Quang Ninh is a vast land boasting many picturesque landscapes among the country's top scenic spots. One of the most beautiful sights in Quang Ninh is Yen Tu Mountain, also known as the Sacred Yen Tu Peak. What makes Sacred Yen Tu Peak attract so many travel enthusiasts? Pack your bags and follow us to Quang Ninh to see for yourself!
1 Yen Tu Mountain - A sacred realm amidst majestic nature
Yen Tu Mountain is situated on the border between Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces. Yen Tu Mountain reaches an elevation of up to 1068m above sea level. This landmark belongs to the Dong Trieu mountain range, one of the arc-shaped mountain ranges in northeastern Vietnam.
When visiting Yen Tu Mountain, you can choose between two options: taking the cable car or trekking on foot. Each method offers its own convenience, so you can weigh your choices accordingly.
Today, Yen Tu Mountain is a famous spiritual tourism destination with an ancient cultural heritage system that holds great historical value for Vietnamese Buddhism. Reaching the peak of Yen Tu Mountain, you will experience an exceptionally tranquil, gentle, and pleasant mountain ambiance.
Yen Tu Mountain is situated on the border between Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces
Yen Tu Mountain reaches an elevation of up to 1068m above sea level
2 Travel guide to Yen Tu Mountain
2.1 How to get to Yen Tu Mountain
There are many ways to reach Yen Tu Mountain. Here are several options suggested by MIA.vn Travel Guide to help you reach Yen Tu Mountain without taking up too much time.
Traveling by personal vehicle
First, determine whether your destination is East Yen Tu or West Yen Tu. If visiting Trinh Pagoda, take the route toward Uong Bi City via the Hanoi - Hai Phong Expressway and National Highway 18, which leads to East Yen Tu. If heading to Ngoa Van Hermitage, navigate your way to West Yen Tu following Google Maps directions.
Traveling by coach
For the West Yen Tu route, take a coach to Dong Trieu Town and then hail a taxi to the Ngoa Van cable car station. If taking the East Yen Tu route, get off at Uong Bi City near Trinh Pagoda and catch a taxi to Ha Kieu Bus Station. Coach fares range around 220,000 - 250,000 VND/way/ticket.
There are many ways to reach Yen Tu Mountain
2.2 Yen Tu sightseeing cable car
The trekking trail up Yen Tu Mountain is fairly long and challenging, so travel enthusiasts often recommend choosing the cable car if you do not have sufficient stamina. Ascending to the summit of Yen Tu Mountain by cable car will allow you to admire the beautiful mountain and forest scenery of Quang Ninh in the most relaxed and comfortable way.
Operating hours for the Yen Tu cable car lines run from 5:00 to 20:00 during the 1st, 2nd, and 3rd lunar months. If traveling between the 4th and 12th months, operating hours are from 7:00 to 18:00.
Ascending to the summit of Yen Tu Mountain by cable car allows you to admire the beautiful mountain and forest scenery of Quang Ninh
3 Best time to visit Yen Tu Mountain
The ideal time to visit Yen Tu Mountain is from April to June each year, coinciding with the beginning of summer in Quang Ninh. During this period, the weather on the mountain is cool and pleasant, with clear skies and little rain, making it perfect for outdoor sightseeing activities.
In addition, Buddhist followers can visit Yen Tu Mountain between the 1st and 3rd lunar months. At this time, Yen Tu's weather remains quite chilly, so warm clothing is recommended. However, since this is festival season at Yen Tu, you can immerse yourself in this rich and vibrant cultural atmosphere.
The ideal time to visit Yen Tu Mountain is from April to June each year
4 Review of wonderful experiences at Yen Tu Mountain
4.1 Enjoy the serene atmosphere at Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is a prominent stop explored by many travelers within this scenic complex. Known as the largest monastery in Vietnam, it is steeped in famous historical legends. Here, King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong entered the monastic life, attained enlightenment, and founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
The overall architecture of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery emerges strikingly amidst the Northeast forests, painting a picture where nature and humankind harmonize in the most rustic and peaceful way.
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is a prominent stop explored by many travelers within this scenic complex
4.2 Explore Dong Pagoda with its impressive relics
Dong Pagoda (Bronze Pagoda) stands at an altitude of 1068 meters above sea level. This is a unique pagoda cast entirely in bronze, making it the largest of its kind in Asia. From Dong Pagoda, you can admire the breathtaking scenery of Yen Tu Mountain.
Dong Pagoda on the summit of Yen Tu Mountain was recreated with inspiration drawn from Dau Keo Pagoda in Bac Ninh. Inside Dong Pagoda are consecrated statues of Shakyamuni Buddha and the Three Truc Lam Patriarchs seated upon lotus thrones.
Dong Pagoda stands at an altitude of 1068 meters above sea level
4.3 Admire Ngoa Van Hermitage perched high in the mountains
Ngoa Van Hermitage sits at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level. The hermitage has a long history, having been constructed during the Tran Dynasty. At Ngoa Van, you can take in morning views enshrouded in mist and clouds like a celestial paradise.
According to many legends, Ngoa Van Hermitage, with its picturesque landscape, served as the final resting place of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong. Inside the hermitage lies a bronze statue depicting the King-Monk entering Nirvana.
Ngoa Van Hermitage has a long history, having been constructed during the Tran Dynasty
4.4 Contemplate the statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong
The statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong rests at an elevation of around 900 meters on Yen Tu Mountain. Here, you can admire the statue of the King-Monk cast after the prototype at Hue Quang Ancestral Tower. The King-Monk's statue sits serenely on a lotus pedestal, hands formed into mudras, draped in monastic robes with an otherworldly and peaceful expression. Beneath the statue is an exquisitely adorned stone plinth carved with Tran Dynasty patterns.
The statue of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong rests at an elevation of around 900 meters on Yen Tu Mountain
4.5 Experience the Yen Tu Festival with its distinctive character
The Yen Tu Festival is typically held from the 10th day of the first lunar month through the end of the third lunar month each year. During this time, Yen Tu becomes livelier and more bustling. The Yen Tu Mountain Festival is when locals express their deep reverence and commemorate the merits of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong, praying for favorable weather, national peace and prosperity, and successful livelihoods.
The Yen Tu Festival features numerous engaging activities alongside solemn rituals. The procession makes a pilgrimage up to Dong Pagoda. The palanquin procession is dressed in traditional garments, accompanied by vibrant flags and flowers, creating an extremely festive atmosphere.
The Yen Tu Festival is typically held from the 10th day of the first lunar month through the end of the third lunar month each year
The Yen Tu Festival features numerous engaging activities alongside solemn rituals
Yen Tu Mountain is a must-visit Quang Ninh travel destination at least once in your life. We believe that MIA.vn Travel Guide has provided you with the most splendid perspectives on this landmark. If you have the chance, pay a visit to Quang Ninh and set foot on the summit of Yen Tu Mountain!
