A day trip to Vietnam's Buddhist capital, exploring Buddhist teachings amidst the deep forest.

Yen Tu, a sacred mountain in Quang Ninh province, is considered the "Buddhist capital of Vietnam," with a history spanning over 700 years and closely associated with the Truc Lam Zen sect.

Located just about 130km from Hanoi, Yen Tu is an ideal destination for a pilgrimage or a day trip to explore nature. At an altitude of 1,068m, it offers not only a serene spiritual space but also majestic mountain scenery.

This article provides a detailed itinerary, practical experiences, and cost-saving tips for a one-day trip to Yen Tu, suitable for both beginners and experienced travelers.

Why choose Yen Tu for a one-day trip?

Yen Tu is not only a spiritual destination but also a place where you can immerse yourself in nature with ancient pine forests, the crystal-clear Giai Oan stream, and the ethereal misty landscape.

This is where King Tran Nhan Tong abdicated the throne to practice asceticism, founded the Truc Lam Zen sect, and left behind a unique cultural and architectural heritage such as Dong Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, and Hue Quang Tower.

In just one day, you can visit the highlights, pray for peace, and enjoy the fresh air. Is one day enough to explore Yen Tu? The answer is yes! With a well-planned itinerary, you can fully experience the main attractions. Let's explore how to create a detailed plan below!

Preparing for a trip to Yen Tu

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

• The ideal time:The period from January to March in the lunar calendar is the Yen Tu festival season, attracting many tourists with its lively activities. However, if you want peace and quiet, visit during other months (April-December) to avoid crowds. The cool and pleasant weather from October to December is also ideal.
• Means of transportation:From Hanoi, you can take a coach bus (100,000-150,000 VND/one way), a limousine (200,000 VND/one way), or a motorbike/private car via National Highway 18 to Uong Bi (approximately 2.5-3 hours). If you choose a package tour, the price ranges from 590,000-1,390,000 VND per person, including transportation and lunch.
• Finance:Estimated cost is around 500,000-1,000,000 VND/person if traveling independently (including transportation, food, entrance fees, and cable car). Package tours save time and cost from 590,000 VND/person.
• Clothing and luggage:Dress respectfully and modestly (long-sleeved shirts, long pants) to show respect for the spiritual space. Wear comfortable athletic shoes or hiking boots for easy movement. Prepare a small backpack with drinking water (2 bottles of 500ml), snacks (bread, sticky rice, 50,000 VND), bandages, cold medicine, and cash (500,000 VND per person).
• Offerings:Prepare incense, fresh flowers, sticky rice, sweet soup, or vegetarian dishes from home to save costs (buying them locally costs 2-3 times more, around 50,000-100,000 VND per set of offerings).
• Supported applications:Use Google Maps for directions, or Traveloka or Klook to book bus tickets or tours at discounted prices.

Detailed one-day itinerary for visiting Yen Tu

A day at Yen Tu lasts approximately 8-10 hours, including travel, sightseeing, and rest. Below is a detailed itinerary, combining cable car and walking to save time while still ensuring a full experience.

5:30 AM: Departure from Hanoi

Depart from Hanoi Opera House or the Old Quarter (Hoan Kiem District) by bus, limousine, or private car. If taking a bus, catch the Hanoi – Uong Bi/Ha Long route at My Dinh bus station (price 100,000-150,000 VND/one way). The bus will stop in Hai Duong for about 30 minutes for breakfast (bread, noodles, price 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, walk across the 10-meter-long blue stone bridge to reach the destination.Giải Oan Stream, a place associated with the legend of the royal concubines who committed suicide to express their loyalty to King Tran Nhan Tong. Continue on toTrinh PagodaThe gateway to the Yen Tu pilgrimage site, built during the Late Le Dynasty, features a unique "Nhất" (one) shaped architecture. Light incense, pray for peace, and take souvenir photos here (entrance fee: 40,000 VND/person).

Note:Dress modestly, avoiding short skirts or off-the-shoulder tops. Bring a walking stick (5,000 VND) if you plan to hike to aid your movement.

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

From Trinh Pagoda, take an electric tram (10,000 VND/trip) or walk 1km to cable car station 1 (Giai Oan Pagoda – Hoa Yen Pagoda). The round-trip cable car ticket for the first leg is 200,000 VND/person, and a one-way ticket is 120,000 VND. The Hoang Long cable car (POMA – France) meets European safety standards and allows you to admire the ancient pine forest and majestic mountains from above.

InHoa Yen PagodaHere, you can admire the tombs of Zen masters from the Tran and Le dynasties and learn about the history of the Truc Lam Zen sect. This area also hasHue Quang Tower, where the relics of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong are kept. The visit takes approximately 1 hour.

Tip:If you choose to walk instead of taking the cable car, the route from Giai Oan Pagoda to Hoa Yen Pagoda takes about 1.5-2 hours, suitable for people in good health. Bring water and snacks to replenish your energy.

12:00 PM: Lunch at Tung Lam Restaurant

Have lunch at Tung Lam restaurant or a local restaurant such as Hai Phuong or Tinh Thuong (prices range from 100,000-150,000 VND per person, menu includes bamboo shoots, free-range chicken, and sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes). If you want a vegetarian meal, inform the restaurant in advance or bring vegetarian food from home (sticky rice, sweet soup, price 50,000 VND per serving). Rest for 30 minutes to regain energy for the journey.

Tip:Book vegetarian meals through a travel agency if you're on a package tour to save time. Avoid buying food in the mountains as prices are high (water costs 20,000 VND/bottle, bread costs 30,000 VND/piece).

13:00: Conquer the One-Roof Pagoda and the An Ky Sinh statue.

Continue the journey by cable car to the second leg (Hoa Yen Pagoda – An Ky Sinh statue, round-trip ticket price 200,000 VND/person). Walk 200m from the cable car station to reach the pagoda.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 statueThe 3-meter-tall green stone statue, traditionally believed to depict an immortal or Zen master facing west, symbolizes a wish for good fortune and peace.

Note:The path from One-Roof Pagoda to the An Ky Sinh statue has some steep sections, so caution is needed. If walking, it takes about an hour from Hoa Yen Pagoda.

2:30 PM: Ascend to the summit of Dong Pagoda.

From the An Ky Sinh statue, walk about 200m or continue by cable car (if you buy a 4-stage ticket, 380,000 VND/person) to go up.Dong PagodaLocated at an altitude of 1,068m, Dong Pagoda is the highest point of Yen Tu, famous for its exquisite architecture and mist-shrouded scenery resembling a celestial realm. Light incense to pray for peace and admire the panoramic view of the Northeast region, with glimpses of Ha Long Bay and the Bach Dang River.

Note:The path to Dong Pagoda is not a stone step but a narrow trail, so be careful, especially during the crowded festival season. Avoid taking photos in areas with "no photography" signs to ensure safety.

4:00 PM: Visit the Nuong Village and shop for local specialties.

Return to the foot of the mountain by cable car or on foot (takes 1-1.5 hours). SightseeingNuong VillageThe area recreates traditional craft villages with products 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 experience herbal foot baths (150,000 VND/session) to relax.

Tip:Negotiate prices when buying local specialties, preferably in the late afternoon for better deals. If you pass through Hai Duong on your way back, buy mung bean cakes (50,000 VND/box) as souvenirs.

5:00 PM: Depart for Hanoi

The vehicle will pick you up at the foot of the mountain, stopping in Hai Duong for about 30 minutes to buy local specialties or have tea (at your own expense, approximately 20,000 VND/person). You will arrive back in Hanoi around 8:00-8:30 PM, ending the trip.

Tip:If traveling by private vehicle, check the cable car schedule (closes at 6:00 PM on weekdays, 8:00 PM during festivals) to avoid getting stranded on the mountain.

Comparing package tours and independent travel

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

Tips for saving money when traveling to Yen Tu

To optimize costs, apply the following tips:

• Book your tickets early:Book your bus tickets, limousine, or tour 7-14 days in advance to receive discounted prices (10-20% off).
• 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 in the mountains (prices are 2-3 times higher).
• Group trip:Share the costs of electric vehicles, cable cars, and offerings to reduce personal expenses by 20-30%.
• Smart shopping:Negotiate prices for local specialties at Lang Nuong Village, prioritizing bulk purchases for discounts.

Frequently Asked Questions when traveling to Yen Tu

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 one day enough to explore Yen Tu?

It's sufficient if you use the cable car and have a reasonable schedule. Combining cable car rides and walking saves time while still allowing you to visit the main attractions.

3. How much will the trip cost?

Approximately 500,000-1,000,000 VND per person if traveling independently, or 590,000-1,390,000 VND per person if joining a package tour.

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

Bring athletic shoes, a bamboo stick, water, snacks, and offerings from home. Dress appropriately and modestly.

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

Arrive early (5:00-6:00 AM), use the cable car to avoid crowds, and take good care of your personal belongings.

A one-day trip to Yen Tu is not just a sightseeing trip, but also a journey to find inner peace, connect with nature, and learn about the history of Vietnamese Buddhism.

With detailed itineraries, practical experiences, and cost-saving tips shared, you're ready to explore this "cradle of Buddhism." Pack your bags, book your tickets, and start your meaningful trip today!