Central Vietnam arguably boasts some of the greatest large architecture in South East Asia. Throughout travel destinations such as Hoi An, Da Nang and Hue there are no shortage of magnificent sightseeing opportunities. One in particular is the Linh Ung Pagoda which is located on the Son Tra Peninsula in Da Nang, roughly 9 kilometers from the city center.
The Linh Ung Pagoda is the largest pagoda in regards to scale and architecture, making it a must see for travelers and locals alike. It also contains the Lady Buddha (often referred to as this) which is an enormous 67 meters high, equivalent to a 30 story building. The local people believe that this special statue plays a variety of roles; not only to protect the fisherman throughout this region, but to also give them boundless strength for facing the storms that the ocean may conjure. The pagoda consists of a beautiful blend of modern and traditional architecture and is renowned for clearing the minds of visitors, whilst offering a stunning panoramic of the Da Nang peninsula. Fascinatingly, Linh Ung Pagoda is considered a modern mark of Buddhism within Vietnamese society today.
Upon arrival to the pagoda, you will pass a giant 3-door gate. Continue on to the next area to find a tranquil courtyard, filled with bonsai trees and perhaps one of the most special parts of the Pagoda, the Arhat statues. There are 18 of these spectacular statues, all showing different expressions. Carved by artist Nguyen Viet Minh, the Arhat statues were made using white stone materials bought from the Thanh Hoa province in Vietnam. Over time, the pagoda has become a place of worship and studying for monks and nuns, a place of living and also of course the increasing number of tourists travelling to Vietnam each year. Keep in mind when visiting that it represents a meeting of heaven and earths sacred air.
How to get there:
The Linh Ung Pagoda is located around the peninsula so the main forms of transport are via motorbike, taxi or private car. It will take 10-15 minutes for those travelling from Da Nang and around 45-50 minutes for those making the journey from Hoi An.
Cost:
Free. There is no charge to visit the Linh Ung Pagoda.
Opening hours:
06:00am-08:00pm.
Note: We advise visiting either early morning or later at night. This way, the weather will be cooler and you can avoid the crowds. If going at night you may also witness and breath-taking sunset if you are lucky.
