Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang: Entrance Fees, Opening Hours & Detailed Visitor Guide

Situated on the foot of Trai Thuy Hill, Long Son Pagoda is the largest pagoda in Nha Trang City. Every year, the Pagoda attracts no less than ten thousand visitors coming to see and praise the 79-foot-tall white Buddha statue, Kim Than Phat To. A visit to Long Son Pagoda not only gives you a chance to discover numerous architectural feathers but also historical and cultural values that the Pagoda has embodied for centuries.

Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang, also known as White Buddha Pagoda or Dang Long Tu, is one of the oldest, most renowned, and largest Buddhist pagodas in Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province. With more than a century of history, the pagoda is not only an important Buddhist center in the province but also a spiritual and cultural destination for both domestic and international visitors.

• Address: 22 23 Thang 10 Street, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.
• 2 kilometres from TUI BLUE Nha Trang
• By bicycle: 10 minutes
• By car: 5 minutes

This guide provides detailed information about the pagoda’s address, history, distinctive architecture, and practical tips for families visiting Nha Trang.

1. Overview of Long Son Pagoda Nha Trang

1.1. Where is Long Son Pagoda located?

Long Son Pagoda is located at the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain in central Nha Trang. Despite being situated along a major road, the pagoda offers a peaceful atmosphere surrounded by lush greenery, providing a quiet retreat from the bustle of the city.

• Address: 22 23 Thang 10 Street, Tay Nha Trang Ward, Nha Trang City, Khanh Hoa Province.
• Distance: Approximately 500m from Nha Trang Railway Station and 2.5km from the Tran Phu beachfront area.

1.2. The meaning behind the names Long Son Pagoda and White Buddha Pagoda

When it was first established, the pagoda was named Dang Long Tu meaning “ascending dragon.” After the pagoda was relocated to the foot of Trai Thuy Mountain, it was renamed Long Son Tu, meaning “dragon on the mountain.” Long Son Tu meaning “dragon on the mountain.”

In addition to its official name, locals and visitors often affectionately call it White Buddha Pagoda. This name comes from the enormous white statue of the Kim Than Phat To, or White Buddha, standing majestically on Trai Thuy Mountain and serving as one of Nha Trang’s most recognizable spiritual landmarks.

2. Opening hours, entrance fees & transportation

To make your visit to this peaceful Buddhist site more convenient, keep the following practical information in mind:

3. History and development of Long Son Pagoda

3.1. From Dang Long Tu on the mountain to Long Son Tu

Long Son Pagoda was established in 1886 by Venerable Thich Ngo Tri. At first, it was only a small thatched hermitage located on the top of Trai Thuy Mountain.

• 1900: A major storm struck Nha Trang and completely destroyed the structure on the mountain. Venerable Thich Ngo Tri decided to relocate the pagoda to its present location at the foot of the mountain and renamed it Long Son Tu.
• 1936: The pagoda was placed under the management of the An Nam Buddhist Association and became one of the important centers of Buddhist activities in Khanh Hoa. 
• 1938: Emperor Bao Dai presented the pagoda with a plaque bearing the inscription “Sac Tu Long Son Tu,” recognizing its important spiritual status.

3.2. Major historical renovations

Over the years, Long Son Pagoda has undergone major renovations due to the effects of time and war. Significant restoration projects took place in 1941, 1971, and most recently in 2003. Each renovation preserved the pagoda’s traditional character while expanding the grounds and adding to its distinctive Mahayana Buddhist architectural features in south-central Vietnam.

4. Exploring the distinctive Buddhist architecture of Long Son Pagoda

The Long Son Pagoda complex covers more than 3,000m² and combines traditional architectural structures with a landscape shaded by mature trees.

4.1. The Tam Quan Gate and main hall

• Tam Quan Gate: Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the imposing Tam Quan Gate, decorated with intricate dragon and cloud motifs. Stone elements and brick columns are harmoniously combined to create a solemn entrance.
• Main hall: The main hall covers more than 1,500m² and serves as the primary place of worship. Inside is a 1.6m-tall bronze statue of Shakyamuni Buddha weighing approximately 700kg, depicted in meditation. Behind the statue is a relief featuring images of Buddhas and Bodhisattvas.
• Pagoda roof: The roof reflects traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecture, with gracefully curved eaves and detailed dragon motifs crafted from colorful ceramic pieces.

4.2. The 193 stone steps to the top of Trai Thuy Mountain

To reach the White Buddha statue, visitors climb 193 stone steps toward the top of Trai Thuy Mountain. The staircase passes beneath a canopy of trees, making the climb more comfortable and peaceful.

Along the 193 steps, visitors can stop at two notable spiritual landmarks:

Reclining Buddha statue (44th step)

At the 44th step, visitors can see a 17m-long and 5m-high granite statue of Shakyamuni Buddha entering Nirvana. Behind the statue is a relief depicting 49 disciples standing with their hands clasped in farewell to the Buddha, creating a solemn spiritual scene.

Great Bell Tower (54th step)

At the 54th step, visitors reach the bell tower, where a 1.5-ton, 2.2m-high great bell cast in 2002 by artisans from Hue is housed. The sound of the temple bell in the early morning or late afternoon creates a peaceful atmosphere away from the bustle of everyday life.

4.3. The Kim Than Phat To statue (White Buddha) on the mountain

After completing all 193 steps, visitors reach the top of Trai Thuy Mountain, where the imposing Kim Than Phat To statue stands against the sky.

• Dimensions: Construction began in 1964 and was completed in 1965. The statue itself is 24m high, while the lotus pedestal is 7m high. From the ground to the top of the statue, the total height is approximately 31m.
• Lotus pedestal: The pedestal features relief portraits of seven highly respected Buddhist monks.
• Inside the statue: Beneath the lotus pedestal is a sacred worship chamber preserving images of deceased Buddhist monks.

5. Interesting experiences at Long Son Pagoda

5.1. Offer incense and pray for peace

Visitors to Long Son Pagoda often offer incense and pray for health, prosperity, and peace for themselves and their families. The quiet surroundings and gentle scent of incense create a calm atmosphere for reflection.

5.2. Enjoy panoramic views of Nha Trang from Trai Thuy Hill

From the White Buddha statue at the top of the mountain, visitors can enjoy broad views of Nha Trang. The panorama includes high-rise buildings, busy streets, Nha Trang Bay, and the peaceful Cai River in the distance.

5.3. Experience the peaceful atmosphere and enjoy vegetarian cuisine

The pagoda grounds are shaded by numerous mature trees, while lotus ponds add to the tranquil atmosphere. Several vegetarian restaurants can also be found around the pagoda, serving affordable dishes prepared with fresh vegetables and local ingredients.

6. Practical tips for visiting Long Son Pagoda

6.1. Best time to visit

• Time of year: The dry season in Nha Trang generally lasts from January to August. The pagoda can be particularly lively during the Full Moon Festival of the first lunar month, the Vu Lan Festival in the seventh lunar month, and Lunar New Year, when Buddhist ceremonies and religious events may take place.
• Time of day: Consider visiting between 07:00 – 09:00 in the morning or 15:30 – 17:30 in the afternoon. These periods are generally cooler and more comfortable for climbing the 193 steps to the White Buddha statue.

6.2. Dress code & respectful conduct

• Clothing: Wear modest and respectful clothing, such as tops with sleeves and trousers or skirts that cover the knees. Avoid sleeveless tops, shorts, or short skirts when entering the main worship hall.
• Visitor etiquette: Maintain a quiet atmosphere and avoid loud conversations or disruptive behavior in worship areas. Walk quietly, do not litter, and do not touch religious objects without permission.
• Climbing tips: Wear comfortable sneakers or flat shoes to make the climb easier. Bring a hat, umbrella, and a small bottle of drinking water.

7. TUI BLUE Nha Trang: An accommodation option for visitors

After a day exploring the peaceful atmosphere of Long Son Pagoda and discovering the history of Po Nagar Cham Towers, staying at a centrally located hotel with sea views can provide the whole family with a convenient place to relax. TUI BLUE Nha Trang located at 18 Tran Hung Dao Street, is a 5-star accommodation option in the city center.

TUI BLUE Nha Trang is a 5-star city-center hotel with a private beach in Nha Trang, offering convenient access to popular attractions such as Long Son Pagoda, Po Nagar Cham Towers, and Dam Market. The hotel offers views of both the sea and the city, providing guests with a convenient base for exploring Nha Trang.

It is also a 5-star family-friendly hotel in Nha Trang suitable for families with young children or groups of 3–4 people. With modern rooms, convenient facilities, and a children's play area, TUI BLUE Nha Trang provides a comfortable place for families to relax during their trip.

As a 5-star family-friendly hotel near the beach in Nha Trang, TUI BLUE Nha Trang also provides convenient access to a variety of local dining experiences:

• Explore local cuisine: From the hotel, families can easily reach traditional local eateries such as Bun Ca Min on Bach Dang Street, Banh Can Nam Beo near Dam Market, and Song Ngu Seafood on Phan Chu Trinh Street.
• Xanh Ciao Restaurant: Located within the hotel, Xanh Ciao serves Mediterranean cuisine alongside traditional Nha Trang specialties and Vietnamese dishes.