Buzz
The trend of opening ceremonies and Lunar New Year travel is on the rise. Many individuals and businesses not only prepare for ceremonies but also organize pilgrimages to temples and pagodas. In the northern region, visiting Yen Tu Pagoda, Perfume Pagoda, and Bai Dinh Pagoda are popular choices. Here, Mytour shares the experience of going on a New Year pilgrimage to Yen Tu Pagoda.
Embark on a Spiritual Journey: Tips for Visiting Yen Tu Pagoda at the Beginning of the New Year
As the new year begins, following days of family gatherings and well-wishing, people embark on spring outings. Choosing Yen Tu Pagoda as a destination for prayers and blessings, the experience of going on a New Year pilgrimage to Yen Tu will ensure a smooth and peaceful year. This article shares valuable insights for a convenient spring journey.
Explore essential insights for a New Year pilgrimage to Yen Tu Pagoda, guiding you through a seamless spring journey.
Here are the experiences for a New Year pilgrimage to Yen Tu Pagoda that you should know:
1. Transportation and Route to Yen Tu
During the early days of the new year, travelers from all over the country flock to Yen Tu Pagoda in increasing numbers each year. Consequently, transportation options and services have seen a steady rise. You can reach Yen Tu Pagoda by taking a coach to Yen Tu or opting for a rental car. Depending on your financial situation and the number of participants, you can choose the most suitable mode of transportation.
If you're in Hanoi, you can catch a coach from Hanoi to Quang Ninh. Upon reaching Uong Bi, head towards the intersection, take a left onto Route 18, and after approximately 2km, you'll find the turn to Yen Tu. From Uong Bi, if you're on a coach, make sure to ask the driver to drop you off, then continue by taking a taxi, bus, or motorbike taxi to proceed further.
There are two ways to reach Yen Tu Cable Car: either take the electric car for 10,000 VND per person, or enjoy a 500m walk if you prefer the scenic route on foot.
2. Best Time to Visit Yen Tu Pagoda
What are the essential tips for visiting Huong Pagoda at the beginning of the year?
Based on the experiences of celebrating the New Year at Yen Tu Pagoda, you can visit Yen Tu at any time during the year. However, tourists often prefer the early days of the lunar new year, starting from the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month. You can choose to travel to Yen Tu for a single day or extend your stay as you wish.
3. Itinerary for Sightseeing and Celebrating the New Year at Yen Tu Pagoda
If you opt for the hiking route, it's advisable to
- Itinerary
From the parking lot, head straight to Giải Oan Stream. Once there, look to the left of the stream to find Đàn Trang. Light incense for all the beautiful goddess statues before proceeding to Giải Oan Pagoda. Next, carefully climb the ancient Pine tree-lined path to avoid touching the roots and reach the Ancestor Tower. If you have ample time for exploration, you can pause here and light incense at the tower. Then, proceed to the Dây Diều slope to reach Hoa Yên Pagoda, the main temple in Yen Tu. Additionally, walk behind the temple to light incense for the three Truc Lam patriarchs. Continue the journey by heading right, and you'll arrive at Một Mái Pagoda. Keep climbing the main path, and you'll reach Bảo Sái Pagoda. Proceed further and stop at the local people's service area, where you'll find the An Ky Sinh stone statue—remember to light incense here. Right there is the Square of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong, and about 300m ahead is the area of Đồng Pagoda. After lighting incense, you can explore or descend the mountain. When descending, head to the right to pass through Vân Tiêu Pagoda to light incense and then descend to the foot of the mountain.
- Duration
When trekking up and down Yen Tu Pagoda, it will take you 6 to 8 hours to complete the pilgrimage. The time may increase or decrease depending on your health and the duration of stops for incense lighting.
If you opt for the cable car route, you should
Cable Car Journey
Starting from the parking area near Yen Tu Pagoda, head straight to Giải Oan Bridge and then ascend to Giải Oan Pagoda. After lighting incense here, descend the right side of the temple to reach Cable Car Station 1. Upon reaching Cable Car Station 2, head right to pass through the Ancestor Tower before arriving at Hoa Yên Pagoda. Next, go right to reach Cable Car Station 3. Along the route, you'll spot Một Mái Pagoda. Ascend there to light incense and descend to Cable Car Station 3. Take the cable car up to Station 4. When the cable car stops at Station 4, walk about 200m to reach the An Ky Sinh statue and then proceed to light incense at the Square of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong. Continue to Đồng Pagoda and descend the mountain. If you choose the cable car, you won't have stops at Vân Tiêu or Bảo Sái, unlike the walking route.
Cable car ticket prices
Pilgrimage to Yen Tu Pagoda via Cable Car
Exempted Individuals
- Monks and nuns
- Disabled veterans with confirmed veteran ID
- Individuals aged 70 and above with identification or senior citizen card for verification
- Children under 1.2m in height
Service Hours
- Operating hours are from 5 AM to 8 PM daily from January to March of the lunar calendar.
- Operating hours are from 7 AM to 6 PM daily from April to December of the lunar calendar.
4. Dining and Accommodation Services at Yen Tu
What to pray for during the New Year pilgrimage to Yen Tu Pagoda?
As the tradition of visiting Yen Tu Pagoda during the New Year becomes more widespread, the services at Yen Tu have also developed to fully meet the diverse needs of tourists. There are two main service areas in Yen Tu: one near Hoa Yên Pagoda and the other at the foot of the mountain. Purchasing at the foot of the mountain is much cheaper, and as you ascend, the prices increase. For dining and overnight accommodation services, it's advisable to book at Tùng Lâm communal house.
5. Considerations When Visiting Yen Tu Pagoda
When at Yen Tu Pagoda, pay attention to:
- Wear appropriate attire as the pagoda is a sacred place.
- Preserve the landscape and nature by disposing of litter in designated areas.
- Avoid using offensive language or vulgarities when visiting Yen Tu Pagoda.
- If you feel tired, take a break to breathe deeply, drink water, and quickly restore your energy before continuing your journey.
These are the tips for visiting Yen Tu Pagoda that you should be aware of, ensuring a smooth and convenient New Year pilgrimage for your company or family. If you're planning to visit Bai Dinh Pagoda at the beginning of the year, don't overlook the valuable experiences left by previous visitors. Check out Experience visiting Bai Dinh Pagoda at the beginning of the year here for useful insights.
