YEN TU LEVERAGES WORLD HERITAGE STATUS TO ATTRACT MORE TOURISTS

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Yen Tu – A Prominent World Heritage Destination in Vietnam

Following the inscription of the Yen Tu – Vinh Nghiem – Con Son, Kiep Bac Complex of Monuments and Landscapes on UNESCO’s World Heritage List in 2025, Yen Tu has been strengthening its position as one of Vietnam’s notable destinations for cultural, historical and spiritual tourism.

According to the Vietnam News Agency (VNA), Yen Tu ward welcomed approximately 2.2 million visitors during the first ten months of 2026, representing a 33.8% increase compared to the same period in 2025. This figure accounted for 95.6% of its annual visitor target.

International arrivals exceeded 30,900, while overnight visitors reached nearly 326,000. Tourism revenue was estimated at more than VND 4.4 trillion, equivalent to over USD 171 million.

These results demonstrate Yen Tu’s growing appeal and reflect the positive impact of heritage promotion and tourism product diversification.

Yen Tu World Heritage Site

Diversifying Cultural and Spiritual Tourism Experiences

To make better use of its heritage values, Yen Tu has introduced a variety of tourism activities associated with Vietnamese culture, history and spiritual traditions.

Notable events include the Yen Tu – Meditative Autumn Colours Festival, the Yen Tu Heritage Marathon, the Journey to the Heritage Land cycling race and the Sunrise atop Dong Pagoda programme.

These activities not only create additional attractions for visitors but also help promote the philosophy and cultural legacy of King-Monk Tran Nhan Tong and the Truc Lam Zen sect in contemporary society.

In addition to cultural festivals, mountain exploration experiences in Yen Tu are attracting growing interest among younger travellers. Such activities should be organised in accordance with local guidance and appropriate safety requirements.

Yen Tu World Heritage Site

Promoting Heritage Tourism and Improving Visitor Experiences

Alongside the development of tourism products, local authorities are focusing on improving service quality and promoting Yen Tu’s heritage image.

According to the announcement reported by VNA, Tung Lam Development JSC plans to offer free Yen Tu cable car tickets to visitors on Vietnam Culture Day, November 24, 2026.

A competition to identify the best heritage tour guide is also scheduled to take place in mid-November, aiming to improve the quality of heritage interpretation and introduce Yen Tu’s historical and cultural significance to visitors.

Moving forward, local authorities will continue addressing challenges related to infrastructure and planning while accelerating digital transformation and administrative reform.

Yen Tu aims to welcome more than 2.3 million visitors in 2026 and gradually develop into a green heritage urban area with a distinctive cultural identity and sustainable growth.

Yen Tu World Heritage Site

Quang Ninh Continues to Strengthen Its Tourism Appeal

Beyond Yen Tu, Quang Ninh’s tourism sector has also recorded positive growth.

During the first ten months of 2026, the province welcomed more than 20.3 million tourist arrivals, up 10% year on year. Total tourism revenue exceeded VND 61.32 trillion.

Quang Ninh has set a target of welcoming more than 23.5 million visitors in 2026, including 6 million international arrivals.

With its natural landscapes, cultural heritage and diverse tourism products, Quang Ninh continues to strengthen its appeal among both domestic and international travellers.

Yen Tu World Heritage Site

Yen Tu – Discover Vietnam’s Cultural and Heritage Treasures

The recognition of Yen Tu as part of a UNESCO World Heritage property has created new opportunities for the destination’s tourism development.

Beyond its significance as a spiritual pilgrimage destination, Yen Tu offers visitors opportunities to explore Vietnamese history, Buddhist architecture, cultural traditions and outstanding natural landscapes.

These heritage values provide an important foundation for promoting Vietnam as an attractive international destination and developing sustainable cultural tourism experiences.

Focus Asia Travel – Connecting travellers with the natural beauty, cultural heritage and remarkable destinations of Vietnam.