Danang: Linh Ung Pagoda Bai But 峴港:靈應佛灘寺

An ancient 19th century legend has it that coastal fishermen found a little statue of Guanyin (观音 The Goddess of Mercy) on the beach. Thus, a temple dedicated to the Goddess was built. Since then the people enjoyed peaceful and prosperous lives. 

However, the temple was destroyed during the Anti-American war. It was not until 2004 that the temple was rebuilt. After 6 years of construction, the temple was officially inaugurated on 30th July 2010. (lunar calender 19th June - Guanyin Enlightenment Day)

Linh Ứng literally "wishes answered miraculously" while Bãi means beach and Bụt means Buddha. Chùa Linh Ứng or Linh Ung Pagoda, with an area of 20 hectares is the largest Buddhist temple in Danang. Located on Linh Quy hill of Son Tra Peninsular, 600m above sea level, overlooking the vast South China Sea with a towering Guanyin statue watching over seafarers and fishermen. 

Being Guanyin devotees, our day began with great anticipation to Linh Ung Pagoda to pay our respects to Guanyin, our beloved Bodhisattva. 

From Danang downtown, our taxi crossed Han River via Han River Bridge to Son Tra Peninsular. Two new bridges (both officially inaugurated on 29th March 2013) running parallel across Han River- Dragon Bridge and Tran Thi Ly Bridge can be seen from a distance. 
  

The drive along seaward side of Son Tra Peninsular where Vietnamese style basket boats lined the sandy beaches while fishing boats and sotong (squid) boats bobbed in the sea.

A pair of marble Lions greetings visitors on the way up the hill.

A marble 'sleeping Buddha' at the parking area of the temple ground.

A short walk from the parking bay leads to the side of the temple.     

Statues of Thousand Arms Guanyin (千手觀音) and Budai (笑佛 Laughing Buddha) in the hallway.

The main hall where devotees pay respects and chant prayers to Buddhist deities. 

From the temple hall looking out into the garden courtyard. Beautiful and Breathtaking! 

Two rows of 18 Arhats (十八羅漢) marble statues with different emotional expressions of anger, happiness, love and hate on each side.

Vietnam's largest Guanyin statue, (famed as the tallest in South East Asia) towering at 69.7m on a 35m diameter lotus- shaped platform, picture perfect with the beautiful Son Tra Mountain as the backdrop. The statue is made from pure white marble that illuminates in the night sky, providing a beacon of light for sea travellers.   

There are 17 stories inside the statue, each story has 21 altars with smaller Buddha statues in different postures and with different facial expressions. The 17th floor has a stairway to the statue's head.

The sea fronting gate leading to the temple. Some devoted devotees or visitors may preferred to walk up from the foot hill to the temple instead. 

From the gate looking afar to the calm sea of an inner peace of the heart and thoughts. 

And on the right hand side, spectacular panorama views of Son Tra Peninsular  natural coastline in contrast with modern Danang city skyline. 

You don't need to be Buddhist nor have any interest in spiritualism to visit this temple but it has a state of calmness effect that rejuvenate your mind and soothe your soul. 

Crossing another remarkable bridge - Thuan Phuoc Bridge (the longest suspension bridge of Vietnam) over the lower Han River back to downtown Danang. 

NOTE:
1. There is no entrance fee.

2. Have some money ready for temple donation boxes. (on one's own free will).

3. Dress modestly when visiting temple. No below knees attire nor sleeveless top for both men and women. Ladies should not be in their period.

4. There is no public transport/bus service to/from the temple. If you're taking a taxi, you may need to ask the taxi driver to wait. (Waiting fare may apply)

5. Accept a country's culture. Don't complain.