Long Son Pagoda

Long Son Pagoda, also known as White Buddha Pagoda (Behind the pagoda is a white Buddha sitting on a lotus) built in the 19th century is one of the most beautiful and impressive temples in Nha Trang.

Long Son Pagoda is located at the foot of Trai Thuy mountain, Nha Trang city. The temple is famous for its large white Buddha statue that sits on top of a mountain and can be seen from anywhere in the city. Built in 1886 in the style of Taoist architecture, Long Son Pagoda is the place of practice for many Buddhist monks and the Vietnam Foundation for Buddhist Studies was established here in 1936.

After being destroyed by a tornado in 1990, the entire complex was rebuilt at its current site at the bottom of the hill. In an attempt to recreate an exact replica of the old temple, Long Son has undergone numerous restorations and additions, sometimes interrupted by the Vietnam War and bombardment. The white Buddha was built much later in 1964.

Today, Long Son Pagoda boasts beautiful and unique Taoist architecture, characterized by the carving of mythical animals and sculptures of Taoist deities. It is also a working monastery complete with a school for monks on the premises.

The temple grounds also have a garden. The entrance and roof are decorated with dragon mosaics built from glass and ceramic tiles. The main hall for performing ceremonies is decorated with classic and modern motifs. The dragon's nose hairs wrap around the pillars on either side of the main altar.

Behind the temple are 152 steps leading to the main attraction of Long Son Pagoda, a 24 meter high white Buddha sitting on a lotus. Around the corner there is a large reclining Buddha with the back of a bas-relief representing the monks and nuns who died in the late 1950s while protesting the US-Diem regime. From the platform at the foot of the white Buddha statue, visitors can zoom out to see the panoramic view of Nha Trang and the sea.