NAM SON PAGODA – DON’T MISS THIS HIDDEN GEM IN DA NANG
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Nam Son Pagoda, at the outskirts of Da Nang, is a lesser known sight in the area. I didn’t see it on any tour itineraries and during my visit there were just a few other tourists there. But it is one of the most beautiful and peaceful temples I have visited and I highly recommend you visit it if you have the chance!
What is the Nam Son Pagoda?
This temple looks quite old so I was surprised to learn that it was only built in 1962! Still, that makes it quite a bit older than Da Nang’s Linh Ung Pagoda (another must-see!). But no matter, when you visit you will feel like you went back in time and stepped in a historical drama. And the serene atmosphere makes Nam Son a great destination for a couple of calm and relaxing hours.
Practical Info for visiting Nam Son
How to Get there
Nam Son is quite a bit out of the way, it lies to the south of the airport and west of Marble Mountain. Unless you have your own scooter/car, your best bet is to just get a Grab. I spent about 10 USD for the round-trip from my AirBnB near the Dragon Bridge.
Though getting there was on the more expensive side, the good news is that entrance to Nam Son is free so the Grab ride is the entire cost. This visit was one of the bigger items in my entertainment and transportation budget but in the bigger scheme of things it wasn’t very expensive. And it was definitely worth it!
What to bring with you to the Pagoda
This is for once a quite relaxed excursion so you won’t need to prepare much. Of course, some sun protection is always indicated in the hot climate of central Vietnam (sunscreen, hat).
I would also bring some water as I didn’t see any for sale there. However, the temple is right in a village/town so if you forgot it should be easy to buy something to drink nearby.
As it is a religious site, they do require you to be dressed appropriately (basically shoulders, upper arms, knees covered). If you forgot – no worries, you can borrow some robes to put on over your own clothes. I believe these were free but didn’t personally use them so could be wrong.
And like always in Vietnam, you will have to take off your shoes if you want to enter the temple interiors – so be prepared.
Best time to visit
Son Am is currently open from 5 am to 12 pm and then again from 1:30 pm to 9 pm. So as long as you avoid the lunch hour you should be good to go!
I got there right at 1:26 pm as I kind of forgot about the lunch break. No matter, by the time I got to the gate it was open and I was one of the first to walk in. Good for taking photos! It got a little busier during my visit, but honestly wasn’t bad.
I would say come whenever it fits into your itinerary. Obviously, consider the weather and avoid times that are too hot or rainy etc. All in all, I think your exact timing matters less here than at Linh Ung or Marble Mountain.
Amenities at Son Am Pagoda
This is really much more a working temple than a tourist sight so there aren’t any amenities as such. There is a restroom though – it wasn’t the fanciest I have seen but better than nothing, right? As mentioned above you will find shops and cafes nearby outside the temple.
How much time will I need
Son Am has a fair size but it is not huge. You can probably get a good idea and look around in 15 to 20 minutes. So is it even worth going?
I definitely think so, especially if you want to take photos and soak up the peaceful atmosphere. There are plenty of benches with gorgeous views and it is an ideal place to meditate, read, or just appreciate life.
I spent close to two hours here and it was one of the best things I did in Da Nang.
Any Disadvantages?
As this is definitely more a working temple than a tourist sight almost all signs were only in Vietnamese. This is of course perfectly okay but it does make it easy to run afoul of the rules. I did have to be reminded a couple of times – not because I wanted to break rules, but just because I didn’t see/understand the sign. I hate getting in trouble so do wish any rules (no camera etc.) were clearly marked so even a dumb tourist like me will understand.
Peaceful garden with bridges
My personal experience at Son Am
Getting there
I took a Grab from my AirBnB near the Dragon Bridge in Central Da Nang. On the way we passed the now-closed Sun World Asia Park – I hope they revive this area. It looks quite nice! We then got to a less urban area before eventually crossing the river. After just 20 minutes we arrived at the pagoda and my Grab stopped right in front of the entrance.
Exploring the temple grounds
To be honest, there isn’t all too much to tell here. I just wandered around and admired the beautiful views. So I will just share some photos to give an idea of what you can expect here. As always, not all pictures are the best (I really have to take a photography class or something). On the plus side – with my photos you will get what you see. You often hear about people being disappointed as the reality looks less beautiful than the Instagram pictures – I don’t think you run into that problem with me!
Nam Son was not too busy during my visit
The main courtyard is absolutely beautiful
There are many places to sit and rest
There are ponds, bridges, lanterns, trees… what more could you want
The main temple is quite impressive
Leaving for Da Nang
After leaving the temple I ordered a Grab – it was no problem at all and I had to wait a couple of minutes at most. The ride back to town was uneventful and I was soon back in Da Nang where I went out to dinner.
My Verdict
Nam Son Pagoda was a highlight of my time in Da Nang. Even though – or maybe because – it is not on the main tourist circuit it is well worth a detour. It is the perfect destination to enjoy the beautiful gardens, admire the colorful architecture, and soak in the serene atmosphere.
Highly recommended!
