TREKKING THROUGH THE MOUNTAIN

Yen Tu is a sacred Buddhist site deeply tied to Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308), who twice led Vietnam to victory over the Mongols' invasion before abdicating to pursue enlightenment, founding the Truc Lam Zen sect. The eastern slope of Yen Tu is where he practiced, while the western slope marked his path of spreading the Dharma.

Blending natural beauty and spiritual heritage, Yen Tu Mountain is a must-visit destination for North Vietnam cultural tours. Throughout Vietnam’s dynasties, Yen Tu remained a key Buddhist hub, with ancient temples and monuments reflecting centuries of history. As part of the Dong Trieu arc, its Quaternary-era terrain features sandstone, conglomerates, and alluvium, forming striking landscapes like the Golden and Silver waterfalls, the Heavenly Gate, pine-lined paths, and bamboo groves.

To reach Yen Tu from Ha Long, travelers must first head to Giai Oan Stream in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh. From there, they can choose between trekking and taking the cable car to reach the summit. The route from Bai Chay Bridge to Giai Oan Stream spans about 55 kilometers via the following roads: Bai Chay Bridge – Ha Long Road – Hoang Quoc Viet Street – National Highway 18 – Trung Vuong Street – Song Uong Bridge – Quyet Tien Road – Bac Son Road – Provincial Road 326 – Yen Tu Road.

For people who love trekkingVietnam, climbing Yen Tu is an unforgettable adventure. The pilgrimage trail begins at Giai Oan Stream at the mountain’s base and stretches about 6 kilometers, involving a challenging climb of over 6,000 stone steps. Reaching the summit at an elevation of 1068 meters, where Dong Pagoda stands, takes 4-5 hours on foot. A bamboo walking stick is an essential tool for this journey.