The Yen Tu Cable Car Experience: A Complete Guide

Overview of the Yen Tu Cable Car Experience

Yen Tu Pagoda in Quang Ninh Province (also known as Dong Pagoda) is one of Vietnam’s most sacred and renowned temples. Every Lunar New Year, countless pilgrims from all directions journey to Yen Tu Pagoda to pray for peace in the coming year and for harmonious family life.

The road leading to the summit of Yen Tu stretches approximately 6,000 meters. Before the cable car was introduced, visitors had to hike continuously for six hours, navigating thousands of stone steps and rugged mountain trails to reach the temple. In 2001, the Yen Tu cable car system was constructed to make it easier for visitors to access this sacred site.

The Yen Tu cable car spans a total length of 2,104 meters and consists of two lines corresponding to two segments. The first segment runs from Giai Oan Valley to Hoa Yen Pagoda, and the second segment connects Mot Mai Pagoda to the An Ky Sinh statue area.

Location and Operating Hours

Yên Tử Cable Car is located in Nam Mau hamlet, Thuong Yen Cong commune, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. The operating hours are as follows:

• During festival seasons (January to March in the Lunar calendar), the cable car operates from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily.
• For the rest of the year (April to December in the Lunar calendar), the operating hours are from 7:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily.

Ticket Prices

• Gia Hanh Temple to Hoa Yen Temple: One-way ticket: 200,000 VND/person. Round-trip ticket: 280,000 VND/person.
• Mot Mai Temple to An Ky Sinh Temple: One-way ticket: 200,000 VND/person. Round-trip ticket: 280,000 VND/person.
• Downhill on both lines: 280,000 VND/person.
• Round-trip on both lines: 350,000 VND/person.
• For those who hike halfway and then purchase a ticket to continue by cable car (up one line and down two lines), the price is 350,000 VND/person.
• Exemptions: Seniors over 70 (with ID or senior citizen card), war invalids (with war invalid card), children under 1.2 meters, and monks and nuns are exempt from ticket fees.

Yên Tử Cable Car Routes

As mentioned, the Yên Tử cable car system consists of two routes:

• • Hoang Long Line: This 1.2km line with 35 cabins begins at the foot of the mountain and ascends to the Hue Quang Ancestor Tower.
  • Bach Long Line: Measuring 900 meters and equipped with 38 cabins, this line transports visitors from the eastern side of Mot Mai Temple to the vicinity of the An Ky Sinh statue and closer to the Yên Tử peak.

When is the Best Time to Ride the Yen Tu Cable Car?

Starting from the 10th day of the Lunar January until the end of the third lunar month each year is the period most tourists choose to ascend Yen Tu Mountain. This period is considered the festival season in the area, attracting a large number of cable car riders.

Tips for Riding the Yen Tu Cable Car:

Depending on your purpose, you can consider the following times to ride the Yen Tu cable car:

• Primary Purpose: Visiting the Pagoda for Buddhist Ceremonies
  • Best Time: On the first day of the festival.
  • Note: Arrive early as the cable car will be quite crowded during this time.
• Purpose: Sightseeing and Photo Opportunities
  • Best Time: Early February.
  • Benefits: The scenery still retains the spring atmosphere, providing stunning photo opportunities. Additionally, you won’t have to wait too long to ride the cable car.

Why You Should Ride the Yen Tu Cable Car ?

Embarking on a pilgrimage to climb Yen Tu Mountain is an exciting journey, but experiencing it via the cable car offers a different and more relaxed sensation as you admire Yen Tu’s pristine forest from above. The Yen Tu cable car elevates you from approximately 50 meters to 450 meters above sea level.

Traveling to Yen Tu by cable car allows you to fully embrace the vibrant beauty of the surrounding landscape. You can gently feel the cool mist and the foggy atmosphere blending with the romantic and dreamy nature. Instead of walking over 6,000 meters to reach the sacred Buddhist site, the Yen Tu cable car provides easy transportation, letting you enjoy the serene scenery from above. This not only saves you time but also offers a unique and refreshing aerial sightseeing experience.

Choose the Yen Tu cable car for a hassle-free and enchanting journey, allowing you to soak in the natural splendor and spiritual tranquility of Yen Tu Mountain with ease and comfort.

Important Tips for Riding the Yen Tu Cable Car

To ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience on the Yen Tu cable car, and to make the most of every moment, keep the following considerations in mind:

• Arrive Early During Festivals: Purchase your tickets early, especially during festival times, to avoid long waiting lines.
• Avoid Carrying Valuables: Do not bring items of high value and be mindful of protecting your personal belongings.
• Limit Bulky Items: Try to minimize the amount of large or cumbersome items you bring with you.
• Prepare Essentials: Bring necessary items such as water, hats, portable chargers, raincoats or umbrellas, etc.
• Wear Appropriate Footwear: Choose sports shoes or non-slip sandals to ensure comfortable and safe movement.
• Dress Modestly: Since you are visiting a sacred site, it is important to wear modest clothing.

A journey up Yen Tu Mountain by cable car offers many unique and memorable experiences. Therefore, if you have chosen Yen Tu in Quang Ninh as your travel or pilgrimage destination, be sure to try the Yen Tu cable car for a convenient and enchanting visit.