1 Introduction to Yen Tu Dong Pagoda
1.1 Where is Dong Pagoda located?
Address: Nam Mau Hamlet, Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province.
Perched atop a high mountain peak, Yen Tu Dong Pagoda is a source of pride in Vietnamese Buddhist culture. This is where King Monk Tran Nhan Tong renounced his throne to practice monastic life and founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, which is unique and widely practiced in Vietnam. The pagoda boasts a distinctive architecture constructed entirely of bronze and stands on the highest peak in the region. Consequently, this destination is renowned as the largest bronze pagoda in Vietnam and Asia. It also stands as a testament to the dedication and skill of thousands of builders. Not only a symbol of art and engineering, Dong Pagoda is also a sacred and mystical sanctuary that attracts millions of visitors each year to sightsee, worship, and pray during their travels to Ha Long.
The unique Dong Pagoda sits atop a high mountain peak shrouded in clouds year-round
1.2 Ideal time to visit the pagoda
Yen Tu Pagoda is an ideal destination for those who love discovering natural beauty and Buddhist culture. You can visit Yen Tu Pagoda at any time of the year, as the atmosphere here is always fresh and cool. If you wish to join the Yen Tu Festival, you should plan your visit from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month. However, keep in mind that this is the peak pilgrimage period with very large crowds, so you may encounter challenges regarding transportation and accommodation. Therefore, make sure to plan your trip and select your dining and lodging options in advance from home to make your journey smoother.
You can visit Dong Pagoda anytime, but consider your timing during the festival season
1.3 History of Dong Pagoda
Yen Tu Dong Pagoda is a symbol of Vietnamese history and Buddhist faith. It was initially commissioned in the 17th century by a concubine of Lord Trinh, but was later damaged by natural disasters and human events. In 1930, the pagoda was rebuilt using bronze-reinforced concrete. It was not until 2005 that the People's Committee of Quang Ninh Province reconstructed the pagoda according to its original prototype. The pagoda's formal Sino-Vietnamese name is Thien Truc Tu, signifying the abode of Tathagata Buddha and a supreme position. It is believed that Yen Tu Dong Pagoda can summon wind and rain, pray for national blessings, and serve as a conduit for drawing cosmic life force into human life.
This bronze pagoda is steeped in a long and storied history
2 How to get to Dong Pagoda
According to the MIA.vn travel guide, if you travel by private vehicle, you can choose between two routes:
- Option 1: From Hanoi, head toward Bac Ninh, then follow National Highway 18 to Trinh Temple. From here, turn left and travel about 10km to reach the Yen Tu spiritual tourism area. You can also depart from Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, or Thai Binh to Uong Bi, pass through the junction of National Highway 10 and National Highway 18, and then proceed as mentioned above to arrive.
- Option 2: If you travel by intercity bus, you can take coaches bound for Quang Ninh that stop at Trinh Temple. From there, take a motorbike taxi or regular taxi to the Yen Tu tourism area.
Once you arrive at the Yen Tu tourism complex, you can make your way up to the pagoda either on foot or by cable car. If you hike, you will have to navigate many steep, rocky, and rugged sections, but you will be rewarded with the full splendor of the mountain forest and the pagodas along the trail. On the other hand, taking the cable car will save you time and energy, though it omits part of the traditional pilgrimage journey. You can choose one of the two options or combine both to reach Yen Tu Dong Pagoda.
The trail to the pagoda is demanding, yet many pilgrims undauntedly make the climb to pay their respects
3 Admire the unique architecture of Dong Pagoda
3.1 The largest bronze pagoda in Asia
At the summit of Yen Tu sits a bronze pagoda as dazzling as a precious gem. That is Dong Pagoda - a masterwork created by the skilled hands of artisans from Y Yen, Nam Dinh. They modeled this extraordinary pagoda after Keo Pagoda in Bac Ninh. Weighing up to 70 tons with a modest footprint, it stands firmly and majestically on the high rocky peak. The pagoda follows the Tran Dynasty architectural style, featuring flowing curves and delicate ornamental motifs on its eaves and corners. According to MIA.vn's research, constructing this pagoda required pure bronze imported from Australia across 4000 components, the heaviest of which weighed 1.4 tons. Through meticulous and painstaking craftsmanship, Dong Pagoda emerged like a golden lotus blossom crowning the sacred mountaintop.
This bronze pagoda is renowned as the largest of its kind in Asia
Inside, the pagoda features a modest yet striking architecture, with most interior elements cast in bronze
Looking up from below, the pagoda enveloped in mist resembles a heavenly realm
3.2 A pagoda shrouded in clouds throughout the year
On the peak of Yen Son, mist and clouds gather year-round, requiring Dong Pagoda to be built using specialized techniques to withstand the harsh weather. The shrine rises like a colossal lotus resting upon high rock. Each stone slab resembles a radiant lotus petal, while Dong Pagoda sits nestled at the center of the lotus pedestal. To the east is a gentle rocky slope, while to the west lies a perilous sheer cliff, making the path leading here exceptionally arduous and narrow enough to accommodate only one footstep at a time. Ascending to Yen Tu Dong Pagoda, you will feel as if you are passing through the clouds to reach a distant fairytale paradise.
This destination is embraced year-round by mist, fog, and mountain winds
3.3 Attending the Yen Tu Pagoda Festival
From the first to the third lunar month, Dong Pagoda hosts its festival, welcoming millions of pilgrims. The festivities begin with solemn rituals performed by locals at the foot of the mountain, followed by the ascent to the summit of Yen Son. It is an extraordinary cultural and spiritual highlight of this land that captivates both domestic and international visitors.
Every year during the Yen Tu Dong Pagoda festival, people from all corners flock here to take part
4 A few notes when visiting here
- You should dress modestly and respectfully, avoiding revealing clothing, to show deference to the Buddha and the monastic community.
- Do not forget to bring a jacket, as the temperature at the high mountain summit is quite cold, especially during winter.
- Do not litter, harm the surrounding natural environment, or touch and damage Dong Pagoda. Please maintain cleanliness, dignity, and serenity when visiting this sanctuary.
- You may pray, burn incense, and offer tributes at Dong Pagoda to express reverence to the Buddha and the monastics. This is a place to pray for peace, luck, romance, prosperity, or whatever you wish for. Dong Pagoda is widely believed to be an auspicious sanctuary where prayers are answered, celebrated for its holiness in Ha Long.
The challenging trek to Dong Pagoda will be much easier if you keep these tips in mind
5 Conclusion
Setting foot in Ha Long without taking the opportunity to visit and admire the remarkable architecture of Yen Tu Dong Pagoda would be truly regrettable. Therefore, before embarking on your journey here, remember to save this destination in your MIA.vn travel handbook so you do not miss out on visiting it. Wishing you a wonderful trip to Ha Long with friends and family, filled with unforgettable memories.
