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Quang Ninh's Yen Tu Festival is one of Northern Vietnam's largest and most important spiritual events. The journey to the summit is not only a religious pilgrimage, but also an opportunity to discover breathtaking natural landscape and admire the area's unique historical and cultural relics.
Yen Tu Festival 2026 is one of the most important spiritual events in Northern Vietnam, held annually from the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month. During this time, thousands of pilgrims and visitors journey to the sacred mountain to pray for peace, prosperity, and good fortune in the new year.
Located at the revered complex of Yen Tu Mountain, the festival is deeply connected to Tran Nhan Tong, who abdicated the throne in the 13th century to pursue a spiritual path and later founded the uniquely Vietnamese Truc Lam Zen School.
Yen Tu is considered the cradle of Vietnamese Zen Buddhism, symbolizing the harmony between royal heritage and spiritual enlightenment. This profound historical foundation transforms the Yen Tu Festival from a seasonal spring celebration into a meaningful pilgrimage rooted in centuries of national and religious tradition.
Yen Tu Festival 2026
The Yen Tu Festival in Quang Ninh is a meaningful spiritual journey that combines solemn rituals with the experience of exploring a sacred mountain landscape. Below is the festival schedule to help visitors easily follow and take part in its key activities.
The Yen Tu Festival begins with a sacred and formal ritual known as the “forest opening ceremony,” held at Trinh Pagoda. Before the official opening day, monks and local residents carry out incense offerings, chanting, and sacred prayers to heaven and earth, wishing for a smooth and peaceful festival season. This ritual is a respectful spiritual way of asking for permission to begin the pilgrimage season, while wishing for luck and peace for everyone involved.
King Tran Nhan Tong - founder of the Truc Lam Zen School at Yen Tu
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The Yen Tu Festival in Quang Ninh officially begins on the morning of the 10th day of the first lunar month at the Truc Lam Yen Tu Cultural Center, with a solemn ceremony of spiritual and educational value. Senior monks and Buddhist dignitaries lead prayers for national peace, prosperity, and the well-being of the population.
Opening Ceremony for Yen Tu Festival 2026
A highlight of the ceremony is the sacred stamping ritual on the Yen Tu seal, a spiritual symbol associated with blessings, fortune, and good luck. Along with the formal ceremonies, the opening program also includes large performances by well-known performers from inside and outside the province. The sound of bells and drums, together with New Year blessing rituals, creates a lively yet respectful atmosphere, making the festival both sacred and colorful, and attracting visitors from many regions.
Yen Tu Cultural Village featuring a variety of engaging folk games
Within the framework of the Yen Tu Festival 2026, a wide range of activities will be organized on the largest scale ever at the Yen Tu Relic and Scenic Site in Yen Tu Ward, Quang Ninh Province.
The official opening ceremony will take place on at Truc Lam Palace. On the same day at 8:00 PM, a special art performance will be held at the Trinh Pagoda festival yard, featuring a carefully staged program that blends traditional and modern arts. Through music, dance, and visual performance, the show will highlight the historical, cultural, and philosophical journey of the Truc Lam Zen sect and honor its heritage values.
From February 25 to March 4, the Truc Lam Yen Tu Buddhist Exhibition will be held at Guong Thien Khai Tam, presenting documents, images, and artifacts that reflect the formation and development of the Truc Lam Zen tradition.
Other key activities include:
Join Yen Tu Festival with our North Vietnam Tours
When taking part in the Yen Tu Festival in Quang Ninh, visitors should keep the following points in mind to ensure a smooth and meaningful pilgrimage experience:
Cable car in Yen Tu Festival 2026
How to Get to Yen Tu Mountain?
Yen Tu Mountain is located in Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province. From Hanoi, you can travel by private car, limousine van, local bus, or motorbike. The journey typically takes around 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic. Many visitors prefer booking a private transfer for convenience, especially during festival season.
How Far Is Yen Tu from Hanoi?
Yen Tu is approximately 130 km from Hanoi. With the Hanoi – Hai Phong Expressway, travel time has become much more convenient, making it an accessible destination for both day trips and overnight stays.
Is a Day Trip to Yen Tu Enough?
Yes, a day trip is possible if you start early in the morning. However, climbing to Dong Pagoda (the highest point) and exploring the complex can take several hours. If you want a slower, more spiritual experience without rushing, consider staying overnight.
Should You Stay Overnight in Uong Bi?
Staying overnight in Uong Bi is a good option, especially during the Yen Tu Festival. It allows you to avoid peak crowds in the early morning and enjoy the peaceful mountain atmosphere. There are various accommodation options ranging from local hotels to more comfortable resorts near the spiritual complex.
The Yen Tu Festival 2026 in Quang Ninh is where nature and spirituality meet, offering a deep immersion into the cultural and spiritual values of Vietnam. Let Asiakingtravel guide you to this sacred land, where drifting incense and echoing temple bells blend into a peaceful rhythm of life.
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