Giai Oan Stream, also known as Yen Tu Stream, is one of the most prominent destinations within the Yen Tu scenic complex, bearing profound historical and spiritual significance. This stream is associated with the legend of royal concubines renouncing the material world when King Tran Nhan Tong retreated to the mountains for monastic life. In this article, Yen Tu Tung Lam provides insights to help you better understand Giai Oan Stream and prepare for a meaningful pilgrimage.

1. Introduction to Giai Oan Stream in Yen Tu

Giai Oan Stream is located in the Yen Tu scenic area, within the jurisdiction of Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. This natural stream runs along the pilgrimage route to Dong Pagoda, embodying not only ecological value but also deep spiritual significance. It is a key stop for travelers exploring the Yen Tu relic complex, a place that holds many historical and spiritual stories of the Vietnamese people.

With its pristine beauty of a mountain stream, Yen Tu Stream attracts visitors with its crystal-clear water and serene, tranquil surroundings. It is not only a natural wonder but also an integral part of the renowned spiritual heritage of Yen Tu.

2. Legend and Spiritual Significance of Yen Tu Stream

The Giai Oan Stream is associated with the legend of King Tran Nhan Tong — a wise monarch of Dai Viet who defeated the Mongol invaders and later abdicated the throne to pursue a monastic life, founding the Truc Lam Zen sect in Yen Tu.

According to folklore, in October of the Year of the Pig (1299), when the former king Tran Nhan Tong decided to enter monastic life in Yen Tu, Emperor Tran Anh Tong secretly sent hundreds of royal concubines to dissuade him. However, the Buddha-King remained steadfast and advised the concubines to return to the court or their hometowns to live ordinary lives. Unexpectedly, to express their loyalty, the concubines chose to end their lives by jumping into the Ho Khe stream (the original name of Giai Oan Stream).

Moved by their tragic fate, King Tran Nhan Tong held a spiritual ceremony to absolve their souls. Later, the Giai Oan Pagoda was built on this site, and the stream was renamed from Ho Khe to Giai Oan Stream.

The Yen Tu Stream originates from the Golden Stream and Tu Waterfall, near Van Tieu Pagoda. It flows meanderingly and converges into Giai Oan Stream, keeping the water clear year-round. Many pilgrims stop here to drink the stream’s water, hoping to cleanse their souls of sorrow and suffering.

However, it’s worth noting that many cultural researchers believe the story of the concubines’ sacrifice may be a folk legend, as official historical texts like “A Brief History of Vietnam” by Tran Trong Kim or “Preliminary Annals of Dai Viet” by Ngo Thi Si do not mention this detail. Nevertheless, the tale holds deep cultural and spiritual value, drawing visitors to Giai Oan Stream for contemplation and inner peace.

3. Natural Beauty and Experiences at Yen Tu Stream

Giai Oan Stream embodies the untouched, pure nature of Yen Tu’s mountains. The stream remains clear all year thanks to its source from the Golden Stream and Tu Waterfall, passing Van Tieu Pagoda before merging here.

During the dry season, Yen Tu Stream flows gently and peacefully, offering a poetic scene amidst the forested mountains. In the rainy season, the stream swells with vigorous currents, creating a majestic and vibrant sight. An ancient banyan tree hundreds of years old shades its bank, under which lies a stone stele recounting the tale of the loyal concubines.

At Giai Oan Stream, visitors not only bask in the natural beauty but also experience tranquility and connection with nature. The cool, refreshing water combined with gentle mist on the skin and the silent mountain setting creates an unforgettable experience. Many believe that sipping the clear water will wash away sorrow and burdens, bringing peace to the soul.

4. Discover the Ancient Charm of Giai Oan Pagoda

Giai Oan Pagoda is one of the unique spiritual architectural sites within the Yen Tu relic complex. This pagoda holds special meaning, tied to the story of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong and the concubines who ended their lives at Yen Tu Stream.

Throughout time, Giai Oan Pagoda has been renovated multiple times yet retains its original ancient architectural style. Built in the shape of the Chinese character “Đinh,” it features concrete columns and beams with traditional curved-tile roofs. Its highlight is the large Chinese inscription “Giải Oan Hồn Tự” (Giai Oan Pagoda) on the ridge, flanked by intricately carved dragons and cloud motifs symbolizing majesty and antiquity.

Unlike other temples in Yen Tu, Giai Oan Pagoda is the only one housing a Mother Goddess worship hall. Its doors are made of precious ironwood, with a “upper lattice, lower panel” structure, intricately carved with traditional symbols: Dragons, Qilin, Turtles, Phoenixes, and Four Seasons motifs (Pine, Chrysanthemum, Bamboo, Apricot). The four corners of the door feature “Blessing Bats,” traditional symbols of good fortune in Vietnamese belief.

Inside the pagoda, the altars follow Vietnamese Mahayana Buddhist temple structure, with seven levels of worship in the Rear Palace (Upper Hall). The temple also features a main shrine to Queen Mother Nguyen Thanh Thien Cam, mother of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong, along with altars to the Three Kings, Saint Tran Hung Dao, and the Holy Mother Trinity in line with traditional cultural beliefs.

5. Nearby Attractions Around Giai Oan Stream

The area surrounding Giai Oan Stream offers numerous captivating sites, making for a rewarding journey through Yen Tu:

• Hoa Yen Pagoda: Also called Van Yen Pagoda, one of the oldest and most important pagodas in Yen Tu. It was the center of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism and where King Tran Nhan Tong practiced.
• Hue Quang Stupa: Houses the relics of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong, holding immense historical and spiritual value.
• Mot Mai Pagoda: A uniquely designed temple with only one roof, nestled within Yen Tu’s mountains, evoking a mystical atmosphere.

• Dong Pagoda: Located atop the highest peak of Yen Tu range, the final stop of the pilgrimage, offering a panoramic view of the majestic natural landscape.
• Truc Lam Zen Monastery: A center for studying and practicing Truc Lam Buddhism, offering a peaceful, meditative environment.
• Hue Quang Tower Garden: A garden of ancient stupas housing the remains of many venerable monks who practiced at Yen Tu.
• Van Bridge: A small bridge over a valley where visitors can admire floating clouds on beautiful days.

6. Notes for Visiting Giai Oan Stream

When visiting Giai Oan Stream and nearby locations in Yen Tu, visitors should keep in mind the following tips for a meaningful and complete experience:

• Best time to visit: Spring (January–March lunar calendar) offers cool, pleasant weather, while autumn (August–October lunar calendar) features chilly air and beautiful scenery.
• Appropriate attire: Wear modest, comfortable clothing and soft-soled shoes for climbing and walking on rocky paths.

• Bring drinking water: Although you may drink from Giai Oan Stream, it’s still advisable to carry your own to stay hydrated.
• Respect spiritual spaces: Maintain silence and avoid loud conversations or laughter at pagodas and sacred sites. Respect ongoing religious rituals.
• Do not litter: Preserve the natural environment and tranquility of the heritage site by disposing of waste properly.
• Prepare physically: The Yen Tu journey requires good health, especially if hiking on foot. Train physically before your trip.
• Choose transport wisely: You can walk or use the cable car, depending on your health and time.
• Avoid peak festival crowds: Skip major festival dates if you prefer a quiet, peaceful visit.

Yen Tu Stream is a spiritually significant stop along the journey of discovering Yen Tu. Through this article, Yen Tu Tung Lam has introduced the origin, meaning, and cultural value of this special stream. It is not only a site tied to the legend of King Tran Nhan Tong but also a destination beloved by tourists and Buddhists alike. We hope the above information helps you understand more about Giai Oan Stream and inspires your visit to Yen Tu.