At almost 50 feet tall, the giant Happy Buddha is one of the most iconic landmarks of Dalat, Vietnam. This towering Happy Buddha is sure to lift your spirits and put a smile your face. You can find him at the Linh An Pagoda. Many fall in love with him at first sight, but if you need some prodding, here are 5 reasons to visit the Happy Buddha of Dalat.
THE HAPPY BUDDHA OF DALAT IS IMPRESSIVE AND CHEERFUL.
The Happy Buddha of Dalat is special because he is a massive monument to Joy. Think about how unique a combination that is. Can you think of any other massive religious monuments dedicated solely to happiness? Probably only a few, if any.
At 50 feet tall and 35 feet wide, this Happy Buddha is undeniably impressive, but he’s not at all imposing. Many other giant Buddha statues (like the Golden Buddha of Dalat) are impressive for their grandeur, gravitas and solemnity. But the Happy Buddha of Dalat has none of that.
His massive dimensions create an atmosphere of exuberant joy. His happiness is contagious. He makes you smile uncontrollably, and you just want to hug the big guy – and rub his belly.
How many other religious monuments can you sat that about?
THE HAPPY BUDDHA OF DALAT IS CLOSE TO ELEPHANT WATERFALL.
Elephant Waterfall is one of the 4 best waterfalls of Dalat, Vietnam. If Elephant Waterfall is not on your Dalat itinerary, it should be. Elephant Waterfall is the most powerful waterfall around Dalat. It’s a must see, and you can hike a rocky path to get right under the powerful rush.
The Happy Buddha of Dalat is so close, any visit to Elephant Waterfall would be incomplete without a visit to the giggling giant. The Happy Buddha is only 400 yards west of the falls. You can park at either site and walk to the other.
As we’ll discuss below, there are a couple other interesting attractions nearby or en route to the Happy Buddha, but the proximity to the Elephant Waterfall is enough reason to justify a visit.
YOU CAN VISIT THE HAPPY BUDDHA OF DALAT FOR FREE.
Like a smile, enjoying the Happy Buddha is completely free. As a side note, this landmark is remarkable free of other tourists. With so many great things to do around Dalat, the giant Happy Buddha is not on the radar of many tourists.
THE HAPPY BUDDHA IS PART OF THE LINH AN PAGODA.
The Happy Buddha is the star of the show, but Linh An Pagoda has many other beautiful things to see. There is the main temple, a few minor altars, and nicely landscaped grounds.
THE HAPPY BUDDHA FITS INTO A NICE ITINERARY.
Add 2 more of our favorite things about Dalat, and you will have a great itinerary for the day.
The first stop is the Me Linh Coffee Garden. It is located about halfway between Dalat city and the Buddha. The café is surrounded by a vast coffee plantation and some beautiful scenery. It’s the perfect stop along the route, with delicious coffee and stunning vistas.
The other interesting stop is the Cuong Hoan Traditional Silk Factory. You can see some of Vietnam’s world-famous silk being made, from worms to finished product. The silk factory is only 450 yards to the east of Elephant waterfall.
With the Buddha, Elephant Waterfall, and Silk Factory all within a few hundred yards of each other, you can see them in any order. But the best route is to start with the Silk Factory in the east.
Next, you should head a few minutes west to the Elephant Waterfalls. Then you should go little further west and visit the Happy Buddha. This route is the most logical and the most emotionally enjoyable.
The giant Buddha is a 40-minute drive from Dalat city. As much as we loved it, we admit that the Buddha is not really a destination in itself. This might be why it’s not a popular tourist stop. But when visiting the Elephant Waterfall right next door, seeing the Buddha is no brainer.
If you make a day of it and visit the coffee plantation and silk factory as well, the Happy Buddha of Dalat becomes an unmissable landmark and a memorable highlight of your trip.
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