In July 2025, the complex of Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac was recognized as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, reaffirming sustained efforts of Viet Nam as a whole and Quang Ninh in particular in safeguarding, promoting and disseminating national cultural values. Accordingly, Quang Ninh has designated 2026 as the “Yen Tu Tourism Year”, positioning it as a key initiative to enhance the destination’s profile and promote spiritual and cultural tourism.
The “Yen Tu Tourism Year” aims to transform Yen Tu into a year-round destination, offering a vibrant array of cultural events, tourism activities, and promotional campaigns. The province targets at least one million tourist arrivals to Yen Tu in 2026. To achieve this, a series of large-scale events has been launched since the beginning of the year, strengthening heritage promotion efforts. Notable highlights include the Yen Tu Festival themed “Heritage Journey – World Essence,” a heritage photography contest, the special art programme “Sacred Yen Tu – A Millennium of Heroic Spirit” and international workshops on on expert consultation for heritage urban development in Yen Tu.
As part of its long-term development strategy, Quang Ninh is gradually positioning Yen Tu into a leading center for spiritual and cultural tourism integrated with high-end wellness retreats. Built upon a system of sacred pagodas, hermitages, and ancient towers, tourism offerings here are being upgraded from traditional pilgrimage to immersive experiences such as meditation, retreat and mental wellness care.
A highlight of this transformation is Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery, a resort deeply inspired by the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist heritage. Visitors can experience a comprehensive “healing” journey through diverse wellness programmes, including Himalayan salt meditation and sound meditation, agarwood meditation, and Mandala art meditation, alongside herbal therapies and yoga—helping to restore energy and balance of body, mind, and spirit.
At the same time, efforts are being intensified to diversify the natural landscape of Yen Tu and tourism products in line with seasonal characteristics. While spring is marked by vibrant spiritual festivals, summer is being developed as a peak season for nature-based and sports activities, including mountain climbing, trekking, marathons, and summer retreat programs for young people.
Effectively tapping into the summer peak season in conjunction with the Yen Tu Tourism Year not only helps ease pressure on coastal destinations but also offers visitors a distinctive alternative when traveling to Quang Ninh. This strategic approach contributes to enhancing the value of the heritage site and strengthening Yen Tu’s position on both the national and global tourism map.
By Duy Khoa
