Standing 125 metres high on the summit of Thien Ma Mountain, Quang Ngai’s Avalokitesvara statue has become the tallest of its kind in Southeast Asia and a striking new symbol of spiritual and cultural life in Vietnam.
The statue, part of Minh Duc Pagoda’s vast complex, was begun in 2020 and now towers above the Tra Khuc River, visible from the city centre and even as far as Ly Son Island on clear days. Depicting Avalokitesvara on a lotus pedestal, holding a vase of sacred nectar and facing the East Sea, the structure rises across 25 floors, complete with elevators and observation corridors.
Visitors can explore multiple levels, with panoramic views opening from the 11th floor upwards. Unique vantage points have even been built into the statue’s sculpted hand, offering elevated perspectives across Quang Ngai. Inside, intricate carvings, dragon motifs and dozens of Buddha statues create a solemn atmosphere for worship.
Adjacent to the statue, Minh Duc Pagoda’s main hall covers nearly 12,000 square metres and reaches 51 metres in height. Its golden façade houses vast spaces including the Grand Hall, Sutra libraries, bell and drum towers. Within, three colossal 21-metre statues of Shakyamuni, Medicine and Amitabha Buddhas dominate the interior.
At the foot of the Avalokitesvara statue, horse sculptures add a distinctive highlight, recalling Buddhist teachings on diligence and liberation. During Tet 2026, the site drew large numbers of worshippers and visitors, underscoring its growing role as both a spiritual destination and a tourism landmark.
With its scale, artistry and commanding location, the Avalokitesvara statue atop Thien Ma Mountain is fast becoming a defining cultural emblem of Quang Ngai province.
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