Spiritual tourism in Northern Vietnam: 2 days and 1 night, exploring a temple nestled amidst clouds and mountains.

Yen Tu is not only a sacred place to pray for peace, but also boasts majestic mountain scenery, the crystal-clear Giai Oan stream, and a system of ancient temples and pagodas. It is where King Tran Nhan Tong renounced his throne to practice asceticism, founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, and left behind unique cultural legacies such as Dong Pagoda and Hue Quang Pagoda.

With 2 days and 1 night, you have plenty of time to explore the highlights, relax in a comfortable hotel, and experience a tranquil space, away from the hustle and bustle of city life.

Is 2 days and 1 night enough to explore Yen Tu? Absolutely! This well-designed itinerary allows you to visit all the main attractions, combining relaxation and learning about Buddhist culture. Let's explore the detailed plan below!

Prepare in advance for a 2-day, 1-night trip to Yen Tu.

To ensure a smooth and economical trip, thorough preparation is essential. Here are the specific steps:

• The ideal time:The period from January to March in the lunar calendar is the Yen Tu festival season, bustling with spiritual activities. If you prefer tranquility, choose April to December, especially October to December when the weather is cool and pleasant (temperatures 15-25°C).
• Means of transportation:From Hanoi, you can take a coach bus (100,000-150,000 VND/one way), a limousine (200,000-250,000 VND/one way), or a motorbike/private car via National Highway 18 (approximately 2.5-3 hours). Package tours cost from 1,590,000-2,390,000 VND/person, including transportation, meals, and entrance fees.
• Finance:Estimated self-funded expenses are around 1,200,000-2,000,000 VND/person (transportation, food, entrance fees, cable car, accommodation). Package tours are more economical, starting from 1,590,000 VND/person.
• Accommodation:Yen Tu has 3-star hotels such as Legacy Yen Tu and Tung Lam Hotel (prices range from 500,000-1,000,000 VND/room/night, for 2 people/room). Book in advance through Booking or Agoda to get the best price.
• Clothing and luggage:Dress modestly (long-sleeved shirts, long pants) to respect the spiritual space. Bring soft-soled athletic shoes or hiking boots, a small backpack with drinking water (2 bottles of 500ml), snacks (bread, sticky rice, costing 50,000 VND), bandages, cold medicine, and cash (1,000,000 VND per person).
• Offerings:Prepare incense, fresh flowers, sticky rice, sweet soup, or vegetarian dishes from home (priced at 50,000-100,000 VND/set of offerings) to save costs compared to buying them on-site (150,000-200,000 VND/set).
• Supported applications:Use Google Maps or Vietmap for navigation; and Traveloka or Klook to book bus tickets, tours, or hotels at discounted prices.

Detailed itinerary for the 2-day, 1-night Hanoi – Yen Tu tour.

This 2-day, 1-night itinerary is designed to optimize time, combining cable car and walking, suitable for all levels. You will visit prominent spiritual sites, spend the night in Yen Tu, and explore Ba Vang Pagoda, providing a complete experience.

Day 1: Hanoi – Yen Tu – Hoa Yen Pagoda – Dong Pagoda

5:30-6:00 AM: Departure from Hanoi

A vehicle and guide will pick you up at the Hanoi Opera House or the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem). Travel by modern tourist bus along National Highway 18 (approximately 130km, 2.5-3 hours). Stop in Hai Duong for 20-30 minutes for breakfast (noodles, bread, priced at 30,000-50,000 VND/person). Arrive at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain (Uong Bi, Quang Ninh) around 8:30-9:00 AM.

9:00 AM: Visit Trinh Pagoda and Giai Oan Stream.

From the parking lot, cross the blue stone bridge to get there.Giải Oan Stream, a place associated with the legend of the royal concubines and ladies-in-waiting committing suicide to express their loyalty to King Tran Nhan Tong. Continue on toTrinh Pagoda, the gateway to Yen Tu, with its "Nhất" (one) shaped architecture from the Late Le Dynasty. Light incense to pray for peace and take souvenir photos (entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person).

10:00 AM: Take the cable car to Hoa Yen Pagoda.

Take an electric tram (10,000 VND/trip) or walk 1km to cable car station 1 (Giai Oan Pagoda – Hoa Yen Pagoda). Round-trip cable car ticket for leg 1 is 200,000 VND/person, one-way is 120,000 VND. The cable car allows you to admire the ancient pine forest and majestic mountains.Hoa Yen PagodaVisit and pay respects at the tombs of Zen masters from the Tran and Le dynasties, and learn about the history of the Truc Lam Zen sect.Hue Quang Tower, where the relics of the Buddha Emperor are kept (1 hour).

12:00 PM: Lunch at the restaurant

Have lunch at a local restaurant (price 120,000-150,000 VND/person, menu includes free-range chicken, bamboo shoots, and sticky rice). If you prefer vegetarian options, request them in advance or bring your own vegetarian food (sticky rice, sweet soup, 50,000 VND/portion). Rest for 30 minutes.

1:30 PM: Conquering the One-Roof Pagoda and the Bronze Pagoda.

Continue on the cable car to the second leg (Hoa Yen Pagoda – An Ky Sinh statue, round-trip ticket 200,000 VND/person). Walk 200m to...One-Roofed Pagoda...a small wooden temple perched precariously on a cliff, where the Buddhist Emperor once read and composed scriptures. Afterwards, we will visit...An Ky Sinh statueThere is a 3-meter-tall green stone statue, symbolizing good luck. From here, walk 200 meters or continue by cable car (4-stage ticket: 380,000 VND/person) to reach the top.Dong Pagodaat an altitude of 1,068m.

Dong Pagoda is famous for its exquisite architecture and misty, ethereal scenery, where you can light incense to pray for peace and admire the panoramic view of Northeast Vietnam.

4:30 PM: Check into the hotel and have dinner.

Return to the foot of the mountain by cable car or on foot (1-1.5 hours). Check into a 3-star hotel such as Legacy Yen Tu (price 500,000-1,000,000 VND/room/night). Have dinner at a restaurant with specialties such as Ha Long squid cake and free-range chicken (150,000-200,000 VND/serving). Relax, enjoy the mountain scenery at night, or participate in a herbal foot soak (150,000 VND/session).

Day 2: Ba Vang Pagoda – Nuong Village – Return to Hanoi

6:30 AM: Have breakfast and check out.

Have a buffet breakfast at the hotel (50,000-100,000 VND/person) or enjoy beef noodle soup or steamed rice rolls at a local restaurant (30,000 VND/serving). Check out of the hotel before 8:00 AM.

8:30 AM: Visit Ba Vang Pagoda

The car will take you there.Ba Vang PagodaLocated 20km from Yen Tu (30-minute drive), this temple boasts the largest main hall in Vietnam with unique architecture. Offer incense to pray for peace, visit the garden of stupas and tombs, and learn about the temple's history (free entry, transportation and guide costs approximately 350,000 VND/person if on a tour). The visit takes about 1.5 hours.

10:30 AM: Visit the Nuong Village and shop for local specialties.

Return to the foothills of Yen Tu mountain and visit the area.Nuong Village, a place that recreates traditional craft villages. Buy local specialties such as forest honey (200,000 VND/liter), Yen Tu apricot wine (150,000 VND/bottle), and dried bamboo shoots (100,000 VND/kg). Enjoy traditional music performances or herbal foot baths (150,000 VND/session).

12:00 PM: Lunch

Have lunch at a local restaurant with dishes such as clay pot rice and braised fish (120,000-150,000 VND/serving). Rest for 30 minutes before departing for Hanoi.

13:00: Depart for Hanoi

The bus will take you back to Hanoi, stopping in Hai Duong for 20-30 minutes to buy local specialties such as mung bean cakes and thorn cakes (50,000 VND/box). You'll arrive back in Hanoi around 4:30-5:00 PM, ending the trip.

Comparing package tours and independent travel

To help you choose the right option, here is a comparison table between package tours and independent travel:

Package tours are suitable for beginners or companies organizing team building activities, with prices starting from 1,590,000 VND/person (e.g., Vietnam Booking, Maichautourist). Self-guided tours are ideal for groups of young friends or those who want to explore freely. Book tours through reputable companies such as Song Hong Tourist or Danatravel to ensure quality.

Tips for saving money on a Hanoi - Yen Tu tour.

To optimize costs, apply the following tips:

• Book your tickets early:Book your bus tickets, tours, or hotels 7-14 days in advance to receive discounts (10-20%). Use Traveloka or Klook to find the best deals.
• Choose the right cable car:If you are in good health, buy only the cable car ticket for leg 1 (200,000 VND) and walk the rest of the way to save 180,000 VND per person.
• Eat and drink economically:Bring snacks (bread, sticky rice) and drinks from home to avoid buying them on the mountain (water costs 20,000 VND/bottle, bread costs 30,000 VND/piece).
• Group trip:Share the costs of electric vehicles, cable cars, and hotel rooms to reduce personal expenses by 20-30%.
• Smart shopping:Negotiate the price of local specialties at Lang Nuong Village, buying in the late afternoon to get a discount (10-15%).

Frequently asked questions when traveling to Yen Tu for 2 days and 1 night.

1. What is special about Yen Tu?

Yen Tu is a center of Vietnamese Buddhism, notable for its Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Hue Quang Tower, and majestic natural scenery, offering tranquility and positive energy.

2. Is 2 days and 1 night enough to explore Yen Tu?

Enough time to visit the main attractions (Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Ba Vang Pagoda) and relax. Combining cable car and walking saves time.

3. How much will the trip cost?

Self-funded tours cost approximately 1,200,000-2,000,000 VND per person, while all-inclusive tours range from 1,590,000-2,390,000 VND per person.

4. Is there any special preparation needed for mountain climbing?

Bring non-slip shoes, a bamboo stick, water, snacks, and offerings from home. Dress respectfully and modestly.

5. What to do if you encounter a crowd during the festival season?

Arrive early (5:00-6:00 AM), book cable car tickets in advance through a travel agency, and keep your personal belongings safe.

The Hanoi – Yen Tu 2-day, 1-night tour is a wonderful opportunity to explore this sacred Buddhist land, immerse yourself in nature, and find peace of mind.

With a detailed itinerary, practical experience, and cost-saving tips, you're ready for this meaningful trip. Book your tickets, pack your bags, and start your exploration of Yen Tu today!