If you’re looking for an escape from the hectic and stressful city life, a relic site on Yen Tu Mountain may just provide you with not only the physical rest, but perhaps most importantly, the spiritual peace that your overall being needs.

Located in the Northern province of Quang Ninh, the Yen Tu Buddhism Complex is set on a 1,068-meter high area on Yen Tu Mountain. With a foggy but cool atmosphere, tourists will get the retreat they need with the Dong Pagoda located at the top of the mountain which is beautifully built from bronze and known to be the meditating place of the famous King Tran Nhan Tong. It is also named as Vietnam’s biggest bronze statue. The path leading up to the complex is a breathtaking sight in itself as many other pagodas line up the way such as the Mot Mai, Hoa Yen, Giao Oan and Suoi Tam.

Yen Tu Buddhism Complex is not only a place of meditation but also a site of historical richness. King Tran Nhan Tong is a popular king in Vietnam who reigned from 1279 – 1293 and defeated the Mongols not only once, but twice. Afterward, he gave up and passed his throne to his son to live the life of a Buddhist monk at a pagoda on the said mountain. He established the Truc Lam zen sect which later on became the basis of Buddhism in the whole country.

To reach the Buddhism Complex on Yen Tu Mountain, pilgrims can either choose to walk on thousands of stone steps on the mountain side through the forest; or climb several stone steps, ride on a cable car above the forest, land on a specific spot on the mountain side, and then hike to the top. The latter way may seem faster and easier, but the former gives one a closer and deeper sense of nature as the path is filled with flowers of different colors and aromas; one can marvel at the lush forest; and hear birds singing, streams gushing with fresh water, and pagoda bells ringing immaculately.  

After a spiritual experience, visitors can bring memories of their adventure home by buying local specialties from the stalls situated on the way down or at the foot of the mountain. Bamboo sprout, fruits and medicinal plants are just some of the items sold in these small but meaningful stores.