At 125 meters in height, the Avalokitesvara statue on the summit of Thien Ma Mountain in Quang Ngai is regarded as the tallest of its kind in Southeast Asia, attracting large numbers of residents and visitors who come to sightsee and pay their respects.

The statue belongs to Minh Duc Pagoda, whose construction began in 2020. It stands atop Thien Ma Mountain - one of the three renowned “Tam Thien” peaks of the province, alongside Thien An and Thien But.

Thien Ma Mountain, meaning “Heavenly Horse,” lies at the end of the Tra Khuc River, around 15 kilometers from the provincial center toward the sea.

With a total height of 125 meters, the Avalokitesvara statue here is currently considered the tallest in Southeast Asia and ranks among the tallest Buddha statues in the world. Within Vietnam, it surpasses the 72-meter Avalokitesvara statue on Ba Den Mountain in Tay Ninh and the 71-meter statue at Linh An Pagoda in Da Lat.

Minh Duc Pagoda forms part of the Thien Ma Spiritual and Cultural Complex, built on a mountain approximately 75 meters high. Thanks to its prominent location, the statue can easily be seen from the center of Quang Ngai. In particular, when traveling along Hoang Sa and Truong Sa roads on both banks of the Tra Khuc River, the image of the Buddha rising against the sky leaves a striking impression.

The statue depicts Avalokitesvara standing on a lotus pedestal, holding a vase of sacred nectar, her face turned toward the East Sea. The structure comprises 25 floors, with elevators installed inside to serve visitors who come to sightsee, worship and enjoy the view.

The first three levels surrounding the base are designed with spacious observation corridors and safety railings, allowing visitors to pause and take in the scenery. From the 11th floor upward, windows open on all four sides, offering sweeping, unobstructed views of the surrounding landscape.

Even within the sculpted hand of the statue, observation windows have been incorporated, creating unique vantage points from which visitors can look out from above.

From the upper viewing floors, visitors can take in the entire panorama of Quang Ngai’s city center. On clear days, Ly Son Island appears in the distance.

Although several components are still being completed, the Avalokitesvara statue on Thien Ma Mountain has already become a familiar destination for residents of Quang Ngai and visitors from across the country.

Inside, many architectural details across the different levels are intricately carved, featuring dragon motifs and delicate ornamental patterns that enrich the interior space.

Dozens of Buddha statues are also arranged within the structure, creating a solemn and reverent atmosphere for worship.

Adjacent to the Avalokitesvara statue stands the main hall, covering nearly 12,000 square meters, with its highest point reaching 51 meters.

The building adopts a dominant golden hue, giving it a radiant and prominent appearance within the pagoda grounds.

The main hall encompasses multiple spaces, including the Front Hall, the Grand Hall, the Eastern Hall, the Western Hall, the Bell Tower, the Drum Tower, the Eastern Sutra Library and the Western Sutra Library.

Inside the Grand Hall are several colossal Buddha statues.

Among them are three 21-meter-tall statues: at the center is Shakyamuni Buddha, to the right Medicine Buddha, and to the left Amitabha Buddha.

At the foot of the Avalokitesvara statue stands a cluster of horse sculptures, adding a distinctive highlight to the square of Minh Duc Pagoda.

In Buddhist cultural belief, the horse is associated with diligence and the journey toward liberation, often recalled through the story of Kien Trac in Buddhist history.

Many people have come here to offer incense and pray during Tet (Lunar New Year) 2026.

With its remarkable height, the statue can be easily seen from various vantage points, especially along Hoang Sa and Truong Sa roads flanking the Tra Khuc River.

With its scale and exceptional location, the Avalokitesvara statue atop Thien Ma Mountain is gradually becoming a new spiritual and tourism symbol of Quang Ngai.

Ha Nam