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Yen Tu: Pilgrimage to the Sacred Mountain of Truc Lam Zen

At the end of the 13th century, King Trần Nhân Tông (1258–1308) founded the Trúc Lâm Zen Sect – a Buddhist lineage bearing distinctly Vietnamese characteristics, originating from his practice and enlightenment on Mount Yên Tử.

The bronze statue of Buddha-King Trần Nhân Tông atop Yên Tử is 15 m tall, 138 tons, Vietnam’s largest single-piece bronze, and the largest in Asia.

Majestic mountains, serene scenery. During the dry season, Yên Tử reveals its grandeur with steep cliffs, endless green bamboo forests, and pure, refreshing air that makes each pilgrim’s step feel lighter. When mist covers the peaks, the mountains become ethereal and floating like a fairyland, where every wanderer feels their heart at peace, cleansed in the sacred stillness of nature.

A pilgrimage to Yên Tử is a return to the very origin of the Trúc Lâm Zen Sect – the place where the soul of Vietnamese Buddhism was formed and refined.

“Trăm năm tích đức tu hành
Chưa đi Yên Tử, chưa thành quả tu.”

Rough translation: (approximate translation capturing the meaning)

“Even after a hundred years of virtuous practice, if one has not made the pilgrimage to Yên Tử, the path of cultivation is still considered incomplete.”

(A folk verse passed down through generations, emphasizing the sacred stature of Yên Tử – regarded as the cradle of Vietnamese Buddhism, closely tied to the Trúc Lâm Zen Sect and the enlightenment journey of Buddha-King Trần Nhân Tông)

  • Buddha-King Trần Nhân Tông - a Vietnamese king who attained enlightenment and founded the Trúc Lâm Zen Sect

“Thanh danh Yên Tử truyền nam bắc/Chính pháp Trúc lâm trụ đất trời” Rough translation: Yen Tu’s sacred name echoes through North and South/The Trúc Lâm Dharma stands firm upon Heaven and Earth

“The Trúc Lâm Zen Sect not only inherited the essence of Buddhism but also harmonized it with Vietnamese culture and daily life, remaining deeply intertwined with the nation’s history. Under the enlightenment of Buddha-King Trần Nhân Tông and the succession of Zen masters Pháp Loa and Huyền Quang – known together as the Trúc Lâm Tam Tổ (the Three Patriarchs of Trúc Lâm) – this Zen lineage became a spiritual symbol, earning Yên Tử the reverent title of “the sacred land of Vietnamese Buddhism’.”

The Path to Đồng Pagoda – A Pilgrimage Amid Clouds and Mountains

If you choose to hike, ask the locals about the walking route to Yên Tử’s peak. You can take an electric shuttle for part of the way, but if you’re healthy enough — I recommend walking.

Yen Tu Mountain Tourist Map

Don’t forget to bring a bit of cash for the entrance ticket — just a few dollars per person.

Passing through the ticket gate, you’ll instantly feel the serene atmosphere of Zen.

There are many small stalls along the path where you can rest, grab a snack or drink, or buy souvenirs. Bamboo shoots are a local specialty — small, slender, and pointed, bundled neatly and perfect as gifts or for cooking. Chè lam, a traditional sweet made with various fruits and herbs, is also readily available. Buying a sun hat and a bamboo walking stick as your climbing companion is a good idea, too.

The path to Yên Tử’s summit stretches over 7 kilometers, winding through dense forest canopies. Countless stone steps, carved from the mountain itself, lead the way. Numerous rest stops are scattered along the way, each with a roofed shelter and spacious yard — perfect for those who want to pause, relax, and take in the view. A small piece of advice: dispose of your trash properly and don’t linger too long, as even more breathtaking scenery awaits further along the trail.

Rest stops are thoughtfully placed along the trail.

If you’re traveling alone, don’t be alarmed when you find yourself walking solitary paths through the forested mountains — that’s perfectly normal. You’ll often meet groups of fellow pilgrims resting nearby, so don’t hesitate to ask for help if you need it.

If you meet local ethnic communities, avoid rushing greetings, photographing without permission, or staring — such actions may make them uncomfortable.

The journey to Đồng Pagoda – the sacred summit of Yên Tử – leads visitors through thousands of dark stone steps, winding beneath vast bamboo forests, where mountain breezes whisper through the leaves carrying the faint fragrance of incense. If you prefer not to hike the entire route, the modern Yên Tử cable car offers a convenient ascent, spacious and scenic, while preserving the site’s majestic natural beauty. For a hassle-free experience, you can also book the Hanoi: Yen Tu Sacred Mountain Day Trip with Cable Car, which includes the cable car, a guide, and round-trip transportation.

The cable car carries visitors to the sacred complex of temples, shrines, and towers of Yên Tử.

Along the pilgrimage path, spiritual landmarks such as Hoa Yên Pagoda, Một Mái Pagoda, Giải Oan Stream, and Ngoạ Vân Hermitage narrate the story of the Buddha-King Trần Nhân Tông’s monastic journey. For a guided experience covering these sacred sites, travelers can book the Ha Noi: Yen Tu Mountain - UNESCO Cultural Heritage Day Tour, which includes expert guidance and round-trip transport from Hanoi. Soft incense smoke drifts through the air, the sound of wooden bells resonates with the wind, and the murmur of streams beneath the bamboo canopy weaves together a sacred atmosphere that visitors can feel even as they take slow, mindful steps.

Halfway up the mountain, you might suddenly realize — the clouds are now far below, covering the very path you walked earlier, which you thought was just mist. From above, the vast “sea of clouds” can easily be mistaken for a clear, shimmering lake — until you blink and look again. Don’t be surprised — lol.

At an elevation of 534 meters, Hoa Yên Pagoda serves as the central temple of the Yên Tử relic complex. Formerly named Vân Yên, it was renamed Hoa Yên by King Lê Thánh Tông in the 15th century.

On the pilgrimage trail leading to Hoa Yên Pagoda, travelers will encounter two distinctive forest paths that shape Yên Tử’s spiritual and majestic beauty: the bamboo forest and the pine forest. These parallel routes – the Pine Path and the Bamboo Path – invite visitors to ascend by one and descend by the other, depending on their preference.

Ancient Pine Forest: Along the Pine Path, centuries-old pine trees stand tall and solemn, their sturdy trunks gripping the earth and cliffs, their wide canopies spreading like giant parasols. The pines not only offer shade but also symbolize resilience, endurance, and a serene way of life. Each step on the path covered with dry pine leaves feels in harmony with the slow, sacred rhythm of the mountain and forest.

The over 700-year-old red pine forest at Yên Tử

Verdant Bamboo Forest: Running parallel to it is the Bamboo Path, where dense clusters of evergreen bamboo symbolize vitality, purity, and grace. The bamboo forest is not only a natural landscape but also reflects the Trúc Lâm spirit – the Zen school founded by the Buddha-King Trần Nhân Tông – emphasizing living in the world with a tranquil heart. Gentle breezes rustling through the bamboo leaves create a soothing melody, like a meditative rhythm guiding each pilgrim’s step.

More than half of the mountain trail winds through lush green bamboo forests.

The Zen-like atmosphere here is not reserved only for Buddhist followers; anyone can find inner calm amid the grandeur of nature, listening to the wind and their own heartbeat merge with the pulse of the mountains. A quiet moment of pause, looking down at white clouds drifting past treetops and temple roofs, is enough to feel the peace that Yên Tử has preserved for over seven centuries.

Yên Tử is not only a natural wonder but also the spiritual heart of the Trúc Lâm Zen sect for many centuries. It embodies the spirit of “living in the world with joy and enlightenment” — being at peace amid life, mountains, and clouds.

Đồng Pagoda – The Sacred Peak of Yên Tử

Perched at an altitude of 1,068 meters above sea level, Đồng Pagoda – also known as Thiên Trúc Tự – stands as the most sacred destination on the Yên Tử pilgrimage route.
From afar, the small bronze pagoda glimmers amidst a sea of clouds, like a spiritual jewel embedded between heaven and earth, where the human realm meets the divine.

The sacred Đồng Pagoda glows in the gentle light of the afternoon sun.

It is not only the largest bronze pagoda in Asia but also a symbol of faith and the Vietnamese people's aspiration toward enlightenment.

The current pagoda was recast and restored in 2006 under the guidance of Venerable Thích Thanh Quyết and the Đồng Pagoda Project Management Board, with contributions from monks, nuns, and Buddhist followers both in Vietnam and abroad.

The entire structure was cast from pure bronze in Ý Yên (Nam Dinh), modeled after Dâu Keo Pagoda (Bac Ninh) – reflecting the graceful architectural style of the Trần dynasty.

Though modest in size at only 20 square meters, the pagoda weighs up to 70 tons. Its roof curves upward at the four corners in the shape of dragon heads; the walls are finely carved with leaf motifs, and the porch features bronze railings shaped like bamboo stalks.

Đồng Pagoda – The Sacred Peak of Yên Tử

Inside, statues of Sakyamuni Buddha and the Three Patriarchs of the Trúc Lâm Zen Sect sit solemnly upon lotus thrones, creating a serene yet intimate atmosphere. A bronze bell and gong hang at the entrance – when the mountain wind blows through, their resonant chime drifts across the clouds like the voice of meditation itself.

When visiting, it is advised to dress respectfully and bring simple vegetarian offerings such as incense, fresh flowers, or fruits. Maintain a reverent attitude, avoid crowding or performing rituals carelessly, and refrain from filming or using your phone within this sacred space.

The Spirit of Zen on Yên Tử Mountain

Each year, from the first to the third lunar month, the Yên Tử Festival draws tens of thousands of Buddhist devotees and visitors from all over the country on their pilgrimage. The festival begins at the foot of the mountain with an incense-offering ceremony at Giải Oan Pagoda, then follows the sacred route up through temples and hermitages, ending at Đồng Pagoda — the most revered site of Yên Tử. Throughout the journey, pilgrims not only marvel at the majestic scenery of bamboo forests, waterfalls, and cloud-covered peaks, but also immerse themselves in the rhythmic sound of bells, wooden gongs, and the solemn atmosphere of the pilgrimage processions. Traditional folk games, cultural performances, and vegetarian cuisine are also part of the celebration, creating a vivid picture of spiritual life deeply intertwined with Vietnamese culture.

A tranquil space steeped in Zen spirit.

Travel Tips for Visitors

  • Best time to visit: Yên Tử is beautiful all year round, but spring (from the first to the third lunar month) is when the Yên Tử Festival takes place — the bamboo forests still glisten with morning dew, and the sound of temple bells echoes through the clouds. If you prefer a quieter atmosphere, come in autumn, when the skies are clear, the mist is light, and the mountain scenery reveals its calm, vivid charm.
  • Before you go: The path up Yên Tử consists of thousands of stone steps, so a pair of soft sneakers, light clothing, and a thin jacket will make your journey more comfortable. Bring water, light snacks, and some personal medicine — especially if you choose to hike instead of taking the cable car.
  • Experiences not to miss: Don’t rush. Pause at Giải Oan Stream to listen to the gentle murmur of water among the trees, visit Hoa Yên Pagoda to admire the vast bamboo forest, and continue your climb to Đồng Pagoda — where clouds drift all year round. A quiet moment of meditation amid the echoing temple bells may be all you need to find inner peace.

Conclusion

Yên Tử is not just a journey through landscapes but a spiritual pilgrimage, where every step up the mountain is a step inward.
Amid layers of mist and mountain clouds, everyone can find a moment of stillness — a silent touch of the Trúc Lâm spirit that has echoed for over seven centuries.

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