Yen Tu Mountain, the sacred place in the Northeast of the country

Quang Ninh is a vast region blessed with many beautiful landscapes and scenic attractions. One of the most beautiful destinations in the province is Yen Tu Mountain, also known as the Sacred Peak of Yen Tu. What makes this sacred peak so appealing to so many travelers? Pack your bags and join us on a trip to Quang Ninh to find out! 

1 Yen Tu Mountain - A sacred sanctuary amid majestic nature 

Yen Tu Mountain is located on the border between Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces. It rises to 1068m above sea level and is part of the Dong Trieu mountain range, one of the arc-shaped ranges in the northeastern region of Vietnam. 

When visiting Yen Tu Mountain, you can choose between two options: taking the cable car or hiking. Each offers its own advantages, so you can decide which one suits you best. 

Today, Yen Tu Mountain is a famous spiritual tourism destination, home to a system of long-standing cultural relics that hold great significance in the history of Vietnamese Buddhism. Once you reach the summit, you can enjoy the peaceful mountain scenery and its wonderfully soothing atmosphere.

2 How to get around when visiting Yen Tu Mountain 

2.1 How to get to Yen Tu Mountain 

There are many ways to reach Yen Tu Mountain. Here are a few options recommended by the MIA.vn Travel Guide to help you get there without spending too much time on the journey. 

Traveling by private vehicle

First, decide whether you are heading to Eastern Yen Tu or Western Yen Tu. To visit Trinh Pagoda, take the route to Uong Bi City via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway and National Highway 18 to reach Eastern Yen Tu. To visit Ngoa Van Hermitage, follow Google Maps directions to Western Yen Tu.

Traveling by coach 

For the Western Yen Tu route, take a coach to Dong Trieu Town, then catch a taxi to the Ngoa Van cable car. For the Eastern Yen Tu route, get off in Uong Bi City near Trinh Pagoda and take a taxi to Ha Kieu Bus Station. Coach fares range from 220.000 - 250.000 VND per person, per trip.

2.2 Taking the cable car to explore Yen Tu

The hike up Yen Tu Mountain is long and challenging, so many travelers recommend taking the cable car if you are not fit enough for the climb. Riding the cable car to the summit lets you take in the beautiful scenery of Quang Ninh's mountains and forests in the most relaxing and comfortable way. 

Yen Tu's cable car routes operate from 5h - 20h during the first, second, and third lunar months. From the fourth to the twelfth lunar month, the cable cars operate from 7h - 18h.

3 The best time to visit Yen Tu Mountain 

The best time to visit Yen Tu Mountain is from April to June each year, when summer arrives in Quang Ninh. The weather in the mountains is pleasantly cool, with clear skies and little rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities. 

Buddhist visitors can also visit Yen Tu Mountain between the first and third lunar months. The weather is still quite chilly at this time, so be sure to bring warm clothes. However, since this is Yen Tu's festival season, you can join in and immerse yourself in its rich cultural atmosphere. 

4 Wonderful experiences to enjoy at Yen Tu Mountain 

4.1 Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere at Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery 

Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is a popular destination for travelers exploring this scenic complex. It is known as the largest monastery in Vietnam and is associated with many famous historical stories. It was here that Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong renounced the world to pursue enlightenment and founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect. 

The monastery's striking architecture stands out amid the mountains and forests of the Northeast, creating a simple and peaceful picture in which nature and humanity blend harmoniously. 

4.2 Explore Dong Pagoda and its remarkable history

Dong Pagoda sits 1068 meters above sea level. This distinctive temple, cast entirely from bronze, is the largest of its kind in Asia. From Dong Pagoda, you can admire the spectacular scenery of Yen Tu Mountain. 

Dong Pagoda atop Yen Tu Mountain was inspired by Dau Keo Pagoda in Bac Ninh. Inside, a statue of Shakyamuni Buddha and the three patriarchs of the Truc Lam Zen sect are enshrined on lotus thrones.

4.3 Admire Ngoa Van Hermitage high in the mountains 

Ngoa Van Hermitage sits about 500 meters above sea level. It has a long history, having been built during the Tran dynasty. At the hermitage, you can witness mornings shrouded in clouds, like a scene from a heavenly paradise. 

According to many accounts, beautiful Ngoa Van Hermitage was the final resting place of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong. Inside, there is also a bronze statue of the emperor in the posture of entering nirvana. 

4.4 Admire the statue of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong 

The statue of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong stands at an elevation of about 900 meters on Yen Tu Mountain. Here, you can see a statue of the emperor modeled on the one at Hue Quang Ancestor Tower. Seated serenely on a lotus throne, the Emperor Buddha holds a hand gesture, wears monastic robes, and has a peaceful, transcendent expression. The stone pedestal beneath the statue is intricately decorated with motifs from the Tran dynasty. 

4.5 Experience the unique Yen Tu Festival

The Yen Tu Festival is usually 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 busier and more lively. The festival is an occasion for local people to express their reverence for and commemorate the contributions of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong, as well as to pray for favorable weather, peace and prosperity, and success in their livelihoods. 

The Yen Tu Festival features many exciting activities and solemn ceremonies. A procession makes a pilgrimage to Dong Pagoda, while participants in the palanquin procession wear traditional costumes and accompany colorful flags and flowers in a lively parade.

Yen Tu Mountain is a Quang Ninh destination that you should visit at least once in your life. We hope the MIA.vn Travel Guide has given you a glimpse of the best this destination has to offer. If you get the chance, make a trip to Quang Ninh and visit the summit of Yen Tu Mountain!