location_on22 Đường 23 Tháng 10, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
Located at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill, Long Son Pagoda is a spiritual destination with a long-standing connection to the cultural and Buddhist life of Nha Trang, Khanh Hoa. The pagoda is widely known as the White Buddha Pagoda, a name associated with the prominent Kim Than Phat To statue standing atop the hill, visible from the October 23 Street area.
More than a place of worship for Buddhist devotees, Long Son Pagoda is also a destination for those who wish to learn about local Buddhist history, admire traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecture, and explore part of the cultural heritage of this coastal city.
The pagoda is located at 22 October 23 Street, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province. Its grounds combine religious buildings at the foot of the hill with a staircase leading uphill to two prominent Buddha statues within the complex.
The history of Long Son Pagoda began in 1886, when Venerable Thich Ngo Chi established the pagoda under its original name, Dang Long Tu. At that time, it was merely a thatched-roof structure on the summit of Trai Thuy Hill, associated with the spread of Buddhism in the local community.
In 1900, after the pagoda collapsed during a storm, Venerable Thich Ngo Chi had it relocated to the foot of the hill and renamed it Long Son. The new location established the foundation of the pagoda complex seen today, while Trai Thuy Hill continued to play an important role in its landscape and spiritual setting.
In 1936, in accordance with the founder’s wishes, the pagoda was donated to the An Nam Buddhist Association of Central Vietnam to serve as a headquarters for the development of Buddhism in the region. In 1938, it received the official signboard bearing the title “Sac Tu Long Son Tu.” In 1941, the pagoda underwent further restoration with contributions from people connected to Buddhism in Nha Trang.
During the war years, the pagoda’s tiled roof was damaged in 1968. In 1971, Venerable Thich Thien Binh led restoration work. Further renovations were carried out in subsequent years, helping shape the pagoda’s appearance through different historical periods.
After more than a century, Long Son Pagoda has become not only a religious structure but also a site closely connected with the development of Buddhism in Khanh Hoa. It remains an important center of Buddhist activities in the local community.
The pagoda grounds are approximately 45 meters wide and more than 72 meters long. The buildings are arranged according to traditional Buddhist worship spaces and include the three-entrance gate, main hall, lecture hall, patriarch hall, Buddhist statues, and supporting structures.
Overall, the pagoda reflects the solemn character of traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. Its tiled roofs, rows of columns, and decorative details create an ancient atmosphere, while the spacious grounds connect the worship area at the foot of the hill with the path leading to the statues above.
Main Hall – The Central Place of Worship
The main hall, also known as the Dai Hung Bao Dien, covers approximately 1,670 square meters. It is the pagoda’s principal place of worship and houses a bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, approximately 1.6 meters tall and weighing around 700 kilograms, seated in a preaching posture.
The statue and the interior of the main hall form an important focal point for Buddhist worship and religious activities. Visitors can also observe the architectural features and traditional arrangement of a Vietnamese Buddhist temple more closely here.
Along the staircase leading up Trai Thuy Hill stands a statue of the Buddha entering Nirvana, commonly known as the Reclining Buddha. The statue is approximately 17 meters long and 5 meters high. It was installed at the 44th step in 2003.
Behind the statue is a relief depicting 49 disciples gathered around the Buddha. This arrangement creates a space with clear Buddhist significance and offers visitors a place to pause and examine the sculptural details before continuing toward the hilltop.
The Reclining Buddha is one of the most recognizable features of the Long Son Pagoda complex. It contributes to a step-by-step visiting experience, from the main hall at the foot of the hill to the Buddha statues above.
If the main hall is the center of religious activities, the Kim Than Phat To statue, also known as the White Buddha, is the defining symbol of Long Son Pagoda.
The statue was built in 1963 on the summit of Trai Thuy Hill, depicting the Buddha seated in a preaching posture. Its total height is approximately 24 meters. The base includes a lotus pedestal about 7 meters high and a room used to hold ashes, according to records about the pagoda.
One notable detail can be found on the lotus petals: each petal is carved with portraits of seven Buddhist monks who self-immolated in 1963 to protest the religious persecution of Buddhists under the Ngo Dinh Diem administration. This detail gives the monument significance beyond religion, connecting it to a particularly important period in Vietnamese Buddhist history.
The white statue stands out against the Nha Trang skyline and has become a familiar visual landmark of the city. From the statue area, visitors can observe the surrounding scenery and experience the contrast between the tranquility of the hilltop and the urban activity below.
Continuing up the staircase, visitors will encounter the bell tower and its great bell, approximately 2.2 meters high and weighing around 1,500 kilograms. The bell was donated to the pagoda by Buddhists in Hue in 2002.
The bell tower is part of the pagoda’s architectural ensemble and Buddhist activities. The sound of temple bells has long been associated with religious life, reminding listeners to turn their minds toward stillness and reverence. Together with the main hall and Buddha statues, the bell tower completes the familiar elements of a traditional Vietnamese pagoda.
A visit to Long Son Pagoda can begin at the entrance and main hall before continuing up the staircase toward Trai Thuy Hill. Along the way, visitors will encounter the Reclining Buddha, the bell tower, and finally the Kim Than Phat To statue at the summit.
According to Wikipedia, the route from the main hall to the two Buddha statues consists of a total of 193 steps. Visitors are advised to take their time, especially when traveling with older adults or young children.
Beyond worship and architectural appreciation, a visit offers an opportunity to explore a site where history, sculpture, and local Buddhist life come together in a single complex. Details such as the bronze statue in the main hall, the relief behind the Reclining Buddha, and the portraits of monks on the lotus pedestal all add depth to the experience.
Visitors should dress respectfully, remain quiet in worship areas, follow on-site instructions, and avoid disrupting religious activities. When taking photographs, please respect the privacy and solemnity of those engaged in worship.
The significance of Long Son Pagoda extends beyond its famous White Buddha statue. Its founding in 1886, relocation after the storm of 1900, role in the revival of Buddhism in the local area, and collection of Buddhist statues have shaped the pagoda’s distinctive identity.
For local residents and Buddhist devotees, Long Son is a place for worship, religious activities, and seeking peace of mind. For visitors, it offers an opportunity to better understand Vietnamese Buddhist culture and discover a part of Nha Trang’s history beyond its familiar island and beach experiences.
The combination of worship spaces at the foot of the hill, the staircase, and the Buddha statue at the summit of Trai Thuy Hill makes Long Son Pagoda a distinctive destination. Each structure contributes to the story of the site’s history and faith.
location_on22 Đường 23 Tháng 10, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Khanh Hoa Province
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