Have you ever been somewhere that immediately made you exhale and smile? That’s the vibe at Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda in Da Nang, Vietnam. Perched on the Son Tra Peninsula, overlooking the coastline with her serene gaze, Lady Buddha offers one of the most calming and awe-inspiring sights in the entire country.
Whether you’re staying in Da Nang or popping over from Hoi An, this free-to-visit spiritual escape is a must on your itinerary. Let’s wander together through the peaceful grounds, wild monkey sightings, and breathtaking views—and see why this is more than just a tourist stop.
Why Everyone’s Talking About Lady Buddha
The Lady Buddha statue is massive—like really massive—standing at an impressive 67 meters (220 feet) tall. She’s visible from pretty much anywhere along My Khe Beach. But this isn’t just an architectural marvel—it’s a place to slow down, breathe deeply, and reflect.
She stands gracefully over the Linh Ung Pagoda, the most popular of three with the same name in Da Nang. And trust me, just being in her presence adds something special to your day.
Quick Visitor Info: Know Before You Go
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| 📍 Location | Google Maps |
| 🕕 Opening Hours | 6:30 AM – 9 PM, daily |
| 💰 Admission | Completely free! |
| 🛵 Scooter Parking | Also free |
| 📲 Getting There | Highly recommend using Grab (a ride-share app like Uber) |
| 👗 What to Wear | Cover shoulders and knees; free robes available |
| ♿ Accessibility | Mostly flat; stair-free paths available |
| 🕐 Suggested Time | Stay for at least an hour, maybe more |
| 🌤️ Best Time to Visit | March to May (or early mornings year-round) |
| 🚐 Best Tour | Lady Buddha + Marble Mountains Tour |
So… Is It Worth Visiting?
One word: absolutely.
This isn’t just another statue—it’s a cultural and spiritual symbol, nestled in one of the most scenic spots in Da Nang. From the peaceful pagoda grounds to breezy ocean views and the occasional monkey saying hello, there’s a little magic around every corner.
Oh—and it’s 100% free. No entry fee. No one pestering you to buy random trinkets. Just genuine tranquility.
Families? Totally welcome. Solo travelers or couples? You’ll love it too. It’s quiet, clean, well-maintained, and welcomes all walks of life with open arms.
Getting to Lady Buddha from Da Nang
If you’re in Da Nang, this trip is a breeze. Just hop on Grab or scooter your way along the coastal Hoang Sa Road until you reach Son Tra Peninsula. It’s only about 15 minutes from the city center or beach areas like My Khe and An Thuong.
🛵 Riding a scooter? Easy, scenic, and safe—even for beginners.
🚗 Grab ride tips: Tell your driver “Linh Ung Pagoda, Son Tra.” They’ll totally get it.
🔥 Want to go extra? Keep riding past Lady Buddha to try your luck spotting rare monkeys on the way to Monkey Mountain (yep, real place. Real monkeys.)
Coming from Hoi An?
Little further, but still very doable—about a 50-minute drive. Your options:
- 🛵 Ride a motorbike (feels like a mini-road trip!)
- 🚕 Book a Grab straight to Lady Buddha
- 🛑 Stop in Da Nang’s beach area for a meal or coffee, then continue
- 💡 Pro tip: If time is tight or you love convenience, book this half-day guided tour. It covers Lady Buddha, Marble Mountains, and even the mysterious Am Phu Cave—plus hotel pick-up/drop-off from both Da Nang and Hoi An.
What’s It Like to Visit? Let’s Take a Walk
From the moment you turn off Hoang Sa Road, the greenery envelopes you. The path to the pagoda forks—motorbikes go one way, cars and buses go another. There’s free parking near the entrance, and if you want to skip the stairs, go up to the second lot.
Then, it’s time to explore:
- 🧘♀️ Climb the impressive staircase if you’re up for it (or avoid it via the alternate entrance).
- 🏯 Visit the Main Hall—beautiful bonsai gardens, ornate statues, and spiritual energy at every turn.
- 🙏 Pop inside Lady Buddha’s base—remove your shoes and quietly observe or join in respectful prayer.
- 🐒 Say hi to the wild monkeys (but don’t feed them, please).
- 🐶 Spot the adorable temple dogs roaming the grounds.
- 🌸 Admire the carved wooden statues, giant white marble sculptures, and zen-drenched courtyards.
It’s like a peaceful museum, temple, and mountain retreat all rolled into one.
When Should You Visit?
Timing is everything (especially if you’re not a fan of rain or swarms of tourists).
☀️ Best Months: March through May—comfortably warm, not too hot, and dry.
🔥 Hottest Months: June to August—great for photos but bring water and sunscreen.
🌧️ Rainy Season: September to January—less ideal, but still doable in short dry spells.
🕘 Time of Day?: Morning wins. Cooler temps, fewer crowds, easier Grab rides.
Bonus: Mid-day visits aren’t a dealbreaker. The shady trees, breezy paths, and occasional ice cream vendor make wandering quite enjoyable.
Can’t-Miss Spots Around Lady Buddha
Here are a few highlights you’ll want to check off:
- 🗿 The 67-meter-tall Lady Buddha (duh!)
- 🏵️ The Main Hall and its surrounding bonsai gardens
- 🛕 The Relic Stupa (#17 on the grounds map)
- 🧘 Dozens of beautifully carved Buddhist statues and guardians
- 🌳 The shaded pathways lined with red lanterns and monk statues
- 🐵 Wild monkeys playing in the trees
- 📷 Epic coastal views of Da Nang below
Final Thoughts: My Take After Multiple Visits
I’ve been lucky enough to live in Da Nang and visit this sanctuary several times. Each trip, I notice something new: a sculpture I hadn’t appreciated before, a new breeze through the lotus trees, or a monkey stealing someone’s banana (they’re clever like that).
It doesn’t matter if you’re the meditative type, a culture junkie, or just someone looking for a quiet moment—Lady Buddha and Linh Ung Pagoda welcome you with open arms.
Trust me, it’s not just another “thing to do.” It’s a peaceful experience that stays with you.
So go ahead, carve out some time. Wander, sit, breathe deeply. And watch as Da Nang unfolds below the watchful eyes of Lady Buddha.
💡 Pro Tip: Need travel help in Vietnam, hotel tips, or itinerary ideas? Check out Ahoy Vietnam for more comfy guides like this one.
👉 Join a tour if you want convenient pickup, extra cultural insight, and awesome photo ops.
Happy exploring—see you under the shade of the bonsai trees! 🌿