Yen Tu Mountain Ha Long
A sacred Buddhist mountain retreat offering stunning natural beauty, ancient temples, and panoramic views accessible by cable car.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Yen Tu Mountain Ha Long
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A sacred Buddhist mountain retreat offering stunning natural beauty, ancient temples, and panoramic views accessible by cable car.
"A must-visit for its spiritual serenity and breathtaking landscapes, Yen Tu is a true gem."
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the mountain.
⏰ Book Grab in advance
For early morning departures from Hanoi, confirm Grab driver availability for the long distance to Yen Tu.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Cable Car Ride
Ascent to the mountain
Soar above the lush landscape for breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and pagodas.
Hoa Yen Pagoda
Mid-mountain
A significant Buddhist site, this pagoda offers a peaceful retreat and stunning architecture amidst nature.
Dong Pagoda
Summit
Reach the peak for a rewarding spiritual experience and expansive vistas, a must-do for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Yen Tu Mountain Visit
Getting to Yen Tu Mountain
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the mountain.
⏰ Book Grab in advance
For early morning departures from Hanoi, confirm Grab driver availability for the long distance to Yen Tu.
🧘 Embrace the serenity
Yen Tu is a place of spiritual significance; take time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and Buddhist culture.
📸 Capture stunning views
The cable car ride and pagoda vistas offer incredible photo opportunities. +1
Tips
from all over the internet
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking and climbing, so sturdy footwear is essential for exploring the mountain.
⏰ Book Grab in advance
For early morning departures from Hanoi, confirm Grab driver availability for the long distance to Yen Tu.
🧘 Embrace the serenity
Yen Tu is a place of spiritual significance; take time to soak in the peaceful atmosphere and Buddhist culture.
📸 Capture stunning views
The cable car ride and pagoda vistas offer incredible photo opportunities. +1
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about Yen Tu Mountain's breathtaking natural beauty and profound spiritual atmosphere, with many highlighting the rewarding cable car ride and the serene temple complexes. Some find the hiking challenging but worthwhile, while others suggest planning transportation carefully for a smooth journey. +1
"At first, we planned to go hiking, but once we got there… we immediately decided to take the cable car instead 😆
The journey was pretty easy since we just followed Google Maps. There aren’t many accommodation options in the area—just one resort with direct access to Yen Tu Mountain.
The ride itself was super fun! We got to enjoy endless green scenery along the way 🌿
If you’re in Hanoi and looking for an alternative destination, you should definitely check this place out. Totally worth it! 😉"
Lilly Rose
"Yên Tử Mountain is located in Quảng Ninh Province, northern Vietnam, known as a sacred Buddhist site and a national tourist destination. It is famous for its connection to the Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhist sect, founded by King Trần Nhân Tông in the 13th century. The mountain is a peaceful pilgrimage site with many temples, pagodas, and historical landmarks spread over lush forests. Visitors can explore the spiritual atmosphere of the area, which includes notable sites like the Hoa Yên Pagoda and the Dong Pagoda.
For those wishing to visit, there are convenient services such as the Yên Tử Cable Car, which takes passengers on a scenic ride to the top, offering a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding landscapes. Hiking up the mountain through its numerous stone steps is also popular, providing a more physically engaging experience. There are various facilities like rest areas, local food vendors, and guided tours to enhance the visit."
Đức Anh Nguyễn
"It’s cool that just 30 minutes from Hai Phong you can climb the mountains and get an amazing view and see such a rich nature, breath the freshest air🥰 Everything is organized in the best way. You can even get free water, buy food, souvenirs in many places. I sincerely recommend to visit this spot👍
Vietnam is a truly amazing country🥰"
Anna Fedorova
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by car or Grab, taking approximately 2.5 to 3 hours. Drivers are generally willing to make the trip, but it's wise to confirm for early morning departures.
Yes, Grab services are available in the area. However, for peace of mind, especially if traveling during off-peak hours, consider pre-booking or confirming with your driver.
Absolutely! Yen Tu Mountain is conveniently located about an hour away from Ha Long Bay, making it a popular addition to a Northern Vietnam itinerary.
The primary mode of transport within the mountain complex is walking and hiking. A cable car is available to ascend to higher pagodas, saving considerable effort.
While less common for tourists, local buses may serve the Uong Bi area, which is near Yen Tu. However, for convenience and direct access, private car or Grab is recommended.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
There is typically a small entrance fee for the Yen Tu complex. Additional tickets are required for the cable car service.
The mountain complex is generally accessible from early morning until late afternoon. Specific pagoda hours may vary, but the main site is open throughout the day.
Cable car prices can vary, but it's a worthwhile investment for accessing the higher pagodas and enjoying the views. Check current rates upon arrival.
While online booking might not be widely available, tickets for the entrance and cable car can be purchased on-site.
Information on discounts for students, seniors, or groups is best confirmed at the ticket counter upon your visit.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
A full exploration, including hiking and visiting key pagodas, can take anywhere from 4-6 hours. Many visitors spend a full day here.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress modestly out of respect for the Buddhist temples, and consider layers as the weather can change.
Yes, Yen Tu is a popular destination for hiking, with trails leading up to various pagodas. The cable car offers an alternative for those who prefer not to hike the entire way.
Key highlights include Hoa Yen Pagoda, Dong Pagoda at the summit, and the numerous other temples and stupas scattered across the mountain. The cable car ride itself is also an attraction. +1
While there are accommodations available in the nearby Legacy Yen Tu resort, overnight stays directly on the mountain are limited to specific monastic facilities, if available.
📸 📸 Photography
The cable car journey offers stunning aerial views. Hoa Yen Pagoda and the approach to Dong Pagoda provide beautiful architectural and landscape photo opportunities. +1
Photography is generally permitted in outdoor areas and temple grounds, but it's respectful to check for specific restrictions inside the main prayer halls.
Early morning light offers soft illumination and fewer crowds, while late afternoon can provide beautiful golden hour shots.
For casual visitor photography, no permit is usually required. Professional shoots might need prior arrangement with the management.
Drone usage is often restricted in religious and natural heritage sites. It's best to check with local authorities or the Yen Tu management before flying a drone.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the spiritual aspect is central, the natural beauty and the novelty of the cable car can captivate children. Consider focusing on the more accessible pagodas and enjoying the scenic vistas. The nearby Legacy Yen Tu resort also offers amenities that can make a family stay more comfortable.
🧘 Spiritual Seekers & Pilgrims
To enhance your spiritual experience, consider visiting on a weekday to avoid larger crowds and allow for quiet contemplation. Engaging with the local monks or understanding the history of King Tran Nhan Tong's abdication can add profound depth to your visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Spiritual Significance of Yen Tu
Exploring Yen Tu is often described as a pilgrimage. The journey itself, whether by hiking or cable car, is part of the experience. Many travelers feel a sense of tranquility and connection to nature and spirituality as they ascend. The Yen Tu Legacy resort offers a more modern, luxurious experience that complements the spiritual journey, providing a comfortable base for exploring the mountain.
For those seeking a deeper understanding, engaging with the local culture and history can enrich the visit. The friendly and hospitable nature of the people in the region is often highlighted, adding to the overall positive experience.
Navigating Yen Tu Mountain: Hiking vs. Cable Car
The cable car system provides a more accessible and time-efficient way to reach the higher pagodas, including Hoa Yen and Dong Pagoda. It offers spectacular panoramic views of the forested mountains and the complex below, making the journey itself a highlight. This is an excellent option for those with limited time, mobility concerns, or who simply prefer to conserve energy for exploring the summit.
Many visitors choose a combination of both. They might take the cable car up to a certain point and then hike to the summit, or vice versa. This approach allows you to experience the best of both worlds – the convenience and views of the cable car, and the immersive nature of hiking.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit