Lady Buddha Da Nang: The Best of Monkey Mountain Vietnam

From the East coast, visitors can see an enormous white statue with the mountain backdrop, that is the Lady Buddha Da Nang. Located in the ground of Linh Ung Pagoda, she was sculpted by artisans in Non Nuoc marble village. Thanks to huge sizes and importance in local belief, hundreds of visitors come to this statue daily. That makes it one of top tourist attractions in the city. So why did people place it there? What does it mean? or why Lady Buddha? are frequently-asked questions. Now, all secrets are opened, in order to help visitors to know better about the monument and everything around it.

What is Lady Buddha Da Nang?

Sitting on a hilltop by the sea, Lady Buddha is a 67-meters-tall statue in Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula. It’s known as Tuong Phat Ba Quan Am in Vietnamese or Statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Thanks to its height, this work became the tallest of its kind in the country. Not only being a statue, Lady Buddha is a temple also, because each of its 17 floors houses twenty-seven Buddha statues for worship. A 2-meter Great Buddha statue is placed in the head. Local people call “Buddha in Buddha” to describe the characteristic. On the first and 15^th days of every lunar month, locals come here to pray and seek peace of mind.

Note: In the surrounding, naughty monkeys that can snatch food and personal items from the hands of visitors, should be aware! The monks also advise not to bring fruits, snacks or other things for them, to encourage their forest return (their home).

Lady Buddha Da Nang Meaning

Lady Buddha is the Goddess of Mercy who is believed to see, hear and sympathize cries of people in the world. Her right hand holds a water vase, containing nectar of life and a willow branch in her left hand, used to sprinkle the nectar on the prayers. For fishers, she also is a patron saint who follows, gives fortune and saves them on the sea. That’s why they come to pray before setting sail. Standing on a blooming lotus, this perfect depiction faces the city, aiming to shelter its citizens from disasters. Locals have been believing that since her presence, typhoons don’t hit their hometown. In a wider view, as a part of the third Linh Ung Pagoda, itself and two other temples in Ba Na Hills and Marble Mountains, create a triangle. Once again, that “fences” bad things to locals.

History and Construction

The Statue of the Lady Buddha was built at the same time as Linh Ung Pagoda, from 2004 to 2010. Construction of this pair was initiated by Thich Thien Nguyen monk who became the leader of Linh Ung pagoda in the Marble Mountains. Just about the statue, skillful artisans from Non Nuoc marble village in those hills, were responsible in forming. Two sculptors Thuy Lam and Chau Viet Thanh who had experiences in other huge works, were in charge of giving the soul and attitude to her. During the construction, people saw the glories occuring 13 times. One of the most unforgettable times for Buddhists is Buddha’s birthday in 2009. Money used to build it was from donations of monks, followers, locals and firms.

Lady Buddha Da Nang Ticket

Now, Da Nang’s Lady Buddha requires no ticket to enter and visit it. Locals often drop a small amount of money into donation boxes, to fund monk life, activities and charity. For parkings, many people do the same (although also free of charge).

Da Nang Local Guide

Lady Buddha and its neighbor, Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula are famous Buddhist sites in the city. Both have their own grand architecture and interesting stories linked with Buddhism and Buddha teachings. Not far from there, visitors have the chance to explore stunning places, including sandy beaches, snorkeling spots, peaks, old trees and Vietnam war memorial sites. If traveling with a local guide, all of them can be arranged properly, based on the visitor’s requirements and his/her experiences. Moreover, he also shares history, architecture, and everything around every stop, in fluent English. Your itinerary includes extra Cham museum, Marble mountains, Hoi An old town or My Son sanctuary, a local guide is really necessary. To save time to seek one, contact us via whatsapp number +84 968009827.

Times and Dress Code

Lady Buddha Da Nang Opening Hours

Linh Ung Pagoda and its Lady Buddha open from 6 a.m to 9 p.m daily. Because of being free to sightsee, visitors can come anytime within this, as long as their trip is convenient. During the typhoon season, its doors may be closed to ensure visitor’s safety.

The Best Time to Visit Lady Buddha Da Nang

The dry season provides the best weather to visit the Lady Buddha, from January to the end of September. This time of the year is characterized by high temperatures, low rainfall, many sunny hours, and being free from storms. There is ideal to walk around the lovely grounds of the statue, take photos and view pretty scenery to Da Nang’s seafront. If traveling in the dry season, visitors should arrive in the morning or late afternoon, to avoid the heat in the noon. Sunglasses, sun cream, hat or cap, and water are necessary to prepare. Evening generally is cool and it’s possible to look at the Lady Buddha, nearby buildings and the coast. Visitors can enjoy the tranquility that is sometimes broken from crowds of tourists.

From October to December, rains occur more frequently, making outdoor temperature decrease and that’s nice to visit around. However, it seems that every place is wet and the floor, steps become slippery. Watching out your footsteps to avoid falling. In addition, don’t forget to bring a raincoat, umbrella and waterproof shoes before leaving the hotel. Last but not least, checking the weather forecast in advance is important, because pouring rains or typhoons may happen on your day of exploration. Standing by the coast, the Buddha definitely doesn’t allow tourist access during any typhoon.

How Much Time Do I Need to Visit?

Visitors are advised to spend 40 minutes in Lady Buddha Da Nang and Linh Ung Pagoda in the same ground. It’s enough to tour around to sightsee, photograph, enjoy delightful views over the sea and Da Nang’s beachfront, and even pray. By the coast, there are a couple of coffee shops where visitors can sit to relax, sip nice coffee and see the scenic seascape. The time may be longer. Further down to the water edge, a small and highly private beach welcomes everybody to come and lounge. Swimming there is okay, don’t forget to put your swimsuit in the bag.

Dress Code

Locals wear respectively whenever they come to the Lady Buddha, because it’s a Buddhist site. They select clothings that covers the armpits, navel and knees. The ones made by thin and see-through fabrics are thought to be not proper. However, in fact, the dress code is not really checked strictly if visitors just walk around. Praying space in the Linh Ung Pagoda or inside the Lady Buddha, requires the prayers a restriction. Free sarongs are available near the doors, taking if needed. Remember to remove sunglasses, hat or cap, take off shoes and put the umbrella outside.

During the dry season, from January to October, visitors should wear items made of lightweight, comfortable and sweat-absorbing fabrics. For the rest of the year, a raincoat or umbrella, and waterproof shoes are necessary.

Places to Visit in Da Nang’s Lady Buddha

Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula

This grand Buddhist temple stands on the same ground as Lady Buddha. It’s constructed from 2004 to 2010, and became the third pagoda of the same name in the city. It also faces the sea, including an enormous shrine for worship of the Buddha of Three Times, a monastery, library, conference hall, and many marble sculptures placed in garden or ornamental trees. Together with the statue, this is among the best tourist attractions in Da Nang. See detailed history and architecture in our guide centralvietnamguide.com/linh-ung-pagoda-da-nang.

Dong Dinh Museum

Not too far from the Lady Buddha, this private museum takes the name from fishtail palm which grows naturally in nearby forests. It houses artifacts, photos and landscaped gardens, all telling different stories about rural Vietnam. Opening from 8 a.m to 5 p.m everyday, adults and teenagers above 12 years old will pay an entrance fee of 20,000 VND. Read more information in centralvietnamguide.com/da-nang-museum.

Son Tra Peninsula

Riding further the coast road down the Lady Buddha, visitors may see the most breath-taking sceneries in Da Nang. Curving shorelines, rock cliffs, light blue waters, white sandy beaches and green vegetation are things shown before the eyes. There, locals do exercise every morning or late afternoon. If experiencing in the sunrise time, the landscape totally convinces the most demanding viewers. Automatic motorcycles are not encouraged to move on this stretch of Hoang Sa Road, keep in mind. Browse our separate guide to the whole Son Tra peninsula (aka Son Tra or Monkey Mountain) to know more information, via centralvietnamguide.com/monkey-mountain-vietnam.

Tho Quang Beach (aka Basket Boat Beach)

By the foot of Monkey Mountain, this peaceful beach features many basket boats lounging on the beach, sandy expanse with a view to fisher boats and high-rise hotels in the seafront, and clean water. It’s often the landing place of paragliders who jump out from the top of the mountain.

Buu Dai Tu Pagoda

On the way to the Lady Buddha, this newly-established Buddhist temple features architecture with beautiful decorations and many Buddha statues. No matter daytime or evening, its atmosphere is quiet, free from tourists.

How to Get to Lady Buddha Da Nang

Lady Buddha Da Nang Location

Lady Buddha is a part of Linh Ung Bai But Pagoda, 11km to the northeast of the Da Nang downtown. Sitting on a hilltop by the Southern coastline of Son Tra Mountain, it’s accessible by Hoang Sa Road only. If visitors begin the exploration from Hue or Hoi An, getting to it is never easier, just need to ride along the coast roads.

From Da Nang

The best way to get to Lady Buddha depends on the location of your hotel. If it’s located on the My Khe beachfront or somewhere nearby, a taxi is most proper, because of its convenience. Distance is around 9 km, so the ride by a four-seat car may charge nearly 150,000 VND. But if staying over Han riverside venues or in historical district Hai Chau, the length of the taxi ride may be from 9 to 12 kilometers. Like to see the statue only? Private car rental may not be nicest, as the drive is short.

Motorbike is another popular vehicle, with a hiring price from 100,000 to 250,000 VND for one day. If liking to ride up the mountain, shouldn’t choose an automatic bike, because it’s not allowed (encouraged). The striking coastline and peaceful mountain routes packed with nice views there, are also loved by cyclists. Riding ups and downs through the well-preserved Son Tra nature reserve is really unforgettable. Many visitors stop in Lady Buddha during their hiking itinerary. A transfer by bus, van and jeep car is often included in guided tours.

Da Nang Hop On Hop Off Bus

Hop on hop off bus is suitable for visitors who like to venture around the city without riding but still possible to visit many attractions. There are two buses (itineraries) available now, all departing from Da Nang airport around 8 a.m. However, only the “Da Nang city tour” bus provides a stop in Lady Buddha. Its ticket price is 250,000 VND, no matter any seating in its two levels. The validity is in 24hrs since the passengers walk in the bus for the first time. Search Coco Bus Tour and you can reserve or buy a ticket online.

From Hoi An to Da Nang’s Lady Buddha

Lady Buddha is 35 km north of Hoi An old town, the centre of the city. If liking to get to it by yourself, hiring a car, motorcycle or taxi is without difficulty. Because of expensive cost, visitors prefer to get a private car or motorcycle rental. Price ranges from 250,000 to 500,000 VND one way and from 100,000 to 250,000 VND respectively. Bike riders may pay a small fee extra for fuel. To optimize the trip, several famous attractions are combined. Most frequently, there are the Marble Mountains, My Khe beach or Son Tra Mountain. The drive is easy, just following the coast road and it’s not hard to recognize the marble mountains or statue from afar. Besides car, mini van and bus, Hoi An’s guided tours provide experience with a bicycle, motorbike or jeep.

Parking Lots and Fee

Parking lots for bikes are many in Lady Buddha Pagoda. To find them easier, follow our instructions: ride up a concrete road to the left of Hoang Sa Road and after a minute, you may see the first parking lot. If there are no empty spaces there, continue riding up and lots for bikes behind the car’s ones. It’s free in both places, but locals often give a small amount of money into the donation box, to support the monks. Like anywhere, a numbered tag is used to verify the right owner.

Read also: How to Get to the Golden Bridge from Da Nang

Places to Eat in and near Da Nang’s Lady Buddha

Son Tra Retreat – Garden Lounge & Eatery

Location: 11 Le Van Luong St, 2,8 km west of Lady Buddha

Nestled in a peaceful residential area by foot of Son Tra Mountain, this retreat is nice to unwind after the visit of Lady Buddha. It serves up a menu of Vietnamese and western dishes, and a long list of beverages, including some awesome cocktails. Opening from 8 a.m to 11 p.m, the mains here are steak, seafood, pizza, pasta, sharing barbecue platters for 2 to 4 people and more. Price starts from 80,000 VND.

The End of The Beach (formerly Madam Hanh)

Location: 79 Luong Huu Khanh St, 2,5 km west of Lady Buddha

Established by a woman who had cooking experience in 40 years, this coast-facing venue serves a short menu. Food options are around 10, with a price from 40,000 to 60,000 VND. The guests can expect spring rolls, banh xeo pancakes, tofu lemongrass, fried rice, chicken dishes, and spaghetti for vegans. To enhance the taste, local beers, juices, soft drinks, wines and coffee are also available. Now, the new addition, 7 Bridges Brewing Company provides high-quality craft beers, while wind blowing around the hair.

Hai San Nam Danh

Location: 139/59/38 Tran Quang Khai St, 4 km west of Lady Buddha

Although located in a small and hard-to-remember lane, no locals don’t know this seafood restaurant. Serving lunch and dinner, its menu covers a variety of seafood choices and recipes. Besides tasty flavours, patrons love the fresh ingredients here and if wanting, they can pick living ones right from on-site aquariums. Price is affordable, and keep in mind to come soon, to avoid everything sold out.

Nha Hang Ba Ro

Location: 115 Ly Tu Tan St, 3,8 km away from Lady Buddha

Opening from 10 a.m to 10 p.m, this local-style seafood restaurant provides many tables to choose from. Its menu features all dishes whose name, recipe and flavours are not strange to Da Nang citizens. Ingredients are bought from fishers living in the neighbourhood, and from fish markets on the beach every early morning. Generally, the price is reasonable but for some ingredients, it depends on the season.

Places to Stay in Lady Buddha Da Nang

Places to Stay near the Lady Buddha Da Nang

InterContinental Da Nang Resort

Location: Bai Bac beach, 6 km east of Lady Buddha via Hoang Sa Rd

This five-star resort is hidden away in the untouched nature of Son Tra peninsula, and by a small turquoise bay. It provides luxury rooms, suites, penthouses, and villas that are fully equipped with modern amenities and conveniences. Whole resort was designed by internationally-famed architect Bill Bensley who blended vernacular and global elements perfectly.

Son Tra Resort & Spa

Location: Rang beach, 2,5km east of Lady Buddha via Hoang Sa Rd

This Son Tra peninsula’s accommodation provides private villas that are warmly furnished by essential amenities, elegant timber furnitures and private pools. Much of which opens to the sea and is close by a fine sandy beach with sun beds. Facilities like spa, restaurant and bar also are at the guest’s doorstep.

Lady Buddha Da Nang Tour

Half-day Tour to Lady Buddha from Da Nang or Hoi An

A half-day experience is a proper fit to visitors who are willing to see Lady Buddha. Within it, the tallest Goddess of Mercy statue in the country, grand shrines, fun sculptures, well-grown bonsai trees, scenic outlooks and naughty monkeys are what to expect. Visitors can choose to begin in the early morning when the heat doesn’t occur yet or in the sunset when the scenery is at its best. Several places like fisher villages, temples, hidden gems, or an exploration into local cuisine are also combined. For more adventuring vibes, reaching up the summit of Monkey Mountain where sweeping views over Da Nang are provided.

The Lady Buddha half-day experience can depart from either Da Nang or Hoi An. It’s possible to look for it in many local tour operators and online. To find a suitable package quicker, contact us via whatsapp number +84 968009287.

Full-day Da Nang Highlights Tour

This one-day experience is the choice for visitors who would like to see and know more about Da Nang’s famous attractions. Besides Lady Buddha, it includes a visit to Marble mountains, Museum of Cham sculpture, Dragon bridge, Pink church, vibrant markets, beaches, and more. Without a huge number of tourist reviews, hidden gems are recommended, to provide more slices of life and beautiful memories. There may be a fisher village, whale temples, secret local eateries or café only known by locals. Photo opportunities are many throughout the day.

To save time, no matter to know recommendations or advices to customize the plan, contact us for free. Our whatsapp number is +84 968009827.

Travel Guide to Son Tra (Monkey) Mountain

Lady Buddha is the best sight in Son Tra Mountain, also known as Monkey Mountain by Americans and Son Tra peninsula. The mountain itself is a nature reserve which contains a rich wildlife and picturesque landscapes. It’s really worth it to venture around this fantastic attraction. Under the sea, it supports coral reefs and a diversity of marine creatures. A snorkeling experience is possible. To find out all you need to know about Son Tra Mountain, browse our travel guide to it via centralvietnamguide.com/son-tra-mountain-vietnam.