Yen Tu Mountain: A Spiritual Retreat in Northern Vietnam
Known as the cradle of Truc Lam Zen sect, Yen Tu mountain is one of the most attractive cultural destinations in Quang Ninh. A trip to Yen Tu Mountain is a precious opportunity for visitors to learn more about the history, culture and spiritual life of the Vietnamese people in the past and present. Let’s join Lua Viet Tours to find this Buddhist mountain!
Yen Tu mountain from above. (Image Source: Internet)
About Yen Tu Mountain
Yen Tu mountain, a majestic peak straddling the border of Quang Ninh and Bac Giang provinces, rises to a height of 1068 meters above sea level. This mountain is part of the Dong Trieu mountain range, a prominent feature of Vietnam’s northeastern landscape.
Renowned as a spiritual haven and historical site, Yen Tu mountain boasts a rich tapestry of ancient cultural relics. Ascend to the summit and immerse yourself in the serene and peaceful atmosphere, far from the hustle and bustle of city life.
Yen Tu mountain offers a sense of peace and a unique cultural and historical experience. (Image Source: Internet)
Top Attractions in Yen Tu Mountain
As a spiritual tourist destination, Yen Tu mountain has many pagodas and monasteries to explore. Below are some attractions not to be missed:
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is one of the largest monasteries in Vietnam and is a must-visit destination when traveling to Yen Tu mountain. This is the place where King Tran Nhan Tong, the Buddha King, renounced the throne to become a monk and founded the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect.
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery stands majestically in the northeastern region with a two-story, eight-roofed entrance gate. The monastery grounds are divided into two parts: the inner courtyard and the outer courtyard. These include structures such as: the main hall, the ancestral hall, the bell tower, the drum tower, the meditation hall, the vegetarian dining hall, the library, the exhibition hall, the monks’ guest house, the nuns’ guest house, the Buddha pagoda, and the Tranquility Lake,…
Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery is where King Tran Nhan Tong practiced. (Image Source: Internet)
Trinh Pagoda
Trinh Pagoda was built during the Later Le Dynasty and was extensively renovated in 1993 and 1999 to achieve its current appearance. This pagoda is considered the gateway to visitors’ journey to explore Yen Tu mountain.
The overall structure of Trinh Pagoda is built in the shape of the letter “一” (one), including structures such as: Front Hall, Main Hall worshiping Buddha, Right Vu worshiping the Eighteen Arhats, Left Vu, Ancestor House worshiping the Three Patriarchs of Truc Lam, Ban Tran Trieu, Tam Vuong and Tam Toa Thanh Mau. Trinh Pagoda currently preserves many Buddha statues made of bronze and jackfruit wood, which are exquisitely crafted.
Trinh Pagoda is considered the gateway to visitors’ journey to explore Yen Tu mountain. (Image Source: Internet)
Dong Pagoda
Dong Pagoda on the top of Yen Tu mountain is 1068 meters above sea level. This is the largest bronze pagoda in Asia. From the outside of Dong Pagoda, you can admire the wonderful scenery of the mountains and clouds of Yen Tu.
Dong Pagoda was cast according to the prototype of Dau Keo Pagoda, Bac Ninh. The pagoda has a total area of about 20 square meters and weighs 70 tons. Dong Pagoda has four roofs covered with fish-tail tiles, the ends of the roofs are decorated with dragon motifs of the Tran Dynasty. Inside Dong Pagoda is a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni and the three Truc Lam Patriarchs sitting on a lotus pedestal.
Clouds surrounding the Dong Pagoda create a beautiful scene. (Image Source: Internet)
Ngoa Van Pagoda
Ngoa Van Pagoda is located at an altitude of about 500 meters above sea level. The pagoda was built during the Tran Dynasty and has undergone many renovations to achieve its current appearance. On mornings when the clouds are all around, Ngoa Van Pagoda appears like a fairyland.
Many visitors come to Ngoa Van Pagoda on Yen Tu mountain every year, not only because of the beautiful scenery, but also because this place was the last stop of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong. Inside the pagoda, there is a bronze statue of him in the position of entering Nirvana.
Ngoa Van Pagoda attracts many visitors every year. (Image Source: Internet)
Statue of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong
The statue of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong is located on Yen Tu mountain, about 900m above sea level. The statue is cast in bronze to commemorate the merits of building the country, fighting foreign invaders and founding the Truc Lam Zen sect of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong.
The bronze statue is modeled after the statue of Buddha King in Hue Quang Tower. Sitting on a lotus pedestal, the statue of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong is in a calm sitting position, with both hands in a seal, wearing a robe, and a gentle, otherworldly face. The stone woven under the statue is also elaborately decorated with Tran dynasty dragon patterns and chrysanthemums.
Statue of Buddha-King Tran Nhan Tong on Yen Tu mountain. (Image Source: Internet)
Yen Tu Festival
Yen Tu Festival takes place from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month each year at Yen Tu Mountain. This is an occasion for people to express their respect and remember the merits of King Tran Nhan Tong, the Buddha King, and to pray for a year of peace and prosperity.
Yen Tu Festival features many activities that attract a large number of tourists. It begins with solemn ceremonies at the foot of Yen Tu Mountain. This is followed by a pilgrimage to the Dong Pagoda at the summit. The procession in the Yen Tu Festival features people wearing traditional costumes, accompanied by flags and flowers, creating a lively atmosphere.
Yen Tu Festival is a way to commemorate King Tran Nhan Tong. (Image Source: Internet)
Best Time To Visit Yen Tu Mountain
The best time to visit Yen Tu mountain is from April to June each year, coinciding with summer in Quang Ninh Province. During this period, the mountain weather is quite cool and pleasant, with clear skies and little rain, making it ideal for outdoor activities.
Additionally, Buddhist devotees can visit Yen Tu mountain between January and March according to the lunar calendar. The weather in Yen Tu can still be chilly during this time, so it’s advisable to bring an extra layer of clothing. However, as this is the festival season in Yen Tu, you can join in and immerse yourself in the rich cultural atmosphere.
Yen Tu Mountain’s weather is quite cool and pleasant from April to June. (Image Source: Internet)
As a prominent Buddhist center in Northern Vietnam, Yen Tu mountain offers a unique blend of spiritual, historical, and cultural significance. Escape the hustle and bustle of daily life and find inner peace amidst the serene mountain landscape.
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