Temples, pagodas & religion in Da Nang
Before diving into the list, it helps to understand how temples and pagodas fit into daily life in Da Nang — and what to expect when visiting them.
Religion in Da Nang
Most of the spiritual sites in Da Nang are connected to Mahayana Buddhism, often blended with folk beliefs. While many people don’t identify as strictly religious, it’s common for locals to visit a temple to pray, give offerings, or ask for protection and good luck — especially during Lunar New Year, family events, or important festivals.
Temples are also used as places for quiet reflection, lighting incense, and honoring ancestors. The busiest times are usually early mornings or on full moon days, when locals make their visits before work or during quiet hours.
What’s the difference between temples and pagodas?
In everyday English, the terms temple and pagoda are often used interchangeably in Vietnam, but there are some differences:
- Pagodas (chùa) are usually Buddhist places of worship, with statues of Buddha and areas for meditation or offering incense.
- Temples (điện or miếu) might be dedicated to local gods, heroes, or ancestors, and sometimes have historical or cultural importance outside of religion.
In Da Nang, most of what you’ll visit are Buddhist pagodas — and even the more modern ones are active religious sites, not just tourist spots.
Modern vs. historical sites
Don’t expect centuries-old temples like you’d find in Hue or Hanoi. Most temples and pagodas in Da Nang are modern constructions — many built or renovated in the last 30 to 50 years.
Some, like Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra or the one at Ba Na Hills, are massive projects that combine religious purpose with a clear focus on tourism and visual impact. They’re still worth visiting, but they’re built to impress, not necessarily to preserve history.
Others, like Pho Da Pagoda or Phap Lam, are more modest — places where local people come daily to pray, without the crowds or dramatic architecture.
Best temples & pagodas in Da Nang
Da Nang has no shortage of temples and pagodas — but not all are equally interesting to visit. The ones below stand out for their location, design, or overall experience. Whether you’re into architecture, photography, or just want a quiet break from the beach, these are the places most worth your time.
1. Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula)
This is the most famous pagoda in Da Nang, and one of the city’s top landmarks. Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, it’s best known for the 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha statue that towers over the coastline — you can spot it from almost anywhere in the city.
The grounds are peaceful and spacious, with bonsai trees, statues, and ocean views all around. It’s also an active place of worship, so you’ll likely see locals praying or lighting incense alongside tourists.
Best for: First-time visitors, photography, combining with a half-day trip around Son Tra
Read our full guide to Linh Ung Pagoda here
2. Marble Mountains
Marble Mountains is not a single temple, but a spiritual complex built into five limestone hills just south of Da Nang. The area is full of hidden pagodas, cave shrines, and Buddhist carvings, all set into natural rock formations and lush greenery.
Key temples here include Tam Thai Pagoda, Linh Ung Pagoda (Marble version), Tu Tam Pagoda, and Non Nuoc Pagoda. Some are easy to find, while others are tucked into caves and passageways, adding to the atmosphere.
There’s an entrance fee to visit the main area, and you’ll need to do a bit of walking and stair climbing — but it’s a unique mix of nature, history, and spirituality all in one place.
Check our full guide to Marble Mountains here
3. Nam Son Pagoda
If you’re looking for something less touristy but still impressive, Nam Son Pagoda is a great choice. Located about 20 minutes south of the city, this temple stands out for its colorful architecture, peaceful gardens, and quiet atmosphere.
It’s a fairly new complex, designed to look traditional — with red roofs, carved dragons, koi ponds, and pavilions built in classic Vietnamese style. It’s popular with local photographers and families but still feels calm compared to the bigger sights.
Read our full guide to Nam Son Pagoda here
4. Linh Ung Pagoda (Ba Na Hills)
This version of Linh Ung Pagoda is located high in the mountains, inside the Ba Na Hills resort complex. It features a large seated Buddha statue, traditional temple architecture, and sweeping views of the surrounding hills.
That said, the setting feels more like part of a theme park experience than a spiritual site. It’s beautifully built, but most people come here as part of a day trip to Ba Na Hills — not necessarily for the temple itself.
Still, if you’re already visiting the area, it’s a peaceful spot to pause and enjoy the mountain air.
See our full guide to Ba Na Hills here
5. Quan The Am Temple
This local temple near Marble Mountains is dedicated to Quan The Am, the Buddhist Goddess of Mercy. While it’s not as visually striking as others, it holds spiritual importance and hosts the annual Quan The Am Festival, one of the biggest Buddhist events in the area.
The temple itself is modest and calm, surrounded by trees and small shrines. You won’t find large crowds or tour groups here — just a few locals coming to pray.
6. Phap Lam Pagoda
Located right in the city center near Con Market, Phap Lam Pagoda is one of the most accessible temples in Da Nang. It’s a simple, active place of worship, with a peaceful courtyard and a few large golden Buddha statues that make it stand out.
This is a good stop if you want to see a real, working temple where locals come to pray — without needing to go far from your hotel or sightseeing plans.
7. Ba Da Pagoda
Tucked away in a small alley near Han Market and Da Nang Cathedral, Ba Da Pagoda is a modest but authentic place to visit if you’re in the city center. It’s not large or flashy, and you won’t find tour groups here — just a quiet local space where people come to pray.
While it might not be worth a dedicated trip, it’s a good stop if you’re nearby and want to see a different side of the city.
8. Pho Da Temple
Pho Da Temple is one of the more established Buddhist centers in Da Nang, with a strong local following and a long-standing role in the city’s spiritual life. It’s larger than it looks from the outside and includes a mix of old and newer structures within the grounds.
This temple isn’t designed for tourists — it’s quiet, traditional, and very much in use. That makes it a good place to see what local Buddhist practice really looks like, especially in the mornings.
Tips for visiting temples and pagodas in Da Nang
Most temples in Da Nang are open to visitors, but they’re also active religious sites. To make sure your visit is smooth and respectful, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
Dress modestly
You don’t need formal clothes, but your shoulders and knees should be covered — especially if you plan to enter prayer halls.
Remove your shoes
Always take off your shoes before stepping into any indoor worship area. There are usually signs or a shoe rack near the entrance.
Be quiet
Temples are peaceful places. Keep your voice down, especially when monks or local worshippers are praying or meditating.
Avoid flash or loud conversations inside
If you’re taking photos, turn off your flash, and don’t speak loudly inside prayer halls or near shrines.
Photography is fine outside, but not always inside
You can usually take pictures around the gardens, statues, and courtyards, but some indoor areas don’t allow photography. Look for signs or follow what others are doing.
Go early to beat the heat and the crowds
Morning is the best time to visit — cooler, quieter, and often more atmospheric. Temples can get busier later in the day, especially the popular ones.
Some temples offer robes
If you’re not dressed appropriately, larger temples like Linh Ung Pagoda sometimes provide robes or shawls to borrow. Still, it’s best to come prepared.
Temples beyond Da Nang
If you’re interested in exploring more temples beyond Da Nang, you’re in luck — Hue and Hoi An both offer deeper cultural and historical experiences and are just a short ride from Da Nang.
Temples in Hue
Hue, about 2–3 hours north of Da Nang, was once Vietnam’s imperial capital — and it shows in its temples. You’ll find centuries-old pagodas, royal shrines, and a much stronger sense of history. It’s possible to visit Hue as a long day trip from Da Nang, but if you’re into culture and architecture, it’s worth spending at least a full day or more there.
Read our full guide to the best temples in Hue
Temples in Hoi An
Hoi An, just 45 minutes south of Da Nang, also has several small but historic temples and assembly halls tucked inside its Ancient Town. While they’re less grand than Hue’s, they’re still worth seeing for their unique mix of Chinese, Japanese, and Vietnamese influences. Many travelers stay in Hoi An instead of Da Nang — or at least include it as a day trip.
