1. Overview of Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda
1.1. History and Meaning of the Name
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda was started in 2004 and completed after 6 years (2010). As one of three pagodas in the "Tam Linh Ung Tu" system of Da Nang, this structure stands out with its majestic architecture, harmoniously blending spiritual elements with a vast natural landscape, bringing a sense of peace to all visitors.
History and meaning of the name (Source: Collected image)
The name "Linh Ung" carries a profound meaning in Buddhist belief, representing the sacredness and manifestation of the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara in saving sentient beings. The "Bai But" part originates from a local legend about this area, where fishermen often prayed for safe voyages.
The pagoda is designed in a modern Buddhist architectural style combined with traditional Vietnamese features, creating a structure that is both solemn and harmonious with the surrounding natural landscape. The establishment of the pagoda has made a significant contribution to the development of spiritual tourism in Da Nang.
1.2. Geographical Location and Natural Scenery
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is located on Son Tra Peninsula, about 10km northeast of Da Nang city center. The pagoda is built in a prime location, with its back against Son Tra Mountain and facing the vast East Sea, creating a majestic and romantic natural landscape.
The pagoda grounds span 12 hectares, located at an altitude of over 100m above sea level. This location offers stunning views of Da Nang Bay, Cu Lao Cham Island, and the Ngu Hanh Son mountain range. Especially on clear days, visitors can admire the panoramic view of Da Nang city from above.
Geographic location and natural landscape (Source: Collected images)
Son Tra Peninsula is surrounded by pristine forest with abundant flora and fauna, creating a fresh and peaceful natural space. The climate here is cool year-round due to the sea breeze and trees, offering a relaxing feeling for all visitors.
2. Admire the magnificent architecture of Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda
2.1. 67m tall Goddess of Mercy statue - a symbol of Da Nang
The most prominent highlight of the pagoda is the 67m tall Goddess of Mercy statue, recognized as the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam today. The statue's Dharma name is "Nam Hai Quan The Am", reflecting the compassionate and life-saving aspect of the Goddess of Mercy towards those living near the sea.
67m tall Goddess of Mercy statue - a symbol of Da Nang (Source: Collected images)
The Buddha statue is made from high-quality white granite, with a gentle face and solemn appearance. Notably, the Buddha statue is designed with exquisite techniques, each detail meticulously carved from the facial features, costumes to the bracelets and beads. Inside the Buddha statue are 17 floors, each floor worshipping a different Buddha with profound Buddhist teachings.
Visitors can take the elevator to the 16th floor to admire the panoramic view of Son Tra Peninsula and Da Nang city from an altitude of nearly 160m above sea level. Sunset is the ideal time to admire the Buddha statue, when the golden sunlight creates a sacred and impressive scene.
2.2. Main Architectural Structures within the Temple Grounds
Besides the statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, the temple grounds boast many other impressive architectural structures. The Tam Quan (Three Gates) marks the entrance, featuring a traditional Buddhist design with three gates, intricately decorated with dragon and phoenix motifs and meaningful Buddhist couplets.
Main architectural structures within the temple grounds (Source: Collected Images)
The main sanctuary of the temple is built in the Vietnamese architectural style, characterized by its curved roof and system of precious wood pillars. Inside the main sanctuary is a 3.5m-high bronze statue of Sakyamuni Buddha, along with a jade statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva and guardian Buddhas. The space inside the main sanctuary is designed to be spacious and airy, with natural light filtering through the windows.
The Buddha statue garden is also a special attraction, featuring 18 exquisitely crafted Arhat statues, each with a different appearance and expression, depicting profound Buddhist stories. Surrounding the temple grounds are carefully maintained flower gardens with various seasonal flowers, creating a cool and serene atmosphere.
3. Guide to Visiting Linh Ung Pagoda, Bai But
Guide to visiting Linh Ung Pagoda, Bai But (Source: Collected Images)
3.1. Opening Hours and Entrance Fees
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, including holidays. Uniquely, the pagoda is entirely free to enter for all visitors, reflecting the open and compassionate spirit of Buddhism.
However, to enter the interior of the Quan Am Buddha statue to explore its 17 floors and take the elevator to the 16th floor, visitors need to purchase a ticket priced at 30,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for children under 12. The elevator operates from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM; visitors should note the hours to avoid missing the opportunity to admire the panoramic view from above.
The ideal time to visit the pagoda is in the early morning from 6:00 AM to 8:00 AM or in the late afternoon from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM. The air is cool at these times, the light is beautiful, and it is less crowded. Especially, the sunset here is spectacular as the sun sets over the sea, creating a stunning scene for commemorative photos.
3.2. Must-See Attractions within the Pagoda Grounds
When visiting Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, the first thing you should do is admire the Quan Am Buddha statue from the outside to appreciate its solemnity and sacredness. Afterward, take the time to explore the 17 floors inside the Buddha statue; each floor has interesting and profound Buddhist stories.
The main hall is where you can light incense, pray, and learn about Buddhist rituals. The atmosphere in the main hall is very serene with the melodious chanting, bringing a sense of peace to the soul. Particularly, the bronze Buddha statue of Thich Ca in the main hall is exquisitely crafted and majestic.
The garden of 18 Arhat statues is also worth exploring. Each Arhat statue has unique facial expressions and gestures, representing different qualities and virtues in Buddhism. This area is also an ideal place to take photos with the Son Tra mountain range as a backdrop.
Don't forget to take time to meditate or relax in the pagoda courtyard area to enjoy the fresh air and the sound of the sea breeze. From here, you can admire the panoramic view of Da Nang Bay and appreciate the vastness of nature.
4. Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda Travel Experiences
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda travel experience (Source: Collected images)
4.1. Transportation to Linh Ung Pagoda
To get to Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, tourists have many transportation options to suit their needs and budget. From Da Nang city center, you can rent a motorbike for about 100,000-150,000 VND/day, this is the most flexible way to explore Son Tra Peninsula.
The motorbike route is quite convenient, you follow Hoang Sa Street, turn into Hoang Minh Thao Street, then follow the signs up to Son Tra Peninsula. The total distance is about 12km with a travel time of about 25-30 minutes. The road to the pagoda has many curves and slopes, tourists need to drive carefully.
If you drive your own car or take a taxi, the round-trip taxi fare from the city center is about 300,000-400,000 VND depending on the time. Many tourists choose to book a Grab car or rent a 4-seater car for the day for about 800,000-1,200,000 VND to comfortably explore the entire Son Tra Peninsula.
Another option is to join a Son Tra Peninsula tour for about 200,000-300,000 VND/person, including transportation and a tour guide. This option is suitable for tourists who want to learn more about the history and culture of the area.
4.2. Clothing and things to note when visiting the pagoda
When visiting Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, choosing appropriate clothing is very important to show respect for the spiritual space. Tourists should wear long-sleeved shirts or shirts with sleeves that cover their shoulders, long pants or skirts that go past their knees. Avoid wearing sleeveless shirts, tank tops, shorts or short skirts.
Regarding shoes, choose sneakers or sandals with straps for convenience when moving on sloping terrain. When entering the temples, visitors need to take off their shoes and leave them in the designated area. Avoid wearing high heels or flip-flops as they will make it difficult to move around.
In the pagoda grounds, visitors need to keep quiet or speak softly so as not to affect the meditation space of others. When taking photos, avoid using flash and do not take photos in the temples when people are performing religious ceremonies.
Bring water and sunscreen, as the temple grounds are quite extensive and have many outdoor areas. Be prepared for a fair amount of walking, as the temple grounds are located on hilly terrain with many steps.
5. Learn about the other two Linh Ung Pagodas in Da Nang's famous "Tam Linh Ung Tu"
5.1. Non Nuoc Linh Ung Pagoda
Non Nuoc Linh Ung Pagoda is the oldest pagoda in the Tam Linh Ung Tu system, located at the foot of Thuy Son Mountain in the Ngu Hanh Son scenic area. This pagoda has a history of over 200 years, built during the reign of King Minh Mang with the characteristic ancient architecture of Vietnamese Buddhism.
A highlight of Non Nuoc Linh Ung Pagoda is the 17m-tall statue of Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, located at the foot of Thuy Son Mountain. Around the pagoda are many natural caves that have been transformed into unique shrines such as Huyen Khong Cave and Tam Thai Cave, creating a mysterious and sacred spiritual space.
The pagoda is famous for its exquisite Non Nuoc stone carvings, crafted by skilled local artisans. Visitors come here not only to pray but also to admire the traditional stone carving art of Vietnam.
5.2. Ba Na Linh Ung Pagoda
Ba Na Linh Ung Pagoda is the highest pagoda in the Tam Linh Ung Tu system, located on top of Ba Na Mountain at an altitude of 1,487m above sea level. This pagoda is built within the Ba Na Hills resort, perfectly combining spiritual space and resort tourism.
A special feature of Ba Na Linh Ung Pagoda is its year-round cool climate with an average temperature of 15-20°C, creating a feeling of being in a different world compared to the tropical climate below. The Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva statue here is 27m tall, set against a backdrop of mist and majestic primeval forest.
The pagoda has a modern design with architectural lines that harmonize with the natural mountain landscape. Visitors can combine visiting the pagoda with experiencing other tourist activities at Ba Na Hills such as cable cars, the Golden Bridge, and entertainment areas.
All three temples in the Tam Linh Ung Tu system have special geographical locations, from high mountains (Ba Na), rocky mountains (Non Nuoc) to coastal peninsulas (Son Tra), creating a spiritual triangle protecting Da Nang city according to folk beliefs.
Besides the journey to find peace in a spiritual place, Da Nang also offers tourists vibrant and colorful experiences. From the bustling atmosphere at the Vui-Fest night market, the modern and youthful Da Nang Downtown to the dreamy and magical beauty on top of Ba Na Hills all have their own unique mark. This combination has created a complete trip, full of emotions and unforgettable memories.
Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda Da Nang is a must-visit spiritual destination with a 67m high Avalokitesvara statue and a breathtaking natural landscape. It offers a profound cultural experience and moments of peace in the heart of Son Tra peninsula. Plan a visit to this sacred temple to fully appreciate the spiritual beauty of Da Nang.
