In the morning in Da Nang, if you want to go somewhere that is both light-hearted and beautiful, I always suggest you visit Linh Ung Pagoda – Bai But. Located halfway up the Son Tra peninsula, about 10km from the city center, the pagoda opens up to a vast blue sky – one side is a gently curving bay, and the other side is a pristine forested mountain swaying in the wind.

The highlight of Linh Ung is the 67m tall Avalokiteshvara statue – the tallest in Vietnam to date. The pure white statue stands on a lotus pedestal, facing the East Sea, with 17 floors inside the statue, each floor housing 21 Buddhas. The people of Da Nang believe that Mother Avalokiteshvara is protecting fishermen and ensuring safe returns for their boats. Standing at the foot of the statue, looking up, you feel small yet strangely at ease.

The temple grounds cover nearly 20 hectares, spacious and clean. Eighteen statues of Arhats in the courtyard each have a unique expression – reflecting the joys and sorrows of human life – making anyone passing by stop to admire. Behind the main hall, a small staircase leads to a railing overlooking Bai But. In the afternoon, the waves crash at the foot of the mountain, and in the distance is the Thuan Phuoc Bridge and the city sparkling with lights.

Tips for your visit:

• Ideal time: 6am–9am (cool, less crowded) or 4pm–5:30pm to catch the sunset.
• Attire: modest, with sleeves, and pants below the knees – this is a spiritual place.
• Transportation: self-driving motorbike from the center takes only 20 minutes. The winding road has a few turns but is easy to navigate, and the beautiful scenery makes up for it all.
• Free admission, with a parking area on the premises.
• Combine: after visiting the peninsula, stop by the thousand-year-old banyan tree, Black Stone Beach, or Ban Co Peak to complete a tour of Son Tra.

Visiting Linh Ung is not just for taking photos. Stand still for a moment, take a deep breath of the salty sea air mixed with the faint scent of incense from the main hall, and you will understand why the people of Da Nang call this place the breathing space of the city.