The Yen Tu Pagoda consists of several pagodas built long ago. Located in the Yen Tu National Forest, this place will be a great tourist destination for foreigners on a spiritual journey in Vietnam.
Yen Tu Pagoda is located in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. It was the place where Emperor Tran Nhan Tong founded the Truc Lam sect of Zen Buddhism in the 13th century.
Every year, millions of visitors and Buddhists come here to pray and enjoy the natural beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests.
Yen Tu Pagoda is located in Yen Tu National Park
The road to Yen Tu Pagoda from Hanoi
You can travel to Yen Tu Pagoda by various means of transport:
For Vietnamese people, Yen Tu Pagoda has been so famous for its scarceness and harmony. Belonging to a pagoda complex located in the scenic area of Yen Tu, the main pagoda is the Dong Pagoda situated on a peak at an altitude of 1068 m above sea level. At such a high level, the air is so cool and fresh and trees is lush green while wild birds chirp everywhere.
Before going to Yen Tu, don't forget to visit Trinh pagoda. The name Trinh means that before you pilgrimage to Yen Tu Mountain, you should stop there to greet the Buddhas as well as pray for a peaceful and happy journey.
The gate of the Trinh Pagoda in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province
Then, you'll see a stream and a bridge called Giai Oan hidden in the forest of ancient trees. Indeed, after handing over the throne to his son Tran Anh Tong, King Tran Nhan Tong decided to devote the rest of his life to Buddhism despite the advice of many concubines and beautiful women to return to the royal court. Because the king insisted on his ideal, they threw themselves into this stream. King Tran Nhan Tong was so sad that he built a temple here and named the nearby stream Giai Oan, which means purification, to clear up the misunderstanding.
Giai Oan stream
The road to the main hall is full of steps. On both sides of the road there are ancient columns, in some parts there is only bamboo forest.
After climbing a long path, you will see pagodas and buddhist towers among which the tallest tower is the tomb of King Tran Nhan Tong, the two sides are the tombs of monks Phap Loa and Thuyen Quang.
King Tran Nhan Tong's tomb at an altitude of 550 m above sea level
Continue to explore Yen Tu Pagoda along the way, you will see two dragons on both sides of the way up. Now you have arrived at Hoa Yen Pagoda at an altitude of 550 m above sea level, where there are many pines and old trees.
The Hoa Yen Pagoda is located at an altitude of 600 m above sea level.
You may bring offerings and place them on the altar for worship. Afterwards it is time for you to enjoy the worship offerings, rest and recharge energy.
The next stop is the Van Tieu pagoda admist the white clouds and green mountains. It is an ancient pagoda with discoloured wooden columns and roof tiles with white mould, bathed in the sacred smell of incense.
The Van Tieu pagoda in the harmony with nature of the mountains and forests of Yen Tu
At an altitude of 900 m above sea level stands a bronze statue of King Tran Nhan Tong that is made of solid bronze, 15 metres high and weighs 138 tonnes. The fanciful statue and the thick fog create a mysterious scenery.
The Tran Nhan Tong Buddha statue in Yen Tu pagoda complex
Finally, Dong Pagoda is located at an altitude of 1068 m above sea level. The statue is made of solid bronze, 3 m high, 12 m wide and weighs nearly 60 tons. Located on the top of the mountain, Dong Pagoda is is the largest bronze mountaintop temple in Asia. It is covered with mist and the peaceful atmosphere of the pagoda complex.
Dong Pagoda Yen Tu
Below are tips for you when going to Yen Tu Pagoda:
To see more about Vietnam:
>> Vietnam Manners - Dos and Don'ts in Vietnam
>> Vietnam trip: What to see? When to go? How to arrange itinerary?
>> A Comprehensive 14 day Vietnam Itinerary from South to North
