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Long Son PagodaPerhaps the most impressive sight in Nha Trang, aside from the beach and Cham towers, is Long Son Pagoda, also known as Tinh Hoi Khanh Hoa Pagoda and An Nam Phat Hoc Hoi Pagoda. It’s about 500m west of the train station. The Pagoda was first built on Mount Trai Thuy in 1886 and named Dang Long Pagoda. In 1900, the Pagoda was damaged in a storm and was rebuilt down the mountain in its present location. The Khanh Hoa Buddhist Studies Foundation originated here in 1936. The pagoda underwent further restorations in 1940, 1971, and 1975. Among the interesting things to see is the naturally lit image of Buddha displayed in this pagoda. There is also the 14-m red brass statue of Buddha sitting on a lotus pedestal. This pagoda was built to commemorate the monks and nuns who died while fighting against the Diem government. The pagoda, which has resident monks, was founded in the late 19th century and has been rebuilt several times over the years. The entrance and roofs are decorated with mosaic dragons constructed of glass and bits of ceramic tile. The main sanctuary is an attractive hall adorned with modern interpretations of traditional motifs. Note the ferocious nose hairs on the colourful dragons wrapped around the pillars on either side of the main altar. At the top of the hill, behind the pagoda, is a huge white Buddha (Kim Than Phat To) seated on a lotus blossom and visible from all over the city. The platform around the 14m-high figure, which was built in 1963, has great views of Nha Trang and nearby rural areas. As you approach the pagoda from the street, the 152 stone steps up the hill to the Buddha begin to the right of the structure. You should take some time to explore off to the left, where there’s an entrance to another impressive hall of the pagoda. Po Nagar Cham TowersAnother monument that attracts a lot of tourists is the Po Nagar Cham Tower. The tower was constructed by the Cham in honour of Yang Ino Po Ngar, the mother of the kingdom. The tower was occupied by the local Buddhists of Nha Trang for prayers and worship. The Po Nagar Kalan is a structure in dazzling colours and with amazing architecture. The tower is open from 7:30-5pm and there is an admission fee of US$0.8. The tower is a 20-25 minute walk from the main beach, through the poorer section of Nha Trang. The walk reflects the lives of the less privileged population of Vietnam, and is in sharp contrast to the luxurious resorts and beach houses that are left behind. |
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