Linh Ung Pagoda of the Marble Mountains (or Non Nuoc Pagoda) is definitely the most well-known Buddhist temple in Da Nang. Founded in 18th century, it’s the oldest amongst three Linh Ung pagodas in this city (two others are in Ba Na Hills and Son Tra Peninsula/Monkey Mountain). So, it attracts lots of visitors and prayers during the day. Now, let’s HoiAn Day Trip Company tell everything that you need to know about Linh Ung Pagoda at the Marble Mountains.
You may also like: Linh Ung Pagoda (Son Tra Peninsula), Linh Ung Pagoda (Ba Na Hills)
• Content by Tam Le, founder of HOIAN DAY TRIP CO.,LTD
• Designed by Giang Cong Minh, co-founder of LS E&C LTD and his team
• Photo by Dang Cong Loi, Dao Xuan Son, Tam Le & others
Must Knows about Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountain
– Name in Vietnamese: Chua Linh Ung Ngu Hanh Son
– Other names: Non Nuoc Pagoda, Marble Mountains Pagoda
– Year of construction: 1826
– Reason(s) to visit: the oldest Buddhist temple in Da Nang city, a must see attraction in Marble Mountains (a top sight in the area), long history
– Opening hours: 7:30 AM to 5 PM (6 AM to 6 PM in the summer).
– Ticket price: 40,000 VND for adult & children above 10 years old, free for children below 10 years old (2024).
– Getting there: walking, elevator
– Elevator: 15,000 VND/person/way
– Time to spend: 30-45 mins
– Best time to visit: early morning, late afternoon, sunny days
– Travel blog: https://hoiandaytrip.com/linh-ung-pagoda-marble-mountain
– Tour guide: contact +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo)
– Food & drink: not available
– Shopping: yes available
– Fact: Linh Ung Pagoda at Ba Na Hills & Son Tra Peninsula are named after and are younger than Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountain
Linh Ung Pagoda (Marble Mountain) on Map
History of Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountain
From the 2nd to 14th centuries, the Marble Mountains belonged to Champa kingdom, an independent Indian-influenced state in the region. Kings and people of this kingdom followed Hinduism. They constructed Hindu temples in the caves of the Marble Mountains. Their remains and sandstone sculptures are still preserved in Linh Ung Pagoda nowadays. Historians tell us that their age is 9th and 10th centuries. Early 14th century onwards, Vietnamese people owned the area and for that reason, Hindu temples were not used, then abandoned.
In the second half of the 18th century, under the reign of Le Hien Tong king, a Mahayana Buddhist monk came to the mountain, to live and practice Buddha’s teachings. He built a thatched cottage and named it ‘Duong Chon Am’ (Duong Chan Pagoda). This is the oldest Buddhist site in the Marble Mountains.
Linh Ung Pagoda is also known as Non Nuoc Pagoda. In history, Non Nuoc was the first name of the Marble Mountains. It means ‘mountain and water (rivers)’.
In 1826, Minh Mang king (1791-1841), the 2nd emperor of the Nguyen dynasty (1802-1945), visited the Marble Mountains and requested to build two Buddhist temples. One of them was Duong Chon Pagoda. Later, he titled both ‘national pagoda’ due to their importance in the royal family’s spiritual life.
In 1891, Thanh Thai king (1879-1954), the 10th emperor of the Nguyen dynasty, changed the pagoda’s name from Duong Chon to Linh Ung. The reason is that the second word of its name ‘Ung’ was the same as his father’s name. During the Vietnamese feudal period, the place name would be changed if it’s the same to the reigning king’s name or his family members, to keep a respect for them. Kings often chose a word which has a similar spelling or meaning to replace. Until today, Linh Ung is still in use. It means ‘wishes answered miraculously’. Meaning that things people pray here would become true.
During the Vietnam war (1960-1970s), Vietcong – Vietnam communists hid in the caves behind Linh Ung Pagoda, and met up at the massive, old banyan tree in the back and above the temple. In the surroundings, there was the Marble Mountain Facility which had camps and bases of the United States army and South Vietnam army, including an airport. So, these caves or hiding places were attacked several times, but no communists were captured ever.
In 2004, Thich Thien Nguyen (1945-2016), the leader monk of Linh Ung Pagoda of Marble Mountains, completed the construction of Linh Ung Pagoda in Ba Na Hills, west of Da Nang. In 2010, Linh Ung Pagoda in Son Tra Peninsula was inaugurated, and it’s well-known for a 67-meters-tall Lady Buddha Statue. After that, a ‘Buddhist triangle’ was created, with three Linh Ung pagodas as three points, and it’s believed to protect the city from natural disasters. Nowadays, all of the temples mentioned above, have become famous tourist attractions.
In 1990, Linh Ung Pagoda was recognized as Vietnam’s national cultural heritage site. In December 2018, it’s upgraded to be a Special national monument, as part of the Marble Mountains complex.
Things to See in Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountains
Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountain is a typical Vietnamese Buddhist temple. It leans against the mountain, and looks towards the ocean. If not by the sea, in the front of other temples will be a lake, river, or stream. Unfortunately, a luxury hotel has blocked the view from Linh Ung Pagoda already to the sea.
The main hall of Linh Ung Pagoda has been nearly unchanged since being built. Its worshiping/praying room is home to the Amitabha (Phat A Di Da in Vietnamese), the principal buddha of the Pure Land Buddhism and two his attendants: Mahasthamaprapta (Bo Tat Dai The Chi in Vietnamese), to the left and Avalokitesvara or the Lady Buddha (Bo Tat Quan The Am in Vietnamese), to the right. This Pure Land Buddhism is a broad branch of Mahayana Buddhism, and is one of the most widely practiced traditions of Buddhism in Vietnam. Devotees believe in rebirth in the Pure Land (or Pure Realm, Land of Bliss).
As an imperial temple, Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountain is lushly decorated by dragons (exclusive for the king), phoenixes (exclusive for the queen), unicorns, bats (representing happiness), the sun, long-life letter, birds, deers, fishes, blossom flowers, pine trees, and more. To create them, workers use plenty of small pieces of ceramic (from bowls, plates, vases) and pieces of glass (from bottles of wine and beer imported from France) to stick on the walls with their hands. The board on which the name of the pagoda was carved by wood and then plated by gold, was a gift from Minh Mang king.
Note: To walk in the praying room, it’s needed to take shoes off, and remove the hat, sun glasses, rain poncho/rain jacket, and wear respectfully (see details in the section about dress code).
Behind the Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountain, visitors will find Tang Chon Cave, one of the best caves to visit. See more information & details
In the surroundings of Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountain, there are a dozen of points of interest, including:
- Lau Quan Am (the Lady Buddha Pavilion): It’s on the left-hand side of Linh Ung Pagoda, owning a marble Lady Buddha statue standing on (or riding) the dragon and in an ornate pavilion with dragon and phoenix decorations. In the entry, there are two unicorns.
- The sandstone sculpture depicts Indra god (a Hindu deity of thunder), carved in 9th and 10th centuries in Monk’s House lying to the right of the temple. Monks founded and preserved it since they have seen it because it’s holy.
- Gautama Buddha Statue: near the Monk’s House, to the right-hand side of Linh Ung Pagoda. It’s white, depicting a meditating or sitting Buddha.
- Xa Loi Tower (the Buddha Relic Tower): This is near the elevator and on a higher terrace than Linh Ung Pagoda. It’s built from 1997 to 2004, with 7 storeys that rise to a height of 28 meters. Only the first floor allows tourists and prayers to visit. In which, the Buddha and his principal disciples are worshipped. The highest floor has preserved one of Buddha relics that is holy to local Buddhists, and gives it the name. Here, visitors can use photography service and then print the best picture as a souvenir. See more information & details
- Hai Vong Dai (the Ocean Viewing Pavilion): It’s on the way from Linh Ung Pagoda to Van Thong Cave, with a stone stele on which its name was written in Chinese. In the past, visitors could see the sea from here but now trees obscure the view.
- Lam Ty Ni Garden (Lumbini Garden): by the stairs from the plain to the temple, with dragons flying in clouds and monks are kneeling to pray
- Burial towers of the monks (aka stupa): These towered tombs are behind Linh Ung Pagoda, and near Xa Loi Tower. The ash of the monks who lived in the pagoda has been preserved in each one. The newest tower belongs to Thich Thien Nguyen monk whose life is linked with three Linh Ung pagodas in Da Nang.
Best Time to Visit Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountains
If traveling to Da Nang and Hoi An in the dry season, from February to September, the best times to visit Tam Thai Pagoda are early morning (before 9 AM) and late afternoon (after 3 PM). In the midday, the temperature usually is high and it’s humid. The hottest hours are between 11 AM and 2 PM. Visitors should not come in this period, to protect the skin and not to be too sweaty or tired (especially if going with kids and elders). The photos will not be perfect anymore.
Between October and January, correspondingly the wet season, the best times to see Tam Thai Pagoda are when the rain stops or even when it’s sunny. Visitors need to check the weather forecast before going to the mountain (Googles can tell you the average temperature and change of rain in every hour of the day). Without rain, steps on the hiking trails and floor of the caves will be less wet, slippery and dangerous (but the cave floor is still dirty!).
In the high tourist seasons, around the end of April to August (mostly local tourists) and around November to February (mostly foreign tourists), there’re many group tours. A long queue at the elevator or crowds around the temple or parkings filled by big buses is commonly seen. Should go earlier than 9 AM and later than 4 PM if you don’t want to see too many people.
Tips to Visit Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountains
– Comfortable shoes: use to climb many stairs, uphill and downhill, and walk on slippery eroded rock faces when you want to reach the peaks. The best is a pair of trekking or hiking shoes. Wearing slippers or high-heel shoes is dangerous, especially in the rainy season, so not highly recommended.
– Bottles of water: no shops or sellers at Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula to buy water to drink (if forget bringing a bottle of water, visitors have to climb stairs to Van Thong Cave or go down the stairs to the ticket counters)
– Umbrella or rain poncho/rain jacket, mosquito repellent: necessary during the rainy season (from October to January yearly)
– Hat/cap/umbrella, sunglasses and sunscreen if visit from February to September
– Smartphone or camera for taking pictures
– Cash to pay for entry fee ticket and elevator, or buy something
– It’s better to visit Linh Ung Pagoda at Marble Mountains with a local guide. Contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo) to book.
What to Wear to Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountains?
Dress Code at the Marble Mountains
The Marble Mountains is a holy mountain, with numerous Buddhist temples and sites, so all visitors should wear respectfully. It’s needed to use a shirt covering the armpits, shoulder and navel, and a pants covering the upper knees. For example, tank top, crop top, and shorts are not appropriate. Making sure that nowhere is see-through. Vietnamese traditional costume – Ao dai (the long dress) is highly recommended by local authorities.
When entering the worshipping room, it’s needed to take shoes off (wearing shocks is okay), remove hat, rain poncho and sunglasses (for the umbrella, don’t bring inside!).
If it’s hot and humid, visitors can prepare a scarf or sarong to cover while being around holy places. It’s okay to not wear it during the hike. Sometimes, the temple gives visitors a long piece of fabric to cover if they want to go in the worshipping room, but sometimes not available. Bring your own! Shops near the elevator may sell when needed.
Other Things Visitors Should Prepare
– Comfortable shoes: use to climb many stairs, uphill and downhill, and walk on slippery eroded rock faces when you want to reach the peaks. The best is a pair of trekking or hiking shoes. Wearing slippers or high-heel shoes is dangerous, especially in the rainy season, so not highly recommended.
– Bottles of water: no shops or sellers at Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains to buy water to drink (if forget bringing a bottle of water, visitors have to climb stairs to Van Thong Cave or go down the stairs to the ticket counters)
– Umbrella or rain poncho/rain jacket: necessary during the rainy season (from October to January yearly)
– Hat/cap/umbrella, sunglasses and sunscreen if visit in the summertime
– Smartphone or camera for taking pictures
– Cash to pay for entry fee ticket and elevator, or buy something
Guided Tours to Marble Mountains Vietnam
Responsible Travel in Marble Mountains
To travel responsibly at Linh Ung Pagoda Son Tra Peninsula, visitors should know:
– Wear respectfully because here is a Buddhist temple (please more details in the section of dress code).
– Buy incense sticks from old women at the temple instead of shops down the mountain if want to pray. They sell cheap packs (20,000 VND for one pack with many sticks) and help people to burn the sticks.
– Prayers should use 1 incense stick only to express the respect and sincerity to the Buddha, and should plant it into the stone urn outside of the worshipping room. Using less incense sticks help reducing air pollution, and preventing fire as well as damage on ancient relics from their smoke.
– Keep silent while looking around and especially, while people are praying or monks are chanting or hosting a ceremony.
– Taking photos is not prohibited but please show respect to the Buddha and monks.
– Donation boxes are inside the temple, so visitors can put a small amount of money to donate the monk’s life and ceremonies, temple’s activities and help poor people, old people, etc.
– Do not enter the monk’s house, meditation rooms and worshipping rooms without any permissions because it’s private.
– Do not touch or damage old inscriptions carved on the walls of the caves because they’re recognized as a world documentary heritage which is priceless to us.
– Book a tour or guiding service from local companies instead of multi-national or foreign-owned companies.
Places to Visit Near Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountains
Within the Water Mountain of the Marble Mountains, visitors can go to these places: Linh Ung Pagoda (Non Nuoc Pagoda), Tam Thai Pagoda, Huyen Khong Cave, Am Phu Cave, Tang Chon Cave, Van Thong Cave, Heaven Gate (Cong Troi), Thuong Thai Peak (Top of Marble Mountains), Non Nuoc Stone Carving Village, Linh Nham Cave, Vong Giang Dai (River Watching Pavilion), Vong Hai Dai (Ocean Watching Pavilion)…
Near the Marble Mountains, visitors can go to these places: Non Nuoc Beach (distance: 1 km), Son Thuy Beach (distance: 2 km), Tan Tra Beach (distance: 3 km), My Khe Beach (distance: 6 km), the K20 Revolutionary Base (distance: 4,5 km), BRG Golf Course (distance: 5 km), Montgomerie Links Golf Course (distance: 10 km), Hoi An Ancient Town (distance: 30 km).
How to Get to Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountains
To visit Linh Ung Pagoda Marble Mountain, firstly travelers need to go to the Water Mountain (Hon Thuy Son). It’s 8 kilometers away from Da Nang city centre, 11 kilometers from Da Nang International Airport and 7 kilometers from My Khe Beach area. Visitors can get there by car/taxi, motorbike, public bus, bicycle, and even walking from nearby beachside resorts/hotels.
From Hoi An, the distance to the Marble Mountains is about 18 kilometers. Getting there by car and motorbike is most popular. To book a private car transfer plus 2-hour waiting, please contact us by +84968009827 (hotline/whatsapp/line/zalo); If riding the motorbike by yourself, you should go along the coastal road because of better experience and lower traffic. The best place to park the bike is local shops close to the elevator. The fee is 5,000-10,000 VND/bike/time.
After arriving the Marble Mountains, there are 3 ways to go to Linh Ung Pagoda:
– From Gate 1: climb 156 steps to Tam Thai Pagoda, walk through the rock gate behind Tam Thai Pagoda, go past Van Thong Cave, then go downstairs until see a big pagoda
– From Gate 2 (the nearest gate): climb 108 steps from the ticket counter
– By elevator at Gate 2: the price is 15,000 VND/person/way
Photos, Videos about Linh Ung Pagoda in Marble Mountains
Here are beautiful photos and videos about Linh Ung at Marble Mountain:
