Trung Son Ancient Temple: a tranquil stop on Da Chong Mountain

Located on Da Chong Mountain, Trung Son Ancient Temple is a tranquil stop with a direct view of Ninh Chu Beach. From the old center of Phan Rang Thap Cham, it's about a 6.2km (approximately 11 minutes by motorbike) journey. The nearly 500 steps of blue stone leading up to the temple offer expansive views of the mountains and sea; the temple grounds are free to enter, perfect for a peaceful morning of contemplation and sightseeing.

Outstanding experience

Harmonious Northern Buddhist architecture

Trung Son Ancient Temple is designed in the Northern Buddhist style, originating from Indian Buddhism. Passing through the gate, the three-tiered staircase paved with green stone quarried directly from Da Chong Mountain creates a rustic and intimate feeling. In front of the main hall, symbols of dragons and unicorns worshipping the moon, and winding dragon figures are arranged in an open yet balanced manner, enhancing the solemnity of the spiritual space.

Panoramic view of mountains and sea from the top of Da Chong rock formation.

From the pagoda, you can gaze out over Ninh Chu Beach, Binh Son Beach, Ninh Chu Bridge, Dam Vua Lagoon, and the lush green expanse of mountains, forests, and rice fields. The elevated position allows you to constantly change angles for your photos: the ancient pagoda roof, the naturally stacked rock formations on the mountainside, and the vast sea stretching into the distance.

A moment of peace

The tinkling of bells against the backdrop of the sea breeze and the faint scent of incense is a characteristic experience at Trung Son Ancient Temple. The tranquil atmosphere allows you to easily pause, take a deep breath, and feel the slow rhythm of this sun-drenched, windswept land.

Fact-checking information

Location and how to get there

Trùng Sơn Ancient Pagoda is located on Đá Chồng mountain, on Trường Chinh street, Ninh Chữ ward, Khánh Hòa province (formerly Khánh Hải town, Ninh Hải district, Ninh Thuận province). It's about 6.2km (11 minutes by motorbike) from the old Phan Rang Tháp Chàm area. Suggested route: go along Phan Bội Châu street, turn onto Trường Chinh street to reach the pagoda. You can travel by motorbike, Ninh Thuận taxi, or motorbike taxi.

Brief history

In 1973, Venerable Thich Buu Hien founded Trung Son Ancient Temple. He hailed from Trung Khanh ancestral temple – a more than 300-year-old temple belonging to the Northern Buddhist sect, located at the foot of Da Chong mountain (about 200m from the current temple location). Initially just a small hermitage for meditation and welcoming Buddhists, it expanded over time into a serene complex for pilgrims and tourists.

Suggested timing

From mid-April to the end of July: the weather is clear, dry, and sunny – ideal for climbing the stone steps, taking photos, and sightseeing.

Costs and regulations

• Admission: Free.
• Stone steps: nearly 500 straight and steep green stone steps.
• Construction: 1973.

Notes for visitors

• Dress modestly and respectfully; remove your shoes before entering the main hall.
• Maintain order, do not play loud music; do not touch Buddha statues or religious artifacts.
• The road to the temple is steep and winding: if traveling by motorbike, drive slowly and observe carefully; choose shoes with good grip for climbing the stone steps.
• Do not litter; take photos respectfully in the sacred space, avoiding offensive poses; do not take photos inside the main hall without permission.

Suggestions for beautiful photo frames

• The three-tiered stone steps and the temple gate feature intricate dragon and unicorn motifs, with dragons winding their way through the air.
• The view from the mountainside encompasses Ninh Chu Beach, Binh Son Beach, Ninh Chu Bridge, and Dam Vua Lagoon.
• The ancient temple roof stands majestically amidst the lush green forest and naturally stacked rock formations.