Tay Yen Tu by Car: Cable Car, Vinh Nghiem and Tho Ha Village

Bac Giang by car: the Tay Yen Tu cable car, Vinh Nghiem pagoda and Tho Ha village. After 2025, Bac Giang merged into the new Bac Ninh province. The western side of the Yen Tu range lies in the former Son Dong area, more than 100 km from Hanoi, enough for a long day or an overnight stay.

Route

Take the Hanoi – Bac Giang expressway, then head through Luc Nam and Son Dong to the Tay Yen Tu area; the last stretch is gently winding hill road. Vinh Nghiem pagoda and Tho Ha village are nearer the expressway, handy on the way out or back.

When to go, up to Tết 2027

Autumn and winter are cool, so steps and the cable car are more pleasant than in summer. The main Yen Tu festival season is after Tết, so before Tết Tay Yen Tu is quieter. Upper pagoda mornings are often misty; for long views, go around midday.

Sights

• Tay Yen Tu: a cable car over 2 km long from the lower to the upper pagoda, then on to the Dong pagoda area.
• Vinh Nghiem pagoda: home to thousands of Buddhist woodblocks.
• Tho Ha village: an old riverside village making rice paper; you can watch it drying.

Tips

• Wear trainers; above the upper pagoda you still walk.
• Cover shoulders and knees in pagodas.
• Check cable car hours, especially on low-season weekdays.

Choosing a vehicle

Families: a 7-seater. Pagoda or company groups: a 29-seater fits the site car park. For the eastern side of Yen Tu (Quang Ninh), see Hanoi to Yen Tu private car; closer to Hanoi there is Bac Ninh.

Travelling to Tay Yen Tu with young children? Ask in advance and we will fit child seats. Year-end prices run higher; Tết bookings take a deposit of about 10%.

FAQ

How do Tay Yen Tu and Yen Tu differ?

Same range: the familiar Yen Tu is the eastern side (Quang Ninh), Tay Yen Tu the western side (former Bac Giang).

Which province is Bac Giang in now?

Since 2025 the former Bac Giang area is part of Bac Ninh province.

Tips for the Tay Yen Tu day

Wear good shoes for the steps and bring a light jacket for the top. Check the cable car hours before you go.

Visit Vinh Nghiem pagoda or Tho Ha village on the way back, so the hill road is driven in daylight.

See Bac Ninh day trip and Lang Son by car.

Quick answers

Is one day enough? Yes, with an early start.

Can elderly visitors go? The cable car helps; ask about walking parts.