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Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat is a captivating destination that leaves a lasting impression on visitors, primarily because it houses a colossal statue of the Goddess of Mercy. Beyond that, the scenery here is majestic and splendid, resembling a fairyland. When you visit the pagoda, you’ll be astonished by the serene and peaceful atmosphere. Moreover, adjacent to this temple is the stunning Elephant Waterfall tourist spot. Keep reading to discover more about Linh An Pagoda!
Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat (Photo ST)
Overview of Linh An Pagoda in Dalat
– Location: Nam Ban town, Lam Ha district, Lam Dong province.
– Opening Hours: From 5:00 am.
– Hotline: 0263.385.2713
– Admission: Free
Linh An Pagoda, also known as Linh An Tu, is a spiritual attraction situated on the outskirts of Dalat. It is approximately 30 km from the city center, in the direction of Ta Nung Pass.
Consistently, day in and day out, the pagoda opens its doors to welcome visitors from the early morning hours. As a spiritual destination in Dalat, it maintains an open-door policy, allowing guests to explore its tranquil meditation environment. For the most serene experience, it is recommended to visit during daylight hours.
The pagoda impresses with its solemn architecture and sits next to the majestic Elephant Waterfall. When visiting this tourist spot, you can simultaneously enjoy the serene atmosphere of the sacred pagoda and admire the wild mountainous landscape.
Moreover, at over 3000 meters above sea level, this place is likened to a vantage point overlooking Lam Dong from above.
Getting to Linh An Pagoda
Head towards the Ta Nung Pass from the city center of Da Lat. Continue along DT725 road until you reach the Nam Ban Church, then turn right towards Thang Long Lam Ha School. From there, it’s just another 20 meters to reach Linh An Pagoda.
The route to the pagoda is not too difficult, but it’s advisable to check the itinerary before traveling to get there quickly and conveniently. The road to Linh An Pagoda coincides with the route to visit Cam Ly Waterfall in Da Lat, a famous natural waterfall of majestic beauty.
Travel to the Ta Nung commune, then cross the coffee hills and vast tea plantations, and amidst this landscape, you will see the pagoda with the imposing statue of Quan Am standing proudly amid the Da Lat mountains.
Pure scenery at a famous pagoda in Dalat (Photo ST)
Exploring Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat
Visit Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat
Linh An Pagoda is a religious and spiritual destination and an ancient architectural gem in Da Lat. It’s not unique to this pagoda; most temples in Da Lat are strategically located, creating a powerful allure. Therefore, every visit to Da Lat will leave you in awe of the beauty of these places.
When visiting the pagoda, you will witness two symbols of Lam Dong province located within the temple grounds. These are the statues of Buddha and the largest Quan Am (Avalokiteshvara) statue in Lam Dong to date. This attraction is ideal for those who wish to pay respects to the pagoda or admire the beauty of the masterpieces created by human hands.
The pagoda usually opens very early, around 5:00 am, allowing visitors to fully enjoy the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the high mountains. If you are coming from a distance, the recommended visiting hours are between 8:00 am and 10:00 am.
The temple possesses many unique architectures (Photo ST)
Main Sanctuary Area of Linh An Pagoda
The most prominent area within the Linh An Pagoda complex is the main sanctuary and the most sacred space. The highlight upon entering the main sanctuary area is the pair of Dragons guarding each side of the entrance. These mythical creatures are exquisitely crafted from concrete.
The main sanctuary of Linh An Pagoda was constructed in the late 1990s, covering an impressive area of 1400m2. Inside the main sanctuary is the worship space for five Buddhas, including Shakyamuni Buddha, Medicine Buddha, Amitabha Buddha, Amitayus Buddha, and Quan Am, the Bodhisattva of Compassion. All five Buddha statues are meticulously carved by skilled craftsmen, showcasing intricate details and exquisite craftsmanship.
Behind the main sanctuary of Linh, An Pagoda is the area of ancestral worship or the Buddha memorial hall. Next to the ancestral worship hall is a statue of Thich Ca Buddha in meditation, constructed in the mid-1990s.
Thuong Nguyen Ceremony takes place every year at Linh An Tu (Photo ST)
The architecture of Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat
Perched atop a relatively high hill, Linh An Pagoda is surrounded by lush, expansive green forests. The pagoda boasts a modern architectural style while retaining the spiritual places’ ancient and solemn atmosphere.
In 1993, the pagoda was constructed on an empty land facing the Elephant Waterfall. This location is also home to the Lam Ty Ni Garden, a convergence of numerous famous flowers in Da Lat.
The standout feature of the architecture here is the giant statue of Di Lac, placed within the pagoda’s compound. The statue, covered in ivory white, stands over 12.5 meters tall and is more than 6.5 meters wide, with a width reaching up to 9 meters.
The Tallest Quan The Am Statue in Vietnam
The tallest Quan The Am (Avalokiteshvara) statue in Vietnam stands proudly at Linh An Pagoda (Photo: collected).
In 2017, construction commenced on the Quan The Am Bodhisattva statue, soaring over 70 meters in height. This monumental architectural masterpiece is a standout feature at Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat. It holds the distinction of being the tallest Quan The Am statue in Vietnam up to the present moment. Travelers from afar can catch a glimpse of the magnificent Quan The Am statue at Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat, finely crafted and prominently standing amidst the serene mountainous landscape.
The Largest Maitreya Buddha Statue in Lam Dong Province
The Maitreya Buddha statue at Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat stands tall, with a height of 12.5 meters, a width of 6.5 meters, and a span of 9 meters. In folk belief, Maitreya Buddha symbolizes boundless happiness. Therefore, the statue is meticulously sculpted to convey a cheerful and joyful expression.
The smile of Maitreya Buddha helps alleviate tension and pressure in daily life, directing people toward the tranquil realm of Buddhism. The statue is placed in the Tì Ni garden, where rare and vibrant flowers of Da Lat are cultivated.
The Holy Garden with Over 500 Quan Am Statues
In addition, Linh An Pagoda boasts a unique Holy Garden, housing nearly 500 Quan Am (Avalokiteshvara) statues. All the statues are painted in pure white, are uniform in size and shape, and stand approximately 3 meters tall. Arranged in long rows on stone pedestals, these statues exude a solemn presence. The garden is adorned with various flowering plants, creating a fresh and vibrant atmosphere.
Note: When Visiting Linh An Pagoda
When visiting the pagoda, being mindful of your words and actions is crucial to avoid disrupting the solemn atmosphere. Creep and speak softly within the pagoda area to ensure you don’t disturb worshippers and other visitors.
Dress modestly and respectfully when coming here. Avoid wearing revealing or overly casual attire, as it may tarnish the sanctity of the pagoda. People come to this place for spiritual contemplation, prayer for health and peace, seeking tranquility in their hearts.
Refrain from damaging the landscape and small scenes in the pagoda, and maintain cleanliness for the pagoda.
You can visit the pagoda at various times during the day. However, if you want to both worship and enjoy the scenic beauty, starting your journey early in the morning is advisable. The soul will feel refreshed and peaceful at this time, and the weather will be pleasantly mild.
The road to Linh An Pagoda involves crossing the Tà Nung Pass, with some steep and challenging sections, consecutive bends, and twists. Therefore, if you’re traveling by motorbike, reduce your speed and ensure you have a steady hand on the handlebars.
If you can visit Da Lat, explore Linh An Pagoda to witness the beauty of this sacred place. Vietnampeace wishes you a memorable and enriching journey for your trip to Da Lat!