Autumn and winter are the perfect seasons for travelers to explore, experience, and take part in a variety of tourism and sporting activities.

In the cool air of the Northeast, Yen Tu in autumn and winter exudes a rare sense of serenity. Wisps of cloud embrace the mountain slopes, and streams murmur softly beneath the forest canopy. The fresh air, mingled with the scent of forest leaves and incense, seems to slow one’s steps.

This is an ideal time for pilgrims and travelers alike to seek peace, admire the scenery, or simply reconnect with themselves in the sacred mountains. Within this pristine atmosphere, visitors can leisurely explore the crystal-clear Giai Oan Stream, the ancient moss-covered stone paths, or the tranquil temples of Hoa Yen and Van Tieu. Unlike the bustling spring festival season, Yen Tu during these months offers a quiet, contemplative beauty.

This year, the heritage site is even more vibrant with the Yen Tu Autumn Festival 2025 - “Meditative autumn colors”, which runs until the end of the year. The festival opens with folk art performances, a photo exhibition, an award ceremony for the Yen Tu Ward logo design contest, and the debut of a VR360 digital tourism experience showcasing the heritage landscape. Visitors can also join hands-on activities such as lantern making, folk games, traditional “xam” singing, lantern parades, and floating flower lanterns.

From September to November, Yen Tu enjoys mild, dry weather with little rain, which seems ideal for hiking, sightseeing, and spiritual journeys. One of the highlights attracting both sport and travel enthusiasts is the Yen Tu Heritage Marathon 2025, held right in the heart of the heritage site.

Visitors take part in a meditation experience at the summit of Dong Pagoda.

This year’s race introduces new distances and internationally certified routes: 21 km (Half Marathon) and 42 km (Full Marathon). The course winds through lush bamboo forests, the Giai Oan Stream, and Bac Waterfall, offering stunning photo spots across both natural and cultural heritage areas.

More than just a sporting event, the marathon is a journey of harmony, connecting people with nature, sport with heritage, and body with spirit. Runners and visitors alike may also take the opportunity to explore nearby attractions such as Thanh Dang Peak, Khe Soong - Bac Waterfall, and especially Yen Trung Lake, often called the “Little Da Lat of Quang Ninh.” Nestled at the foot of the mountain, Yen Trung is a perfect stop for cycling, kayaking, camping, or simply enjoying a lakeside coffee while watching the sunset reflected on the still water.

Visitors this season can also join special mindfulness retreats such as the “Happy Weekend Family” program, blending Tran Dynasty architecture with yoga, meditation, and herbal therapy, or shorter tours like “Meditation Among the Clouds” and “Yen Tu Heritage Night” organized by Tung Lam Development JSC, combining relaxation, vegetarian cuisine, and holistic wellness.

The year-end marathon and sports activities offer visitors a fresh and inspiring way to experience Yen Tu.

Especially this year, Yen Tu tourism introduces new spiritual routes. According to the Yen Tu Ward People’s Committee, by late 2025, an inter-provincial heritage trail connecting Yen Tu (Quang Ninh) - Vinh Nghiem and Bo Da (Bac Ninh) - Con Son, Kiep Bac, and Thanh Mai (Hai Phong) will be launched, forming a 2-3 day itinerary known as the “Truc Lam Zen Heritage Journey.”

This is a perfect opportunity for travelers wishing to delve deeper into the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist tradition and culture, recently inscribed by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage.

As the cool breeze of early winter drifts through the sacred mountains, let your Yen Tu autumn-winter journey be a complete experience of nature, meditation, and heritage-a place not only for spiritual reflection but also for inner peace, rejuvenation, and unforgettable memories.

By Ta Quan