2D1N spiritual tour in the North, explore the temple among clouds and mountains

Yen Tu is not only a sacred place to pray for peace, but also possesses majestic mountain and forest scenery, clear Giai Oan stream and ancient pagoda and tower system. This is where King Tran Nhan Tong gave up the throne to practice asceticism, founded Truc Lam Zen sect, leaving behind unique cultural heritages such as Dong pagoda and Hue Quang tower.

With 2 days and 1 night, you have enough time to explore the highlights, relax at a comfortable hotel and experience a peaceful space, separate from the busy pace of life.

Is 2 days and 1 night enough to explore Yen Tu? Absolutely enough! The well-designed itinerary helps you visit all the main points, combine relaxation and learn about Buddhist culture. Let's explore the detailed plan below!

Prepare before Yen Tu 2 days 1 night tour

To make your trip smooth and economical, you need to prepare carefully. Here are the specific steps:

• Ideal timing:January to March of the lunar calendar is the Yen Tu festival season, crowded with spiritual activities. If you want peace, choose April to December, especially October to December when the weather is cool and pleasant (temperature 15-25°C).
• Transportation:From Hanoi, you can take a bus (VND 100,000-150,000/way), limousine (VND 200,000-250,000/way), or motorbike/private car via Highway 18 (about 2.5-3 hours). Package tours cost from VND 1,590,000-2,390,000/person, including transportation, meals and entrance tickets.
• Finance:Estimated self-funded expenses are about 1,200,000-2,000,000 VND/person (transportation, food, entrance tickets, cable car, accommodation). Package tours are more economical, from 1,590,000 VND/person.
• Accommodation:Yen Tu has 3-star hotels such as Legacy Yen Tu, Tung Lam Hotel (price 500,000-1,000,000 VND/room/night, 2 people/room). Book in advance through Booking, Agoda to get good prices.
• Clothing and luggage:Wear modest clothing (long sleeves, long pants) to respect the spiritual space. Bring soft-soled sneakers or hiking shoes, a small backpack with drinking water (2 bottles of 500ml), snacks (bread, sticky rice, 50,000 VND), bandages, cold medicine, and cash (1,000,000 VND/person).
• Offerings:Prepare incense, fresh flowers, sticky rice, sweet soup or vegetarian food from home (price 50,000-100,000 VND/set of offerings) to save costs compared to buying on the spot (150,000-200,000 VND/set).
• Supported applications:Google Maps, Vietmap for location; Traveloka, Klook to book bus tickets, tours or hotels at preferential prices.

Detailed Hanoi - Yen Tu 2 days 1 night tour itinerary

The 2 days 1 night itinerary is designed to optimize time, combining cable car and walking, suitable for all audiences. You will visit prominent spiritual sites, stay overnight in Yen Tu and explore Ba Vang Pagoda, bringing a complete experience.

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

5:30-6:00: Depart from Hanoi

Car and tour guide pick you up at Hanoi Opera House or Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem). Travel by new tourist car via Highway 18 (about 130km, 2.5-3 hours). Stop in Hai Duong for 20-30 minutes for breakfast (noodles, bread, price 30,000-50,000 VND/person). Arrive at the foot of Yen Tu mountain (Uong Bi, Quang Ninh) around 8:30-9:00.

9:00: Visit Trinh Pagoda and Giai Oan Stream

From the parking lot, cross the blue stone bridge to get there.Giai Oan Stream, a place associated with the legend of concubines committing suicide to express their loyalty to King Tran Nhan Tong. Continue toTrinh Pagoda, the gateway to Yen Tu, with the architecture of the letter Nhat from the Later Le Dynasty. Burn incense to pray for peace and take souvenir photos (entrance ticket 40,000 VND/person).

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

Take the 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 stage 1 is 200,000 VND/person, one-way 120,000 VND. The cable car helps you see the ancient pine forest and majestic mountains. AtHoa Yen Pagoda, visit the tomb towers of Zen masters of the Tran and Le dynasties and learn about the history of the Truc Lam Zen sect. VisitHue Quang Tower, where the Buddha's relics are kept (1 hour).

12:00: Lunch at the restaurant

Lunch at a local restaurant (120,000-150,000 VND/meal, menu includes hill chicken, bamboo shoots, sticky rice). If you want to eat vegetarian food, request in advance or bring vegetarian food from home (sticky rice, sweet soup, 50,000 VND/meal). Rest for 30 minutes.

13:30: Conquer One Roof Pagoda and Copper Pagoda

Continue to cable car stage 2 (Hoa Yen pagoda - An Ky Sinh statue, round trip ticket 200,000 VND/person). Walk 200m toOne Roof Pagoda, a small wooden temple perched precariously on the cliff, where the Buddha King once read books and composed sutras. Then, visitAn Ky Sinh statue, a 3m high green stone statue, symbolizing good luck. From here, walk 200m or continue by cable car (4-way ticket 380,000 VND/person) to go upBronze Pagodaat an altitude of 1,068m.

Dong Pagoda is famous for its sophisticated architecture and floating clouds, where you can burn incense to pray for peace and enjoy panoramic views of the Northeast.

16:30: Check in hotel and have dinner

Return to the foot of the mountain by cable car or walk (1-1.5 hours). Check in at a 3-star hotel such as Legacy Yen Tu (VND 500,000-1,000,000/room/night). Have dinner at a restaurant with specialties such as Ha Long squid rolls, hill chicken (VND 150,000-200,000/meal). Relax, enjoy the night view of the mountains and forests or join the herbal foot bath (VND 150,000/time).

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

6:30: Breakfast and check out

Buffet breakfast at the hotel (50,000-100,000 VND/person) or enjoy beef noodle soup and rice rolls at a local restaurant (30,000 VND/meal). Check out of the hotel before 8:00 am.

8:30: Visit Ba Vang Pagoda

The car takes you thereBa Vang Pagoda(20km from Yen Tu, takes 30 minutes), the pagoda has the largest main hall in Vietnam with unique architecture. Burn incense to pray for peace, visit the tomb tower garden and learn about the history of the pagoda (free ticket, car and tour guide cost about 350,000 VND/person if going on a tour). Visiting time is about 1.5 hours.

10:30: Visit Nuong Village and shop for specialties

Back to the foot of Yen Tu mountain, sightseeingNuong Village, a place to recreate traditional craft villages. Buy specialties such as wild honey (200,000 VND/liter), Yen Tu plum wine (150,000 VND/bottle), dried bamboo shoots (100,000 VND/kg). Enjoy folk music performances or herbal foot baths (150,000 VND/session).

12:00: Lunch

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

13:00: Depart for Hanoi

The car takes you back to Hanoi, stopping in Hai Duong for 20-30 minutes to buy specialties such as green bean cakes, gai cakes (50,000 VND/box). Arrive in Hanoi around 16:30-17:00, ending the trip.

Compare package tours and self-guided tours

To choose the right form, below is a comparison table between package tours and self-guided tours:

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

Tips to save money on Hanoi – Yen Tu tour

To optimize costs, apply the following tips:

• Book early:Book bus tickets, tours or hotels 7-14 days in advance to receive discounts (10-20% off). Use Traveloka, Klook to hunt for good prices.
• Choose the right cable car:If you are in good health, buy only the cable car ticket for the first leg (200,000 VND) and walk the second leg to save 180,000 VND/person.
• Eat economically:Bring snacks (bread, sticky rice) and drinks from home to avoid buying on the mountain (water 20,000 VND/bottle, cake 30,000 VND/piece).
• Go in groups:Share the cost of trams, cable cars, hotel rooms to reduce 20-30% of personal expenses.
• Smart shopping:Negotiate prices for specialties at Lang Nuong, buy late afternoon to get discounts (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 the center of Vietnamese Buddhism, famous for Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Hue Quang Tower and majestic natural scenery, bringing serenity and positive energy.

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

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

3. How much does the trip cost?

Self-sufficient about 1,200,000-2,000,000 VND/person, package tour from 1,590,000-2,390,000 VND/person.

4. Are there any special preparations needed when climbing?

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

5. What to do if you encounter crowds during the holiday season?

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

Hanoi - Yen Tu 2 days 1 night tour is a great opportunity for you to explore the sacred Buddhist land, immerse yourself in nature and find peace of mind.

With detailed itinerary, practical experience and cost-saving tips, you are ready for this meaningful trip. Book your tickets, prepare your luggage and start your journey to explore Yen Tu today!