Discover the Sacred Triangle: The three Linh Ung Pagodas of Da Nang

These pagodas are not only architectural masterpieces, but also important spiritual landmarks, each embodying a unique harmony between Buddhism and nature. Let’s explore the beauty, mystery, and significance of these three sacred Linh Ung Pagodas in Da Nang.

How many Linh Ung Pagodas are there in Da Nang?

Da Nang is home to three famous Linh Ung Pagodas, each located in a unique setting. Together, they form a triangle that spiritually shelters the city from three directions – mountains, sea, and sky.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Bai But, Son Tra Peninsula

The largest and most iconic of the three, situated on the hills of Son Tra Peninsula. It features the towering 67-meter statue of the Lady Buddha (Quan The Am), gazing out over the East Sea and Da Nang City. 

Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son)

Nestled among the five limestone peaks of the Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), this ancient pagoda blends traditional architecture with the raw beauty of its lush and cave-studded surroundings.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Ba Na Hills (Nui Chua)

Perched at 1,500 meters above sea level in Ba Na Hills, this pagoda is known for its 27-meter-tall statue of Shakyamuni Buddha. Wrapped in mist and ancient forest, it offers a peaceful retreat high above the clouds.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Son Tra Peninsula

• Address: Hoang Sa Street, Son Tra Ward, Da Nang
• Built: April 4, 2004
• Architecture: Blend of Nguyen Dynasty and modern Buddhist design
• Opening hours: 6:00 AM – 9:00 PM
• Entry: Free

Constructed in 2004, Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula was built to honor Buddhist cultural values and meet the spiritual needs of locals and pilgrims. Over time, it has grown into one of Da Nang’s most visited spiritual landmarks.

Architectural highlights

The pagoda features sweeping blue-tiled roofs, dragon motifs, and intricate wooden details that reflect the elegance of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. The layout follows traditional design, stretching from the three-arched entrance gate to the main sanctum, meditation halls, and living quarters, all surrounded by peaceful greenery.

Its most iconic feature is the 67-meter Quan The Am statue, the tallest of its kind in Vietnam and Southeast Asia. Inside the statue are 17 floors, each housing 21 Buddha images in different poses. At the top is a 2-meter relief of the Buddha, making this not only a place of worship but a monumental work of art.

Unique features

• Exceptional location: Positioned 693 meters above sea level with its back to the mountains and face to the sea, reflecting the perfect feng shui alignment of “leaning against the mountain, facing the water.”
• Spiritual hub: A site for Buddhist retreats, rituals, and festivals such as summer retreats and animal releases.
• Cultural landmark: Considered the most majestic and photogenic of the three Linh Ung Pagodas, drawing countless visitors every year.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Marble Mountains

• Address: Thuy Son Mountain, Ngu Hanh Son Ward
• Built: 1825 (under Emperor Minh Mang)
• Architecture: Classic Central Vietnamese design
• Opening hours: 7:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Entry: Free (Elevator ticket: 15,000 VND/ride)

This is the oldest Linh Ung Pagoda, established in 1825. Set within the famous Marble Mountains (Ngu Hanh Son), the pagoda has long served as a sacred refuge for monks, pilgrims, and travelers. Despite centuries of change, it retains its solemn charm and spiritual gravitas.

Architectural highlights

The architecture is rich in symbolism, featuring a blend of Vietnamese and Southeast Asian styles:

• Intricately tiled double roofs
• Wooden pillars with Greek-inspired elements
• Glazed tiles depicting dragons, clouds, and Dharma wheels

The seven-story Xa Loi Tower houses over 200 stone Buddha statues – the most in Vietnam. Visitors can explore the first floor and admire Shakyamuni Buddha; the upper floors remain sacred and are open only during special ceremonies.

Unique features

Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountains stands out for its fusion of natural caves and traditional construction, offering a rare blend of manmade and geological wonders.

Visitors can explore Linh Ung Cave, Tang Chon Cave, and Hoa Nghiem Cave. The Lumbini Garden (Lam Ty Ni) replica on-site offers insight into the birthplace of Buddha, creating an immersive cultural and spiritual journey.

Linh Ung Pagoda – Ba Na Hills

• Address: Ba Na Hills, Ba Na Commune
• Built: September 21, 1999
• Architecture: Traditional with Mahayana Buddhist influence
• Opening hours: 8:00 AM – 5:30 PM
• Entry: Included in Ba Na Hills ticket

Linh Ung Ba Na Pagoda was built in 1999 and inaugurated in 2004 to become a spiritual sanctuary for Buddhist devotees and visitors alike. Since its opening, the pagoda has maintained its original appearance without major restorations.

Architectural highlights

The pagoda complex includes a three-gate entrance, main sanctum, side halls, and tranquil courtyards. Decorative motifs include double dragons flanking the moon and a three-leaf pine – symbols of protection and harmony.

The centerpiece is a 27-meter white marble statue of Shakyamuni Buddha, seated in serene meditation atop a lotus base. Surrounding the statue are eight bas-reliefs depicting key moments in Buddha’s life – each telling a story of wisdom, compassion, and enlightenment.

Unique features

The pagoda sits at an altitude of over 1,400 meters, surrounded by ancient oak and fir trees. Known as a sacred space where many locals and tourists come to pray for peace, health, and happiness.

Linh Ung – Ba Na is accessible via the world’s longest single-wire cable car, offering stunning aerial views of the Ba Na mountains.

How to get to each pagoda

• Linh Ung – Son Tra Peninsula: From Dragon Bridge, head along Vo Van Kiet, turn left onto Vo Nguyen Giap, then follow Hoang Sa along the coastline to the pagoda. Be cautious on winding roads, especially if continuing to explore Son Tra Peninsula.
• Linh Ung – Marble Mountains: About 10 km southeast of the city center. Ride along Tran Thi Ly, turn onto Ngu Hanh Son – Le Van Hien, and follow signs to the Marble Mountains. Accessible by motorbike, car, or taxi.
• Linh Ung – Ba Na Hills: Around 35 km west of Da Nang. Take Dien Bien Phu Street to Hoang Van Thai, then follow Ba Na – Suoi Mo 20 km to Ba Na Hills resort. From there, take the cable car to the top of Nui Chua.

Visitor tips for Linh Ung Pagodas

• Linh Ung – Son Tra is the largest and most scenic of the three, with proximity to tourist sites like Ban Co Peak and Ghenh Bang.
• Prepare proper offerings and pray sincerely for peace and health rather than material desires.
• Dress modestly: no short skirts or revealing tops.
• Maintain silence and respect, especially during ceremonies.
• Don’t touch or take sacred objects from the temple grounds.
• Use handrails when climbing steep stone stairs at Marble Mountains for safety. 
• Follow safety instructions when riding the cable car to Ba Na Hills.
• Dispose of waste properly to help protect these sacred and scenic spaces.

The three Linh Ung Pagodas are like shining gems among Da Nang’s majestic landscape, forming a sacred triangle that blends architectural grandeur with spiritual serenity. Each pagoda offers a unique experience – whether it’s connecting with the vastness of the ocean, the silence of marble caves, or the calm of mountaintop skies.

Whether you seek peace, inspiration, or a deeper understanding of Vietnamese culture and spirituality, a pilgrimage to the Linh Ung Pagodas will leave you with a sense of calm, purpose, and awe.