Yen Tu is one of Northern Vietnam’s most significant spiritual landscapes, closely associated with the origins of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism. Located within forested mountains east of Hanoi, the area has long served as a place of pilgrimage, meditation, and cultural heritage, marked by pagodas, stone paths, and panoramic viewpoints across the surrounding countryside.
This journey continues onward to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. Along the way, selected cultural and scenic stops, including visits within the Vung Duc cave area, offer insight into local traditions and regional history, combining spiritual exploration with Vietnam’s iconic natural landscapes.
Highlights
-
Yen Tu Mountain: Explore one of Northern Vietnam’s most important spiritual landscapes, closely linked to the origins of Trúc Lâm Zen Buddhism.
-
Cable Car Ascents: Ride scenic cable cars to access Hoa Yên Pagoda, Huệ Quang Tower, and higher viewpoints across forested mountain slopes.
-
Spiritual Landmarks & Viewpoints: Visit pagodas, stone pathways, and elevated observation points offering wide views over the surrounding countryside.
-
Vung Duc Cave Area Experience: Enjoy an evening cultural dining experience within the Vung Duc cave area, combining local traditions and atmosphere.
-
Ha Long Bay Day Cruise: Sail through a UNESCO World Heritage landscape of limestone karsts and emerald waters with sightseeing and onboard meals.
-
Vietnamese Cooking Demonstration: Take part in a hands-on cooking session during the Ha Long Bay cruise.
-
Countryside Travel from Hanoi: Journey through rural northern Vietnam, transitioning from city streets to quieter landscapes.
Itinerary
Day 1 – 7:00AM Pick up from Hanoi and drive through the countryside to Yen Tu. When arriving, guests will take the cable car up the mountain to enjoy panoramic views and visit the sacred pagodas and temples. After lunch, continue the journey towards Ha Long. Arriving to Ha Long and hotel check-in. In the late afternoon, depart at to gathering point, then join a shared bus along the scenic coastal road to Cam Pha. Late Evening, arrive at the impressive Dragon Cave for a unique dining experience and traditional performance inside the cave. Return journey by shared bus, reaching Sun Port at late night, followed by private transfer back to the hotel for an overnight stay in Ha Long.
Day 2 – 7:30AM After breakfast and hotel check-out, depart for Ha Long International Port. At 8:00AM, board the day cruise to explore the magnificent Ha Long Bay with its limestone karsts and emerald waters. The cruise includes sightseeing stops, a hands-on Vietnamese cooking class, and delicious meals with both brunch and lunch served on board. In the end of the journey , the cruise returns to the port, where you begin the drive back to Hanoi. Arrival is expected at the evening, concluding the memorable journey.
Inclusions
- Air-conditioned roundtrip Private car transportation from hotel and shared bus round trip between Ha Long and Dragon cave
- English speaking guide
- Meals according to itinerary: Day 1: Lunch & dinner - Day 2: Breakfast & lunch
- 1 night hotel at Ha Long: Twin/double/triple sharing
- All entrance fees
- Government tax
Exclusions
- Other drinks & refreshments not stated
- Personal expenditure
- Tips for guide and driver
- Travel insurance (Agent confirms that customer will have travel insurance during their stay in Vietnam)
- Other fee that are not listed in the "Inclusion"