# Long Son Pagoda: A Spiritual Landmark Protecting Nha Trang
Long Son Pagoda is the most famous temple in Nha Trang today, having undergone 133 years of construction and reconstruction. Also known as the White Buddha Temple, Long Son Pagoda is located at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain in Nha Trang and boasts over 100 years of history, featuring Vietnam's largest outdoor Buddha statue. Situated in the city center with excellent accessibility, it is approximately a 5-minute walk from Lotte Mart Nha Trang.
Practical Information: Admission · Operating Hours · Access
Long Son Pagoda is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM (17:00), with free admission. Donations are welcomed to support temple maintenance.
Access Methods:
- Grab ride from city center: typically 30,000–50,000 VND (approximately 1,700–2,800 KRW)
- Walking: approximately 5 minutes from Lotte Mart
- Motorbike rental: approximately 150,000–200,000 VND per day; taxi fares negotiable
Recommended Visit Times: Visiting before 8:00 AM ensures fewer crowds, and the morning sunlight beautifully illuminates the Buddha statue for better photos. Midday and afternoon hours feature intense sunlight with limited shade on the stairway climb—best avoided.
Prayer Route & Main Attractions
Step 1: Temple Entrance and Main Prayer Hall
The traditional architecture from the entrance onward, intricate dragon carvings, and ornate tiled roofs showcase the distinctive aesthetics of Vietnamese temple design. Inside the main prayer hall stands a 1.6-meter-tall bronze Buddha statue weighing 700 kilograms.
Step 2: The Great Bell
As you climb the stairs near the 54th step, you'll encounter the massive "Dai Hong Chung" (Great Red Bell), donated by Buddhists from Huế after 2002.
Step 3: Visiting the Reclining Buddha (Nirvana Buddha)
Near the 44th step sits a 17-meter-long, 5-meter-high reclining Buddha depicting Buddha's entry into Nirvana, constructed in 2003. Behind it are relief carvings of 49 disciples in meditation.
Step 4: Reaching the White Great Buddha Summit
After ascending 193 steps to the mountain peak, you'll be greeted by an impressive, serene large white seated Buddha against the blue sky and white clouds. The statue stands 24 meters high from ground level, with a lotus base rising 7 meters and measuring 10 meters in diameter. Behind the base are relief sculptures of seven monks, including Thích Quảng Đức (1963), who self-immolated in protest of South Vietnam's Buddhist persecution, framed by flames.
From this ideal vantage point, you can take in panoramic views of Nha Trang—from the sea and islands to majestic mountains and forests.
Dress Code & Etiquette
Recommended Attire
Avoid excessively revealing clothing, particularly garments exposing shoulders and knees:
- Tops: Avoid sleeveless (tank top) wear; short sleeves or longer recommended
- Bottoms: Long pants or skirts extending below the knees required
- Footwear: Choose comfortable shoes for climbing stairs (shoes are removed when entering the inner stairway)
Given the hot weather, carrying a light cardigan or scarf to wrap around when needed maintains hygiene and comfort.
Conduct Inside the Pagoda
When entering through the Three Gates (Tam Quan), use the right entrance and exit through the left; do not use the center entrance. Remove shoes before climbing stairs, and move quietly and respectfully.
Do not touch or climb onto Buddha statues. Do not ring the temple bells. Light incense at the large censer outside the temple, but avoid lighting incense inside to prevent air pollution.
Practical Tips
Climbing Stairs: Appreciating Long Son's famous Buddha statues requires ascending 152 stone steps. With numerous stairs and hot weather, the climb may be challenging for young children and elderly visitors. A round-trip motorbike ride from the entrance to the summit costs approximately 50,000 VND for a comfortable ascent.
Photography: Photography is permitted in most areas, though avoid disturbing worshippers during prayer times and refrain from inappropriate poses.
Caution: Be aware of individuals at the entrance distributing incense for donations, selling fake admission tickets, and motorbike drivers soliciting customers. A polite smile and gentle dismissal is advisable.
In Closing
Long Son Pagoda is not merely a tourist attraction but a spiritual center and cultural heritage of Nha Trang residents. The climb itself becomes a meditation, and the view of the White Great Buddha from the summit combined with Nha Trang's panoramic landscape offers an unforgettable experience. Visiting with respect for the temple's sanctity will deepen the meaningfulness of your journey.
Verify Latest Information
Admission fees, operating hours, transportation options, and tour inclusions may vary by season and operational circumstances. Please reconfirm through official channels before planning your visit.