The story and history of Linh Ung Pagoda
History and origins
Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is one of the newest major temples in Da Nang. Construction started in the early 2000s, and the pagoda officially opened in 2010. Even though it’s not historic in the traditional sense, it has quickly become one of the city’s most recognized spiritual landmarks — largely thanks to the massive Lady Buddha statue that towers over the coast.
There’s also a local legend tied to this site. It’s said that long ago, during the Nguyen Dynasty, a Buddha statue drifted ashore here. The local fishermen saw this as a sign of protection and built a small shrine to honor it. According to the story, after the shrine was built, the sea calmed and fishing conditions improved. That spot is now known as Bai But, meaning “Buddha’s land,” and it’s where the current pagoda stands today.
Symbolism and spiritual meaning
While it’s a popular tourist spot, Linh Ung Pagoda is still an active place of worship, especially for locals. The Lady Buddha statue, officially known as the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am), is believed to watch over the people of Da Nang and protect them from storms and natural disasters. Facing out toward the sea, she stands not just as a religious figure, but also as a symbol of peace, protection, and calm.
You’ll often see locals coming here to pray, light incense, or make quiet offerings — especially those with family working at sea. The temple blends spirituality with scenery, making it a meaningful stop even if you’re not religious yourself.
Location and how to get there
Location
Linh Ung Pagoda is located on the Son Tra Peninsula, about 10 kilometers northeast of Da Nang city center. It sits high on a coastal hillside, offering panoramic views over the ocean and the city below.
Getting there is easy — just follow the main coastal road that runs north along My Khe Beach. You’ll pass beaches, cafés, and scenic viewpoints along the way, making the ride part of the experience.
Getting to Linh Ung Pagoda
There are a few good ways to reach the temple depending on your travel style and budget.
1. Drive a motorbike or scooter
This is the most fun and flexible way to go — especially if you want to enjoy the full coastal ride. The road is smooth and scenic, with ocean views on one side and forested hills on the other.
Technically, you need a valid motorbike license and international permit to drive in Vietnam, but many travelers still rent scooters. If you’re comfortable riding, this is a great option.
Some fit travelers even bike there, but keep in mind the road gets hilly — so only try that if you’re up for a bit of a workout.
There’s free parking right near the entrance.
2. Taxi or Grab
A quick and easy choice. Just enter “Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra” in the app and you’ll get there without hassle.
If you’re using a taxi or Grab car, it’s smart to ask the driver to wait for you — getting a ride back from the temple can sometimes take a while, because it is a bit far from the city.
If you’re traveling solo, a Grab motorbike is cheaper and more scenic. You’ll feel more connected to the coastal ride — and it’s usually faster than a car.
3. Join a tour
You’ll find several tour options that include Linh Ung Pagoda:
- Large group city tours often stop here, but they’re usually rushed and not very personal — not highly recommended.
- Small group or private tours are better, and some of them start in Hoi An, combining Linh Ung Pagoda with places like the Marble Mountains.
- One of the most unique options is an open military jeep tour, which takes you around the whole peninsula in style. It’s pricier, but easily the most fun way to explore Son Tra.
Opening hours & Entrance fee
Linh Ung Pagoda is open every day from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM.
It’s free to enter and there’s no ticket or registration needed. Just walk in, enjoy the views, and take your time exploring the grounds.
Highlights of Linh Ung Pagoda
Linh Ung Pagoda isn’t just about one building or statue — the entire complex is thoughtfully designed and surrounded by nature. Here’s what to look out for when you visit.
1. Lady Buddha Statue
The most striking feature is the 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha, officially known as the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am). She stands on a large lotus-shaped pedestal and looks out to sea, with one hand raised in blessing and the other holding a vase of holy water.
You can see this statue from almost anywhere in Da Nang — it’s one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. Up close, it’s even more impressive, both in size and detail. It’s also believed to protect the local people, especially fishermen, from storms and rough seas.
2. Main courtyard and temple complex
Once you pass the gate, you’ll arrive in the main courtyard, a peaceful open space surrounded by trees and low temple buildings. Along the walkways, you’ll see 18 Arhat statues, each representing a different human emotion like joy, anger, love, or sadness — a small detail, but interesting if you take the time to look at their expressions and poses.
The area is shaded with bonsai trees and well-kept gardens, making it a nice place to slow down and enjoy the quiet atmosphere.
3. Main hall and interior worship area
The main worship hall is a beautiful blend of traditional Vietnamese temple architecture — curved tile roofs, dragon carvings, and large wooden doors. Inside, you’ll find statues of Sakyamuni Buddha in the center, with Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva on one side and Tripitaka Buddha on the other.
The interior feels calm and respectful. Even if you’re not religious, it’s worth stepping inside quietly and taking a moment to observe the peaceful setting.
4. Ocean views and scenic photo spots
Because the temple is built on a hillside, the views from almost anywhere in the complex are excellent. You can look out over Da Nang Bay and even spot Cham Islands in the distance on a clear day.
There are plenty of photo opportunities — whether you’re framing the Lady Buddha against the ocean or capturing the coastline from the temple courtyard.
5. Temple gate and entrance area
The temple’s entrance is also a highlight in itself. A wide set of stairs leads through a traditional gate, with the Lady Buddha towering above. Looking back from the top of the stairs, you’ll get great views of the ocean and coastline. It’s one of the best angles for photos — especially in the morning when the light hits the water.
6. Monkeys around the temple
If you’re lucky, you might spot monkeys (Son Tra macaques) around the temple. They’re usually up in the trees, but sometimes they run across rooftops or hang around the courtyards — especially early in the morning or on quieter days.
They’re fun to watch, but don’t feed them. They’re wild animals and can become aggressive if they get used to human food.
Is Linh Ung Pagoda worth visiting?
If you only visit one temple in Da Nang, Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra Peninsula is a solid choice. It’s easily one of the city’s most iconic and photogenic landmarks, with its giant Lady Buddha statue, sweeping ocean views, and peaceful setting.
It’s not a historical site with centuries of stories behind it — the pagoda is relatively new — but its scale, design, and location make it well worth the visit. Even when it gets a bit crowded, the space never feels too cramped thanks to the large open grounds.
It works best as part of a half-day trip around Son Tra, especially if you’re combining it with viewpoints, nature stops, or a beach nearby. Whether you’re into temples or just want a scenic place to relax and take in the view, it’s an easy and rewarding stop.
Visiting tips
A few practical tips to help you plan your visit and make the most of your time at Linh Ung Pagoda.
Best time to visit
The best time to visit is early in the morning. The light is softer, the skies are usually clearer, and it’s far less crowded than later in the day. By mid-morning, the temple can get busy with tour groups and day-trippers — it’s one of the most popular spots in Da Nang, after all.
Late afternoon is another good option. Most of the organized tours are gone by then, and while you might see a few locals coming to enjoy the view, it’s generally quieter. If you stay around sunset, you’ll get some incredible views as the sun drops behind Da Nang city — a great photo opportunity.
Dress code
For walking around the temple grounds, the dress code is fairly relaxed. But if you want to enter the main prayer halls, you’ll need to cover your shoulders and knees, and take off your shoes before stepping inside.
If you’re not dressed appropriately, there are usually robes available to borrow at the entrance. That said, you don’t have to go inside the buildings to enjoy the place — the views, gardens, and architecture outside are already worth the visit.
Photography tips
You’re free to take photos around the outdoor areas, including the Lady Buddha, gardens, gates, and ocean views.
Photography inside the prayer halls isn’t always allowed, and even if it is, it’s best to be discreet and avoid using flash. For the best shot, position yourself below the Lady Buddha statue, with the sea and skyline behind her — a classic Da Nang view.
Respectful behavior
Even though it’s a tourist spot, Linh Ung Pagoda is still very much an active place of worship. Many locals come here to pray or light incense.
Keep your voice down near the prayer halls, and avoid standing directly in front of shrines or pathways just to get a photo. It’s a peaceful place, and a little respect goes a long way.
Best to combine with…
Linh Ung Pagoda is a great first stop if you’re planning to explore Son Tra Peninsula. In the next section, we’ll show you some of the other highlights you can easily combine in a half-day trip.
More about Son Tra Peninsula
Linh Ung Pagoda is just one part of the Son Tra Peninsula, a scenic area just northeast of Da Nang known for its winding coastal roads, jungle-covered hills, and occasional monkey sightings. It’s a great escape from the city — perfect if you enjoy nature, viewpoints, or just want a peaceful drive with ocean views.
Here are a few other stops you can combine with your visit to the pagoda:
- Ban Co Peak – A hilltop viewpoint with panoramic views over Da Nang
- Dong Dinh Museum – A quiet garden-style museum with antiques and traditional houses
- Son Tra Macaques – Wild monkeys that sometimes appear along the roads or near pagodas
- Bai But & Bai Da – Hidden beaches where you can relax or take photos
The full loop around Son Tra makes for a great half-day trip by motorbike or private car. Just be aware the entrance to the loop isn’t well-marked, and some roads are steep — especially if you’re riding a scooter.
There’s much more to explore here, so if you’re planning to see more than just the pagoda, check out our full guide:
Read our complete guide to Son Tra Peninsula here
