Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery

Many travelers visit Yen Tu Mountain, a sacred site that’s considered the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism, on a day trip from Hanoi or Ha Long Bay. But spending the night at Legacy Yen Tu - MGallery, a luxury resort located at the base of the mountain, is an unforgettable experience. The hotel offers privileged access to the remote region’s main attraction — a cable car trip and hike lead to Yen Tu’s famous pagodas and Golden Buddha statue, and staying close by means beating the crowds — and the resort, built to resemble a traditional palace and monastery, is a destination in itself.

Legacy Yen Tu opened in 2018, and while the buildings are new, the architecture was inspired by ancient Vietnamese design. Its temple-like silhouette is complemented by interiors rich with color and art — handcrafted ceramic floor tiles, vibrant textiles, intricately woven tapestries — and quiet stone-lined hallways lead to rooms and suites that are just as decorative with dark wood paneling, copper lamps, artisan-made furnishings, and spa-inspired bathrooms. There are no TVs around, adding to the resort’s peaceful atmosphere, but rooms have large windows facing the surrounding forest, and many have private balconies. Gourmet local delicacies and international dishes are featured on the breakfast buffet, and the lavish cocktail bar, though not based on historic precedent, is a particular highlight.