Hoa Yen Pagoda

On our way from the airport to Halong City, we visited the Hoa Yen Pagoda on Yen Tu Mountain. The Emperor Tran Nhan retired there to become a monk in the 13th century and some of the original religious structures remain. We had lunch at the base of the mountain and then took a cable car up to the midpoint of the mountain. From here we climbed up toward the summit. We had overcast skies and clouds and I can only imagine how stunning the valley below would have been with clear, blue skies. Occasionally as we progressed up the mountain, we would run into a small mountain villages that were scattered among the trees. There is no access to any of them by road and the hike in with supplies must mean that these villagers are in excellent shape. Our tour guide did tell us there was electricity but no plumbing. It must be very peaceful for the residents of the villages.