Discover Hoa Yen Pagoda, Over 700 Years Old, on Yen Tu Mountain

1 Where is Hoa Yen Pagoda?

Hoa Yen Pagoda is located on Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh. Situated approximately 535m above sea level, it is one of the largest and most important pagodas in the Yen Tu complex of monuments.

Beyond its beautiful setting amid the mountains and forests of Yen Tu, Hoa Yen Pagoda also impressed me because of its connection to Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong's spiritual journey and its role as a center of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. With its exceptional historical, cultural, and spiritual value, the pagoda is a must-see on my Quang Ninh trip and for anyone seeking a peaceful retreat amid the mountains and forests.

2 The history of Hoa Yen Pagoda

While learning about the pagoda, I discovered that it was originally called Van Yen and was founded by Zen Master Hien Quang before 1220, during the Ly dynasty. The name “Van Yen” means “clouds and mist,” evoking the image of a pagoda perched halfway up Yen Tu Mountain, often shrouded in clouds and fog.

In 1299, Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong went to Yen Tu to practice Buddhism, choosing this place for meditation and teaching, and laying the foundations for the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. Later, under the Second Patriarch Phap Loa, the pagoda was expanded to accommodate Buddhist worship, study, and the monastic community.

During the reign of King Le Thanh Tong in the 15th century, Van Yen Pagoda was renamed Hoa Yen Pagoda. It has been renovated many times over the centuries. Notably, in 2002, the pagoda was rebuilt on the foundations of the Tran-dynasty temple and became one of the most important stops on the Yen Tu pilgrimage route.

3 Experiences not to miss at Hoa Yen Pagoda

3.1 Admire the ancient tower garden and its historical legacy

When I visited Hoa Yen Pagoda, I took some time to stop by the ancient tower garden to get a stronger sense of the history of Yen Tu, a sacred Buddhist land. The tower garden extends from the Hon Ngoc area, near Voi Quy Slope, and is about 300m from the Patriarch's Tower.

Here, there is a group of four stone and brick towers belonging to monks who practiced at Hoa Yen Pagoda from the late Le period to the early Nguyen period, along with five unnamed tombs. The tower garden is very quiet, making me feel as though I were standing before layers of history preserved over many centuries.

3.2 Visit the 700-year-old frangipani trees

Another experience that left a strong impression on me was seeing the ancient frangipani trees around Hoa Yen Pagoda. The area still has many trees, also known as plumeria, that are around 700 years old. In particular, two ancient frangipani trees in front of the pagoda are said to have been planted by the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam and Buddhist devotees. 

3.3 Take in the natural scenery from Hoa Yen Pagoda

From the courtyard of Hoa Yen Pagoda, I could gaze out over the vast mountain and forest landscape of Yen Tu. The pagoda sits at an elevation of approximately 535m above sea level, so the views from here are open and majestic. Some accounts say that the pagoda offers views in all four directions, taking in the waterways of the Northeast region. 

3.4 Join the pilgrimage and Yen Tu festival atmosphere

If I visit Hoa Yen Pagoda in spring, I can really feel the pilgrimage atmosphere. The Yen Tu Festival usually opens on the 10th day of the first lunar month and continues through the end of the third lunar month, drawing large numbers of Buddhists and visitors who come to pay their respects, pray for peace, and enjoy the mountain scenery.

For me, this is the time that makes a trip to Hoa Yen Pagoda more vibrant, blending a solemn spiritual atmosphere with the distinctive festival culture of this sacred Buddhist land.

3.5 Visit attractions near Hoa Yen Pagoda

After visiting Hoa Yen Pagoda, I can also stop by some of the highlights in the Yen Tu complex, such as:

• Mot Mai Pagoda: A small pagoda nestled against a cliff, with a peaceful and distinctive charm.
• Bao Sai Pagoda: A stop along the route to higher elevations in the Yen Tu complex.
• Van Tieu Pagoda: Located along the pilgrimage route to the summit, it is a fitting place to continue your visit.
• An Ky Sinh Statue: A prominent landmark associated with local legends and the journey to the summit of Yen Tu.
• Dong Pagoda: A sacred destination atop Yen Tu Mountain, at an elevation of approximately 1.068m above sea level.

4 How to get to Hoa Yen Pagoda

Hoa Yen Pagoda is part of the Yen Tu scenic complex, in Yen Tu Ward, Quang Ninh Province. To get there, I first traveled to the Yen Tu tourist area, then chose to walk or take the cable car up to the pagoda.

Specifically, from Hanoi, I traveled approximately 125-140km to the Yen Tu historic site, a journey of 2.5-4 hours by car or motorbike via National Highway 18. If you are traveling from Hai Phong, Nam Dinh, or Thai Binh, you can take National Highway 10 to the junction with National Highway 18, then continue to the Yen Tu tourist area.

After arriving at the foot of the mountain, I chose the Hoang Long cable car to save my energy. The route is about 1.2km long and takes around 15 minutes to travel from the Giai Oan Pagoda area to near Hoa Yen Pagoda. Along the way, you can enjoy panoramic views of the Yen Tu mountains and forests from above.

5 Tips for visiting Hoa Yen Pagoda

• It is best to go in the morning and start taking the cable car at around 8h30, leaving enough time to visit the Patriarch's Tower, Hoa Yen Pagoda, and higher points in the Yen Tu complex.
• You can take the cable car to save energy, then walk a short distance from the Line 1 cable car station to reach the pagoda.
• For a more complete experience, you can combine the cable car with a hike. This journey usually takes around 2–3 hours.
• Wear comfortable shoes, as visitors still need to climb many stone steps and walk along paths with ascents and descents around the historic site.
• Wear neat, respectful clothing, as Hoa Yen Pagoda is an important pilgrimage site in Yen Tu.
• If visiting during festival season, arrive early to avoid the crowds, especially if you also want to visit Mot Mai Pagoda, Van Tieu Pagoda, and Dong Pagoda.
• Bring drinking water and a light jacket. The pagoda is about 535m above sea level, and the mountain air is usually cooler than at the foot of the mountain.
• Don't rush through the pagoda. Take time to pay your respects, enjoy the scenery, and learn about its history and connection to Buddha Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

From its tranquil mountain setting and ancient tower garden to the meaningful pilgrimage experiences, this place offers a journey that is both peaceful and memorable. Before setting out, prepare suitable clothing, comfortable walking shoes, and a compact suitcase to make your visit to Hoa Yen Pagoda more convenient and enjoyable.