Located in Hai Son Hamlet, Long Hai, Ngoc Hai Nunnery sits gracefully along the Long Hai coastline, facing the vast East Sea. From afar, the nunnery resembles a shimmering lotus flower rising from the waves, standing serenely against the ever-changing ocean and sea breeze.
Ngoc Hai Nunnery was founded in 1960 by a Buddhist nun. In its early days, it was a modest structure made of bamboo, wood, and corrugated metal roofing. Over time, through the devotion of the resident nuns and the generous support of Buddhists from near and far, the nunnery was gradually rebuilt into a spacious, solid, and dignified Buddhist complex.
Covering an area of 1,300 square meters, Ngoc Hai Nunnery follows traditional Vietnamese Buddhist architectural styles, featuring harmonious courtyards, worship halls, Buddhist sculptures, and intricately carved reliefs that reflect deep spiritual meaning.
One of the most remarkable highlights is the Lumbini Garden, a sculpture park depicting the life of Gautama Buddha. It portrays the moment when Prince Siddhartha was born, taking seven steps as seven lotus flowers bloomed beneath his feet while heavenly beings scattered flowers in celebration. The most striking piece is the Reclining Buddha statue, symbolizing the Buddha’s entry into Nirvana. The statue stands 8 meters high and 5 meters wide, set amid lush greenery and scenes inspired by the Sala forest in India, where the Buddha attained final enlightenment after 49 years of spreading the Dharma.
Beneath the statue lies a large relief showing monks paying homage to the Buddha under a sky filled with flowers, creating a scene of serenity and spiritual beauty. Nearby stand statues of Maitreya Buddha, Avalokitesvara (Guanyin), and a bell tower designed in the style of Hanoi’s One Pillar Pagoda, reflecting the elegance of Vietnamese Buddhist architecture from the Ly Dynasty (1010–1225).
Inside the main hall, the worship space is solemn and peaceful, featuring Shakyamuni Buddha in meditation upon a blooming lotus throne. In front of the hall stands a majestic statue of Amitabha Buddha, facing the open sea. Draped in a saffron robe, with gentle eyes and a compassionate smile, the Buddha forms a sacred hand gesture, symbolizing protection and salvation for all beings.
In 2002, the nunnery completed the construction of a six-storey, octagonal relic stupa, rising 26 meters high. It enshrines sacred relics of the Buddha and the Tripitaka, the original scriptures taught by Shakyamuni Buddha during his 45 years of preaching.
Set in the heart of the beautiful Long Hai coastal area, Ngoc Hai Nunnery is not only a place of spiritual practice for the nuns but also a sacred and peaceful destination that attracts thousands of Buddhists and visitors each year — a true lotus of serenity blooming beside the sea.
