1. A glance at Yen Tu Pagoda, Vietnam
Yen Tu Pagoda is part of the Yen Tu historical and scenic complex in Quang Ninh Province. This area lies on Yen Tu Mountain, part of the Dong Trieu Arc, with its highest peak reaching 1,068 meters above sea level. Yen Tu once served as a vital defense line of Dai Viet (Vietnam), guarding the mainland and facilitating trade.
In 2012, recognizing its historical and cultural value, the Vietnamese government designated Yen Tu as a special national heritage site. In January 2024, Vietnam submitted Yen Tu to UNESCO for its consideration as a World Heritage Site.
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2. What is Yen Tu Pagoda known for
2.1. Time-honored history
Yen Tu Pagoda is the birthplace of Truc Lam Zen, the first Vietnamese Buddhist tradition, founded in the 13th century by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. After abdicating the throne, he chose Yen Tu Mountain as the place where he would live, meditate, and teach. He later established the Truc Lam Zen sect, blending Buddhist teachings with Vietnamese values and Confucian elements.
During the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties, Yen Tu Pagoda remained a major Buddhist center. Monks and pilgrims from across the country came to seek spiritual growth.
Today, you will find a vast complex of temples, towers, and shrines spread across the mountain. Many are directly linked to King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and generations of Zen masters who followed his teachings. Stone steles found throughout the site preserve detailed historical records, offering valuable insights into the development of Truc Lam Zen and its key figures.
2.2. Cultural significance
Beyond its spiritual roots, Yen Tu Pagoda holds deep cultural meaning. The teachings of Truc Lam Zen go beyond the temple walls. They shaped moral values, daily practices, and ways of thinking for both monks and laypeople. Many of these teachings were preserved in scriptures and texts that remain part of Vietnamese spiritual life today.
Yen Tu also safeguards a wealth of tangible heritage. Temples, towers, and shrines scattered along the mountain showcase changes in Vietnamese artistic style through the ages. These structures reflect not just religious devotion but also the craftsmanship of their time. Together, they form a priceless part of Vietnam’s cultural identity.
2.3. Tranquil mountain setting
The spiritual value of Yen Tu Pagoda is deeply tied to its natural surroundings. A lush forest covers the slopes, home to pine, bamboo, apricot trees, and native medicinal herbs. Temples and towers appear gradually along the trail from the base to the summit. Streams run through the forest, and morning mist often veils the path, adding to the quiet atmosphere. For many, this blend of nature and spirituality is what gives Yen Tu Pagoda its lasting power.
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3. How to get to Yen Tu Pagoda, Quang Ninh, Vietnam?
3.1. Getting from Hanoi to Yen Tu
From Hanoi, you can reach Yen Tu Pagoda by car or limousine bus in about 3 hours. If you are driving, there are three main routes.
- Route 1: Take Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway, then exit toward National Road 10. Continue through Hai Phong to Uong Bi in Quang Ninh.
- Route 2: From Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway, merge onto Hai Phong - Ha Long Expressway. Cross Bach Dang Bridge, exit at Quang Yen, and follow the signs to Uong Bi. Once you reach National Road 18, continue for about 9 km and turn right at Doc Do.
- Route 3: Continue on Hai Phong - Ha Long Expressway past Bach Dang Bridge. Exit toward Uong Bi. Stay on National Road 18 for around 30 km, then turn onto Doc Do.
3.2. Accessing the Yen Tu summit
Once you reach Yen Tu Pagoda, you have two options to get to the summit.
- Hike to the top: The mountain trail is about 6 kilometers long and takes 6 to 8 hours to climb depending on your physical condition. Although the path is challenging, it gives you a chance to fully enjoy the peaceful forest, fresh air, and spiritual atmosphere.
- Take the cable car: This is a faster and more comfortable option. You can admire panoramic views of the forest and mountains from above.
Cable car ticket prices:
- Route 1 (from Giai Oan Pagoda to Hoa Yen Pagoda): VND 200,000 one-way, VND 280,000 round-trip
- Route 2 (from Mot Mai Pagoda to An Ky Sinh Statue): VND 200,000 one-way, VND 280,000 round-trip
- Combined round-trip ticket for both routes: VND 350,000
- Children under 1.2 meters tall and seniors aged 70 or above (with ID) are eligible for free rides.
4. Top things to do on your visit to Yen Tu Pagoda
4.1. Explore sacred sites
Yen Tu Pagoda is filled with many sacred sites. As you move higher, you will encounter temples, pagodas, towers, and landmarks that reflect the legacy of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and Truc Lam Zen.
4.1.1. Giai Oan Pagoda
Giai Oan Pagoda is the first major stop on your spiritual journey through Yen Tu. It sits at the base of Mount Ngoc, facing Giai Oan Stream. According to legends, this was where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong held a ceremony to free the souls of royal women and court officials who died in the nearby waters. The name “Giai Oan” reflects this act of spiritual release. Now, it preserves many statues, altars, and shrines, including the Main Hall, Front Hall, Mother Goddess Temple, and Hall of the Masters. The pagoda grounds also feature ancient fruit trees and a quiet fig tree.
4.1.2. Mot Mai Pagoda
As you continue the pilgrimage path, Mot Mai Pagoda offers a quiet retreat where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong used to meditate and write scriptures. Tucked beneath a rocky cliff, the pagoda has only half a roof; one half is hidden inside a cave, the other exposed to the open air. Inside, you will find worship spaces for the Three Buddhas, Bodhisattvas, Truc Lam Masters, and Mother Goddess. Outside, Thanh Long Tower, ancient trees, herbal plants, and blooming apricots bring nature and spirituality together.
4.1.3. Van Tieu Pagoda
Following the mountain trail, you will reach Van Tieu Pagoda at 724 meters above sea level. This is believed to be where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong shared Zen teachings with his disciple Phap Loa before entering Nirvana. The current pagoda building was restored in 2001 with donations from Buddhists in Vietnam and abroad. Inside, there are many statues. You can see the Three Buddhas, the Buddha King in Nirvana, the Nine Dragons Throne, Avalokiteshvara, and Truc Lam Zen masters. Nearby, you can spot the remains of an old kiln and visit Vong Tien Cung Tower Garden.
4.1.4. Hoa Yen Pagoda
Just a short descent from Van Tieu Pagoda brings you to Hoa Yen Pagoda, located at 534 meters above sea level. This is the central pagoda of the entire Yen Tu complex. Founded before 1220, it was a major spiritual center under the Tran Dynasty, where King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and Zen masters established the Truc Lam Zen sect. Rebuilt in 2002, Van Tieu Pagoda was modeled after the architecture of the Tran Dynasty. The layout includes a main hall, an ancestor hall, bell towers, and drum towers. Around the pagoda, you can find ancient trees, tomb towers, and a centuries-old fig tree.
4.1.5. Dong Pagoda
Dong Pagoda is the final and highest point of the Yen Tu pilgrimage. Located at 1,068 meters above sea level, it stands on the mountain’s peak, offering panoramic views. The pagoda you see today, completed in 2007, is made entirely of copper and weighs 70 tons. It resembles a lotus pedestal and worships Amitabha Buddha along with the Three Masters. Visitors often pause here not only for worship but also to feel the harmony between the sky, earth, and people. The cool air, drifting clouds, and sacred silence create a lasting impression of peace and connection.
4.1.6. Bao Sai Pagoda
Bao Sai Pagoda is another unmissable spot at Yen Tu Pagoda in Vietnam. Located at 724 meters above sea level, this pagoda honors Zen Master Bao Sai, a key disciple of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. He was the only one entrusted with the King-Monk's final teachings before his passing. The current structure stands after multiple restorations, the latest in 2012. The main hall features rows of statues, from the Three Buddhas to Saint Tran and Truc Lam Masters. Behind the pagoda, a cave holds statues of the King-Monk and Bao Sai.
4.1.7. Hue Quang Tower Garden
Continuing your journey through sacred grounds, Hue Quang Tower Garden offers a profound glimpse into Yen Tu’s spiritual heritage. This garden is home to nearly 100 stupas, each marking the final resting place of esteemed monks from the Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. At its center stands Hue Quang Kim Stupa, which enshrines the relics of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. Surrounding the main stupa are paths lined with smaller stupas, lotus-tiled walls, and symbolic gates. As you walk along the Chrysanthemum Brick Path, you follow the journey of the monks who once accompanied the king in life and in spirit toward enlightenment.
4.1.8. Heaven Gate & Buddha Stele
As you continue your spiritual journey through Yen Tu Pagoda, the Heaven Gate offers a dramatic change in scenery. You will climb through the gaps between towering rock formations, entering a space believed to bridge the mortal world and the divine. The area’s terrain reveals wave-carved stones and marine fossils - traces of an ancient sea that once covered the region. Geologists believe a major tectonic uplift over 200 million years ago transformed this bay into the mountains you see today.
Nearby, the Buddha Stele stands as a quiet symbol of devotion. Carved directly into natural stones, its faded inscriptions still preserve the name of Amitabha Buddha.
4.1.9. Statues
At Yen Tu Pagoda, you will encounter two important statues. One is the bronze statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. Standing 12.6 meters tall and cast from 138 tons of bronze, it is the largest solid-cast bronze statue in Asia. Nearby, you will find An Ky Sinh Statue. Believed to be a natural rock formation, the locals see it as the transformed body of a Daoist monk named An Ky Sinh who practiced here over 2,000 years ago. He gathered medicinal herbs, and the area still grows rare plants known for their healing properties.
4.2. Contemplate tranquil nature
As you walk through Yen Tu Pagoda, Quang Ninh, Vietnam, take the time to slow down and enjoy the peaceful natural surroundings. The air is fresh, the forest is quiet, and the view stretches across rolling mountains. Along the way, you may come across ancient trees, moss-covered rocks, and flowing streams. Each path reveals a deeper layer of Yen Tu’s spiritual significance, offering a chance to reflect, recharge, and connect with the landscape.
4.3. Visit other attractions in the complex
Beyond temples and towers, Yen Tu Pagoda invites you to explore other attractions. Yen Tu National Forest is home to diverse plants and animals, where you will find ancient cypress trees lining the path known as the Cypress Road. Many believe King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and his disciples planted these trees centuries ago. In early spring, the forest glows with yellow apricot blossoms, adding to the landscape’s beauty.
Nearby, Truc Lam Cultural Center tells the story of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong through traditional Vietnamese architecture. Its curved arches, thick walls, and lotus-tiled roofs reflect local heritage, while handcrafted details and serene surroundings enhance the atmosphere. Highlights include Dien Hong Hall, Legacy Yen Tu, Thanh Thuy Lake, Am Tue Tinh Health Center, and Minh Tam Square.
When visiting Yen Tu Pagoda, you can also stop by an organic garden to see herbs, vegetables, and small farms; explore Yen Tu Village for a glimpse of daily life; or try on historical costumes from the Tran, Le Trung Hung, and Nguyen dynasties. These experiences offer deeper insight into Zen Buddhist values while allowing peaceful connection with nature.
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5. Best time to explore Yen Tu Pagoda
Yen Tu Pagoda is worth visiting year-round. Each season brings a distinct atmosphere to this sacred place.
Spring is the most popular time, especially during the Yen Tu Spring Festival, when pilgrims and tourists come to pray. Nature also comes alive, as the forest blooms with golden apricot flowers covering the slopes.
Summer offers fresh, green landscapes, flowing streams, and cooler weather than the lowlands. Many families and friends visit Yen Tu during this time for retreats, meditation programs, and outdoor activities.
Autumn brings calm skies with soft golden light. The air turns crisp, perfect for quiet reflection. Winter beckons with its soulful atmosphere. On some days, you might see frost on the mountain peak, a rare sight in Vietnam.
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6. Extra tips for visitors to Yen Tu Pagoda
To make the most of your visit to Yen Tu Pagoda, you should keep these tips in mind:
- Book your stay in advance: Accommodations near Yen Tu Pagoda often fill up quickly during peak tourist seasons, especially around Tet.
- Plan your schedule early: Arriving in the morning gives you more time to explore and enjoy the full range of experiences.
- Dress appropriately: Modest clothing is expected when entering temples and shrines.
- Choose the right footwear: Comfortable, non-slip shoes will help you walk the trails and navigate the mountain paths more easily.
- Pack for cooler weather: Bring a light jacket or scarf, especially if you plan to reach the summit, where it can get chilly and damp.
- Carry water and snacks: A bottle of water and some food will keep you energized during your journey.
- Keep an eye on your belongings: Crowds are common during the spring festival, so stay mindful of your personal items.
- Respect the sacred space: Avoid littering or trespassing on restricted areas to help preserve the environment and heritage.
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A trip to Yen Tu Pagoda offers more than scenic views or spiritual insights; it brings you closer to Vietnam’s cultural roots. Whether you are climbing mountain paths, visiting ancient temples, or simply enjoying the calm surroundings, every step reveals a story. So, pack your bags and get ready to explore this timeless corner of Quang Ninh!
If you are combining your visit to Yen Tu with a trip to Ha Long, consider staying at Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long. Located on Reu Island, this resort offers a peaceful retreat after a day of discovery. You will enjoy spacious rooms, sea views, and convenient access to Ha Long Bay’s top attractions. From the mountains to the sea, your journey through Quang Ninh can be both meaningful and relaxing, all in one trip.
