Linh Ung Pagoda Da Nang: Which of the 3 to Visit

Featured image: Christophe95, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons.

Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang: The Short Answer

Da Nang has three pagodas called Linh Ung. The name is often read as "wishes answered". Most people searching for it mean the Bai But temple on Son Tra Peninsula, home to the Lady Buddha statue. A second Linh Ung stands on Thuy Son in the Marble Mountains, about 10 km southeast of the centre. A third sits on Chua Mountain inside Ba Na Hills, about 25 km southwest. With only a half-day, choose Son Tra. Doing all three in one day is unrealistic, because Ba Na Hills alone needs at least half a day.

Which Linh Ung Pagoda Should You Visit?

Match the pagoda to your time, transport and interests. Times below are planning estimates, and hours differ between sources.

• First-timer with three hours: Son Tra.
• Photographer: Son Tra early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
• Older relative: Marble Mountains using the elevator, or Son Tra by taxi.
• History lover: Marble Mountains, with its royal-era plaques and caves.
• Ba Na Hills day-tripper: add the Ba Na pagoda to your day.
• Non-rider: taxi or ride-hailing to Son Tra, or a half-day tour.

Linh Ung Pagoda on Son Tra (Bai But): What to See

Local legend says a small Buddha statue washed ashore at Bai But during Emperor Minh Mang's reign. Fishermen built a shrine, and the sea was said to calm. The current complex was built from 2004 to 2010. The Lady Buddha, an Avalokitesvara figure, stands 67 m tall on a lotus base and looks out to sea. Inside the tower, 17 floors hold small altars. Allow time for the main hall, which holds Sakyamuni, Avalokitesvara and other figures. Steps lead up to the entrance, reported at a little over 20. Along a walkway, 18 marble Arhat statues each show a different human emotion. From the terraces you can look over Da Nang Bay and My Khe Beach. Wild monkeys live in the surrounding reserve, and rare red-shanked douc langurs have been reported in nearby trees.

• Lady Buddha and lotus base
• Main hall with Sakyamuni and Avalokitesvara
• Arhat statue walkway
• Terrace views toward My Khe Beach

How to Get to the Son Tra Pagoda

From central Da Nang, cross Dragon Bridge and follow Vo Van Kiet Street toward the beach. Then turn onto Vo Nguyen Giap and follow the Hoang Sa coastal road to the peninsula entrance. A taxi or Grab is the easiest choice for families and anyone nervous on mountain roads. A motorbike gives flexibility, but the climb is steep and winding with tight hairpins inside a nature reserve. Skip riding if you lack mountain experience or feel unsure on a scooter. Light rain is manageable, yet heavy rain or thick fog makes the road risky and hides the views. Postpone in those conditions. Parking is reported to run on donation, usually 5,000₫ to 10,000₫. Half-day tours from the city often include this stop.

Linh Ung Pagoda in the Marble Mountains

This pagoda sits at the top of Thuy Son, the largest peak in the Marble Mountains Da Nang Guide: Gates, Costs & Timing, in Hoa Hai Ward. Entering the temple costs nothing. Reaching it means paying the area ticket, listed at 40,000₫ for adults and 20,000₫ for students. Children under 6 and seniors over 70 are reported free. An elevator costs about 15,000₫ each way. Stone stairways date to Minh Mang's era, with 156 steps to Tam Thai Pagoda and 108 to Tang Chon Cave. Founding dates vary between sources, but a major rebuild in 1825 is commonly cited. Look for the seven-story Xa Loi Tower, built in 1997 and 28 m tall. Dress modestly, keep your voice low, and leave non-vegetarian food outside. Pair the visit with Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave and Non Nuoc stone carving village.

Linh Ung Pagoda at Ba Na Hills

Perched on Chua Mountain at around 1,400 m, this is a newer temple built within the resort. A 27 m seated Shakyamuni statue is its landmark. Reaching it means riding the cable car, so entry comes through the ticket sold by Sun World Ba Na Hills. The drive from central Da Nang to the cable car station takes about 45-50 minutes. A simple rule applies: include the pagoda if you already have a Ba Na day planned, since it is a quiet break from the crowded areas. Do not book Ba Na Hills just for this temple. Our Ba Na Hills guide covers the full day.

Costs, Tickets and Opening Hours

Prices and hours checked November 2026 from published listings. Son Tra costs nothing to enter, and only parking is by donation. Marble Mountains charges an area ticket and optional elevator fare. Ba Na Hills charges through its resort ticket. Hours conflict at Son Tra: most sources say 6:00 to 21:00, while one platform lists 7:00 to 17:30. Plan for daylight and confirm on the day. For current city information, see the Da Nang tourism site.

Best Time to Visit and How Long to Stay

Sources disagree on the best season. Windows named include March to September, February to May and March to August. Treat this as a trade-off between clearer skies, summer heat and crowds. Coastal fog can hide the Son Tra views in minutes, so check a current forecast. For light and fewer people, arrive between 7:00 and 9:00 in the morning. For softer views, go between 3:00 and 5:00 in the afternoon. A night visit works only if you have confirmed that the grounds are open. Weekdays are typically quieter than weekends. Most visitors spend about 2-3 hours at Son Tra, which is an estimate. Add time for Ban Co Peak or the beach.

What to Wear and Bring

These are active places of worship. Cover your shoulders and knees, and avoid sleeveless tops and shorts. Bring a light scarf if you are wearing summer clothes. Flat, comfortable shoes suit the stairs and slopes. Keep your voice low in the main hall, and ask before photographing people at prayer. Sun hat, water and sunscreen help in summer, and a light rain layer helps year-round. Monkeys are curious around Son Tra. Secure phones, cameras and sunglasses. Never feed them, and keep food out of sight in your bag.

Combining the Pagoda With Other Stops

Three half-day routes work, and all times are estimates.

• Son Tra only: the pagoda, terrace views and a slow coastal drive, about half a day.
• Son Tra plus extras: add Ban Co Peak, Tien Sa area or My Khe viewpoints, then finish at Dragon Bridge.
• Marble Mountains plus Non Nuoc village: caves, Tam Thai Pagoda and stone carving workshops, about half a day.
• Coast drive: Son Tra viewpoints look toward Hai Van, so continue with our Hai Van Pass route.

Where to Stay Near Linh Ung Pagoda

Most visitors do not stay beside the pagoda and make a half-day trip instead. The Son Tra and My Khe beachfront puts you closest to the Bai But road. The city centre near Dragon Bridge offers more restaurants and easy taxi pickups. The Hoi An side suits travellers combining the Marble Mountains with heritage-town time. Check current rates on your booking site, since they shift by season.

Is Linh Ung Pagoda Worth Visiting?

Yes, if you want a large statue, sea views and a quiet half-day. Families and photographers tend to enjoy the Son Tra site most. Crowds can build on weekends, and fog can cancel the views. Food options near the site are limited, so eat before you go. Travellers who dislike winding roads should hire a driver. History lovers will get more from the Marble Mountains, while Ba Na Hills is best seen as an add-on. For official visitor information, start at Vietnam's national tourism site.