Standing at 1,068 meters above sea level, Yen Tu Mountain is the highest peak in the Northeast region of Vietnam. It is located Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. Based on a legend and especially to the romantics, it is also called the Elephant Mountain as it is said to be shaped like a reclining elephant looking out towards the sea. Moreover, it is a significant part of the country's history since monks consider it a place of sanctuary and solitude. In fact, it is home to the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect.

Yen Tu Mountain's peak can be reached in two ways: either through trekking or taking the cable car. Tourists must first base from Hanoi, travelling 125 kilometers by motorbike or car. After passing Uong Bi City, they will make another 9-kilometer trip to Vang Danh Street, turning a final left. Those who prefer to take the cable car have to travel another 1.2 kilometers and to a height of 400 meters above sea level. Tourists will be treated to a breathtaking sight of Hoa Vien Pagoda and Yen Tu Mountain itself. For the more adventurous ones, trekking will take a longer trip of 6 kilometers to the peak. Good health and proper preparation are also prerequisites to this mode of travelling. But with the spectacular view one is laden with, the long hours and physical demand is all worth it.

The Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect Yen Tu Mountain is home to was founded by King Tran Nhan Tong together with Phap Loa Ton Gia and Ly Dao Ti. But before Tong became a religious leader, he was known to be a strong and idealistic governor. In fact, he won for his country two out of three resistance wars against the Yuan-Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288. When he decided to leave his political life for a totally opposite religious calling, it was said that 100 of his concubines followed and continued to serve him in Yen Tu.

Tong's journey to Yen Tu started from Giai Oan (Salvation of Wandering Souls) River. It runs through Thuong Yen Cong Commune and is said to remain blue and pure the whole year. According to legends, when Tong reached the stream, he told his concubines to go back and start a new life in their native homes. The concubines pleaded on staying with the king, insisting that their lives would be useless without him. When the king still refused their begging, the concubines were said to jump into the stream where they all died.

After the Elephant Mountain, Hoa Yen Pagoda is another must-see tourist destination. It stands 534 meters above the ground and has two 700-year old frangipani flower trees which are historical beauties worthy of any visit. To Tower; Mot Mai and Bao Sai pagodas; Yen Ky Sinh stone statue; and Ngoa Van Temple are other sites at Yen Tu visitors must include in their itinerary.

Over time, tourists who come to visit Yen Tu have increased, especially in the spring season. And in order to accommodate and entertain visitors even more, the Yen Tu Festival has been extended to the end of the third month of the lunar calendar. This gives tourist ample time not only to enjoy the festive atosphere but more importantly, to learn and appreciate the tradition and culture of Yen Tu.