If you’re visiting Da Nang, a visit to the Lady Buddha statue is an absolute must. Located on the Son Tra Peninsula, this gigantic landmark combines spirituality, wildlife, and some of the best views in the city.
We went as part of our 2-week in Vietnam itinerary . We only had a short stopover in Da Nang before heading to Hoi An, so with limited time, we chose the Lady Buddha as one of the top places to visit in Da Nang. It didn’t disappoint and the cheeky monkeys were just a bonus.
In this guide, I’ll show you exactly how to visit the Buddha Statue in Da Nang, including how to get there, what to expect, the best time to go, and the top tours worth booking.
*contains affiliate links (at no extra cost to you)
Contents: click to jump to a section
Useful information about Da Nang
Da Nang is a large, modern coastal city in central Vietnam and a major transport hub. It has its own international airport, with regular flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City and other Asian cities like Bangkok and Singapore.
It’s also a popular gateway to central Vietnam. We travelled from Sapa to Hanoi Airport by minibus, then flew directly to Da Nang, which was easy and fairly cheap.
Accommodation in Da Nang
We stayed overnight at the Sofiana My Khe Hotel, a modern spa hotel with a rooftop bar and amazing views. It’s within walking distance of My Khe beach, which made it the perfect base for exploring some of the top places to visit in Da Nang.
How to get to the Lady Buddha statue in Da Nang
The Lady Buddha Statue is located on the Son Tra Peninsula, just outside the city. Son Tra is a protected nature reserve and one of the best attractions near Da Nang, often referred to as Monkey Mountain
Getting to the Buddha statue in Da Nang is straightforward. It’s about 4-5 miles (6-8 km) north-east of the city centre, depending on where you are staying.
By taxi or Grab: This is a really easy option. The scenic drive winds up the mountain and takes about 15-20 minutes. There’s a large car park at the top. You don’t need to book a return lift in advance, as there are plenty of taxis waiting to take you back to Da Nang.
A guided tour: If you prefer everything organised, you can go on a tour that combines the Da Nang Lady Buddha with the Marble Mountains.
We recommend going early in the morning to beat the heat and the crowds.
Linh Ung Pagoda
The Linh Ung Pagoda is one of the most sacred religious sites in Da Nang and forms part of a spiritual triangle with pagodas at Marble Mountains and Ba Na Hills.
The complex is peaceful and beautifully maintained, with ornate temples, dragon sculptures, colourful pagodas, and carefully manicured bonsai trees. As you walk towards the main hall, you’ll pass four guardian statues and 18 Arhat statues, each representing a different human emotion; love, hate, joy, and anger.
Visitors are free to wander at their own pace, soaking up the calm atmosphere and enjoying sweeping views over the Son Tra peninsula and Da Nang city below.
The Lady Buddha Statue
After exploring the Linh Ung Pagoda grounds, we headed across to see the Lady Buddha Statue.
Standing at an impressive white 67 metres (about 220 feet), Lady Buddha is the tallest Buddha statue in Vietnam. She depicts the Goddess of Mercy (Quan Am) and symbolises protection and peace for the city. She overlooks the East Sea, protecting the fishermen and people of Da Nang.
The statue sits on a lotus-shaped platform, and contains 17 floors inside, each dedicated to a different buddha. Visitors can now only access the ground level.
The design is traditional Vietnamese, with tiered roofs, curved eaves, and dragon carvings. You can spot the statue from down below on My Khe Beach, but you won’t appreciate the scale unless you get close.
The Linh Ung Pagoda complex is an important place of worship, so remember to dress respectfully with your shoulders covered. You should remember to take your shoes off when you go inside.
It’s one of the most popular attractions in Da Nang, with visitors coming from far and wide to pray for health, happiness, and prosperity
Monkeys at the pagoda
Another reason Son Tra Peninsular is one of the most popular places to visit in Da Nang is the monkeys. They’re everywhere, which probably explains the nickname Monkey Mountain.
We went on an extremely hot day and saw loads of playful monkeys jumping in and out of the fountain by the smaller Buddha statue. Some caused quite a commotion when they jumped from above in a tree into the water. They seem friendly and are very entertaining, but it’s important not to feed them, as they are wild.
Useful information about the Linh Unh Pagoda
- Entry: Free to visit
- Opening hours: 6am to 9pm
- Facilities: toilets, cafés, snacks, drinks, and ice cream
- Time needed: around an hour
Is Lady Buddha worth visiting?
Absolutely. The Lady Buddha is one of top attractions in Da Nang and a must-do for first-time visitors. It’s family-friendly, cultural, and offers stunning views over the coastline. Add in the monkeys and serene pagoda grounds, and it’s one of the most enjoyable things to do in Da Nang.
Other things to do in Da Nang
Try to be in Da Nang over the weekend, so you can watch the famous Dragon Bridge breathing fire. The show takes place on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday at 9am. Sadly, we didn’t arrive until Monday, so we just missed it!
Another of the best things to do in Da Nang is simply enjoying the beach. My Khe beach is beautiful, with soft golden sand and calm, swimmable water. In the evenings, it comes alive with locals and visitors strolling along the shore, exercising, or just soaking up the sea views.
Da Nang also makes an excellent base for day trips. One of the most popular is Hoi An, just 30 minutes away, famous for its lantern-lit Old Town, cafes, and historic buildings.
If you have more time, there are plenty of nearby attractions that allow you to explore more of Central Vietnam, including:
Ba Na Hills
Sun World Ba Na Hills is one of the most popular Da Nang day trips. It’s an Instagram favourite, thanks to its panoramic views and unique photo opportunities, most famously the Golden Bridge held up by giant hands.
Located about an hour Da Nang, this large entertainment complex features a French-style village, temples, pagodas, and Buddha statues, all accessed via a cable car ride. It’s owned by the same company who own Fansipan in Sapa.
Click here to book a Ba Na Hills tour
Hue
Hue is one of Vietnam’s most historically significant cities and makes a fascinating day trip from Da Nang. Set along the Perfume River, Hue was the former capital of Vietnam and home to the Nguyen dynasty until 1945. The main highlight is the Imperial City, a vast UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Click here to book a Hue tour
My Son Sanctuary
My Son Sanctuary is an ancient Hindu temple complex and another UNESCO World Heritage Site, located about an hour’s drive from Da Nang. Once the spiritual centre of the Champa Kingdom, the ruins are surrounded by jungle. It’s been described as a mini Anchor Wat. My Son is one of the most popular places to visit near Hoi An, if you’re interested in history or archaeology.
Click here to book a tour to My Son Sanctuary
Pin for later or share with a friend who’d love to go: Lady Buddha Statue Da Nang
*Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links – any purchases you make are unaffected but I may receive a small commission. (Read our full Disclosure Policy)
All rights reserved © Chimptrips. Republishing this article and/or any of its contents (text, photography, links, etc.), in whole or in part, is strictly prohibited.
