The Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu Heritage Journey

A "mountain-to-sea" journey leaves a strong impression on tourists, making them always want to return to Quang Ninh. 

Since being first recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site for its aesthetic value in 1994, Ha Long Bay has continued to expand its list of world titles. It is now recognized as one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature, one of the top 14 most beautiful UNESCO heritage sites in the world, and one of the 29 most beautiful bays by the World Bays Club, among others.

Clearly, Ha Long Bay's three-time UNESCO recognition as a World Natural Heritage site is no coincidence. According to Bussiness Insider, Ha Long Bay impresses visitors with its rare natural beauty and diverse terrain. In addition, the prestigious Travel+Leisure magazine ranks Ha Long Bay among the 55 most beautiful destinations in the world to admire.

The majestic natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, with its thousands of limestone islands, has become one of the leading tourist destinations for both domestic and international visitors. The islands are formed from Karst terrain in a tropical, humid environment. The entire Ha Long Bay area is a Karst landscape millions of years in the making, with tower-shaped and conical Karst formations that have been eroded, creating stunning and unique scenery.

Ha Long Bay also offers many other fascinating tourist sites, including famous caves such as Bo Nau Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Kim Quy Cave, Tam Cung Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, and Trong Cave, which attract a large number of visitors.

At any time of day, Ha Long Bay reveals its distinct beauty. From its clear freshwater lakes and white sandy beaches to its majestic mountain ranges and historical ruins, it continues to captivate visitors with its charm. The sunrise brings a fresh, vibrant energy, while the sunset transforms the space into a mystical, romantic, and poetic scene.

Meanwhile, Yen Tu - a famous historical and scenic site - lies nestled in the majestic Dong Trieu Mountain range of Quang Ninh. Yen Tu is considered the "fourth sacred land of Giao Chau" and is closely tied to Vietnam's Buddhist heritage, being the birthplace of the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect founded by King Tran Nhan Tong in the 13th century. The site embodies the peaceful and righteous vision of the King, aiming to build a happy and virtuous country.

Today, the remaining monuments at Yen Tu include 11 pagodas and hundreds of hermitages, towers, steles, and statues that reflect various architectural and sculptural styles from different periods, showcasing the material and spiritual values of the Vietnamese people. Over the centuries, the sacred energy of Yen Tu's forests has continued to nurture the spirit of millions of pilgrims.

With an altitude of 1,068 meters above sea level, visitors can admire a sea of white clouds from Yen Tu. The journey to the top is marked by ancient pine trees lining the sacred forest, moss-covered stone steps, and pagodas that emerge from the mist, set against the backdrop of towering mountains. Visiting Yen Tu feels like stepping into a tranquil space where heaven and earth converge, offering profound cultural, historical, and spiritual values. This is perhaps the unique attraction that few places can match.

Linking conservation with tourism development to keep the heritage "alive," Yen Tu has evolved into a multifaceted destination, with cultural and spiritual tourism as its main draw. Renowned architect Bill Bensley and artisans have recreated a cultural and historical space at the Truc Lam Cultural Center that evokes the 13th-century Tran dynasty, reinforcing Yen Tu’s unique identity.

Now, a visit to Yen Tu is not only about pilgrimage and worship; visitors can also enjoy various unique cultural tourism products, such as Zen meditation, health care, and cultural activities. Each year, Yen Tu attracts millions of visitors from both within Vietnam and abroad.

Yen Tu is just over 40 km from Ha Long Bay, along National Route 18, making it convenient for tourists to embark on a Ha Long Bay – Yen Tu journey to explore the beauty of the world natural wonder and the unique historical and cultural values of this region.

By the end of October 2024, Quang Ninh welcomed 16.8 million visitors, including over 3 million international tourists. This figure clearly reflects the growing appeal of Quang Ninh, with its famous destinations such as Ha Long Bay, a world natural heritage site and the Yen Tu historical and scenic complex.

Translated by Thuy Ha