Explore the Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex with Its Long History

1 Where is the Yen Tu complex located?

The Yen Tu relic complex belongs to the Yen Tu region, famously known as a sacred Buddhist land featuring a network of pagodas with traditional architecture that captivates visitors from near and far. The complex was built on Yen Tu Mountain—also locally called Tuong Dau Mountain—situated on the boundary between the two provinces of Bac Giang and Quang Ninh. At an altitude of 1068 meters above sea level, this destination boasts an extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna.

The Yen Tu complex is home to historical monuments and cultural works closely tied to the formation and development of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhist sect. Boasting poetic mountain landscapes, fresh air, and abundant nature, it has become a highlight of cultural and spiritual tourism in Quang Ninh.

2 Ideal time to visit the Yen Tu complex

Quang Ninh, like most provinces in northern Vietnam, experiences four distinct seasons. To enjoy the best experience in the sacred Buddhist land of Yen Tu, MIA.vn recommends visiting between the 1st and 3rd lunar months each year. During this spring period, the weather is pleasantly cool, with light spring drizzles and a festive atmosphere that visitors eagerly look forward to experiencing.

However, MIA.vn suggests keeping a few things in mind: 

If you wish to immerse yourself in the most vibrant festival atmosphere, visit Yen Tu on the festival opening day, the 1st day of the 10th lunar month. However, this period draws massive crowds, so if you dislike bustling crowds or are traveling with elderly relatives and young children, consider this carefully.

From after the 3rd lunar month onward, the number of festival pilgrims gradually thins out, and the summer weather is also quite ideal for travel. Additionally, fewer tourists visit during this time, making it an excellent choice for those who want to visit the festival site without encountering large crowds.

Furthermore, if you are simply visiting Ha Long and looking for an ideal spiritual and cultural destination, you can visit Yen Tu at any time of year. Just check the weather forecast in advance to avoid stormy or rainy days, and your journey is sure to be enjoyable.

3 How to get up Yen Tu Mountain

To reach the Yen Tu complex, visitors must first ascend the mountain. The two most popular methods of travel are hiking and taking the cable car.

3.1 Hiking up Yen Tu Mountain

The trail up Yen Tu Mountain is approximately 6km long. For an average hiker, trekking up takes about 6 to 8 hours under favorable weather conditions and without large crowds. Walking serves both as great physical training and as an exciting challenge on your quest to conquer Yen Tu. Although demanding, this trek offers a wonderful opportunity to admire the pristine, majestic mountain scenery along the trail.

The journey begins at the parking area; after walking about 300 meters, visitors arrive at Giai Oan Stream, then hike along the Ancient Pine Path to To Tower, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, Bao Sai Pagoda, and finally Dong Pagoda. 

3.2 Taking the cable car up Yen Tu Mountain

If you prefer not to embark on a strenuous hike, you can opt for the Yen Tu cable car to explore the complex. A modern cable car system operates here, spanning a total length of 1.2 meters at an altitude of 450 meters. Thus, it takes only 10 to 15 minutes to reach the majestic peak of Yen Tu.

Reference ticket prices for the cable car service are as follows:

Round-trip ticket: 350.000 VNĐ/person

One-way ticket: 200.000 VNĐ/person/route

Seniors over 70 years old and children under 1.2 meters: Free ticket

4 Free admission to Yen Tu from 2026 to 2028: A major boost for heritage tourism

The People's Council of Quang Ninh Province has passed a resolution exempting all entrance fees to the Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex during the period from 2026 through the end of 2028. This policy is being implemented following Yen Tu's recognition by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site on July 12, 2025.

This decision serves as an expression of gratitude from local authorities to the community, Buddhist monks, nuns, devotees, and all who contributed to preserving and preparing the heritage dossier to elevate the Yen Tu landscape to international status.

Waiving entrance fees opens up opportunities for more people to access this sacred site. Simultaneously, it contributes to promoting Yen Tu as the ancestral land of the Truc Lam Zen sect, reinforcing Quang Ninh's tourism development strategy oriented around "one destination, two world heritage sites."

5 Outstanding features of the monument complex

The Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex covers an area of approximately 9.295 ha, extending across the city of Uong Bi and Dong Trieu. This vast area is traditionally divided into two main clusters.

5.1 Cluster along the Yen Tu Route

This cluster stretches from Doc Do to the Giai Oan bus station. Along this journey, visitors will pass Trinh Pagoda, Suoi Tam Pagoda, Cam Thuc Pagoda, and Lan Pagoda (also known as the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery).

This route marks the beginning of the pilgrimage journey. Each stop holds unique significance, serving as a place to pay homage to the Buddha and as a resting point to prepare one's mindset before venturing deeper into the heart of the Yen Tu scenic site.

5.2 Central Cluster: Yen Tu Peak

The central cluster begins at Giai Oan Pagoda and concludes at Dong Pagoda on the summit. This is the most sacred sanctuary of Yen Tu.

Hoa Yen Pagoda and Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery are two representative monuments within the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site. Prior to that, Yen Tu was individually designated a Special National Monument in 2012.

The seamless connection between the monument sites creates an unbroken pilgrimage trail. Visitors do not merely sightsee; they truly experience the spiritual depth of the Yen Tu landscape with every step.

5.3 Yen Tu Festival: The largest pilgrimage season in northern Vietnam

Every year, the Yen Tu Festival begins on the 10th day of the first lunar month and lasts throughout the three spring months. This is when millions of Buddhist followers and travelers journey to the sacred mountain.

The festival atmosphere is bustling yet retains its solemn character. People come to pay homage, to trek, or to seek a quiet sanctuary for the soul. With the free admission policy in effect through the end of 2028, visitor numbers to Yen Tu are expected to rise significantly. This will not only stimulate tourism but also spread the enduring cultural values of a World Heritage site.

6 Impressive tourist spots in the Yen Tu complex

Next, let's explore with MIA.vn the most fascinating attractions within the Yen Tu grounds.

6.1 Trinh Pagoda

Trinh Pagoda is also known as Bi Thuong Pagoda or Trinh Shrine. The pagoda sits at an altitude of 1000 meters above sea level amidst majestic mountains. Trinh Pagoda boasts a history of nearly 400 years and unique architecture. It is famously known as a temple touching the clouds, seemingly reaching the blue sky of Yen Tu, and is a popular destination attracting large numbers of visitors.

The atmosphere at Trinh Pagoda is tranquil, serene, and peaceful, surrounded by verdant trees, babbling streams, and chirping birds. Built as a revered spiritual destination, the pagoda embodies the faith of Buddhists in Quang Ninh and neighboring northern provinces.

6.2 Giai Oan Stream

On their journey to explore the Yen Tu complex, visitors will cross the clear, meandering Giai Oan Stream. This location is tied to the legend of hundreds of imperial concubines who drowned themselves here in an attempt to dissuade King Tran Nhan Tong from taking monastic vows. 

During a tour of vast Yen Tu Mountain, pausing by this cool, refreshing stream is certainly a wonderful choice, allowing visitors to admire the picturesque mountain views while breathing in the fresh air.

6.3. Hoa Yen Pagoda

Hoa Yen Pagoda stands at an elevation of 535 meters above sea level and is also known as Phu Van because the mountain peak is perpetually shrouded in drifting mists and clouds. Next to Hoa Yen Pagoda is Ca Pagoda, which was once a small hermitage where King Tran Nhan Tong gave Buddhist teachings. Today, this pagoda has become a familiar sightseeing and pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers. 

6.4. Mot Mai Pagoda

Mot Mai Pagoda is also known as Bo Da Pagoda. The pagoda was built half-hidden inside a natural rock cave with the other half protruding outside. Clinging midway up the cliffside, surrounded by rocky peaks and lush vegetation, it offers a serene ambiance in close harmony with nature.

6.5. An Ky Sinh and the King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong Statue

An Ky Sinh is famous for being a natural rock formation shaped like a hermit monk folding his hands in reverence. Guided by their devotion, the local people erected a shrine dedicated to An Tu—the hermit monk who created numerous traditional herbal remedies to heal and save lives.

Meanwhile, the statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong stands at an altitude of 1.100m amid the magnificent, towering mountain wilderness. Cast from solid bronze by local craftspeople, the statue weighs 138 tons and reaches a height of 12,6m. This statue stands as a monumental tribute honoring the immense contributions of King Tran Nhan Tong, serving as an attractive pilgrimage and sightseeing highlight for countless visitors. 

6.6 Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

When talking about Yen Tu, one cannot overlook the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery, also known as Lan Pagoda. This was the sanctuary chosen by King Tran Nhan Tong for his monastic life after abdicating the throne. In 1293, he had Lan Pagoda renovated, turning it into a center for preaching and Buddhist practice. From here, the Truc Lam Zen sect was born, imbued with distinct Vietnamese cultural identity.

Along with King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, Zen Masters Phap Loa and Huyen Quang contributed to the flourishing growth of this Zen lineage during the Tran Dynasty. After the King-Monk attained parinirvana on Yen Tu Mountain, succeeding generations continued to uphold and spread Truc Lam philosophical thought.

Through times of war, several sections of the Zen Monastery were damaged. In 2002, Lan Pagoda underwent extensive reconstruction across an area of nearly 180.000 m². The project was restored by artisans well-versed in ancient architecture, marking a powerful revival for this Buddhist center. The main hall of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is the Dai Hung Bao Dien, distinguished by intricate stone carvings carrying the distinctive architectural hallmarks of the Tran Dynasty.

6.7 Dong Pagoda

Throughout the entire Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex, Dong Pagoda (Bronze Pagoda) is the most significant destination. It is the ultimate goal toward which all monks, nuns, Buddhists, and pilgrims strive when journeying to this sacred land.

Dong Pagoda, also known as Thien Truc Tu, is situated atop the highest peak of the Yen Tu range, at an altitude of 1.068 meters above sea level. Amid rolling seas of clouds, the pagoda appears as an emblem of enlightenment and perseverance. What makes it extraordinary is that the entire structure is cast from bronze, regarded as the largest mountaintop bronze pagoda in Asia. The pagoda spans an area of nearly 20m² and weighs approximately 70 tons. It measures 4,6m in length, 3,6m in width, and 3,35m in height from base to roof ridge. Each tile weighs about 4kg. Each of the four bronze pillars weighs roughly 1 ton. The bronze bell and gong weigh over 250kg.

6.8 Cam Thuc Pagoda

Along the pilgrimage route to Yen Tu, Cam Thuc Pagoda is the third pagoda where travelers stop. This site is associated with a legend concerning King Tran Nhan Tong and his disciple Bao Sai.

Legend has it that after bathing in the stream to cleanse worldly dust, the master and disciple continued their journey into the mountain. By midday, upon opening the vegetarian lunch bag, Bao Sai realized he had given away the entire meal as alms to a beggar at Cua Ngan. Without any reproach, King Tran simply drank stream water with his disciple instead of eating and then rested.

To commemorate this story, ancient people built a temple and named it Cam Thuc, which means "fasting" or "abstaining from food." The name serves as a reminder of contentment, curbing desire, and keeping one's mind pure before venturing deeper into the sacred realm of Yen Tu.

Traces from the Tran Dynasty reveal an architectural foundation shaped like the Chinese character "一" (nhat) comprising 6 bays, originally named Linh Nham Tu. During the resistance war against the French, the pagoda served as a revolutionary base and was destroyed by fire. The bronze bell, statues, and ritual objects were moved by locals to a shrine near Suoi Tam for safekeeping.

6.9 Suoi Tam Pagoda

While Dong Pagoda is the ultimate summit, Suoi Tam Pagoda is considered the entryway opening into Yen Tu. The pagoda sits on the slope of Cua Ngan, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. Its topography resembles a sacred turtle head facing the transitional zone between the Yen Tu mountains and the Bach Dang River delta. Since ancient times, Cua Ngan has been revered in lore as the boundary dividing the Buddha realm from the mortal realm.

In front of the pagoda flows a clear, cool stream year-round beneath ancient tree canopies. It is said that over 700 years ago, King Tran Nhan Tong stopped and bathed here. Hence, Suoi Tam (Bathing Stream) symbolizes washing away worldly dust before stepping into the monastic Zen space of Yen Tu.

Suoi Tam Pagoda still preserves numerous ancient statues dating from the 19th century. Built in the "丁" (dinh) architectural layout with arched doorways, its inner sanctuary houses antique statues and ceremonial objects. Surrounding the pagoda are ancient trees aged 400 to 500 years old casting shade over the babbling rocky stream. In the overall Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex, Suoi Tam Pagoda serves as the essential first stop.  

7 FAQ about Yen Tu

7.1 Why should you visit Yen Tu during the free admission period?

Free admission makes exploring the Yen Tu Monuments and Landscape Complex much more accessible. You can allocate your travel budget toward enriching experiences, comfortable accommodations, or deeper cultural explorations.

This is also an ideal opportunity for younger generations to experience a World Heritage site right here in the country. Yen Tu serves as a vibrant living history classroom, fostering traditional cultural education and national pride.

7.2 What should you prepare for the trek to conquer Yen Tu?

Trekking up Yen Tu Mountain involves substantial walking and requires good physical fitness. You should prepare sturdy hiking shoes, lightweight clothing, and flexible luggage. A durable, lightweight, and smooth-rolling suitcase will make your trip much more convenient, especially if you combine your visit with other destinations in Quang Ninh.

You can explore genuine suitcase lines at MIA.vn featuring modern designs, smooth wheels, sturdy materials, and clear warranty policies. Preparing your luggage thoroughly will allow you to focus completely on your experience at Yen Tu. With the information shared by MIA.vn, we hope visitors enjoy wonderful and memorable journeys in this sacred land.