Chùa Long Thơ

Washed ashore by the relentless waves, a mystical Buddha statue mysteriously appeared on the sands of Son Tra Peninsula. This, my friends, is where our story of the magnificent Chùa Long Thơ begins. The fishermen of Da Nang, in the time of King Minh Mang, saw this as a divine omen. They erected a small shrine, and the sea, once tumultuous, grew calm, allowing them to fish in peace. This blessed land became known as Bai But, meaning “Buddha realm in the middle of the world.” And upon this sacred ground, the Chùa Long Thơ, also known as Linh Ung – Bai But Pagoda, now stands. The Chùa Long Thơ is more than just a temple; it’s a testament to the enduring spirit of Vietnamese Buddhism. Construction began in 2004, finally completed in 2010, creating a harmonious blend of contemporary design and traditional Vietnamese temple architecture. As you ascend the twenty steps to the main gate of Chùa Long Thơ, a powerful inscription welcomes you, promising that sincere prayers within these walls may be miraculously answered. The main hall, with its ornate dragon-carved pillars and gracefully curved roof, exudes a sense of reverence. Inside, the statues of Buddha Shakyamuni, Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, and Buddha Tripitaka hold court, watched over by four Guardians and eighteen Arhat statues, each representing a different human emotion. But the true marvel of Chùa Long Thơ, the one that draws pilgrims and tourists alike, is the towering Lady Buddha statue. At 67 meters tall, standing on a 35-meter lotus pedestal, she is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. She gazes serenely out at the East Sea, one hand raised in blessing, the other holding a pitcher of nectar, offering solace and protection to the fishermen who brave the waves. Within her form lies a seventeen-story temple, each floor housing twenty-one Buddha statues, a testament to her profound spiritual significance. From her vantage point, the panoramic view of Da Nang city, the Son Tra Peninsula, and the distant Marble Mountains is simply breathtaking. The Chùa Long Thơ offers a haven of peace, a place to connect with the spiritual heart of Vietnam.