Yen Tu Mountain

Yen Tu Mountain is one of the highest peaks in the Dong Trieu Mountains in the north-eastern area of Vietnam, located in Uong Bi Town, Quang Ninh Province. Being a famous natural landscape, Yen Tu preserves numerous historical relics and is also known as “The cradle of Buddhism in Vietnam”.

On the way to explore Yen Tu, the first attraction to be encountered is “Giai Oan” stream (Justifying stream) with a majestic green stone bridge connecting two sides. This bridge is 10 meters long, which was built firmly in an ancient architecture. Legends said that when King Tran Nhan Tong decided to resign from his throne to become a monk, his wives and concubines tried to persuade him changing his mind by suicide into the stream. Mourning for them, the monk king built a temple nearby and named the stream “Giai Oan”.

Climbing for around 30-45 minutes, you’ll be able to reach a lush green courtyard, highlighted by vivid colors from different species of flowers of the pagoda. The pagoda is surrounded by six enormous towers, amongst which the biggest one is to worship King Tran Nhan Tong. Hoa Yen pagoda is the biggest pagoda among the pagoda complex of Yen Tu Mountain, which is located on the height of 543 meters. Here, there is stood still a long row of Glyptostrobus trees, which are said to be planted during the time King Tran Nhan Tong at Yen Tu. This pagoda is also a stop destination for tourists who want to take a rest after a long day of hiking.

Vong Thien Cung tower

Climbing further to the height of 700m is Van Tieu pagoda lying inside layers of white clouds, and Dong Pagoda is on the highest peak , which is made totally from copper. Both pagodas are dated back thousand years ago, and are very sacred to visit.

Standing on the highest peak of Yen Tu, we might be able to watch Bach Dang River, and especially the natural wonder Ha long Bay.

Dong pagoda