get there by bike, taxi, or on foot. There's a parking lot available for 10,000 dong, but I found it easier to park for free right by the road.

Are there any dress code requirements for visiting Long Son Pagoda?

Yes, there's a dress code, so be sure to dress modestly before visiting. This includes covering your shoulders and knees as a sign of respect.

Can I take photos inside the pagoda?

Yes, you can take photos inside the pagoda, but be respectful of other visitors and the monks. Avoid using flash or taking photos during prayers or ceremonies.

Are there any facilities available at the pagoda?

The pagoda's facilities are basic, but there are restrooms and drinking water available. You can also purchase snacks and souvenirs from the nearby stalls.

Can I bring my dog to the pagoda?

No, pets are not allowed inside the pagoda. However, you can leave your dog in a nearby area, but be sure to keep them on a leash and clean up after them.

What are the opening hours of Long Son Pagoda?

The pagoda is open from 7am to 6pm daily. However, the hours may vary during special ceremonies or events, so it's best to check with the locals or the pagoda's website for the latest information.

Can I stay overnight at the pagoda?

No, there are no accommodation facilities available at the pagoda. However, you can stay at nearby hotels or guesthouses and visit the pagoda during the day.

Are there any nearby attractions to visit?

Yes, there are several nearby attractions to visit, including the Nha Trang Cathedral, the Po Nagar Cham Towers, and the Hon Chong Promontory. You can also take a short walk to the nearby beaches and enjoy the sunset.

check_circlePros

•The peaceful atmosphere is a great escape from the city's noise and chaos.
•The stunning natural surroundings make it a perfect spot for nature lovers.
•The white Buddha is a beautiful sight to behold, visible from afar.
•The hill is surrounded by lush greenery, creating a serene ambiance.
•The pagoda is easily accessible, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
•You can park for free right by the road, but there's a parking lot available for 10,000 dong if you prefer.

cancelCons

•There's a dress code, so be sure to dress modestly before visiting.
•It can get crowded with tourists, especially during peak season.
•The pagoda's location is a bit far from the city center, but it's still easily accessible by bike or taxi.
•The parking lot can get full quickly, so it's a good idea to arrive early.
•The pagoda's facilities are basic, but it's not a major issue for most visitors.
•Some areas of the pagoda can be a bit difficult to navigate, especially for those with mobility issues.

A Hidden Gem in Nha Trang: Long Son Pagoda