What should you wear at Long Son Pagoda in Nha Trang, and what are the incense etiquette rules?

On dress at Long Son Pagoda: in July 2026 a traveler asked whether shorts are fine on the grounds and described their own understanding — shorts are not allowed inside the temple, but you can still walk up to the Big Buddha. This is that traveler's impression rather than an official pagoda rule, so check at the entrance which areas are open to visitors in shorts.

Once incense has been lit and placed in the burner, it must not be taken back. Participants in a June 2026 discussion explained that such sticks are a gift to the Buddha and a sacred item, and taking them back is considered sacrilege.

Incense sticks are offered in multiples of three. In June 2026 a participant explained that this is an offering to the Three Jewels of Buddhism — the Buddha, the Dharma and the Sangha — as a sign of faith, and suggested reading about them before visiting a temple.

If temple attendants remove sticks from a burner, that does not mean visitors may take them. In June 2026 participants explained that attendants move them to other urns on the temple grounds, and ash and stubs are disposed of according to special rules — for example, buried in clean places.

If you bought a set of incense at the temple shop, lit some and did not need the rest, you may take the unused sticks with you. According to a participant in a June 2026 discussion, the packaging left after the ritual should be carried out or thrown into designated bins.