Sacred land of Tay Yen Tu

Updated: 15:46, 22/12/2025

BAC NINH - Located along the Dong Trieu mountain arc, the Yen Tu range stretches across northeastern Vietnam, with its eastern slopes in Quang Ninh province and its western slopes lying within Bac Ninh province. Tay (West) Yen Tu not only preserves a system of ancient pagodas, stupas, hermitages and shrines but also stands as living testimony to the journey of spreading Buddhism by King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong more than seven centuries ago.

With its pristine natural landscape and exceptional historical depth, the area is emerging as one of northern Vietnam’s most prominent cultural and spiritual centres. Visitors arriving in Tay Yen Tu often sense a sacred atmosphere permeating the mountains and forests, bringing a feeling of calm and reflection and guiding them toward the enduring values of the nation.

Ha Pagoda and the cable car station leading to Upper Pagoda in Tay Yen Tu.

The bell from Upper Pagoda echoes through the Yen Tu mountains and forests.

The Tay Yen Tu spiritual and eco-tourism complex opens its spring festival season.

The Suoi Mo Temple Festival takes place in Nghia Phuong commune.

Visitors pay homage at the summit of Yen Tu.

Provincial Road 293, also known as the “spiritual road”, opens up economic and tourism development potential for the Tay Yen Tu area.

Vinh Nghiem Pagoda, a special national relic and part of the Yen Tu–Vinh Nghiem–Con Son–Kiep Bac complex recognised by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage site, attracts large numbers of Buddhists and visitors.