Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula, Da Nang

By huynhtuyen | Posted in Da Nang | July 22, 2024

Linh Ung Pagoda is considered the largest temple in Da Nang city in both scale and artistic architecture. This pagoda is also a famous attraction for tourists when they come to Da Nang city. So, if you want to feel the peaceful atmosphere after discovering this vibrant city, this pagoda will be the perfect place for you to explore.

About Linh Ung Pagoda

Where is Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda is also known as Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda. This pagoda is located halfway up Son Tra Peninsula, Tho Quang ward, Son Tra district. This pagoda is about 10 km northeast of Da Nang city center.

Linh Ung Pagoda sits at an altitude of 693m above sea level. This height offers an ideal vantage point. Tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of Da Nang city across from My Khe beach.

Son Tra Peninsula is also where the sea, sky, mountains and rivers meet in a quiet space, with the murmur of the sea. Therefore, local people believe that the pagoda is a place where blend of heaven and earth.

Opening hours and entrance fee

Linh Ung Pagoda will open from 06:00 a.m to 09:00 p.m daily. This pagoda does not charge an entrance fee, so you can feel free to come to this stunning pagoda.

The legend and history

The local people of Son Tra Peninsula recounted that during the reign of Minh Mang King (Nguyen Dynasty, 19th century), a Buddha statue drifted onto the sand here. The people saw it as a good omen. They set up a pagoda to worship, and as a result, the sea became calm throughout the area. The fishermen were able to do business peacefully. The sandy beach where this statue landed, named Bai But. This is also the place where Linh Ung Pagoda is built today.

Since then, Da Nang has been calm and has no longer suffered super storms. By some spiritual force, the storms also disappeared right before reaching shore. People as well as Da Nang city have a more peaceful and prosperous life. Local people still believe this is the blessing of the Buddha statue drifting ashore. They also credit Linh Ung Pagoda for bringing this blessing to the city.

On the full moon day and the first day of the year, local people also come here to celebrate and pray. Moreover, students also go to the temple to pray for a smooth exam.

Linh Ung Pagoda started construction on August 4, 2004. On July 30, 2010, the pagoda was officially inaugurated and became the largest pagoda in Da Nang city.

Best time to visit Linh Ung Pagoda

You can go to this wonderful pagoda at any time of the year but should avoid stormy days in Vietnam. Specifically, the dry season in Da Nang city will start from January to July. Besides, visitors should visit the temple during the hours of 7:00 a.m – 9:00 a.m and 3:00 p.m – 6:00 p.m.

Because the weather will be sunny and mild during this time. So, you will have a chance to admire the stunning landscapes surrounding this pagoda. The weather is dry but mild, suitable for you to visit this pagoda, discover attractions and outside activities in Da Nang during this time.

Da Nang City view seen from Linh Ung Pagoda on a sunny day — Da Nang City view

The wet season will start from August to December, there will be a lot of rain. However, if you want to visit this pagoda during this time, remember to check the weather forecast before going to avoid rough seas and storms.

How to get to Linh Ung Pagoda

Linh Ung Pagoda is located about 10 km northeast of Da Nang city center. So, a private car, motorbike or taxi are suitable for you to go to this pagoda. Renting a motorbike from Da Nang is a good choice for tourists. With this option, tourists can embark on a scenic journey to this pagoda.

If you prefer to have a comfortable route, private car from Da Nang to Linh Ung Pagoda will be your first choice. However, taxis are also the best choice because the service is quick and convenient. You can easily hire a taxi to transport them from Da Nang city to this pagoda.

The Architecture of Linh Ung Pagoda

The architecture of Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is a smooth combination of traditional pagoda architecture of the Nguyen Dynasty and modern architecture. Seen from a distance, the pagoda stands out with its blue yin-yang tile roof, straight and curved roof slopes at both ends creating a sense of serenity. This is also a typical decoration of the Nguyen royal court.

Moreover, there are also many stone statues with typical shapes in Vietnamese culture such as: Two Dragons of the Sun (two dragons flanking the sun), a dragon wearing a rotating wheel – a symbol of Buddhism… on the roof of this wonderful pagoda. Additionally, this pagoda is also have many architectural works such as:

The Lady Buddha Statue

Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang with the tallest statue of Lady Buddha in Vietnam. When you come to this pagoda, you will be surprised by the 67m tall statue – about equivalent to a 30-storey building. The statue of Lady Buddha sits on a giant lotus, creating a majestic and sacred atmosphere for Linh Ung Bai But pagoda.

This statue using monolithic white stone combined with billions of sculptural details, the Lady Buddha statue at this pagoda is one of the most prominent symbolic works on the Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang city.

Moreover, inside the statue of Lady Buddha there are up to 17 floors, each floor has its own altar with a total of 21 Buddhas with different postures and faces. Under the lotus is the main altar worshiping the Ta Ba Tam Thanh, including 3 statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Ksitigarbha Bodhisattva and Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva cast in solid bronze.

Additionally, there is also a 2m high Buddha relief on the crown of the Lady Buddha statue. Therefore, the Lady Buddha statue at Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is also known as “Buddha in the middle of Buddha” attracting thousands of tourists to the scenery and worship every year.

The Main Hall

In this area, tourists will pass through a large garden containing 18 Arhat statues made of monolithic white stone lined up on both sides of the road. The Eighteen Arhats are disciples who have cultivated to the realm of Infinity in Buddhology. They will stay on earth to promote Buddhism and help sentient beings eliminate evils.

Therefore, the Arhat statues at Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda are detailed with each expression, symbolizing all kinds of human emotions such as joy, anger, love, hate, greed, hatred, ignorance, and hatred.

Tam Quan Gate

Tam Quan Gate is the gate leading to the campus of Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang. This gate features a design inspired by ancient Vietnamese architecture. The curved glass tile roof at both ends and the dragon and phoenix statues atop the roof, flanking the sky, highlight this traditional style.

Furthermore, Tam Quan Gate of this wonderful pagoda also stands out with its unique lines of Chinese couplets inlaid with porcelain. This is a typical artistic feature of Vietnamese people under the Nguyen Dynasty.

Useful Tips when visiting Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula

Son Tra Peninsula is where many monkey breeds are preserved in Da Nang, so you will often see them everywhere in the temple. Because they are wild monkeys, they can be very aggressive; you should be careful not to get close to them to avoid injury.

When visiting this pagoda, you should dress discreetly and politely. Avoid wearing clothes such as shorts, short skirt,… that are offensive to spiritual places.

If you come with friends or family, please limit noisy gatherings or talking too loudly in the temple.

The pagoda is quite large and requires mainly walking, so you should prepare a pair of low-soled shoes or sports shoes to facilitate movement around.

If you choose to travel by motorbike, check the vehicle carefully before moving. Pay special attention to the brakes, as the road to the temple has many dangerous bends. The road will be especially wet and slippery during the rainy season in Da Nang, so you should drive slowly and carefully.

The Buddha statues at Linh Ung Pagoda are all made from solid stone, wood, bronze, or jade. Therefore, if there is damage, it will be very difficult to restore and repair. So, you should not dirty or break the Buddha statue.

Conclusion

Linh Ung Pagoda, home to the tallest Lady Buddha statue, is a must-see in Da Nang. The pagoda is famous for its rich legend and history. The stunning landscapes around it are an added attraction. We hope the information above helps you include this site in your Da Nang travel plans.

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