Hidden deep within the ancient forest lies a solemn and mystical range of ancient pagodas, holy relics, and sacred shrines. Welcome to the Yen Tu Religious Complex, a place where history, religion, and nature intertwine, offering a spectacular escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, and a journey to find inner peace.
Location: Where History and Nature Converge
Situated at the intersection of Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces in Vietnam, the Yen Tu Religious Complex encompasses three sectors: the historical relics and natural landscape of Yen Tu Mountain, the historical site of the Tran Dynasty, and the heritage site and natural conservation area of West Yen Tu. With its convenient access and being only 120km away from Hanoi, Yen Tu has become one of the most sought-after religious attractions in the country.
Major Attractions at Yen Tu Complex
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery
One of the highlights of the Yen Tu Complex is the renowned Truc Lam Yen Tu Monastery. Founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century, this monastery holds a special place at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain. It serves as the capital of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism, spreading its message of goodwill to pilgrims from Vietnam and around the world.
Dong Pagoda
Perched at an impressive height of 1,068m above sea level, the Dong Pagoda, cast with pure copper, crowns the summit of Yen Tu Mountain. To reach this peak, hikers are challenged with a six-hour ascent involving thousands of stone steps. Alternatively, visitors can take a breathtaking aerial tram ride to the top while admiring the panoramic beauty through large windows.
Justifying Spring (Giai Oan Spring)
Steeped in legend, Justifying Spring holds an intriguing story from the times of King Tran Nhan Tong. When the king transferred power to his son Tran Anh Tong and embraced Buddhism on Yen Tu Mountain, several concubines who failed to change his mind committed suicide in this very spring. To commemorate this incident, King Tran Nhan Tong established the Justifying Pagoda and renamed the spring accordingly.
Yen Tu National Forest
Moving towards the West Yen Tu area, nature enthusiasts can embark on a journey to explore part of the Yen Tu National Forest. As you walk along the trail, you’ll be greeted by endless bamboo lines and century-old pine forests. Home to nearly a thousand fauna and flora species, the Yen Tu National Forest offers both a conservation area and an ecotourism destination.
Other Buddhist Sanctuaries
As you explore the complex, don’t miss out on the various temples, shrines, and towers that line the trails. Ngoa Van Hermitage, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda, and Hue Quang Tower are among the many stopovers that hold incredible historical, religious, and architectural significance.
Transportation: Your Path to Yen Tu
For solo travelers or large groups looking to stick together and plan their routes in advance, shuttle buses are a practical option. Departing from several stations in Hanoi, such as My Dinh Station, Luong Yen Station, or Giap Bat Stations, these buses will take you to your destination. Once you arrive, a short taxi or motorbike taxi ride of around 10km will bring you to the foothills of Yen Tu, where your adventure awaits.
If you prefer a more private travel experience and the freedom to set your own schedule, consider renting a car or taxi for groups or families. With various options in terms of size, brand, and condition, you can choose the vehicle that suits your needs. Alternatively, for adventurous travelers, motorbikes are a popular choice. They are affordable and available for rent based on the duration of your stay. The journey to Yen Tu via the national highway takes approximately 2-3 hours by car.
Best Time to Visit: Embrace Tranquility and Natural Beauty
Located at a high altitude, Yen Tu enjoys a cool and temperate climate all year round, with distinct seasons. Summer lasts from April to July, while winter is from November to January. However, even during summer, the weather remains pleasant enough for a visit to this national heritage site.
The best time to visit and hike in Yen Tu is from September to November. During this period, the weather is mild and dry, and there are fewer tourists and worshipers, allowing you to fully immerse yourself in the tranquility of architectural masterpieces and breathtaking landscapes. Additionally, if you are interested in local customs and Buddhist worship, you can join the pilgrimage crowd during the Lunar New Year, which falls between January and March.
Useful Information
- Location: Yen Tu, Quang Ninh
- Best For: All Visitors
- Entrance: N/A
- Hours: 9:00am – 5:00pm
- Distance to City Center: 63.6km (39.5 mi)
For more information about Yen Tu Monuments and Landscapes, visit the Travel Guide. Immerse yourself in the magical realm of history, religion, and nature at Yen Tu, and experience the serenity and beauty that awaits you.