Linh Son Pagoda sits on the western slope of Cao Cat Mountain, at an elevation of 61 meters above sea level. The pagoda was built in the early 20th century through the collective effort of Buddhist devotees on the island, led by Madam Trần Thị Tấn. Over time, it has become one of Phu Quy’s most revered spiritual landmarks—visited by local residents, devoted Buddhists, and travelers seeking both tranquility and scenic beauty.
Architectural Overview
The pagoda complex is spacious and harmoniously designed, reflecting traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architecture. Key structures include:
- The Main Gate
- The Main Hall (Chính Điện)
- Monk’s quarters
- Guest house
- A long stairway system carved into the mountainside
- Various auxiliary buildings surrounded by natural rock formations
The Mountain Path & Main Gate
The main entrance is located on the northwestern slope of Cao Cat Mountain. Visitors must climb dozens of stone steps, enjoying the peaceful ambiance of wild grasses, scattered shrubs, and open mountain air. The path evokes a sense of calm and spiritual ascension.
At the pagoda gate, an ancient parallel sentence is carved in relief, praising the solemnity of Linh Son Pagoda and the majesty of Cao Cat Mountain:
靈山一會儼然相非是相
高閣百層屹立生即無生
Transliteration:
Linh Sơn nhất hội, nghiễm nhiên tướng phi thị tướng
Cao Các bách tằng, ngật lập sinh tức vô sinh
Translation:
Linh Son gathers all in its solemn presence, form yet beyond form.
Cao Cat rises in a hundred tiers, standing firm—born yet unborn.
The Main Hall (Chính Điện)
Past the gate, a few more steps lead to the 110 m² Main Hall, built with three tiered roofs resembling an ancient tower:
- The lower tier is wide and solid
- The upper tiers narrow gracefully as they rise
- Each roof uses yin–yang tiles with elegant curved corners
- Roof edges are decorated with motifs of sea dragons and lotus flowers
- The topmost structure resembles a lotus-shaped crown, symbolizing purity
Inside, the hall embodies the essence of Buddhist art:
- Columns are wrapped with sculpted dragons
- Walls display rectangular bas-reliefs illustrating Buddhist teachings
- Nôm and Sino-Vietnamese inscriptions express devotion and moral guidance
At the center sits a 2-meter statue of Shakyamuni Buddha on a lotus throne. On both sides are numerous sacred figures, including:
- Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva (Guanyin) with 18 arms
- Other Bodhisattvas and guardian deities
- To the right: a shrine to Avalokiteshvara
- To the left: a shrine to Ksitigarbha (Địa Tạng)
Behind the main hall, five ancestral altars honor:
- Bodhidharma
- Guan Sheng Di Jun
- The founding monks
- Generations of spiritual guardians of the pagoda
A small shrine dedicated to Tiêu Diện Đại Sĩ stands in front of the main hall, with the monk’s quarters on the left and the guest house on the right.
A Must-Visit Landmark on Phu Quy Island
Set against the dramatic backdrop of Cao Cat Mountain, Linh Son Pagoda offers:
- Impressive architecture
- Panoramic island views
- A serene spiritual atmosphere
- Insight into the Buddhist heritage of Phu Quy
For travelers seeking a blend of culture, spirituality, and nature—Linh Son Pagoda is one of the island’s unmissable destinations.
