1. General introduction to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh is a famous spiritual tourist destination. (Source: Collected)
Nestled amidst the vast mountains of Quang Ninh, Yen Tu is considered the spiritual gem of the Northeast region of Vietnam, a place preserving hundreds of years of historical depth. Not only is it the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen sect, Yen Tu also stands out with its harmonious blend of ancient architecture, traditional culture, and majestic natural landscapes.
1.1. Where is Yen Tu Quang Ninh located?
Yen Tu is located on the mountain range of the same name in Uong Bi city, about 120 km northeast of Hanoi center. This location intersects three provinces: Quang Ninh, Bac Giang, and (former) Hai Duong, however, most of the historical relic sites and main tourist attractions are within Quang Ninh province.
The Yen Tu mountain range is part of the Dong Trieu arc, with a gradually increasing slope and its highest peak reaching 1,068 m above sea level. From the foot of the mountain, visitors can easily admire the year-round floating white clouds, creating a mystical scene. The distance from Yen Tu to Ha Long is only about 40 km, making it convenient to combine with visits to many other famous destinations on the same trip.
1.2. Why is Yen Tu special?
Yen Tu Quang Ninh is known as an important Buddhist center, where King-Emperor Tran Nhan Tong abdicated the throne to found the Truc Lam Zen sect – a Buddhist school deeply imbued with Vietnamese national identity.
The relic complex at Yen Tu includes hundreds of temples, pagodas, stupas, and hermitages, stretching across mountain slopes covered with bamboo and lush green pine forests, many of which date back to the 13th century. The pilgrimage path with over 6,000 stone steps winding through the primeval forest creates a unique spiritual journey. The year-round cool air and continuous mountain system make Yen Tu an ideal destination for those seeking tranquility and mental balance.
The value of Yen Tu lies not only in its ancient architecture but also in the harmony between nature and humanity. The primeval forest ecosystem with many rare flora and fauna contributes to the preservation of the environment and local culture, enhancing the value of eco-tourism combined with spirituality.
1.3. Yen Tu – New UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2025
In 2025, Yen Tu Quang Ninh is honored to be recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, affirming its outstanding tangible and intangible cultural values on an international level. This event not only enhances Vietnam's prestige on the world tourism map but also attracts a large number of international visitors to experience its unique Buddhist culture.
UNESCO's recognition also imposes a responsibility for the preservation and sustainable development of the heritage. Tourism activities in Yen Tu will be strictly managed, ensuring the preservation of its pristine beauty and historical-cultural values for future generations.
2. Guide to traveling to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Moving to the summit of Yen Tu Quang Ninh is easy by cable car. (Source: Collected)
To make the journey to Yen Tu Quang Ninh convenient and economical, visitors can flexibly choose suitable means of transport according to their needs, from coaches, limousines to private cars. Thanks to its favorable geographical location, traveling from many provinces across the country becomes easy.
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Traveling from Hanoi to Yen Tu Quang Ninh is quite convenient with many flexible options, suitable for both day trips and weekend getaways. Visitors can take coaches, limousines, or drive their own cars via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh expressway, which is both fast and easy to combine with visiting prominent tourist attractions along the way.
If departing from Hanoi, visitors can take coaches or limousines from bus stations like My Dinh, Giap Bat. Bus routes run continuously from morning to evening, very convenient for day trip or weekend travel plans.
For those who want to be proactive with their schedule, driving a car is an ideal choice. The journey follows the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh expressway, then turns onto National Highway 18 to reach Uong Bi and follows the signs to Yen Tu. The total distance is about 130 km, the roads are convenient, with many rest stops serving the entire route. Driving a car also helps visitors easily combine visits to other famous attractions such as Ha Long or Bai Dinh.
2.2. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City and other provinces
Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City and southern provinces have many flexible travel options to reach Yen Tu Quang Ninh, mainly by air. After landing at Van Don Airport or Cat Bi Airport, you can continue your journey by taxi, private car rental, or package shuttle service, conveniently and quickly to explore the sacred mountain region.
Visitors from Ho Chi Minh City or southern provinces can fly to Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh) or Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong). From Van Don, the distance to Yen Tu is about 80 km, you can take a taxi or rent a private car for the whole day.
If landing at Cat Bi, the distance to Yen Tu is about 90 km, with similar costs. Many travel agencies also offer door-to-door shuttle services, especially convenient for large groups. Travel time from the airport to the tourist area usually takes 1.5 – 2 hours, depending on traffic flow.
2.3. Internal transport within Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Once in Yen Tu, visitors have many options for internal transport to explore the highlights on the mountain. From modern cable cars, convenient electric vehicles to trekking over 6,000 ancient stone steps, each option offers a unique experience, both convenient and allowing full enjoyment of the spiritual space and majestic nature.
When approaching the foot of the mountain, visitors have many options to visit the highlights. The modern cable car system consists of two routes that shorten the time to reach the mountain: Route 1 from Giai Oan to Hoa Yen Pagoda, Route 2 from Hoa Yen up to near Dong Pagoda.
For the elderly and young children, electric vehicles from the car park to the main entrance are a convenient means of transport, operating all day with reasonable fares.
If you want to experience the complete spiritual journey, visitors can walk through over 6,000 ancient stone steps, combining visits to relics, and resting at sheltered stops with free drinking water. The time for climbing the mountain on foot is about 3 – 5 hours for the round trip, suitable for those in good health and who enjoy traditional experiences.
3. Itinerary to Explore Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Conquering Yen Tu is an interesting experience for visiting tourists. (Source: Collected)
Exploring Yen Tu Quang Ninh is a journey combining the experience of majestic nature and profound spiritual space. From conquering Yen Tu peak at 1,068 m to visiting ancient pagodas, each step brings a sense of relaxation and mystery.
3.1. Conquering Yen Tu Peak
The path from the foot of the mountain to Chua Dong is about 6 km long, passing over 6,000 ancient stone steps built over centuries. This is both a journey to train physical health and a spiritual pilgrimage with deep historical and religious imprints.
Along the route, lush bamboo and pine forests cover both sides, fresh air and floating white clouds create a scene that is both tranquil and magical. As you approach the summit, the sacred feeling and the majesty of nature become evident. In the early morning or at sunset, the sea of clouds at the foot of the mountain and the brilliant sunshine bring an unforgettable experience to visitors.
3.2. Exploring Notable Structures in Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Chua Hoa Yen – the largest spiritual center of Yen Tu – was built in the 13th century, standing out with its traditional architecture, vibrant flower gardens, and spacious surroundings, suitable for rituals and characteristic cultural festivals.
Chua Dong, located on the highest peak, is cast from solid bronze, enduring all harsh weather conditions. It is also an ideal check-in spot with panoramic views of the sky, clouds, and mountains.
Structures like Chua Van Tieu, Thap To, and Am Ngu Duoc are all national relics, preserving profound historical value. Thap To preserves the relics of Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong, while Am Ngu Duoc is where His Majesty used to practice asceticism, bringing a serene and ancient atmosphere. Chua Mot Mai, located halfway up the mountain, offers a panoramic view of the vast forests and mountains, making it an ideal place for meditation and relaxation.
3.3. Special Cultural - Spiritual Activities
At Yen Tu, incense offering rituals and Buddhist worship according to the Truc Lam Zen sect take place year-round, especially vibrant during the spring festival season. Rituals such as praying for national peace and people's well-being not only carry spiritual significance but also demonstrate the solidarity and patriotism of the Vietnamese people. Visitors can participate to fully experience the characteristic spiritual cultural beauty of Yen Tu.
Meditation and practice sessions on the mountain are also unmissable experiences. In the early morning, when mist covers the paths, the sound of temple bells echoes along with the rustling wind through the bamboo forest, bringing a sense of purity and relaxation. This is an opportunity for everyone to purify their souls, find peace, and recharge with positive energy.
3.4. Yen Tu Quang Ninh Cable Car
To save energy and enjoy the panoramic view, visitors can use the Yen Tu cable car with two main routes totaling over 2,100 m. The first cable car route connects Giai Oan to Chua Hoa Yen, and the second route goes from Hoa Yen to near Chua Dong, helping visitors travel safely and experience spectacular views of the mountains and forests from above.
The cable car operates from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. The reference ticket price for 2025 is 250,000 VND/adult/way, which may change according to the tourist season. Each spacious cabin carries 6-8 people, suitable for the elderly, children, and those who are not strong enough to climb the mountain on foot. Using the cable car not only saves time but also offers a beautiful experience of viewing Yen Tu's mountains and scenery from above, a perfect choice for all visitors.
4. Special Festivals and Events in Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh organizes many unique festivals. (Source: Collected)
The year 2025 marks an important milestone for Yen Tu Quang Ninh as many traditional festivals and special events are organized, attracting domestic and international tourists. These activities not only honor cultural and spiritual values but also promote the image of Yen Tu as a leading spiritual tourist destination in Vietnam.
4.1. Yen Tu Spring Festival
The Yen Tu Spring Festival takes place on the 10th day of the first lunar month, which falls on February 7, 2025, and is the most important spiritual occasion in the North. The event attracts a large number of tourists and Buddhists from all over to worship, offer incense, and participate in traditional rituals.
The main rituals include a solemn incense offering ceremony, a palanquin procession with 11 teams, and a ceremony praying for national peace and popular well-being – a symbol of community consensus and harmony. The festival atmosphere becomes more vibrant with side activities such as a lantern festival, traditional art performances, folk games, and a highland product exhibition showcasing medicinal tea, Yen Tu apricots, and exquisite handicrafts.
4.2. World Heritage Event, Receiving Buddha Relics (2025)
In 2025, Yen Tu Quang Ninh solemnly organizes commemorative activities upon its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site, with the participation of international Buddhist representatives. The Buddha relics procession is the highlight, attracting thousands of Buddhists and tourists. It carries spiritual significance and affirms the unique cultural value of Yen Tu on the world map.
In addition, many activities such as scientific seminars on heritage, traditional art performances from various countries, and Vietnamese cultural experiences are organized, helping international tourists gain a deeper understanding of the history and culture of Truc Lam Buddhism.
4.3. Cultural, Artistic, and Night Experience Activities in Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh not only attracts tourists with its majestic natural scenery but also offers unique cultural and artistic experiences. From dragon dance programs, Zen music, to traditional experience activities and night spaces with campfires, visitors will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the highland cultural life, relaxing while discovering unique spiritual beauty.
Yen Tu Quang Ninh also stands out with elaborately staged art programs, linked to Buddhist and meditation themes. Dragon dance, lion dance, traditional martial arts performances, and Zen music create a vibrant cultural space, attracting visitors of all ages.
Lang Nuong Yen Tu organizes many traditional experience activities such as making banh chung, banh tet, enjoying traditional dishes, and participating in folk games. Visitors have the opportunity to immerse themselves in the old cultural life, learn about handicrafts, and experience highland specialties.
At night, activities such as campfires, folk storytelling, and enjoying traditional music amidst the mountains offer a unique experience, helping everyone fully appreciate the beauty of nature, temporarily set aside daily worries, and find peace in their souls.
5. Amenities and Services in Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh has many facilities to serve tourists. (Source: Collected)
Yen Tu Quang Ninh possesses a modern system of services and infrastructure, fully meeting the diverse needs of tourists, from dining, accommodation to cultural – spiritual experiences.
The restaurant system in Yen Tu serves a variety of traditional dishes and highland specialties. Tourists should not miss dishes such as stir-fried bamboo shoots, grilled wild boar, ngai cake, along with the famous Yen Tu apricot wine.
For a high-class resort experience, Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery is a 5-star resort designed in Buddhist architectural style, located in a convenient position with impressive mountain views. The resort offers therapeutic spa services, luxurious restaurants, and many modern entertainment facilities. In addition, a system of reasonably priced hotels, homestays, and guesthouses also helps tourists easily choose accommodation suitable for their budget.
Professional tour guides in Yen Tu are always ready to accompany, explaining in detail the history, culture, architecture, and spiritual values of the relic site. Internal electric vehicles serve continuously, providing maximum support for the elderly, families with young children, or those who want to save energy when moving.
Souvenir shops in Yen Tu offer a diverse range of products, from bronze statues, feng shui bells to local specialties such as herbal medicine, high-quality medicinal tea. This is an ideal place for tourists to buy gifts, experience the culture, and bring back meaningful memories from their visit.
6. Notes when exploring Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Exciting experience at Sun World Ha Long. (Source: Collected)
To make the trip to Yen Tu, Quang Ninh complete, visitors need to prepare carefully in terms of time, clothing, and adhere to behavioral principles at sacred sites.
The most ideal time to visit is spring (January to March lunar calendar), when the Yen Tu festival takes place vibrantly, the climate is cool, and the scenery is lush green. Additionally, autumn (September to December) is also an ideal time with the Meditation festival, changing leaves, and a pleasant atmosphere.
Visitors should remember the "6 no" rules when visiting Yen Tu, Quang Ninh : no pushing, no littering, no breaking branches or picking flowers, no damaging relics, no using fire or flammable materials, no unauthorized camping, and avoid superstition.
To take beautiful photos at Yen Tu, choose early morning or late afternoon hours at places like Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, where soft light creates a wonderful effect. Ancient stone steps, the sky gate, or the cloud forest scenery are ideal check-in spots.
Visitors can also combine their itinerary with a visit to Sun World Ha Long, Bai Chay, or Quang Ninh Museum to make the trip richer and more diverse.
The itinerary to Yen Tu, Quang Ninh is not only a journey to the sacred land of Buddhism but also an opportunity for visitors to admire the majestic beauty of nature and find inner peace. With its profound historical, cultural, and spiritual values, Yen Tu deserves to be a proud world heritage of Vietnam. If you are planning a spiritual trip in 2025, Yen Tu, Quang Ninh is definitely a must-visit destination.
