Lady Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda – The Premier Spiritual Symbol of Central Vietnam

The Lady Buddha Statue of Linh Ung Pagoda is located at Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But – one of the three famous Linh Ung pagodas forming the “spiritual triangle” of Da Nang. Exact address: Bai But, Tho Quang Ward, Son Tra District (also known as Son Tra Peninsula), Da Nang City.

• Distance from the center of Da Nang: only about 9–10 km to the Northeast.
• Prime location: The statue leans against Son Tra Mountain (~693m above sea level), facing the East Sea, creating a rare “leaning on mountain, facing the ocean” posture.
• How to get there: From My Khe Beach, travel along Hoang Sa Street for about 15–20 minutes by motorbike, taxi, or bus. The road to the pagoda is winding yet spacious, with extremely picturesque scenery on both sides.

This is an ideal destination combining spiritual tourism and exploration of the Son Tra Peninsula – home to primeval forests, langurs, and pristine beaches.

The history of the Lady Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda is tied to ancient folklore as well as the passionate modern construction effort of monks, Buddhists, and local authorities. According to historical records and oral tales of local fishermen, in the 19th century during the reign of King Minh Mang (Nguyen Dynasty), fishermen going out to sea discovered a Buddha statue washed ashore on the beach. Remarkably, the statue was intact and believed to emit a radiant glow, bringing good omens. Believing this to be a sacred sign, the locals built a small shrine to worship it. Ever since, the sea grew calmer, fishing became favorable, and the locals' lives gradually prospered. The sandy shore where the statue was found was named Bai But (or Buddha's Beach) – a name preserved to this day.

On the foundation of that faith, modern Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But began construction on June 19, 2004 (lunar calendar) according to the wishes of Most Venerable Thich Thien Nguyen. After 6 years of construction, the project was completed and officially inaugurated on July 30, 2010. Along with the pagoda, the majestic Lady Buddha Statue was also completed, becoming the standout highlight of the entire complex. The artwork was crafted by two famous sculptors, Thuy Lam and Chau Viet Thanh, with the support and companionship of the Da Nang city government.

Since its completion, the Lady Buddha Statue has not only been a remarkable piece of architectural and artistic work but has also become a crucial spiritual symbol of the coastal city. Many Da Nang residents believe that the presence of the Buddha statue has contributed to bringing peace and mitigating the impacts of storms and floods, acting as sacred protection from Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva for the land and its people.

The Lady Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda possesses a grand scale and exquisite artistic details:

• Dimensions: 67m high (equivalent to a 30-story building), with a lotus pedestal diameter of 35m. The statue is made of reinforced concrete and painted pure white.
• Posture: The statue stands facing the East Sea, with benevolent eyes looking down, her right hand holding the Samadhi mudra (symbolizing tranquility and salvation of sentient beings), and her left hand holding a jar of nectar (sprinkling peace upon all living beings).
• Interior details: Inside the statue body, there are 17 floors, each housing 21 Buddha statues with different postures and expressions, giving rise to the phrase “Buddha within Buddha”. The main altar beneath the lotus pedestal is dedicated to the Three Saints of the Western Paradise. On the statue's crown is a 2m-tall relief of Amitabha Buddha.
• Architectural complex: The pagoda features a Three-Arch Gate, main hall, ancestors' hall, lecture hall... harmoniously blending traditional Buddhist style with modern elements, creating a solemn yet welcoming space.

The statue was recognized by UNESCO as the tallest Avalokiteshvara statue in Vietnam and Southeast Asia (at the time of inauguration), becoming a unique spiritual architectural symbol of Central Vietnam.

Visiting the Lady Buddha Statue at Linh Ung Pagoda is an experience combining spiritual pilgrimage and scenic natural sightseeing.

• Panoramic views of Da Nang: Visitors can go up the floors inside the statue (about 12 floors open to visitors) to admire the East Sea, Son Tra Peninsula, and the city from above.
• Serene atmosphere: The spacious pagoda grounds feature an Arhat statue garden, wind chimes, and incense, creating a sense of peace.
• Best time to visit: It is recommended to visit in the early morning (6 AM – 9 AM) or late afternoon (3 PM – 6 PM); especially sunset is the most beautiful time.
• Activities: Praying for peace, sightseeing, taking souvenir photos (avoid photographing inside the main worship area).

Many visitors share that simply standing in front of the statue and gazing out at the vast ocean and sky is enough to bring a sense of relaxation and inner peace.

From early legends to stories of radiant light and felt peace, this monumental statue is a living symbol of faith, a gathering place for the devotion of millions of Vietnamese people, affirming its irreplaceable status as the spiritual pinnacle of Central Vietnam. To fully admire its beauty and feel this sacredness, choosing a Linh Ung Pagoda tour is a wonderful recommendation. Coming to Linh Ung, visitors not only pay homage but also find tranquility, peace, and positive energy emanating from the boundless compassion of the Lady Buddha.