Located about 50 km from Ha Long City, Yen Tu Mountain lies in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. Rising 1,068 meters above sea level, it’s not only famed for its majestic natural beauty but also revered as the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism – a distinctly Vietnamese school of Buddhism founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century.

A Glimpse into History: Truc Lam Zen and the Legacy of King Tran Nhan Tong

Yen Tu Mountain, revered as the “Buddhist Capital” of ancient Dai Viet, is a sacred site closely tied to the Truc Lam Zen Sect founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. This spiritual destination houses a remarkable collection of Buddhist heritage sites, including Hoa Yen Pagoda, Dong Pagoda, and the statue of An Ky Sinh, offering pilgrims a deeply meaningful journey.
Building on this profound legacy, the Truc Lam Cultural Center and Legacy Yen Tu Retreat recreate the meditative ambiance of the Tran Dynasty through distinctive architecture and tranquil natural surroundings—reflecting the essence of “Vietnamese Soul – Tran Dynasty Spirit – Zen Mind.”
The spiritual and cultural legacy of King Tran lives on through hundreds of years in the form of ancient temples, stupas, and shrines spread across the mountain, making Yen Tu a true symbol of Vietnam’s spiritual, historical, and cultural identity.

The Statue of Emperor Buddha Tran Nhan Tong on Yen Tu Mountain

The Ascent to Enlightenment: Yen Tu Pilgrimage Trail

The journey to the peak of Yen Tu Mountain is about 6 km long, with thousands of ancient stone steps winding through lush bamboo and pine forests. This spiritual trek is both a physical challenge and a path to inner peace.

Key Highlights Along the Way:

• Giai Oan Pagoda (Chùa Giải Oan): Dedicated to royal maidens who followed the King but ended their lives when denied entry to the monastic life.
• Hoa Yen Pagoda (Chùa Hoa Yên): Located at 534m altitude, this is where the King began his spiritual journey.
• Stupa of the Patriarch (Tháp Tổ): A cluster of ancient stupas preserving the relics of King Tran Nhan Tong.
• Dong Pagoda (Chùa Đồng): The ultimate spiritual point at the mountaintop (1,068m), symbolizing enlightenment.

Transportation Options:

• On foot: 4–6 hours of trekking – ideal for those seeking a deeper spiritual experience.
• Cable car: 2 segments available – cuts the journey to 2–3 hours while still allowing stops at major sites.

👉 👉 See Yen Tu cable car prices and schedule.

Yen Tu Festival – Vietnam’s Largest Spiritual Event

Held from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month, the Yen Tu Spring Festival attracts tens of thousands of pilgrims. The atmosphere is festive yet respectfully sacred.

Festival activities include:

• Offering incense to honor King Tran Nhan Tong
• Processions and traditional performances
• Buddhist talks and Zen discussions

Cultural, Wellness, and Meditation Experiences

Beyond pilgrimage, Yen Tu offers wellness retreats and traditional Vietnamese healing:

• Tue Tinh Wellness Center: Herbal baths, salt rock therapy, acupuncture, and guided meditation
• Yen Tu Village: Cultural preservation of the Dao Thanh Y people
• Creative workshops: Calligraphy, folk painting, Buddha sculpture

👉 Explore Yen Tu Village and wellness services

How to Get to Yen Tu Mountain

From Hanoi:

• By bus: Depart from My Dinh or Gia Lam stations to Uong Bi, then taxi to Yen Tu (30 min)
• By car/motorbike: Via National Highway 18 – about 2.5 to 3 hours

From Ha Long:

• Just 50 km away – easily accessible by taxi or intercity bus (Ha Long – Uong Bi route)

Suggested Yen Tu Itineraries

1-Day Trip:

• 07:00: Depart from Hanoi or Ha Long
• 10:00: Arrive at Yen Tu, take cable car to Hoa Yen Pagoda
• 11:30: Lunch at the base area
• 13:00: Continue hike or cable car to Dong Pagoda
• 15:30: Descend and visit local shops
• 17:00: Return journey

2-Day Retreat:

• Overnight at Legacy Yen Tu Hotel or Yen Tu Village
• Morning meditation, herbal bath therapy
• Visit Dao village, join folk art or traditional medicine workshops

Where to Eat and Stay at Yen Tu

• Local Delicacies: Grilled hill chicken, bamboo shoot stir-fry, sticky rice in bamboo tubes, Dao medicinal wine

Accommodation:

• Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery: High-end wellness resort
• Yen Tu Village: Ideal for cultural immersion

👉 Browse hotels and restaurants at Yen Tu.

FAQs – Real Visitor Questions

• When is the best time to visit Yen Tu Mountain?

→ Spring (Jan–Mar lunar calendar) is perfect for festivals; fall (Sep – Dec) offers cool weather for hiking and relaxation.

• Should I use the cable car or hike?

→ Cable car is great for limited time or physical capacity. Hiking is recommended for a full spiritual experience.

• What is the cable car ticket price?

→ Around 220,000–380,000 VND round trip. Check latest prices here

• Is Yen Tu family-friendly for kids?

→ Yes, especially with the cable car option. Facilities are family-friendly, and kids can enjoy cultural activities in the Dao village.

• How long does the climb take?

→ 6–8 hours on foot with temple stops, or 2–3 hours with cable car.

• What’s the story behind Yen Tu?

→ In the 13th century, King Tran Nhan Tong became a monk at Yen Tu, founding the Vietnamese Zen school Truc Lam. It’s a sacred site of Buddhist heritage.

Conclusion

Yen Tu Mountain is a spiritual, historical, and cultural landmark of Vietnam. Whether you’re a Buddhist pilgrim, a nature lover, or a curious traveler, this journey will leave you inspired.

👉 Discover more tours, wellness packages, and cultural stories at HERE.