Yen Tu Mountain Travel Guide – Sacred Trails & Scenic Views

Yen Tu Mountain rises like a sacred beacon above the misty forests of Northern Vietnam. At Paradise Travel, we lead you along winding paths where golden pagodas glisten, pines whisper in the breeze, and the serene spirit of the legacy Yen Tu embraces every step. This is more than a trip – it’s your pilgrimage into peace and timeless beauty.

Yen Tu Travel: Complete Guide to Exploring the Sacred Land of Buddha

A Glimpse into the Yen Tu Mountain Tourist Area

We first learned that mountain stretches across three provinces in Northeast Vietnam, and it amazed us how much history is hidden there. The highest peak carries stories of the Tran dynasty and the roots of the Truc Lam Zen sect, with the eastern slope where King Monk practiced and the western slope where he spread Buddhism.

From the Red Slope to the summit, we walked past temples, shrines, towers, ancient statues, and old forests, and it felt like stepping into a living spiritual map, the kind you would never find on any regular Vietnam travel maps.

Journey to Yen Tu Mountain, where peace and history embrace the soul.

The Most Captivating Destinations

The Yen Tu Mountain travel map brings together an incredible collection of attractions, from diverse architectural wonders to historic, cultural, and natural sites. Each stop promises a unique and memorable journey, filled with fascinating discoveries and moments you will cherish. Here are some of the must-visit spots you should not miss when exploring Yen Tu Mountain.

Giai Oan Stream

Giai Oan Stream is tied to a moving legend about hundreds of royal maids who ended their lives in an attempt to stop King Tran Nhan Tong from becoming a monk. Surrounded by mountains and lush forest on all sides, the stream offers visitors a sense of calm as they step into this sacred land, with cool green scenery, fresh mountain air, the gentle murmur of flowing water, and birdsong in the trees.

At Yen Tu Mountain, Giai Oan Stream sings songs of peace and history.

Hoa Yen Pagoda / Yen Tu Pagoda

Hoa Yen Pagoda, also known as Phu Van, sits gracefully at 535 meters above sea level. For us, it felt like a peaceful gem in the clouds, offering quiet moments and pure mountain air. This important landmark is the heart of the Yen Tu pagoda system, and some even call it the Main Pagoda or Chua Ca. Long ago, it was here that King Tran Nhan Tong gave teachings, making it a spiritual center for generations of Truc Lam Zen masters and a key site in the practice of buddhism in Vietnam.

Yen Tu Mountain cradles Yen Tu Pagoda, a beacon of history and spirituality.

An Sinh Temple

When you explore the West Yen Tu area, you should not miss the chance to visit An Sinh Temple in An Sinh Ward, Quang Ninh Province. This heritage site covers more than 20 square kilometers, and it includes an ancient temple and several royal tombs from the Tran dynasty. As you wander through its gates, you will find peaceful courtyards, shaded by ancient trees and filled with the scent of incense. Stone pathways lead you past intricate carvings, each telling a part of Vietnam’s royal history. Many visitors come not only for the architecture but also for the quiet spiritual atmosphere. Combined with the surrounding mountains, it offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and natural beauty for your journey.

Nestled near Yen Tu Mountain, An Sinh Temple tells stories of noble devotion.

Da Chong Relic Site

Da Chong Relic Site rests at the foot of Bao Dai Mountain, just three kilometers from Ngoa Van Pagoda. This is where archaeologists discovered traces of ancient building foundations and workshops once used to produce materials for temples and towers in the Ngoa Van complex. For history lovers, it offers a fascinating look into the craftsmanship of the past. And for travelers, the site is just as appealing for its majestic rock formations and wide-open mountain views. Walking here, you can feel both the quiet echo of centuries and the raw beauty of nature blending in perfect harmony.

Da Chong relic site rests quietly on sacred Yen Tu Mountain slopes.

Yen Tu Village Tourism Area

At the foot of the sacred Yen Tu mountain lies the charming Yen Tu Village, a destination that draws travelers year-round. Built with dozens of laterite-stone and earth-wall houses, the village vividly recreates the spirit of a traditional northern settlement. As you stroll through its narrow lanes, you can admire the timeless architecture and feel the warmth of rural life. Beyond sightseeing, the village invites you to join in traditional crafts like making Dong Ho woodblock paintings, crafting conical hats, creating bamboo dragonflies, or practicing calligraphy. Every corner seems to tell a story, and every activity offers a hands-on way to connect with Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Life in Yen Tu Village flows gently under majestic Yen Tu Mountain skies.

Yen Tu Mountain Travel – What to Eat and Buy as Gifts?

When we traveled to Yen Tu mountain, we not only explored the sacred temples but also discovered delicious local flavors. Tasting these dishes felt like a journey in itself, and some even made perfect souvenirs to take home. It reminded us of our trip where you can truly sink into the culture of Vietnam 10 days and savor every region’s unique charm. Here are our favorites, along with prices so you can plan ahead:

Special dishes to try on site:

• Canh ga ruou bau – Chicken soup cooked with local rice wine gourd, warm and aromatic (about 60,000 VND / 2.5 USD per bowl)
• Mang truc xao – Stir-fried bamboo shoots, crisp and lightly sweet (around 50,000 VND / 2 USD per plate)
• Che lam – Sweet sticky rice candy with ginger and peanuts (about 20,000 VND / 0.8 USD per piece)
• Ca say Tien Yen – Famous grilled hill duck with crispy skin (roughly 250,000 VND / 10 USD per dish)
• Chao ngan Quang Ninh – Clam porridge, rich and comforting (around 70,000 VND / 3 USD per bowl)

Che Lam Yen Tu carries the sweet soul of sacred Yen Tu Mountain.

Specialties to bring home as gifts:

• Ruou mo Yen Tu – Yen Tu apricot wine, sweet and fragrant (about 150,000 VND / 6 USD per bottle)
• Banh tai long ep – Sticky rice cake with mung bean filling, chewy and satisfying (roughly 50,000 VND / 2 USD per pack)
• Mat ong hoa rung – Wildflower honey from the mountains (about 300,000 VND / 12 USD per liter)

Ruou Mo Yen Tu captures the pure spirit of sacred Yen Tu Mountain.

Yen Tu Mountain Travel Tips

Best Time to Visit Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh

With this mountain, you can plan your trip at any time of the year. However, early spring is when the area is most lively and full of festive energy. From the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month, pilgrims and travelers flock here to pray, enjoy the scenery, and join the famous Yen Tu Festival. Autumn, from September to November, is also an ideal time to visit. The cool air, golden sunlight, and peaceful landscapes make the sacred mountain even more enchanting.

How to Get Yen Tu Mountain

Starting from Hanoi, it is easy to reach Yen Tu by private car or bus.

By car or motorbike:

• Begin your journey by crossing Chuong Duong Bridge, then turn onto Nguyen Van Cu Street.
• Continue along National Highway 18 until you reach Bac Ninh.
• From Bac Ninh, go straight and turn left when you see Trinh Pagoda.
• Drive about 10 more kilometers to arrive at the Yen Tu tourism area. Many travelers who prefer comfort choose a Vietnam car rental with driver, as it allows them to relax and enjoy the scenery along the way.

By bus:

• Take a bus from Hanoi to Ha Long, Cam Pha, or Uong Bi.
• Based on our travel experience, the Hanoi – Ha Long route is the most convenient because there are more departures and flexible schedules.
• Get off near Trinh Pagoda on National Highway 18.
• From there, take another bus to reach the Yen Tu tourism area.

To reach the summit of Yen Tu Mountain, you can either hike or take the cable car, and both offer unforgettable experiences.

On foot:
If you love a challenge and have time, hiking is rewarding. The path is made of stone steps for safety and ease, and you will feel the cool mountain breeze while enjoying lush scenery along the way.

By cable car:
For a faster and more scenic route, take the cable car. There are two routes available: Route 1 runs from Giai Oan Stream to Hoa Yen Pagoda, and Route 2 goes from Mot Mai Pagoda to the An Ky Sinh statue area. Ticket prices are about 350,000 VND, or 14 USD, for a round trip on both lines, and about 200,000 to 280,000 VND, or 8 to 11 USD, per route depending on whether you choose one way or round trip. Along the ride, you can enjoy panoramic views of misty forests, pagodas hidden in clouds, and dramatic mountain scenery.

Yen Tu Mountain cable car carries visitors toward ancient pagodas and misty peaks.

Where to Stay When Visiting Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh?

Other Important Tips to Keep in Mind

Besides knowing where to go, how to get there, and where to stay, here are some key tips to make your trip to Yen Tu Mountain smooth and enjoyable:

• Dress respectfully: Yen Tu is a sacred land with many ancient temples and pagodas. Please wear modest and respectful clothing when visiting these holy places.
• Wear comfortable sneakers: Choose soft, non-slip sports shoes for easier, safer walking—especially if you plan to hike or move between cable car stations.
• Keep warm: The summit of Yen Tu Mountain is cold and damp, so bring a jacket, scarf, and gloves to stay cozy and protect yourself from chilly winds.
• Bring water and snacks: Carry water and some light snacks to keep your energy up throughout the day.
• Watch your belongings: During busy festival times, crowds can get dense, so stay alert to avoid pickpockets and keep your belongings secure.
• Respect nature and heritage: Help keep Yen Tu clean by not littering and avoid touching or damaging historical sites and natural surroundings.

Following these tips will help you enjoy a memorable, respectful, and safe journey on this beautiful spiritual mountain.

Cost Guide for a 1-Day Trip to Yen Tu Mountain

The cost of traveling to Yen Tu can vary depending on personal preferences and the experiences you choose. Below are some basic expenses for a one-day trip to Yen Tu Mountain:

• Round-trip bus ticket: around 440,000 to 460,000 VND per person (approximately $18.50 to $19.50 USD)
• Round-trip cable car ticket: between 180,000 and 350,000 VND per person (about $7.50 to $15 USD)
• Food and drinks: roughly 120,000 to 300,000 VND per person ($5 to $13 USD)
• Souvenirs: approximately 200,000 to 300,000 VND ($8.50 to $13 USD)

Putting these together, the total cost for a one-day trip to Yen Tu usually ranges from about 1,000,000 to 1,400,000 VND per person (around $42 to $60 USD). However, you can easily adjust your budget based on your chosen experiences and preferences.

Experience a one day trip exploring the sacred trails of Yen Tu Mountain.

Yen Tu Mountain awaits!

Discover the timeless beauty and spiritual calm of Yen Tu Mountain-where history, nature, and culture come alive in every step. Whether you seek peaceful reflection or thrilling adventure, this sacred land promises an unforgettable journey. Don’t wait-join one of our Vietnam tours and experience the magic of Yen Tu for yourself. Your next great adventure starts here!