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Concealed in the interior of Binh Dinh Province, Long Khanh Pagoda is a peaceful, steadfast demonstration of the Buddhist past of Vietnam. Located in the picturesque, bustling town of Quy Nhon, this serene religious complex is a far more than place of prayer, but an existing testament to centuries past, architectural beauty, and spiritual influence.
Long Khanh Pagoda with a beautiful architecture (Source: quynhonme)
The Long Khanh Pagoda was originally built in 1715 under the Le Du Tong Emperor of the Le dynasty. The pagoda is over 300 years old and has witnessed the rise and fall of dynasties, colonial rule, and the ravages of war. Renovated and enlarged over the centuries, the structure still retains the character of a traditional Vietnamese pagoda architecturally, with curved sloping roofs, intricately carved wood, and exquisitely detailed statues of Buddhist deities.
The temple was founded under the guidance of Zen Master Thich Dong Tam, and has been a high priority for the conservation of Buddhist teaching ever since, as well as a spiritual hub for society as a whole. It is not just a house of worship, it is a site of historical significance that bears witness to the endurance of Vietnamese culture and spirituality generation upon generation.
History of Long Khanh Pagoda (Source: quynhonhomes)
The best seasons to visit Long Khanh Pagoda are between January and April or from September to December. During these periods, the weather conditions in Binh Dinh are pleasant and quite dry, ideal for exploring outdoor destinations. If holidaying in one's own holidays, then late January or early February is a great time to visit for the Lunar New Year (Tet), with the pagoda bustling, colourfully decorated and full of people who visit to pray and burn incense sticks.
Best time to visit Long Khanh Pagoda (Source: bazantravel)
The crowning achievement of Long Khanh Pagoda is the awe-inspiring standing Buddha statue that stands at 17 meters tall. Standing in pristine white and being surrounded by thick leafage and the azure sky above it, this statue is Amitabha Buddha, the Buddha of Infinite Light, which serves as a metaphor for wisdom, compassion, and peace.
It is not only a visual attraction; to many of the tourists, it is a personal religious focus and site for contemplation. Surrounding the statue is an elevated platform with great views of the grounds of the pagoda and Quy Nhon skyline.
17 Meters Buddha statue (Source: Vinpearl)
Strolling within Long Khanh Pagoda is akin to stepping into a pictorial poem of ancient craftsmanship. Roofs slope upward like legendary bird wings, beset by ceramic phoenixes and dragons symbolizing protection and rebirth. Wooden pillars, hand-carved altars, and golden lotus motifs bear witness to the pagoda's dense spiritual symbolism.
All around the main hall, you will find Buddha statues in other mudras (hand positions) that represent different Dharma teachings. Incense coils hang from the ceiling, smoldering progressively as prayers rise up with the smoke. Every architectural detail serves an aesthetic and symbolic purpose, taking you through centuries of Buddhist thought and Vietnamese craftsmanship.
Buddhist architecture (Source: theochanphat)
If you’re lucky enough to visit during morning or evening rituals, you’ll witness a moving experience: the chanting of monks echoing through the halls, accompanied by the low hum of drums, gongs, and the wooden fish percussion instrument called “mokugyo”. The atmosphere becomes ethereal, gentle, reverent, and charged with purpose.
Visitors are encouraged to sit cross-legged or quietly meditate to join in silent devotion. These ceremonies allow tourists to partake in the Mahayana Buddhist tradition in a safe, authentic environment, and proper participation gives a glimpse into what actual religious devotion looks like.
Experience a Traditional Chanting (Source: HanoiOldQuaters)
Outside the main centers of worship stands a peaceful Zen-like garden that invites calmness and reflection. Potted bonsai trees line the paths, their twisted trunks shaped over decades. A small koi pond, typically exploding with pink and white lotus blooms, introduces an atmosphere of gentle flow and equilibrium.
Lotus, which rises from muddy water to bloom brightly above, is the ultimate Buddhist symbol of purity and enlightenment. There are benches and shade pavilions to sit at where you can journal, meditate, or simply soak up the peace, a nice break from Vietnam's otherwise active city life.
Zen garden of Long Khanh Pagoda (Source: Vinpearl)
Unlike the majority of temples, which are properly ceremonial, Long Khanh Pagoda is a living community of monks, nuns, and volunteers from the neighborhood. While the resident monks maintain a structured daily schedule, they occasionally interact with visitors in friendly conversation. They may share anecdotes regarding pagoda history, explain Buddhist doctrine, or give advice on mindfulness practice.
You might even be invited to join in a tea ceremony or help with a community project. For tourists interested in culture, the exchange provides human sense to the trip making it from seeing sights to seeing souls.
Engage with monks (Source: ToDinhLongKhanh)
Long Khanh Pagoda is located in Quy Nhon City, the capital of central Vietnam's province of Binh Dinh. If flying, the nearest airport by approximately 30 kilometers to Quy Nhon is Phu Cat Airport with domestic flights from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, and Da Nang. Taxi or shuttle bus from the airport into town is accessible.
From Quy Nhon city center, the pagoda is a short taxi or motorbike ride away, roughly 10 to 15 minutes depending on traffic. Public buses and Grab (ride-hailing service) are also inexpensive and convenient means of getting around.
Long Khanh Pagoda is more than a religious site, it's a gateway to Vietnam's spiritual richness, historical significance, and cultural depth. Either you gaze at the massive Buddha statue, appreciate the intricacies of the architecture, or sit for meditation in quietude alongside the lotus pond, the experience will be etched in your memory forever. If you want to explore the top secrets of central Vietnam with the top itinerary and expertise, Asia King Travel will make your trip unforgettable.
