Conquering Bach Van Son Peak : Feel the Tranquil & Spiritual Beauty of Yen Tu Mountain

Exploring the Scenic Beauty and Spiritual Values of Yen Tu Mountain

Bach Van Son, also known as Yen Tu Mountain, is a majestic peak within the Dong Trieu range in northeastern Vietnam, situated in Thuong Yen Cong commune, Uong Bi city, Qu?ng Ninh province. Standing at 1,068 meters, the summit of Yen Tu is often shrouded in white clouds, earning it the name “Bach Van Son” or “White Cloud Mountain.” This site is not only a stunning natural landscape but also a place of profound historical importance and the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism.

The mountain’s historical and scenic significance is deeply intertwined with Emperor Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308), who twice led Vietnam to victories against Mongol invasions during the Tran Dynasty. After his reign, he abdicated to pursue a spiritual life on Yen Tu temples, where he established the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, a cornerstone of Vietnamese spiritual life.

For centuries, Yen Tu has been an important Buddhist center, dotted with ancient pagodas from the Ly, Tran, Le, and Nguyen dynasties. The Yen Tu Festival, held annually from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month, marks the peak tourism season. During this time, thousands of visitors, both local and international, come for pilgrimages and sightseeing tours to this sacred mountain.

Visiting Yen Tu offers more than just a religious journey; it is an opportunity to explore pristine and majestic landscapes while gaining a deeper understanding of Vietnamese Buddhism and culture.

1. Best Time To Visit Yen Tu Pagoda

Yên T?, located in Quang Ninh, experiences the typical four-season climate of Northern Vietnam, making it a year-round destination to visit. However, your ideal visiting time might differ based on the experiences you seek.

For those eager to immerse themselves in the active festival atmosphere, plan your visit between the 10th day of the first lunar month and the end of the third lunar month, when Yen Tu Temple festival is in full swing. Keep in mind, this is a peak period with heavy crowds, which may not be ideal for everyone, especially if you prefer a quieter experience or are traveling with elderly companions or children.

For visitors who wish to enjoy the tranquil beauty of Yen Tu, the months from April to November is ideal. During this time, you’re likely to experience clear & blue skies, perfect for captivating the mountain’s vast landscapes and verdant valleys. Remember to check the weather forecast regularly and avoid days with potential rain or storms, as these conditions could impact your travel experience.

2. How To Reach Bach Van Son Peak – Yen Tu Mountain?

To reach Yen Tu and begin your journey to explore to ancient temples & pagodas scattered in Yen Tu Landscape Complex, you can opt for either motorbike, bus, or car. The routes are as follows

• From Hanoi: Travelers head towards Bac Ninh to reach National Highway 18, then turn towards Trinh Temple and drive approximately 10km further to reach the temple’s base.
• From Hai Phong, Thai Binh, or Nam Dinh: Travelers go to the Uong Bi area, at the junction of National Highway 10 and National Highway 18. Then turn left towards Trinh Temple and drive about 10km to arrive.

Upon arrival at Yen Tu, you can choose between two methods to reach Bach Van Son summit, where Dong temple is located: by foot or cable car.

2.1. By foot: If you enjoy trekking and discovery, this is the great choice. The trekking path to the top temple spans roughly 6km (one way) with numerous steps. Along the way, you can immerse yourself in the scenic beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests, and for sure, it is really a wonderful hike for your memorable adventure while exploring different Yen Tu temples, especially Dong pagoda at Bach Van Son peak.

2.2. Cable car: If your physical condition does not allow or you prefer to save time, the cable car is a convenient option.Ascending to the temples via cable car will significantly reduce your travel time & offer you a stunning capture of the region.

Yen Tu cable car system consists of two separate segments, you can choose to do the whole journey, one segment or just the journey down on each segment.

Segment 1: Hoàng Long Yên T? Cable Car Line : from Giai Oan stream to Hoa Yen Pagoda

+ Length: 1,200 meters with 35 cabins, maximum speed of 6m/s, and a capacity of 2,400 passengers per hour. It was the first cable car system built in Northern Vietnam in 2001 and was upgraded in 2008.
+ From the cabin, passengers can immerse in the stunning natural scenery of lush green forests, enchanting waterfalls, and finally, the ancient Hoa Yên Pagoda, which is a thousand years old.

Segment 2: B?ch Long Yên T? Cable Car Line : from Mot Mai temple to An Ky Sinh statue

+ Length: 900 meters with 38 cabins, maximum speed of 5m/s, and a capacity of 1,800 passengers per hour. This line travels from the east of M?t Mái Temple to near the An K? Sinh statue, bringing passengers closer to the Yên T? peak.
+ At the end of Segment 2, passengers will continue with a hiking journey of about half an hour to reach Bach Van Son, the highest peak. Here, they can view Dong Pagoda, known as the highest pagoda in Asia and rich in cultural architecture.

The current prices of Yen Tu cable car tickets

• Combo includes admission ticket + Electric car ticket + Round-trip cable car on 2 routes: 380,000 VND/Ticket.
• Combo includes admission ticket + Electric car ticket + Round-trip cable car on 1 route: 270,000 VND/Ticket.
• Route 1: Giai Oan Stream – Hoa Yen Pagoda: 180,000 VND/Ticket/One-way – Round trip: 260,000 VND/Ticket.
• Route 2: Mot Mai Pagoda – An Ky Sinh Statue: 180,000 VND/Ticket/One-way – Round trip: 260,000 VND/Ticket.
• One-way down on 2 routes (excluding one-way up): 300,000 VND/Ticket

Yen Tu Cable Car Service hours: During the festival season from January to March of the lunar calendar, service hours are from 5:00 to 20:00 daily, and from April to December of the lunar calendar, service hours are from 7:00 to 18:00 daily

3.Top Things To Do in Yen Tu Landscape Complex

3.1.Experience Yen Tu Cable Car – The Fastest Way to Conquer Bach Van Son summit

Discover the thrill of soaring above the majestic Yen Tu mountain range with Yen Tu Cable Car System, your ticket to swift and breathtaking summit conquest. As the fastest mode of transport to reach the mountain peaks, this cable car system promises an awesome experience for any travellers doing trip to Yen Tu pagoda Quang Ninh

Ascend effortlessly through the clouds and immerse yourself in panoramic vistas of lush greenery, cascading waterfalls, and ancient temples nestled amidst the peaks. With its cutting-edge technology and impeccable safety standards, Yen Tu Cable Car offers not just convenience, but also peace of mind as you travel along the rugged terrain.

Take this remarkable adventure on your journey to Yen Tu’s temples and experience their wonder from a whole new perspective.

3.2.Exploring Spiritual Landmarks on Yen Tu Mountain

3.2.1. Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery

Also known as Lan Pagoda or Long Dong Pagoda, this revered sanctuary was established in 1293 by King Tran Nhan Tong. Serving as a sacred site for Buddhist teachings, it was once graced by the presence of King Tran himself and subsequent Zen masters. Though ravaged by war in the 20th century, it was rebuilt and expanded in 2002, now offering spiritual guidance and preserving cultural relics while welcoming visitors from around the world.

3.2.2.Giai Oan Pagoda

Nestled at the foot of Yen Tu mountain, Giai Oan Pagoda holds a poignant history. Legend has it that it was built by King Tran Nhan Tong to honor the souls of imperial maids who sacrificed themselves in the nearby stream. Today, it serves as both a place of remembrance and worship, housing the ashes of revered monks and the mother of King Tran Nhan Tong

3.2.3. Hue Quang Golden Stupa

A symbol of spiritual prosperity, this stupa complex, constructed in 1309, houses the remains of esteemed monks from the Tran and Le dynasties. Situated on a sacred site at Yen Tu temple complex, it boasts intricate architecture and is surrounded by smaller towers, each representing the revered monks of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect.

3.2.4.Hoa Yen Pagoda

Revered as the largest pagoda on Yen Tu complex, Hoa Yen pagoda dates back to the Ly Dynasty. Once known as Van Yen Pagoda, it was later renamed by King Le Thanh Tong for its serene ambiance. Rebuilt in 2002 on the grounds of the original Tran Dynasty pagoda, it continues to serve as a place of worship for Buddhism gods amidst ancient trees.

3.2.5. Bao Sai and Van Tieu Pagoda.

Bao Sai Pagoda, restored in 1989 and 1995, honors the first disciple of King Tran Nhan Tong, while Van Tieu Pagoda commemorates his teachings to the second ancestor of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect, Zen Master Phap Loa. Vong Tien Cung Stupa Garden, located nearby, offers panoramic views of the mountainous landscape.

3.2.6.The Buddha Enlightened King’s Statue.

This monumental statue of King Tran Nhan Tong, constructed in 2009, stands as a testament to Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship. Facing southward, it symbolizes the king’s eternal vigilance over the splendor of Yen Tu peak and its revered pagodas.

3.2.7.Dong Pagoda

Perched atop Yen Tu Mountain’s highest peak, Dong Pagoda is an iconic landmark made entirely of copper. Housing the remains of the first three ancestors of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Sect, it offers visitors panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and serves as the pinnacle of a spiritual pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mountain.

3.3.Challenge Yourselves on Adventure Treks to Dong Pagoda

Prepare to conquer rugged trails and ascend winding paths that lead to the summit ( 6 km one-way), where Dong Pagoda stands as a symbol of spiritual enlightenment. Along the way, immerse yourselves in the natural landscapes of Dong Trieu mountain range, with its verdant forests, cascading waterfalls, and awe-inspiring vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see.

At Dong Pagoda ( Bach Van Son peak), feel the serenity of this sacred site, where generations of pilgrims have sought peace & spiritual renewal. Gaze out across the horizon and marvel at the beauty that surrounds you, knowing that you have conquered the heights and emerged victorious in your adventure.

4. Useful Tips for Traveling to Yen Tu Mountain

• When choosing the right time to depart, it’s advisable to go early, especially on festival days or at the beginning of the lunar new year, to avoid crowds and long queues.
• For groups of 10 or more, it’s recommended to pre-book cable car tickets to avoid waiting in line.
• Considering a one-way trip up to An Ky Sinh statue via cable car, then continue to conquer Bach Van Son mount on foot. After that, you can slowly descend on steps by foot to enjoy the scenery.
• Expect spring rain if visiting Yen Tu in the early days of the lunar new year, so prepare with a light raincoat. Additionally, during summer visits, don’t forget sunscreen, sunglasses, long-sleeved shirts, and insect repellent.
• Dress respectfully when visiting temples, and wear comfortable shoes or soft-soled sneakers for ease of movement during exploration.
• Exercise caution when navigating the path to Dong Pagoda, as there are no stone steps. Avoid pushing or rushing, especially when taking photos.
• Pack some light snacks like pastries, sandwiches, and beverages, as well as personal first aid supplies like bandages, Urgo, cold medicine, and fever reducers.
• It’s crucial to safeguard your belongings and personal items while traveling to prevent theft, especially during peak tourist seasons.
• Lastly, adhere to all regulations and guidelines regarding visiting, rituals, and environmental conservation. Avoid littering, as it can harm the environment and disrupt the tranquility of the temple grounds.

Hopefully, this travel guide to Yen Tu mountain, along with its local travel insights & practical advice, will be useful for your upcoming trip to Hanoi. Be sure to include Yen Tu temples in your travel plans when visiting Vietnam’s capital city. Should you need any assistance with local travel arrangements, such as private car hire for exploring Hanoi’s surrounding attractions, Hanoi tour packages, or day trips to explore the temples and mountains of Yen Tu, do not hesitate to contact us at +84.988451530 (WhatsApp) or via email at [email protected]. Our team is dedicated to ensuring your journey is unforgettable and stress-free.