1. General introduction to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh is a famous destination with a complex of sacred pagodas. (Source: Collected)
Yen Tu Quang Ninh, located on the Yen Tu mountain range in Uong Bi city, is a famous destination with a complex of sacred pagodas, pristine national forest, and a special Truc Lam Buddhist heritage area. As a pilgrimage center associated with King Tran Nhan Tong, recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage in 2025, Yen Tu embodies the rich historical, cultural, and majestic natural values of Vietnam.
1.1. Geographical location and main areas in Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh is located on the Yen Tu mountain range, primarily in Thuong Yen Cong commune, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. This location borders Bac Giang and is near Hai Duong, creating a rich and diverse cultural intersection.
Yen Tu Quang Ninh is divided into three easily recognizable main areas. First is the pagoda complex famous for its typical spiritual structures such as Trinh Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, Bao Sai Pagoda, and Dong Pagoda on the mountaintop, a renowned pilgrimage site nationwide. Yen Tu National Forest, spanning over 2,800 hectares, preserves a pristine ecosystem with majestic mountain scenery and fresh air. The Truc Lam Buddhist Heritage Area is the center of the Truc Lam Zen sect, preserving many historical relics associated with Emperor-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and a long-standing tradition of monastic practice.
1.2. Vietnam's Heritage – UNESCO Title 2025
In July 2025, Yen Tu Quang Ninh along with the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, marking an important historical milestone. This is Vietnam's first heritage chain, connecting Quang Ninh province, Bac Ninh province, and Hai Phong city.
The UNESCO title recognizes the value of Truc Lam Buddhism from the 13th century, while also honoring the unique architecture and majestic natural landscape of Yen Tu. The heritage not only affirms the cultural, historical, and religious significance of Yen Tu to Vietnam, but also contributes significantly to the global development of Buddhism. Being honored opens up many opportunities for sustainable tourism, while also preserving the long-standing traditional values of this sacred land.
1.3. History and cultural significance of Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Yen Tu Quang Ninh is famously associated with King Tran Nhan Tong, who chose this place to renounce secular life, practice asceticism, and found the Truc Lam Zen sect, a school of Buddhism with a strong Vietnamese identity. As a result, Yen Tu became an important Buddhist center during the Tran and Le dynasties.
The cultural value of Yen Tu is also expressed through the fusion of Buddhist teachings and the spirit of engagement with the world. This philosophy encourages love for the homeland and national pride, helping people balance spiritual cultivation with social responsibility. Therefore, Yen Tu is not only a sacred pilgrimage destination but also a symbol of wisdom, patriotism, and Vietnamese cultural spirit.
2. How to get to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
There are many ways to travel to Yen Tu Quang Ninh. (Source: Compilation)
Traveling to Yen Tu Quang Ninh is made easy with many options from Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or other localities, including coaches, limousines, private cars, airplanes, and inter-provincial taxis. Regardless of the chosen transportation, the journey offers visitors the opportunity to explore the majestic mountain and forest scenery, the sacred pagoda complex, and the characteristic peaceful atmosphere of Yen Tu.
2.1. Departing from Hanoi
Departing from Hanoi to Yen Tu Quang Ninh is very convenient with many transportation options such as coaches, limousines, or private cars, allowing visitors flexibility in time and cost. It only takes about 2.5–3 hours of travel via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long highway to be ready to explore the sacred pagoda complex and the majestic mountains and forests here.
If traveling by coach, companies like Kumho Viet Thanh and Viet Phuong operate the Hanoi – Uong Bi route with frequent service. Buses depart from My Dinh or Gia Lam stations, with a travel time of about 2.5–3 hours, and ticket prices ranging from 100,000 to 120,000 VND per person.
With a private car or chartered car, you can take the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long highway route, turn into Uong Bi City, and continue following the signage to the Yen Tu Quang Ninh relic site.
Limousines or family cars are ideal choices for small groups, elderly people, or families with children, with prices ranging from 250,000 to 400,000 VND per way. This option ensures comfort and flexibility during the Yen Tu tour.
2.2. Traveling from Ho Chi Minh City and Southern Provinces to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Visitors from the South wishing to reach Yen Tu Quang Ninh can choose to fly to Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong) or Van Don/Ha Long Airport (Quang Ninh). The distance from Cat Bi Airport to Yen Tu is about 50 km, while from Van Don it is 70 km, with travel time by taxi or bus usually taking 1–1.5 hours.
Round-trip airplane ticket prices from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong or Ha Long range from 1.5 to 3 million VND, depending on the booking time. Traveling from the airport to Uong Bi City is quite convenient thanks to the frequently operating system of taxis and inter-provincial buses. Many tourists also combine sightseeing Ha Long Bay before heading to Yen Tu to make their journey more diverse, complete, and to experience rich culture and nature.
2.3. Intra-provincial travel from Quang Ninh to Yen Tu
Traveling from Uong Bi City or Ha Long to Yen Tu Quang Ninh is very convenient with many options such as taxis, public buses, or self-driven motorbikes, suitable for all visitor needs and budgets. Along the journey, you will experience tree-lined mountain roads, winding gently with majestic natural scenery, offering both flexibility and excitement for your Yen Tu exploration.
When traveling within Quang Ninh province, taxis are a popular choice to reach Yen Tu Quang Ninh , especially convenient for those who want a direct and fast trip. Fares from Uong Bi City or Ha Long to Yen Tu range from approximately 120,000 – 300,000 VND per trip, depending on the distance and vehicle type.
Additionally, the Uong Bi – Yen Tu public bus route operates regularly, especially during the festival season, with reasonable prices, suitable for budget-conscious travelers.
For those who prefer independent exploration, motorbikes or self-driven cars offer flexibility in terms of time. The route to Yen Tu Quang Ninh stretches through tree-lined mountain roads, winding gently with impressive mountain and forest scenery. Visitors should prepare their driving skills for mountainous terrain and thoroughly check their vehicle before departure to ensure safety for the entire journey.
3. Outstanding experiences at Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Visit the system of pagodas and unique architectural works. (Source: Collected)
Yen Tu Quang Ninh offers visitors a journey of discovery combining faith and majestic nature, from unique pagoda structures to pristine national forests. The modern cable car system, trekking routes through the forest, and solemn Buddha statues make every experience at Yen Tu both sacred and impressive.
3.1. System of pagodas and unique architectural works
The system of pagodas on Yen Tu mountain, Quang Ninh is a unique spiritual destination, nổi bật with solemn and exquisite architectural works such as Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, and Ngoa Van Hermitage. Each pagoda not only holds profound historical and cultural value but also blends perfectly with the majestic mountain and forest landscape, offering visitors a sacred and mystical experience.
Dong Pagoda Yen Tu is considered the “precious gem” of the pagoda complex on Yen Tu mountain, Quang Ninh, located on the highest peak at an altitude of about 1,068 m above sea level. The pagoda is cast entirely from copper, creating a sacred space and unique architecture. When sunlight shines on it, the copper surface shines brilliantly, giving visitors a mystical and solemn feeling when visiting.
Hoa Yen Pagoda, at an altitude of 543 m, is the largest pagoda on the mountain range, often hosting important grand ceremonies. The pagoda's architecture embodies the essence of Truc Lam Buddhist art, harmonizing exquisite lines with the majestic mountain and forest landscape.
Ngoa Van Hermitage, where King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong once attained Buddhahood, is a meaningful spiritual stop.
Ancestor Tower and One-Roof Pagoda house relics and ashes of Zen masters, featuring the ancient architectural style characteristic of the Truc Lam Zen sect, helping visitors understand more about the historical and spiritual value of the place.
3.2. Yen Tu Cable Car Journey
The Yen Tu Quang Ninh cable car system consists of two main sections, allowing visitors to easily travel to spiritual sites on the mountain. The first section takes you from the foothills to Hoa Yen Pagoda, and the second section connects from Hoa Yen Pagoda further up to Dong Pagoda on the summit. Each cable car section lasts about 10–15 minutes, offering an experience of panoramic views of the majestic Yen Tu mountains and forests from above.
Round-trip ticket prices range from 350,000 – 480,000 VND/person, varying by season and route. Using the cable car not only saves energy when climbing the mountain but also opens up a beautiful panoramic view. From the cabin, visitors can admire successive mountain peaks, deep green primeval forests, and pagodas hidden in a sea of clouds. Especially in the early morning, a light mist creates a mystical scene, giving a feeling like entering a fairyland.
3.3. Trekking and exploring the nature of Yen Tu National Forest
The Yen Tu Quang Ninh trekking journey is an ideal experience for those passionate about exploring nature and challenging their endurance. The walking path consists of about 6,000 winding stone steps through the primeval forest, lasting 4–6 hours depending on individual stamina, with each step revealing majestic natural landscapes and interesting surprises.
During the season of Tung blossoms (March–April), Yen Tu forest becomes even more charming with masses of pure white flowers covering the mountainside, creating a feeling like light snow amidst the mountains and forests. The rich ecosystem boasts hundreds of tree species, from bamboo forests and ancient pine forests to diverse vegetation. Giai Oan Stream winds around large rocks, creating a gentle babbling sound, offering a relaxing space amidst nature. On the trekking journey, visitors also have the opportunity to take photos at many beautiful “check-in” spots, from winding trails and shade-covered forests to clearings filled with sunlight filtering through the leaves.
3.4. Worshiping the statue of King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong and special Buddha statues
The statue of King Buddha Tran Nhan Tong at Yen Tu Quang Ninh makes a strong impression with its grand scale and solemn majesty. The bronze statue weighs 138 tons and is 12.6 m high, placed right at the entrance area of the relic site, attracting all eyes from visitors. The image of King Buddha emanates compassion and wisdom, with a gaze looking afar, as if guiding people on the journey of enlightenment and spiritual cultivation.
The statue is not only a religious symbol but also marks the worldly engagement spirit, benevolence, and wisdom of the Truc Lam Zen sect. In addition, the Buddha statues at Hoa Yen Pagoda and Dong Pagoda also carry
4. Yen Tu Quang Ninh Festival and cultural - spiritual activities
Join many major festivals in Yen Tu Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
The Yen Tu Quang Ninh festival in early spring is not only a sacred pilgrimage but also a unique cultural experience with rituals, palanquin processions, and traditional art activities. Visitors also have the opportunity to participate in meditation, tea ceremonies, and Truc Lam Buddhist cultural experiences, bringing a sense of peace and a deep connection with the nature of Yen Tu mountain forest.
4.1. Yen Tu Festival early spring 2025
The Yen Tu Quang Ninh festival in early spring 2025 opens from the 10th day of the first lunar month (February 7, 2025) and lasts for the first three months of the year. The event attracts a large number of Buddhists, tourists, along with palanquin procession groups, artists, and monks from many regions, creating a solemn yet vibrant atmosphere.
Main rituals include palanquin processions, incense offering, Yen Tu sacred seal stamping, along with traditional spiritual activities such as praying for national peace and prosperity, drum beating, and bell ringing, offering an experience rich in Vietnamese cultural and spiritual values. The festival part becomes more lively with art performances, lantern floating, folk games, cultural exhibitions, and special artistic performances from the Dao Thanh Y community.
In 2025, when Yen Tu Quang Ninh along with the Vinh Nghiem – Con Son – Kiep Bac complex is recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage, the festival becomes even more special, attracting the attention of domestic and international tourists, and contributing to promoting the cultural values of Truc Lam Buddhism globally.
4.2. Cultural, Buddhist, Meditation - Tea Experience Activities
At the Truc Lam Yen Tu Quang Ninh Cultural Center, visitors can participate in traditional meditation and tea ceremony classes, deeply experiencing Truc Lam Buddhist culture. Meditation sessions are guided by knowledgeable monks, helping to create a sense of peace, mental relaxation, and inner balance after exploring the mountains and forests.
At Lang Nuong Yen Tu, many unique cultural activities are organized such as learning calligraphy, practicing traditional artistic performances, as well as experiencing vegetarian cuisine. The tea ceremony here not only offers culinary value but also helps visitors contemplate life philosophy, enjoying each sip of tea in a serene space. These experiences bring moments of relaxation and peace, helping visitors connect more deeply with the Buddhist culture and nature of Yen Tu Quang Ninh.
5. Special Cuisine and Accommodation Services in Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Enjoy stir-fried bamboo shoots at Yen Tu Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
Yen Tu Quang Ninh not only attracts tourists with its majestic mountain scenery and sacred pagoda complex but also captivates with its delicate vegetarian cuisine and unique local specialties. Accommodation options ranging from high-end hotels, forest-side resorts to nature-friendly homestays make the journey of exploring this place more convenient, relaxing, and complete.
5.1. Must-try traditional dishes when visiting Yen Tu
The vegetarian cuisine of Yen Tu Quang Ninh carries a strong Zen spirit, using fresh ingredients from the mountains and forests such as wild vegetables, bamboo shoots, and tofu, skillfully prepared to be both delicate and nutritious. Vegetarian meals served to pilgrims are carefully prepared, reasonably priced, offering a light culinary experience yet full of the flavors of the mountains and forests. Bamboo shoots can be cooked in sour soup, stir-fried with mushrooms, or prepared in various other recipes, creating an unforgettable characteristic flavor.
The specialty Banh Gat Gu of Uong Bi is a prominent dish that tourists should not miss when visiting Yen Tu Quang Ninh . The cake has a soft, smooth crust, a rich green bean filling, combined with a savory dipping sauce, creating an unforgettable impression.
Besides, traditional dishes such as Banh Tai Long Diep, Mien Dong Rung, or Che Lam are also very popular. Tourists can enjoy them at eateries around the foot of the mountain, restaurants along the road to Yen Tu, or in resorts to fully experience the local culinary flavors.
5.2. Accommodation services: Hotels, homestays, forest-side retreats
Staying in Yen Tu Quang Ninh offers many options suitable for the needs of each tourist. Legacy Yen Tu MGallery is a high-end stop about 2 km from the relic site, combining luxurious architecture with an ancient atmosphere. The resort offers bungalows in harmony with nature, a clear blue swimming pool, and international standard services, providing a luxurious resort experience. Besides, 3-5 star hotels in Uong Bi or along National Highway 18 also offer a variety of prices and amenities.
Forest-side retreats offer a quiet space, close to nature, where tourists can wake up to fresh air and the sound of birds singing. Homestays concentrated in Thuong Yen Cong commune and the entrance area are economical and convenient choices, while also helping tourists access local life. Many homestays are managed by the Dao Thanh Y people, creating opportunities to experience and learn deeply about the unique culture of Yen Tu Quang Ninh .
6. Suggested itinerary for traveling to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Experience exciting games at Sun World Ha Long. (Source: Collected)
The Yen Tu Quang Ninh travel journey combines spiritual experiences on the mountain with exploration of the sea, offering visitors a rich and meaningful trip. From trekking through primeval forests, worshipping sacred pagodas to relaxing in Ha Long, each day is an opportunity to enjoy the culture, history, and majestic scenery of the Quang Ninh region.
Day 1: Visitors depart early in the morning to Yen Tu Quang Ninh, starting the journey with Trinh Pagoda and Hoa Yen Pagoda – prominent sacred destinations. Depending on your preferences and physical condition, you can choose to trek through the primeval forest or take the Yen Tu cable car to reach Dong Pagoda on the mountaintop. Here, visitors should worship the statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and participate in traditional spiritual rituals. For lunch, enjoy vegetarian rice at the pagoda or a local restaurant, then rest in Yen Tu or Uong Bi to continue the journey.
Day 2: After the spiritual trip, visitors move to Ha Long to explore Quang Ninh Bay and its attractive entertainment spots. Visit Sun World Ha Long, participate in entertainment activities, or stroll around the harbor, enjoy the sea view, and savor fresh seafood. The combination of spiritual experiences in Yen Tu and beach relaxation in Ha Long offers a diverse journey, balancing relaxation and exploration.
7. Useful tips for traveling to Yen Tu Quang Ninh
Choose the time of the festival to visit Yen Tu Quang Ninh. (Source: Collected)
To make the journey to explore Yen Tu Quang Ninh truly complete, visitors need to prepare suitable clothing, bring necessary items, and comply with the rules at the relic site. Maintaining order, respecting rituals, and protecting the environment will not only help the trip be safe and convenient but also show reverence for the cultural and spiritual values of this place.
To have a complete Yen Tu Quang Ninh journey, preparing suitable clothing is extremely important. For trekking activities, visitors should wear comfortable sportswear, light and sturdy shoes for convenient movement.
When attending pagoda ceremonies, choose polite and neat attire such as an ao dai or modest clothing to show respect in this sacred place.
Additionally, don't forget to bring drinking water, light snacks, a light jacket, and an umbrella or parasol in case the weather on the mountain changes.
Visitors should maintain order, not litter, and avoid impacting ancient relics.
When offering sacrifices, it should be done simply and economically, limiting the burning of votive paper to protect the environment.
The journey to explore Yen Tu Quang Ninh is not just a trip to visit scenic spots, but also a journey to return to the spiritual roots and national culture. Amidst the majestic mountain scenery and serene atmosphere, each step towards the sacred peak brings a sense of peace and tranquility. If you are looking for a destination that offers both historical value and helps balance your soul, then Yen Tu Quang Ninh 2025 is the perfect choice to begin your own journey of discovery and contemplation.
