1. The greatest spiritual journey in the North at Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet
1.1. History and value of Yen Tu Pagoda
Yen Tu is the origin of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, founded in the 13th century by King Tran Nhan Tong. After abdicating the throne, this king chose this place to practice Buddhism, making Yen Tu mountain the center of Vietnamese Buddhism. The entire complex of Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet currently gathers many pagodas and historical and cultural relics stretching from the foot of the mountain to the peak at 1,068 m.
Notable structures that mark Yen Tu include the majestic Dong Pagoda on the mountaintop, the ancient Hoa Yen Pagoda, the sacred Giai Oan Pagoda, and the solemn Bao Tower. Each pagoda preserves outstanding stories about the monastic life of King Tran Nhan Tong, contributing to the profound spiritual value of this land.
1.2. Special meaning of Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet
At the beginning of the year, Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet attracts a large number of visitors to admire the scenery, offer incense, and send prayers for a peaceful and smooth new year. According to traditional customs, making a pilgrimage to Yen Tu in the early spring days implies praying for a smooth, fulfilling year and peace in all things. Many people come here to pray for good luck for their families, favorable work, and abundant health.
The New Year's bell-ringing ceremony at Dong Pagoda is one of the most anticipated activities, as the resonant sound from the mountaintop is believed to bring good fortune, spreading positive energy to the land, sky, and all beings. The Yen Tu Spring Festival is not only an occasion for spiritual connection but also honors traditional cultural values, creating a distinctive mark for this sacred land.
At the beginning of the year, Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet attracts a large number of visitors from all directions to visit, offer incense, and send prayers. (Source: Collected)
1.3. Festival Opening Time and Spring Festival Schedule at Yen Tu
The Yen Tu Spring Festival opens on the 10th day of the first lunar month and lasts for the first three months. During this time, the organizing committee has developed many outstanding programs, larger in scale than before. An impressive highlight of the Yen Tu Pagoda festival during Tet is the palanquin procession with 11 elaborately decorated palanquins.
Outstanding activities within the framework of the spring festival include the Yen Tu sacred seal ceremony for pilgrims, reenactment of traditional rituals from the time of Emperor Buddha, and art programs with strong ethnic cultural characteristics. The best time to attend is from the 10th to the end of the first lunar month, when the festival atmosphere is vibrant and the weather is pleasant for a trip at the beginning of the year.
2. Travel Guide to Yen Tu Pagoda During Tet
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi and Northern Provinces
Traveling to Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet from Hanoi is quite convenient, with a distance of about 140 km and a travel time of around 3 hours. Visitors can choose buses departing from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations with ticket prices ranging from 150,000 to 200,000 VND per trip, departing from early morning to late afternoon. If using a private car, the route via Hanoi-Hai Phong-Quang Ninh expressway then turning onto National Highway 18A to Uong Bi town is the optimal choice. To ensure a smooth trip, especially during Tet, it is advisable to depart early to avoid peak traffic times. Many families choose to depart at 4 AM to arrive just as dawn breaks.
2.2. Traveling from Central and Southern Provinces
For those coming from afar, you can book a flight to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh), about 80 km from Yen Tu Pagoda. Then rent a car or choose an all-inclusive tour with door-to-door pick-up. During Tet, airlines often offer round-trip ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City. Alternatively, taking a train to Yen Vien Station (Hanoi) and then transferring to a bus is also quite convenient, with a total travel time ranging from 15 to 20 hours.
Many travel agencies organize pilgrimage tours to Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet combined with visits to Ha Long and Cat Ba for 3 to 4 days, with prices ranging from 4,500,000 to 6,500,000 VND per person, including services such as airfare, 3-star standard hotel accommodation, and main meals.
For those coming from afar, you can book flights to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh). (Source: Collected)
2.3. Getting Around Yen Tu Area
The transportation system in the Yen Tu Tet tourist area is modern with cable cars, electric cars, and mountain climbing trails. From the main parking lot at the foot of the mountain, visitors walk about 500m to the first cable car station. During Tet, the management arranges additional free electric cars to transport guests from the parking lot to the cable car station for convenience.
The Yen Tu cable car system is divided into 2 main routes to serve visitors conveniently and allow them to fully admire the mountain and forest scenery. The Hoang Long cable car route consists of two sections, taking visitors from the foot of the mountain to the mid-mountain area of Yen Tu, opening up a panoramic view of the green forest and spiritual structures hidden in the clouds. Next, the Bach Long cable car route continues the journey from the mid-mountain area up to near the summit of Yen Tu, allowing visitors to reach the Chua Dong area gently while still clearly feeling the majestic and sacred beauty of the sacred Yen Tu mountain at various different altitudes.
3. Unmissable Experiences at Yen Tu Pagoda During Tet
3.1. Yen Tu Cable Car Journey During Tet
The Yen Tu cable car offers an experience of admiring the vibrant panoramic mountain and forest scenery, especially when spring and Tet arrive. The cable car route is 2,830m long and 580m high, divided into two sections from station 1 to station 2 and then to station 3. The current round-trip ticket price is 230,000 VND/adult, children under 1.3m are free.
During the Yen Tu Pagoda festival during Tet, guests can purchase package tickets combining cable car rides with visits to historical sites. A useful tip is to book tickets online at website booking.yentutunglam.com.vn to get a 10% discount and avoid long queues at the ticket counter.
The best times to take the cable car are from 8 AM to 9 AM or from 3 PM to 4 PM, when the light is ideal and the crowds are not too large. Each cabin has large windows, allowing visitors to easily capture beautiful moments while ascending the mountain.
Yen Tu Cable Car offers an experience of admiring the magnificent panoramic view of the mountains and forests, especially when Tet spring arrives. (Source: Collected)
3.2. Visiting prominent spiritual sites on Yen Tu Mountain
In the morning and at noon, visitors travel to the foot of Yen Tu Mountain and begin the journey to explore this sacred complex of scenic spots by the Hoang Long Cable Car, which meets European safety standards, with 360-degree cabins offering panoramic views of the Yen Tu mountains and forests from above.
The first stop is the Hue Quang Stupa Garden, the convergence point of Yen Tu's spiritual energy, highlighted by the Hue Quang Golden Stupa housing the relics of Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong. Next, visitors explore Hoa Yen Pagoda, an ancient pagoda situated at an altitude of 535m, the center of the Truc Lam Zen sect, and the unique Mot Mai Pagoda nestled under a cliff, associated with the Buddhist King's practice and scripture composition. The journey continues with the Bach Long Cable Car, taking visitors closer to the sacred peak of Yen Tu, traversing through mist and majestic national forests.
Here, visitors will successively worship at Dong Pagoda on the highest peak, visit the An Ky Sinh stone statue, the Statue of Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong, and explore the Sky Gate with traces of ancient marine fossils and a Buddhist stele inscribed with "A Di Da Phat," reflecting the deep harmony among Buddhist schools in Yen Tu.
3.3. Enjoying the scenery of Yen Tu mountains and forests during Tet season
During the Tet season, Yen Tu dons the vibrant attire of spring with yellow apricot blossoms and pink peach blossoms stretching across the mountainsides. Winding clouds create a mystical scene like a paradise, especially in the early morning or at sunset. The temperature here during Tet ranges from 8-18°C, with fresh, cool air.
Some beautiful spots for sightseeing and taking memorable photos include Minh Tam Square with its panoramic views, cable car station number 3 ideal for watching the sunset, or the area around Dong Pagoda, resembling a poetic sea of clouds. Notably, the "Buddha's light" phenomenon often appears early in the morning at the peak of Dong Pagoda, creating a rare and sacred scene. If you wish to capture beautiful cloudscapes, it is advisable to ascend the mountain from 5:30 AM and remember to bring warm clothing, as the temperature at the summit is lower than at the foot of the mountain.
During Tet season, Yen Tu dons the vibrant colors of spring with yellow apricot blossoms, pink peach blossoms stretching across the mountainside. (Source: Collected)
4. Must-try cuisine and specialties when visiting Yen Tu pagoda during Tet
4.1. Top must-try specialty dishes at Yen Tu
Cuisine in the Yen Tu pagoda area during Tet is highlighted by many specialty dishes carrying the flavors of Quang Ninh's mountains and forests. Gat Gu cake is the first dish to try, made from rice flour and green bean filling, with a mild sweetness and unique shape. Crispy Ke cake, served with sweet and sour chili fish sauce, leaves an unforgettable impression.
Chu noodles is a traditional dish with a clear broth, sweet from pork bones, combined with fresh wild vegetables. Yen Tu kho sweet soup is cooked from black beans, coconut milk, and rock sugar, creating a rich and creamy taste, very suitable to enjoy after pilgrimage. The prices of these specialty dishes usually range from 30,000 to 80,000 VND per serving.
At the Yen Tu spiritual tourist area during Tet, Lang Nuong Yen Tu is an ideal place to explore cuisine, immerse yourself in the unique Dao ethnic culture, and enjoy traditional dishes like thit lon cap nach, fermented rice wine, and wild vegetables.
Mi Chu is a traditional dish with clear broth, sweet from pork bones, combined with fresh wild vegetables. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper)
4.2. Points to note when enjoying festival cuisine
In the area of Yen Tu pagoda during Tet, there are many food stalls from the foot to the top of the mountain, but attention should be paid to choosing food and drink spots that ensure food safety. Restaurants within the official relic area all have clear signs and public prices. It is advisable to prioritize choosing places crowded with locals and managed by the relic management board.
Preparing drinks and snacks is necessary, especially when hiking up to Dong Pagoda, which can be quite strenuous. Banh mi (bread), energy-boosting candies, and electrolyte drinks will support a long journey well. Food prices on the mountain are about 20-30% higher than the general level but still reasonable.
5. Unique festival and cultural activities at Yen Tu pagoda during Tet
5.1. Traditional rituals at the beginning of the year
The Yen Tu Spring Festival Opening Ceremony, held on the 10th day of the first lunar month annually, is an important spiritual event, marking the beginning of the three-month spring festival season in Yen Tu, attracting thousands of Buddhists and tourists from all over the country. The opening ceremony is solemnly organized with traditional rituals such as drum beating, bell ringing, palanquin processions, and Buddhist rituals deeply imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity.
A prominent highlight of this year's festival is the largest palanquin procession ever, gathering palanquin teams from localities within Uong Bi city and the Quang Ninh Provincial Buddhist Sangha, creating a sacred yet lively and solemn spring opening atmosphere. Besides the ceremonial part, the Yen Tu spring festival also attracts visitors with a series of unique cultural activities such as the lantern festival night, dragon dance, lion dance, folk games, traditional art performances, and a culinary space bearing the imprint of the Dao Thanh Y ethnic group living in Yen Tu, contributing to enriching the experience of spring travel and pilgrimage at the beginning of the year.
5.2. Old Tet activities
The ancient Vietnamese village space at Lang Nuong Yen Tu is a special highlight in the spring travel and pilgrimage journey to Yen Tu at the beginning of the year. Visiting here in spring, tourists have the opportunity to relive the atmosphere of traditional Vietnamese Tet with cultural values preserved intact through village life, cuisine, and unique folk activities.
The Lang Nuong Yen Tu Festival takes place from the 3rd day of Tet and lasts throughout the first lunar month, vividly recreating the image of old Tet through various activities. Notably, the communal house space with traditional Tet feasts brings a feeling of togetherness and warmth, helping visitors gain a deeper understanding of the cultural beauty of Vietnamese Tet when visiting Yen Tu at the beginning of the year.
Many families enthusiastically participate in O An Quan (a traditional Vietnamese board game), and tug of war. The exhibition "Yen Tu through the ages" and cultural heritage of the Buddha Emperor are displayed for free at the traditional house. The cultural experience area is for guests who want to try on traditional costumes, learn to make handmade incense, and print Dong Ho paintings.
The Vietnamese Tet village space of the past at Lang Nuong Yen Tu is a unique highlight in the journey of spring travel and pilgrimage to Yen Tu at the beginning of the year. (Source: Nguoi Lao Dong Newspaper)
5.3. Unique Architectural Space
The spring atmosphere in Yen Tu offers visitors slow and profound experiences; simply strolling to explore the scenery is enough to leave a complete imprint of the journey. Highlights such as the lucky wish tree, the vibrant lantern path, the Tet pole, and corners decorated with vibrant spring flowers create a scene full of traditional essence, attracting many tourists for check-ins and spring travel at the beginning of the year.
Besides the festival space, Yen Tu also impresses with its unique natural and architectural system, especially attractive to young people. Experience horseback riding amidst the mountains and forests, admire the ancient imperial architecture of Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery. Strolling around the simple houses in Lang Nuong Yen Tu or immersing oneself in the national forest with the sacred peak of Chua Dong all bring a rare sense of peace. Many tourists comment that few places are like Yen Tu, where people can slow down, fully experience the quintessence of Vietnamese culture, and find peace when immersing themselves in nature during the early spring days.
6. Suggested itinerary for visiting Yen Tu pagoda during Tet
6.1. Sample 1-day itinerary: Hanoi – Yen Tu – Hanoi
The journey to visit Yen Tu pagoda during Tet should start at 5 AM in Hanoi for convenient travel and to enjoy the fresh air. Depart by private vehicle or bus, arrive at the foot of Yen Tu mountain around 8:30 AM, park the car at the main parking lot, and buy a cable car ticket to start ascending the mountain at 9 AM.
Stop to visit Hoa Yen Pagoda from 9:30 AM to 10:30 AM, then continue to Chua Dong, experience the bell ringing ceremony at 11 AM. Have lunch at the Lang Nuong food court from 12 PM to 1 PM to enjoy local dishes. In the afternoon, descend to visit Thap To, Chua Mot Mai, then watch the sunset from cable car station number 3.
After descending the mountain at 4 PM, spend time buying Tet specialties at the foot of the mountain such as Yen Tu tea, forest honey, millet flatbread, then return to Hanoi at 5 PM and arrive home around 8:30 PM.
6.2. 2-day combined itinerary
With a 2-day timeframe, this itinerary harmoniously combines modern entertainment and a spiritual journey, suitable for spring travel and pagoda visits at the beginning of the year.
On Day 1, visitors depart for Ha Long, starting the journey by visiting the bay or strolling along Bai Chay beach, then spend the afternoon playing at Sun World Ha Long . Experiencing the Queen Cable Car to admire the panoramic view of the bay from above, checking in at the Sun Wheel, and the vibrant amusement park bring a relaxing and gentle atmosphere before embarking on the spiritual journey. In the evening, move to Uong Bi to rest, convenient for the next day's itinerary.
On Day 2, the morning is for pilgrimage to Yen Tu pagoda with the cable car route, visiting sacred sites such as Hoa Yen Pagoda, Chua Mot Mai, Chua Dong, and the Statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. After finishing the Yen Tu journey, the group continues to Tay Yen Tu (Bac Giang) to visit the cultural – spiritual space associated with the Truc Lam Zen school, enjoying characteristic folk cultural activities if visiting during the festival. In the afternoon, visit Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, an ancient Truc Lam Buddhist center, before returning to Hanoi, concluding the spring trip with both experiences and spiritual depth.
The combined itinerary Ha Long – Sun World Ha Long – Yen Tu – Tay Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem Pagoda. It will help tourists both relax and have fun at the beginning of the year, find a serene space, and is very suitable for Tet travel and early spring pilgrimage.
Experience the Queen Cable Car for panoramic views of the bay from above, check in at the Sun Wheel, and enjoy the vibrant amusement park.
7. Useful experiences and notes when visiting Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet
7.1. Attire, offerings, and things to prepare before visiting
Choosing appropriate attire when visiting Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet shows respect and facilitates movement. Opt for long pants and long-sleeved shirts in subtle colors like white, gray, or brown. A warm jacket is essential as the temperature on the mountain is usually 5 to 8°C lower than at the foot. Wear sports shoes with good grip to ensure safety when moving on rocky paths.
Prepare small denomination bills (5,000, 10,000, 20,000 VND) for offerings and purchasing items. Offerings should be simple, including incense, fruits (oranges, apples, bananas), and carefully prepared candies. Bring a small bag to collect trash to maintain the sanctity of the pagoda. Ensure your phone is fully charged and bring a power bank, as mobile signal on the mountain can be unstable at times.
7.2. Times to avoid crowds, parking tips, and personal belongings safety
To fully experience Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet , avoid peak hours from 10 AM to 3 PM. Ideal times are from 7 AM to 9 AM or after 3 PM, when visitor numbers are lower. Mid-week days, especially Tuesday to Thursday, are usually less crowded than weekends.
Park at the official parking lot designated by the relic management board, with fees varying by vehicle type. Avoid parking at unofficial spots for safety. Always keep your belongings close, secure your phone and wallet in zipped pockets, avoid wearing valuable jewelry, and leave unnecessary items in your vehicle.
7.3. Notes on customs and taboos during Tet
When visiting Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet , all visitors must adhere to the rules of conduct in this sacred place. Maintain silence during rituals, do not use flash photography in worship areas, and turn off phone ringers. Queue politely for the cable car or offerings, and always yield to the elderly and children.
Do not bring meat dishes or alcoholic beverages into the pagoda. Offer incense with sincerity, do not discuss or bargain over the prices of offerings. Always follow the instructions of the management staff and do not climb on ancient relics. Pay attention to general hygiene, do not litter in the festival area.
When visiting Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet, each visitor must adhere to the code of conduct in a sacred place.
Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet is a premier spiritual destination in Northern Vietnam, attracting tourists and Buddhists to pilgrimage, pray for peace, and worship in the serene spring atmosphere. Amidst the cool early-year weather, the sacred mountain scenery combined with traditional rituals offers a meaningful spring travel experience, making each trip to Yen Tu Pagoda during Tet a journey to find peace and a lucky start to the new year.
