Long Son Pagoda is known as the oldest temple in Nha Trang. This place is home to the world’s biggest Buddha statue, according to the Guinness Book of World Records for Vietnam. Due to its sophisticated beauty, the pagoda has attracted a lot of tourists every year.
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About Long Son Pagoda
Long Son Pagoda is situated at No. 22 on 23/10 Street, Phuong Son Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province (at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain). This area includes the Long Son Pagoda below and the Hai Duc Pagoda above – two of the city’s most notable religious sites.
This Nha Trang pagoda was originally known as Dang Long Tu (Dang Long Pagoda). It was built in 1886 in another location under the supervision of Thich Ngo Chi (1856-1935), an abbot from Vinh Xuong, Khanh Hoa. After a devastating typhoon in 1900, the temple was severely damaged and had to be relocated to its current position. Long Son Pagoda was renamed and has become the headquarters of the Buddhist Association of Khanh Hoa Province since 1936. It was renovated and expanded again in 1940 before being destroyed in 1968 during the Vietnam War. Until now, Long Son Pagoda has been recognized as Vietnam’s oldest temple after hundreds of years with several repairs.
Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang Vietnam highlights
The ancient pagoda with Asian architecture
Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang has an area of more than 3000 square meters with impressively and meticulously unique architecture. The shades of the old tall trees harmonize with this architectural work, creating a fresh and peaceful atmosphere.
Every feature of this pagoda is designed by traditional Vietnamese architecture, Taoist architecture, and artistic sculptures of mythological creatures. Because it can hold hundreds of Buddhists and pilgrims to pray, the main hall also functions as a monastery. Many visitors and locals visit Long Son Pagoda on the first and fifteenth of the lunar month to worship, watch, or enjoy the tranquility in this pristine area.
The Marble Statue Of Buddha
On the journey to the summit of Trai Thuy hill, at the 44th step, you will see a marble statue of Buddha and a tableau depicting 49 of Buddha’s pupils assembled on the day of Buddha’s death.
Dai Hong Chung Bell
The second stop has a bell tower with a great bell of 1500 kilograms donated in 2002 by Hue Buddhists. The sound of a bell ringing in the middle of a large forest deepens every soul, making people indulge in the majestic and serene ambiance at Buddha’s place.
The White Gautama Buddha Statue
After climbing 193 steps to the mountaintop, you will be able to see the giant white Buddha seated amid the blue sky and white clouds, which is calm and impressive as an iconic symbol of Nha Trang. The statue stands out in the Long Son Pagoda area since it is situated on an enormous lotus.
At this ideal altitude, you can enjoy the entire gorgeous Nha Trang City, from the ocean and islands to the magnificent panorama of the mountains and forest. Ready to immerse yourself in the purity of mind and escape from the hustle and bustle of life
Things to remember when visiting Long Son Pagoda
To help you have a perfect trip to Long Son Pagoda, here are some useful tips:
- When going through the Tam Quan gate to access the temple, you need to enter through the right entry and exit through the left entry, do not enter through the middle entry.
- When visiting the temple, you should dress formally and properly; certain shrines will require you to wear long pants to show respect.
- You should move and talk gently, do not make loud noises in the temple
- Since you need to leave your shoes outside the temples and shrines as well as to climb stairs, you should choose comfortable shoes.
- There are several Buddha statues in Long Son Pagoda, and you cannot touch or climb on them, nor should you ring the temple bell
- For the offering ceremony, you should prepare vegetarian food and follow the temple’s instructions.
- Outside the temple, there is a large incense burner, you should burn the incense here instead of in the temple which will affect the air around the temple and the Buddha statue.
From the highest point on the hill, you will be able to see the panoramic view of the entire poetic Nha Trang city and capture hundreds of beautiful pictures. However, if you intend to take photographs in the temple, you should be mindful of your poses.
When coming to Nha Trang, Long Son Pagoda is a must-visit religious destination. This place will help you purify your soul, remove your worries and stressful thoughts, and bring you inner peace. Immerse yourself in tranquility and escape from the bustle and hustle of life. Hopefully, this article has provided you with useful information for your upcoming exciting vacation.
