Long Son Pagoda stands at the foot of Trai Thuy Hill on 23 Thang 10 Street, a short ride from the centre. The temple was first built in 1886, and the huge white Buddha seated on the hillside was completed in 1963. The statue is about twenty-four metres tall, and to reach it you climb 193 stone steps, passing a reclining Buddha at the forty-fourth step. At the top there is a wide terrace, a quiet atmosphere and wide views over the roofs of the city to the sea. It is a place of worship as well as a sight, so visitors are asked to behave respectfully and dress modestly. Long Son is free to look at, easy to combine with Po Nagar in a half-day of culture, and one of the few Nha Trang sights that works well in a passing shower.
What to see
The lower pagoda area has the pagoda buildings and shrines, and a long staircase climbs the hill. The reclining Buddha on the way up is an excellent place to take a breath, and the white seated Buddha above is surrounded by a circular platform where you can walk around the statue and take in the views. The surroundings are calm, especially in the early morning.
Practical points
The national tourism authority's article gives the address and history but does not list opening hours or an entrance fee, so we cannot confirm either. Plan to go during daylight hours, bring a few small notes in case a donation box or small fee applies, and check at the gate.
Cover your shoulders and knees, remove shoes where requested, and speak quietly. Take water, because the climb in the heat is more tiring than it looks. The stairs are not suitable for anyone who cannot manage 193 steps, and they can be slippery when wet.
Rainy season and timing
The rainy season runs roughly from September to December, so bring an umbrella or poncho. Because this is a temple visit, it can be done in the gaps between showers, and the views from the top are often dramatic with low cloud over the bay. Combine Long Son with the Po Nagar Cham Towers in the same morning, then head for lunch. Late afternoon is lovely for the light, but the terrace may be busy with tour groups, so early morning is the best option for quiet.
What to expect
The experience
A self-guided visit to a Buddhist temple with a climb of 193 steps to a 24-metre white Buddha.
Best time
Early morning, for cooler air and a quiet terrace, or late afternoon for softer light.
How long
About an hour, including the climb and time at the top.
Tips
Dress modestly, carry water, take care on wet steps and bring small notes in case of donations.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Visitors who want a short cultural stop with a view.
- Families
- Good for school-age children who can climb the steps, with a fun reclining Buddha on the way.
- Couples
- A peaceful stop with a view, best at golden hour.
- Pair with
- Po Nagar Cham Towers and a late lunch in the city.
- Time needed
- About an hour.
Good questions
How many steps are there to the white Buddha?+
The national tourism authority says you climb 193 stone steps, with a reclining Buddha at the forty-fourth step.
How tall is the white Buddha?+
The statue is about twenty-four metres tall and was completed in 1963.
When was Long Son Pagoda built?+
The pagoda was originally built in 1886, and the white Buddha was added in the 1960s.
Is there an entrance fee?+
We could not confirm a fee or opening hours from the source we checked, so bring small notes and ask at the gate.
What should I wear?+
Cover your shoulders and knees, and be ready to remove your shoes in sacred areas.
