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 thousands of visitors coming to see and praise the 79 feet 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. Read on to discover a full guide to find your peace in mind at Long Son Pagoda.
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One of the things I loved about Nha Trang is that among several exhilarating tourist attractions, still remain some peaceful corners to calm your minds and souls.It took me around 10 minutes by scooter to travel west of Nha Trang to Trai Thuy hill, a place of Buddhist pilgrimage. Right on the foot of Trai Thuy hill, Long Son pagoda stands on the crowded street – No.20 23/10 street – but still remains solemn. This is undoubtedly one of the top things to see in Nha Trang.
What to expect at Long Son pagoda?
History of Long Son Pagoda
Long Son pagoda, or White Buddhist Pagoda as called by the locals, is a beautiful Buddhist temple built in the 19th century. This pagoda was first built on top of Trai Thuy hill 1886 under the abbotship of Thich Ngo Chi (1856–1935). However, for years after that, it had been heavily damaged several times in the cyclone and in the Vietnam War. So the Buddhist Association in Khanh Hoa province finally moved it down the hill.
A must-see Buddhist attraction in Nha Trang
The pagoda
Moments after arriving, I was immediately amazed by the beauty of the pagoda’s architecture. A pair of dragon mosaics stands firmly at the entrance, while lush topiary lines the main grounds. The greenery of the lushes on the ground and the mountain at the back gave me a relaxing feeling when standing in its spacious courtyard.
The beautiful greenery of the pagoda. Photo by: @j.tudio
Not just that, traditional Vietnamese architecture, Taoist architecture or ornate sculptures of mythical animals accounts for the design of every single detail in this pagoda. The spacious main hall also functions as a monastery because it can hold up to hundreds of Buddhists and pilgrims to worship. On the 1st and 15th of the lunar month, many tourists and local people come to Long Son Pagoda to worship, watch or find peace in this pure place.
The guardian lion outside the pagoda. Photo by: @yauhenart
The guardian lions are typically made of stone. This concept originated from Chinese Buddhism, where people believed it could protect the building from harmful spiritual influences.
Photo by: @yauhenart
The Buddha statues
On the way to the top of Trai Thuy hill, at the first stop, on the 44th level, you will admire the reclining Buddha statue made of marble. People say that The Reclining Buddha represents the encouragement that all beings have the potential to awaken, enlighten and release themselves from the suffering- a characterization of the cycle of rebirth. The serene and smiling expression of the Buddha in reclining Buddha statue portrays the compassion and calmness that come with the enlightenment. In the background, there is a finely carved relief which describes the scene of 49 disciples of the Buddha converged on the day Buddha passed away.
Photo by: @shatobina_anastasiya
Coming to the second stop is a bell tower with a 1500 kg Dai Hong Chung Bell which was donated by the Hue Buddhists in 2002. When the bell echoes in the middle of the vast forest, I could feel the calm deep in my soul and cleared my mind.
Photo by: @shatobina_anastasiya
After climbing 193 steps to reach the top of the hill, you will finally be able to admire the white Buddha statue. The statue sits stately in the sermon between the vast white sky, immensely free as a symbol of Nha Trang. From the ground up, the statue is 24m and from the base of the statue, it is 21m. The figure of the Buddha is 14m while the lotus blossom comprises 7m. Around the Buddha statue are statues of 7 errants. In front of the statue are a pair of dragons, which are 7.20m long. The statue is visible as far as one enters Nha Trang city, either by national highway or by train. The beautiful and solemn statue has beautified the noble and elegant beauty for the pagoda. This white statue of Buddha here is absolutely the top thing to see in Nha Trang.
Photo by: @lindseyomall
When I climbed to this height, I was so tired but the view soon caught my eyes. Here you will easily get bird’s eyes of beautiful Nha Trang city. From the islands to the wild landscape of immense mountains, all are narrowed down to the eye. In the midst of spirituality subdued gentle breeze spread the taste of heaven and earth. If you love the panoramic view, this is one of the top places to visit in Nha Trang.
Tips from Inspitrip to have an amazing trip to Long Son Pagoda
How to get to Long Son Pagoda:
Book a tour
Grab a taxi
Self-drive
I think that’s all about the essential tips when visiting Long Son pagoda Nha Trang. You’ll find more interesting destinations in Nha Trang in our blog. Check this out! And don’t forget to share with me your unforgettable memories here in the comment below.
Đăng bởi: Quốc Cường Hà
