Yen Tu Mountain

Yen Tu Mountain is a prominent peak (1,068 m) in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, northeastern Vietnam. Revered as the birthplace of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century, it forms a large complex of pagodas, temples and shrines amid forested slopes. The summit Dong Pagoda, cable car system and annual spring festival make it a major pilgrimage and scenic destination.

Visitors can expect a forested mountain landscape with a large Buddhist complex spread from the base to the summit. The site includes historic pagodas, temples, shrines, stone paths, streams and bamboo forests. Access is via hiking trails with stone steps or a two-stage cable car system to near the summit, with the final ascent to Dong Pagoda on foot. Areas to explore include Giai Oan Pagoda, Hoa Yen Pagoda, Mot Mai Pagoda and the summit area with panoramic views.

Yen Tu is the birthplace of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Buddhism, founded by King Tran Nhan Tong (1258-1308) of the Tran Dynasty. After abdicating the throne, he became a monk, practiced asceticism on Yen Tu Mountain and established the distinctly Vietnamese Zen sect in the late 13th century. The mountain has been developed since then with a system of pagodas, towers and temples built through successive dynasties.

Yen Tu is considered the capital of Vietnamese Buddhism and one of the most important pilgrimage centers in Vietnam. It hosts the annual Yen Tu Spring Festival, attracting large numbers of pilgrims and visitors who pay homage to Truc Lam Zen Buddhism. The complex preserves Buddhist architecture, statues, stupas and religious traditions central to Vietnamese cultural identity.