Yen Tu Day Trip from Ha Long: Getting There, Cable Car, Itinerary and Temple Dress Code
Updated: 1 November 2026. Cable car fares follow the Yen Tu cable car operator’s notice for 15 Aug – 31 Dec 2026; car and tour prices are market estimates and may vary by season and provider.
- Doable in a day: Yen Tu is about 50–55 km from Bai Chay, 60–80 minutes by car; leave at 6:30–7:00 and you are back in Ha Long before dinner.
- Cable car 2026: return on both lines 390,000 VND, line 1 return 320,000 VND (electric shuttle included); site admission is free until 31 Dec 2028.
- Easiest transport: a private 4–7 seat car with driver for the day, roughly 1,200,000–1,800,000 VND per car; solo travellers can join a group tour or combine bus and taxi.
- Dress code: covered shoulders, trousers or skirt below the knee, grippy trainers, plus a light jacket because the summit is cooler and mistier than Ha Long.
- Busiest season: the spring festival from the 10th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month; Aug–Dec 2026 hosts the “Yen Tu – Autumn Meditation” programme.
Is a Yen Tu day trip from Ha Long worth it?
Yes. The foot of Yen Tu mountain is about 50–55 km from Bai Chay, a 60–80 minute drive via National Road 18 or the expressway. Leave at 6:30–7:00, take both cable car lines, and you get 5–6 hours to visit Hoa Yen Pagoda and the Bronze Pagoda before returning to Ha Long around 16:00–17:00. Hiking the whole trail needs an earlier start or an overnight stay nearby.
Yen Tu is the cradle of Truc Lam Zen Buddhism and part of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac complex, inscribed as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage site in July 2025. For visitors staying in Ha Long it offers a complete change from the sea: mountains, bamboo forest, ancient stupas and long stone stairways. Planning a longer stay? See our 3-day, 2-night Ha Long itinerary to decide which day suits Yen Tu.
How far is Yen Tu from Ha Long?
The Yen Tu relic site lies west of Ha Long, near Uong Bi. Distances and times below are to the cable car area by car in normal traffic; during the festival allow an extra 20–40 minutes for parking queues.
| Starting point | Approx. distance | Time by car | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bai Chay | about 50–55 km | 60–80 min | Most convenient base, many cars and tours pick up at hotels |
| Hon Gai (Ha Long centre) | about 60 km | 70–90 min | Cross Bai Chay Bridge, then head to Uong Bi |
| Tuan Chau | about 55–60 km | 70–85 min | Good if your bay cruise is the next day |
| Van Don Airport | about 100 km | 1 h 30 – 2 h | Not recommended on arrival day |
| Hanoi | about 125–135 km | 2 h 15 – 2 h 45 | For comparison: many visitors do Yen Tu en route and sleep in Ha Long |
How to get from Ha Long to Yen Tu
There is no direct bus from Bai Chay to the foot of the mountain, so the best option depends on group size and how much flexibility you want. Prices below are estimates, not official fares.
| Option | Approx. cost | One-way time | Best for | Drawbacks |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private 4–7 seat car with driver (return, waits all day) | 1,200,000–1,800,000 VND per car | 60–80 min | Families, groups of 3–6, older travellers | Pricey for 1–2 people |
| Group day tour from Ha Long | 800,000–1,300,000 VND per person (depends on cable car, lunch) | 75–100 min (multiple pickups) | Solo travellers, no ticket hassle | Fixed schedule, little free time |
| Bus route 08 to Uong Bi + taxi to Yen Tu | about 20,000 VND bus + 250,000–350,000 VND taxi each way | 1 h 45 – 2 h 15 | Budget travellers with time | Change of vehicle, hard to find a taxi back |
| Self-ride motorbike | about 150,000–250,000 VND/day rental + fuel | 70–90 min | Experienced riders | Heavy trucks on NR18, avoid in rain |
Tip: with a private car, confirm whether the price includes tolls, parking and waiting time. With a group tour, check whether it includes both cable car lines or only line 1; the difference is about 70,000 VND per person and decides whether you reach the Bronze Pagoda.
Yen Tu cable car: fares, hours and the walking section
Yen Tu has two cable car lines. Line 1 (about 1.2 km) runs from the Giai Oan area to near Hoa Yen Pagoda; line 2 (about 0.9 km) runs from near Mot Mai Pagoda to the An Ky Sinh statue. From the top of line 2 you still climb 30–45 minutes of stone steps to the Bronze Pagoda at about 1,068 m.
| Ticket (adults, children from 1.2 m) | Fare 15 Aug – 31 Dec 2026 | Covers |
|---|---|---|
| Return, both lines | 390,000 VND | Hoa Yen, Mot Mai, Hue Quang stupa garden, An Ky Sinh, Bronze Pagoda, electric shuttle |
| Return, line 1 | 320,000 VND | Hoa Yen, Mot Mai, Hue Quang stupa garden, electric shuttle |
| Children 0.81–1.19 m | 50% off | Bring ID if asked |
| Vietnamese citizens aged 70+ | 50% off | Show ID |
| Relic site admission | free until 31 Dec 2028 | Quang Ninh provincial policy |
Indicative hours: about 7:00–18:00 outside the festival, with longer hours during the spring festival. Weekdays rarely have long queues; on weekends and in the first lunar month be at the station before 8:30. Fares and hours can change, so check the latest notice before you go.
One-day Yen Tu itinerary from Ha Long
- 6:30–7:00: quick breakfast in Bai Chay and depart. Group tours usually pick up at hotels in this window.
- 8:00–8:30: arrive, take the electric shuttle to Giai Oan, buy or redeem cable car tickets.
- 8:30–10:00: line 1 up to Hoa Yen Pagoda, walk around the Hue Quang stupa garden and Mot Mai Pagoda.
- 10:00–12:00: line 2 to An Ky Sinh, climb to the Bronze Pagoda, rest, enjoy the view and return to the station.
- 12:00–13:30: vegetarian or regular lunch at the foot of the mountain (about 150,000–250,000 VND per person).
- 13:30–15:00: visit Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen Monastery or Trinh Pagoda at the base and pick up local products such as tea or bamboo shoots.
- 15:00–16:30: drive back to Bai Chay, rest, then an evening stroll by the beach or a seafood dinner.
With only two days in Ha Long, prioritise the bay first. Our guide on how many days to spend in Ha Long explains why Yen Tu fits best into trips of three days or more.
Key stops on the way to the summit
- Giai Oan Pagoda and stream: the traditional starting point, near the line 1 station.
- Hoa Yen Pagoda: the central pagoda halfway up, with ancient frangipani trees and a wide courtyard.
- Hue Quang stupa garden: where relics of Buddhist King Tran Nhan Tong are kept, a group of moss-covered stone stupas.
- Mot Mai (One-Roof) Pagoda: built against a cliff with a single roof, a great photo stop.
- An Ky Sinh statue: a natural rock shaped like a person, near the top of line 2.
- Bronze Pagoda (Chua Dong): on the highest peak; on clear days you can see far towards the sea.
What to wear and temple etiquette at Yen Tu
- Wear sleeved tops and long trousers or skirts below the knee; avoid strappy tops and short shorts in shrine halls.
- Wear trainers or hiking shoes with good grip; stone steps get slippery in mist or rain.
- Bring a light jacket or windbreaker: the summit is several degrees cooler than Ha Long and can be 8–12°C in winter.
- Keep offerings simple (flowers, fruit); do not burn paper offerings outside designated spots or leave litter on the trail.
- Speak quietly, do not point at Buddha statues, and ask before photographing monks or nuns.
- Carry water, light snacks and small cash; some stalls on the mountain do not take cards.
When is the best time to visit Yen Tu?
| Period | Atmosphere | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| 10th day of 1st lunar month – end of 3rd lunar month (2027 festival opens around mid-February) | Spring festival, peak pilgrimage season | Go on weekdays and early; weekend cable car queues can reach 1–2 hours |
| April – July | Warm, green forest, showers | Bring a light raincoat, avoid hiking in heavy rain |
| August – December 2026 | Cool and misty; “Yen Tu – Autumn Meditation” programme | Some days host sports events, e.g. a race planned for 28–29 Nov 2026; check the calendar |
| Late December – January | Cold, thick fog, few visitors | Dress warmly, go around midday for better visibility |
Read more about the 2026 “Yen Tu – Autumn Meditation” programme and how Yen Tu is extending its tourist season for meditation, experiences and the autumn race.
Where to stay for a Yen Tu day trip from Ha Long
For a day trip, Bai Chay is the most practical base: close to the road out to NR18, plenty of cars and tours with hotel pickup, and in the evening you can walk by the sea and eat seafood. Still choosing an area? Read Bai Chay, Hon Gai or Tuan Chau: where to stay.
When booking, ask three things: is an early or packed breakfast available, can they help arrange a car to Yen Tu, and is there parking if you drive yourself. In Bai Chay you can consider Anstay Marina Hotel Hạ Long for a hotel near the sea, or A La Carte Hạ Long Bay by Anstay if you travel as a family and want a roomier apartment to rest in after a day on the mountain.
Yen Tu day trip cost from Ha Long (per person, estimate)
| Item | Private car (group of 4) | Group tour | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Return transport | 300,000–450,000 VND (split by 4) | included | Group tours usually include transport |
| Cable car, both lines return | 390,000 VND | depends on tour | Check before booking |
| Lunch | 150,000–250,000 VND | usually included | Vegetarian options available |
| Water, offerings, extras | 100,000–200,000 VND | 100,000–200,000 VND | Carry small cash |
| Estimated total | about 950,000–1,300,000 VND | about 900,000–1,500,000 VND | Excludes accommodation |
FAQ: Yen Tu day trip from Ha Long
How long does it take from Ha Long to Yen Tu?
From Bai Chay to the Yen Tu relic site is about 50–55 km, 60–80 minutes by car. From Hon Gai add about 10–15 minutes. During the festival allow extra time for parking.
How long is the hike without the cable car?
Hiking from the foot to the Bronze Pagoda usually takes 4–5 hours one way for fit walkers. On a day trip from Ha Long, take the cable car at least one way.
How much is the Yen Tu cable car in 2026?
According to the notice for 15 Aug – 31 Dec 2026, a return ticket on both lines is 390,000 VND and line 1 return is 320,000 VND, including the electric shuttle. Children 0.81–1.19 m and Vietnamese citizens aged 70+ get 50% off.
Is there an entrance fee for Yen Tu?
Admission to the Yen Tu relic site is free until 31 December 2028 under a Quang Ninh provincial resolution; you only pay for the cable car, transport and food.
Can older people and young children go?
Yes, if you take both cable car lines and stop at An Ky Sinh or Hoa Yen Pagoda. The climb to the Bronze Pagoda is steep, so think twice with frail travellers or children under 6.
Can I combine Yen Tu and a bay cruise on the same day?
It is not recommended. Each needs half a day to a full day, and combining them rushes both. Give Yen Tu its own day and the cruise another.
Inspiration from every journey is where every trip beginsAnstay is ready to accompany you with a 5% discount for members.
