Popular sacred places for spring pilgrimages in Northern Vietnam

Yen Tu, Huong and Bai Dinh pagodas in northern Vietnam are popular destinations for spring pilgrimages.
Popular sacred places for spring pilgrimages in Northern Vietnam ảnh 1Yen Tu, Huong and Bai Dinh pagodas in northern Vietnam are popular destinations for spring pilgrimages (Photo: VNA)
Hanoi (VNA) – Yen Tu, Huong and Bai Dinh pagodas in northern Vietnam arepopular destinations for spring pilgrimages.

Quang Ninh Province’s Yen Tu relic is located atop Yen Tu Mountain in the DongTrieu range.

With its sacred pagoda made from bronze at 1,000m above the sea, it is apopular destination for many people in the north.

Besides Yen Tu relic, there are many small temple and pagodas as well asstreams and a statue of Emperor Tran Nhan Tong.

Tran Nhan Tong was the third emperor of the Tran Dynasty from 1278 to 1293.

The Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the biggest spring festivals in Vietnam. Itlasts for nearly three months from the 6th of the first lunar month.

The peak of the festival is from the full moon in January to the 18th of thesecond lunar month. Tens of thousands of people come every day, causinghuge crowds and pushing the cost of services up. 

Along with Huong and Yen Tu pagodas, Bai Dinh Pagoda in Ninh Binh Province isone of the three most famous spiritual places in the country. 

The Bai Dinh Pagoda Complex has an area of 1,700ha including the old and newpagoda areas and others such as a cultural park and Buddhist academy. 

It has Asia's largest gold-plated bronze Buddha statue and the longest Arhatcorridor. 

The pagoda has been renovated and upgraded on the foundation of an ancientpagoda. -VNA
VNA

See more

The organisers of VITM 2026 honour sponsors. ( Photo: VNA)

VITM 2026 boosts tourism demand ahead of peak season

According to the organisers, around 4,500 representatives from Vietnamese and international tourism enterprises attended the event, generating more than 25,000 business meetings and partnership exchanges. Approximately 15,000 discounted tours and travel products were offered to visitors.

Traditional dragon procession held on the river in Ninh Binh. (Photo: VNA)

Cultural heritage drives sustainable tourism growth in Ninh Binh

In the first two months of 2026, Ninh Binh welcomed over 5.4 million visitors, up 9.9% year-on-year, generating nearly 5.84 trillion VND (221 million USD) in tourism revenue, up 15.9%. During the 2026 Lunar New Year holiday alone, the province received 2.38 million visitors, an 81.4% increase from the previous year, ranking second nationwide.

Outstanding individuals and firms honoured at VITM 2026 (Photo: VNA)

Outstanding individuals, firms honoured at Vietnam International Travel Mart 2026

In 2025, Vietnam’s tourism sector recorded its highest-ever number of visitors, welcoming more than 21.5 million international arrivals, up more than 20% from 2024, and serving over 135.5 million domestic travellers. Tourism revenue also surpassed 1 quadrillion VND (nearly 38 billion USD). The sector has become a bright spot of the economy, with Vietnam ranking among the world’s fastest-growing tourism destinations.

The Ba Trieu Temple in Thanh Hoa province (Photo: VNA)

Thanh Hoa taps digital transformation to boost heritage tourism

With 28 nationally-recognised intangible cultural heritage elements, Thanh Hoa province has prioritised integrating conservation with tourism development. Digital transformation, in particular, is seen as a crucial bridge connecting tradition with innovation, helping heritage sites become more accessible and engaging.

Pristine white-sand beach on Cu Lao Cham Island, Da Nang city, is a magnet for visitors. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam – a safe destination amid global uncertainties

Despite global tourism headwinds linked to geopolitical conflicts, transport disruptions and surging travel expenses, Vietnam’s tourism sector has sustained strong growth, underscoring the destination’s resilience and rising international profile.

A border guard at the Mong Cai International Border Gate processes exit procedures for passengers at the Bac Luan 1 border gate in Quang Ninh province. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam, China promote AI application in cross-border tourism cooperation

During the programme, participants will attend intensive courses delivered by AI technology experts, China–ASEAN policy researchers, and tourism specialists. The curriculum focuses on the application of big data in tourism policy planning, the development of cross-border tourism products, and the building of joint tourism brands.

The sea area off the southern coast of Phu Quoc Island. (Photo: VNA)

UK newspaper praises Phu Quoc’s unspoilt charm amid tourism boom

Phu Quoc is positioned as a compelling alternative – even a potential rival to Phuket – for travellers seeking authenticity in Southeast Asia. Its appeal lies not only in scenic beauty and fresh seafood, but also in the harmonious coexistence of modern tourism and enduring local culture.

At an elevation of 1,700 metres above sea level, the summit of Pu Luong is increasingly emerging as an ideal destination for trekking - a form of adventure tourism that combines hiking with nature exploration and physical as well as mental endurance. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam eyes becoming region’s leading tourism destination

Vietnam has in recent years undergone a notable transformation in its tourism development strategy, placing a strong emphasis on nature-based and eco-tourism. This shift is not merely aligned with global trends, but represents a necessary step towards safeguarding valuable natural resources, while appealing to a growing segment of environmentally conscious travellers.

Foreign tourists in a photo with local residents. (Photo: VNA)

Vietnam serves 6.76 million foreign arrivals in Q1

China and the Republic of Korea (RoK) continued to lead as Vietnam’s largest source markets in the quarter, with 1.4 million and 1.3 million visitors respectively, accounting for around 40% of total arrivals.