TOP 14+ Iconic Historical Sites in Yên Bái You Need to Explore

Yên Bái isn't just about its spectacular, majestic mountain ranges and lush natural landscapes. The region's rich historical sites are also a huge draw, attracting countless visitors keen to delve into its past. So, if you're planning your adventure through Yên Bái, which historical sites absolutely deserve a spot on your itinerary?
Although not yet a major tourist destination, Yen Bai holds immense potential with numerous famous historical sites. On your journey through Yen Bai, join63Stravelto discover the top 10+ historical sites in Yen Baithat you absolutely shouldn't miss.
Discover the Top 14+ Famous Historical Sites in Yen Bai
Mu Cang Chai National Terraced Rice Fields Site
Mu Cang Chai is a charming small town nestled at the foot of the Hoang Lien Son mountain range, famous for the majestic beauty of its terraced rice fields. On the way here, visitors will marvel at Khau Pha Pass – one of the most beautiful paragliding spots in the world.

Mu Cang Chai Terraced Fields – A Special National Heritage Site
The ideal time to visit Mu Cang Chai is from September to October, when the rice fields turn a brilliant golden yellow and unique cultural festivals of the Hmong people take place. The magnificent natural scenery will provide you with stunning photos.
If you're departing from Hanoi, consider visiting Muong Lo first. Spend the night there and continue your journey the next day to fully appreciate the beauty of Khau Pha Pass on your way to Mu Cang Chai.
Au Lau Wharf Historical Site
Au Lau Wharf Historical Site, recognized as a national heritage site in 2012, is a significant landmark in Vietnam's resistance history. Active for nearly six decades, it served as the sole bridge between Viet Bac and Tay Bac, secretly transporting cadres to direct the resistance movement and supporting the people in seizing power, contributing to the historic autumn of 1945.

Au Lau Wharf Recognized as a National Historical Site
During the resistance against the French, Au Lau Wharf played a crucial role in transporting cadres, soldiers, civilian laborers, weapons, and food supplies to the Tay Bac battlefield. Notably, this wharf made significant contributions to campaigns such as Ly Thuong Kiet (1951), Tay Bac (1952), and Dien Bien Phu (1954), decisively contributing to the victory of the resistance.
Currently, Au Lau Wharf is recognized as an important historical site. The Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism is developing a conservation plan to preserve its original state and maximize its historical value in the future.
Hac Y Historical and Archaeological Site
The Hac Y Historical and Archaeological Site is an important complex featuring many rare artifacts from various historical periods. Recognized as a national heritage site in 2001, Hac Y stands out with artifacts whose shapes and ages are similar to the terracotta architectural relics excavated at Thang Long Imperial Citadel. These artifacts include bricks, tiles, column bases, bodhi leaves, terracotta statues of sacred animals like dragon heads, phoenixes, mandarin ducks, kylin, elephants, and garudas, along with worship items, ceramics, and copper coins, all bearing a royal style. Therefore, the Hac Y relic complex is also known as the "Yen Bai Imperial Citadel."

Hac Y Historical and Archaeological Site
Historical scientists have identified this as a large-scale Buddhist architectural complex, akin to a Buddhist cultural center of its time. Notably, excavations uncovered two inscriptions in Chinese characters carved into terracotta stupas, providing invaluable information.
Beyond its historical and cultural value, this relic complex is set amidst a stunning natural landscape, featuring the majestic Bach Ma Mountain and the Dai Cai stream flowing into the Chay River, the headwaters of Thac Ba Lake. The area is also famous for the sacred Dai Cai Temple, attracting many visitors for worship. Hac Y holds great potential for developing cultural and spiritual tourism for Yen Bai province, promising numerous opportunities for sustainable development in the future.
Site of the Khau Pha Guerrilla Team's Establishment
On August 27, 2012,the site where the Khau Pha Guerrilla Team was establishedwas recognized as a national historical site by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism. This recognition honors the brave contributions and sacrifices of the Khau Pha Guerrilla Team during the resistance.
The Khau Pha Guerrilla Team was established in October 1946 in Trong Tong Khua village, atop Khau Pha Pass. Prior to that, in 1944, the team had formed from the armed forces of the Hmong people to resist the oppression of the ruling class and later the Kuomintang. Initially, the team comprised only 7 members with rudimentary weapons such as flintlock guns, sharp knives, and crossbows. The first team leader was Mr. Giang Khua Ky – a respected figure in the community who was enlightened by the revolution. Other commanders included Mr. Ly Nu Chu, Giang Song Tu, and Giang Song Cua, with the participation of two female guerrillas. After Mr. Giang Khua Ky was captured, Mr. Giang Song Tu and Mr. Ly Nu Chu successively took on the role of team leader.

Site of the Khau Pha Guerrilla Team's Establishment in Yen Bai
Throughout its operations from 1946 to 1952, the guerrilla team participated in numerous battles, inflicting significant difficulties and losses on the French forces. The team organized and coordinated with regular troops in 41 engagements, including 16 independent battles, eliminating 120 enemy soldiers and seizing 150 firearms along with much military equipment and supplies.
Additionally, the team organized transportation and communication for revolutionary cadres and established bases in Lai Chau. Although many team members were captured and brutally tortured, they displayed an indomitable and heroic spirit, truly deserving to be cherished children of the Hmong people. The Khau Pha site not only holds historical value but also symbolizes the patriotism and resilient fighting spirit of the people of Mu Cang Chai.
Dai Cai Temple
The Dai Cai Temple complex is located about 80km from Yen Bai city. This complex includes Ben Lan Communal House, Hac Y Terracotta Pagoda, Dai Cai Temple, and the Nha Bau Citadel, encircling a cavalry training ground. Situated at the foot of Vua Ao Den Mountain, beside the Chay River and Dai Cai Stream, the complex worships those who pioneered the land, established markets, and founded villages.
Dai Cai Temple dates back to the Later Le Dynasty, built by the people of Lam Truong Ha commune to worship Ms. Vu Ngoc Anh, the daughter of a Le Dynasty official who was killed by the Mac Dynasty. She was credited with building citadels and establishing markets. Additionally, the temple worships the two brothers Vu Van Mat and Vu Van Uyen, who contributed to resisting the Mac Dynasty forces.

Dai Cai Temple – A Unique Historical Site in Yen Bai
Dai Cai Temple and Ben Lan Communal House feature beautiful architecture, complete with worship items such as bronze incense burners, gilded altars adorned with vermilion lacquer, and carvings of the four seasons made from precious woods like cho chi, vang tam, loi tho, and dinh huong. Notably, the stone bases supporting the columns of the communal house and temple are carved with images of the moon, lotus flowers, and bodhi leaves, each weighing over 100 kg. The temple also houses bronze gongs, bronze bells, and royal decrees from King Canh Phong and King Tu Duc.
The temple's architecture is imposing, with large column bases, 45cm in diameter (smaller ones at 32cm), supporting the inner and outer columns. All bases are carved with 16 evenly spaced lotus petals. Also found here are terracotta lotus Buddha pedestals, ceramic bowls, and ivory-glazed cracked ceramic jars decorated with lotus petal patterns characteristic of Tran Dynasty art. At the foot of the mountain, in a valley parallel to the Chay River, traces of the temple and the earthen walls of a surrounding citadel still remain, along with a cavalry training ground located directly in front of Ben Lan Communal House.
>> See also:Collection of Beautiful Photos of Yen Bai Tourist Destinations
Thac Ba Lake
Thac Ba Lake – Vietnam's largest artificial lake, created by damming a river to build the Thac Ba Hydropower Plant, the country's first hydroelectric project. With over 1,300 large and small islands surrounding it, the lake creates a peaceful and poetic landscape. Visitors to Yen Bai can cruise around the lake, enjoy the fresh air, and admire this stunning natural tableau.

Thac Ba Lake – Admire the Peaceful Beauty of Yen Bai
Thac Ba Lake is not only an ideal check-in spot but also a historical witness to the nation's glorious traditions. During their visit, tourists will experience a refreshing and serene environment amidst the vast waters. Notably, before concluding their trip, visitors can explore Mau Thac Ba Temple, a famous spiritual tourism destination, along with limestone mountain ranges and caves rich in ancient legends.
Lung Lo Pass
Lung Lo Pass, also known as Dao Pass. This place is famous in our nation's history of resistance against the French, where the poet To Huu penned heroic verses that stirred national pride and struck fear into the French colonialists.

Discover Lung Lo Pass in Yen Bai, Linked to the Glorious Dien Bien Phu Victory
The Lung Lo Pass historical site is located in Da village, Thuong Bang La commune (Van Chan district) and Bau village, Muong Coi commune (Phu Yen district, Son La province). This is a crucial historical landmark, significant for its contributions in manpower and resources to the historic Dien Bien Phu victory. Thuong Bang La commune, situated at the foot of the pass, served as a staging area for military provisions and equipment to be transported over the pass for the campaign. For over 200 days and nights, our army and people opened roads, protected, and transported thousands of tons of food, weapons, and ammunition to safety, creating a historical miracle that struck fear into the French colonialists with our nation's courageous spirit.
Road 13A, now National Highway 32A, passing through Lung Lo Pass, has become a symbol of the unity and courageous fighting spirit of our army and people. Lung Lo Pass has been recognized as a national historical site, forever preserving the historical and cultural value of a heroic era.
Tuan Quan Temple
Tuan Quan Temple is situated on the peaceful banks of the Red River, surrounded by majestic hills and mountains. This temple retains its historical value from the resistance era. Also known as the Temple of Lady Diep, Bach Lam Deity, it dates back to the Le Trung Hung period, early 15th century. The temple worships Mother Lieu Hanh and Saint Tran Quoc Tuan, who helped the king fight invaders and save the country.

Tuan Quan Temple – A Place of Worship for Ba Lon Tuan Lam Son Princess
Before the 19th century, the temple was known as "Mieu Quan Tuan" and officially adopted the name "Tuan Quan Temple" from the late 19th century. Over time and through historical events, the temple was damaged multiple times but was restored in 1992. In 2005, it was recognized as a provincial-level historical and cultural site.
Tuan Quan Temple is not only a destination for Buddhist followers seeking peace but also a place where visitors from near and far come on a spiritual journey to pray for prosperity, especially during the early spring. The harmonious blend of solemnity, reverence, and majestic nature further enhances the temple's serene beauty, creating an unmissable cultural and historical highlight when visiting Yen Bai.
Nghia Lo Prison and Post Historical Site
On September 27, 1996,Nghia Lo Prison and Postwas recognized as a national historical site by the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism. Located about 80km from Yen Bai city via National Highway 32, the Nghia Lo Prison and Post historical site is situated to the west of Nghia Lo, built alongside Uncle Ho's stilt house.
During the nation's long resistance war, Nghia Lo Prison and Post was the scene of many glorious battles. Notably, in 1952, the people of Nghia Lo united to liberate this land, marking a brilliant milestone in history. From the main road, visitors can see from afar the statue of Nghia Lo soldiers raising the flag of uprising, symbolizing the indomitable fighting spirit of the people of Yen Bai.

Nghia Lo Prison and Post Historical Site and the Heroic History of Yen Bai Land
The Nghia Lo Prison and Post historical site marks the fierce decisive battle of our army and people, contributing to the liberation of Nghia Lo and breaking the French's Da River defense line in Tay Bac, becoming a symbol of the nation's courage and solidarity.
When visiting the Nghia Lo Prison and Post Historical Site, visitors can also combine it with a visit to the Uncle Ho Memorial Area, Muong Lo field, and Muong Lo market. Additionally, Van Chan district offers many other attractive destinations such as Lung Lo Pass, Khe Pass, and Hang De Cho Waterfall.
Tay Bac Regional Party Committee Headquarters
Tay Bac Regional Party Committee Headquarters Historical Sitewas recognized as a national historical site in 2012. From late 1953 to late 1954, this served as the headquarters of the Regional Party Committee, leading the army and people of Yen Bai, Lao Cai, Son La, and Lai Chau provinces in the resistance against French colonialists.

The Tay Bac Regional Party Committee Lives On in the Hearts of the People
Here, the Tay Bac Regional Party Committee directed the building of forces, increased production, and mobilized human and material resources for the Dien Bien Phu campaign, contributing to the liberation of the homeland. The Tay Bac Regional Party Committee is also the origin of the sạp dance (bamboo dance), a vibrant symbol of the close bond between the army and the people, and this dance has become a cultural heritage, living on through time.
Van War Zone
When Yen Bai is mentioned, many often think of natural attractions like the terraced fields of Mu Cang Chai or Thac Ba Lake. However, Yen Bai also boasts special historical sites worth exploring. One such place is Van War Zone – one of seven important revolutionary bases nationwide, closely linked to the August Revolution.
Van War Zonewas established on May 14, 1945, at Hien Luong Pagoda, following the call of the Viet Minh Front. Before 1945, Van War Zone covered the areas of Gioi Phien (Tran Yen), Dai Lich (Van Chan), and Luong Ca. Currently, the center of Van War Zone is located in Tran Yen district and the southern, southeastern parts of Van Chan district, encompassing three communes: Viet Cuong, Viet Hong, and Van Hoi. Notably, Van village (Viet Hong commune) and Dong Yen village (Van Hoi commune) are important historical points, having served as command and military training centers for the revolutionary base.

Van War Zone – A Testament to Yen Bai's Heroic History
Van War Zone also served as a safe haven for revolutionary comrades escaping Son La prison and for those whose revolutionary activities were exposed in the lowlands. Historical sites such as Dinh Lang Doc Communal House, Dinh Lang Van Communal House, the rice tree, milk fruit tree, and lychee tree of Mr. Dinh Trung, and the house of Mr. Tran Dinh Khanh are all preserved and cherished by the local people, becoming vivid testaments to a glorious historical period of the nation.
Yen Bai City Stadium Grandstand
Yen Bai City Stadium Grandstand, located in Hong Ha ward, was once the grandstand of the former town stadium. Situated about 600m west of Yen Bai train station and 1.2 km from Yen Bai bus station, this site has a long history, dating back to the French colonial period. Initially, the stadium was built to serve the recreational needs of French soldiers.

Yen Bai City Stadium Grandstand
On September 25, 1958, President Ho Chi Minh visited and spoke to nearly 5,000 cadres and people at this stadium, creating a memorable historical event. The grandstand became a place preserving sacred memories of Uncle Ho in the hearts of Yen Bai residents.
Although damaged by American bombs in 1966 and repaired in 1977, the grandstand retains its original architecture. This is the only relic in Yen Bai preserving memories of the great leader Ho Chi Minh, carrying immense historical significance and educating future generations about the traditions of unity and diligent labor.
Nguyen Thai Hoc Historical Site
Located in Yen Hoa Park,the Nguyen Thai Hoc historical siteis an unmissable destination when you arrive in Yen Bai city. This is not only the resting place of patriot Nguyen Thai Hoc and the soldiers of the Yen Bai Uprising in 1930 but also a steadfast symbol of patriotism and courageous determination to fight to the death.
This historical site is conveniently located for all modes of transport. Recognized as a National Historical Site in 1990, the Nguyen Thai Hoc relic complex has undergone three restoration phases to preserve and deeply engrave its historical significance.

Visit the Tomb of Nguyen Thai Hoc and Young Soldiers of the Yen Bai Uprising
The monument at the historical site, featuring Nguyen Thai Hoc and other historical figures, symbolizes courage and sacrifice for independence and freedom. Each statue tells an emotional story, representing the Vietnamese people's pride in those who sacrificed for their homeland.
Through every detail at the historical site, visitors not only connect with history but also feel the resilient spirit and determination of the heroes. This is a sacred space, in the heart of Yen Bai city, where everyone's soul can find peace after their adventures and explorations.
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Dong Cuong Temple
Dong Cuong Mother Temple, also known as Dong Temple, Dong Cuong Temple, or Chau De Nhi Thuong Ngan Temple, is located in Ben Den village, Dong Cuong commune, Van Yen district, Yen Bai, approximately 55 km northwest of Yen Bai city center. This site boasts beautiful feng shui, nestled amidst picturesque mountains and rivers, where yin and yang are in harmony, making it a highlight among Yen Bai's historical and cultural relics.

Dong Cuong Mother Temple – The Origin of Mother Goddess Worship in Yen Bai
Dong Cuong Mother Temple is considered the origin of the Mother Goddess of the Forest (Mau Thuong Ngan) belief in Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship culture, holding a particularly important position within the system of Dao Mau worship. The temple's architecture bears strong imprints of the Ly-Tran dynasties, with vibrant vermilion wooden columns and solemn dragon carvings. Every detail is meticulous and exquisite, reflecting the reverence and faith of the Vietnamese people towards Mother Goddess worship.
In addition to maintaining the tradition of Mother Goddess worship, the temple also honors national heroes and generals such as Ha Dac, Ha Chuong, and Ha Bong, who contributed to the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol invaders. Visiting Dong Cuong Mother Temple, tourists will not only experience a sacred space but also feel immersed in the wonderful natural beauty of Yen Bai, a place that preserves and promotes the value of Vietnam's cultural heritage.
All aboutthe top 14+ historical sites in Yen Baicompiled and shared by63Stravel.comfor readers to follow and save for their exploration journey. We hope that this provides everyone with comprehensive information for a complete and enjoyable trip to Yen Bai.
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Update day : 30/05/2024
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