12 January, 2026
Vietnam Travel Group
At the beginning of the new year, going on a pilgrimage is a way for many people to find inner peace, send their wishes to the sacred, and recharge their spiritual energy for the journey ahead. Below are five of the most sacred, beautiful, and worthwhile pilgrimage destinations for those seeking a meaningful and fulfilling start to the year.
Let’s begin the new year with Vietnam Travel Group on a journey back to a place of serenity.
At the beginning of the new year, going on a pilgrimage is a way for many people to find inner peace, send their wishes to the sacred, and recharge their spiritual energy for the journey ahead. Below are five of the most sacred, beautiful, and worthwhile pilgrimage destinations for those seeking a meaningful and fulfilling start to the year.
Let’s begin the new year with Vietnam Travel Group on a journey back to a place of serenity.
Let’s begin the new year with Vietnam Travel Group on a journey back to a place of serenity.
1. Yên Tử – Quảng Ninh
The birthplace of the Trúc Lâm Zen sect
Yên Tử is not only a famous spiritual destination but also a journey of inner purification. The path leading up to Đồng Pagoda winds around the mountain, through layers of clouds, making every step feel like a release of worldly worries.
At the start of the year, visitors come to Yên Tử hoping to restore harmony of body, mind, and spirit, and to receive peaceful energy from this sacred land.
At the start of the year, visitors come to Yên Tử hoping to restore harmony of body, mind, and spirit, and to receive peaceful energy from this sacred land.
Must-try experiences:
- Taking the cable car to admire the sea of clouds
- Walking meditation through bamboo forests
- Enjoying Yên Tử Zen tea
The majestic Đồng Pagoda atop Yên Tử Mountain
2. Bái Đính Pagoda – Ninh Bình
The largest pagoda complex in Vietnam
Bái Đính holds numerous records, including the largest bronze Buddha statue in Asia and the longest Arhat corridor in Vietnam. Its vast space and magnificent architecture help visitors feel a sense of openness and clarity in their minds at the beginning of the year.
Many travelers come here to pray for good health, family harmony, and success in work and business.
Many travelers come here to pray for good health, family harmony, and success in work and business.
Highlights:
- Grand, sacred architecture
- Close to Tràng An, making it easy to combine spiritual and scenic tourism
Bái Đính Pagoda – Tràng An
3. Hương Pagoda – Hà Nội
A journey to the Buddhist realm amid mountains and forests
No list of spring pilgrimages is complete without Hương Pagoda. The boat trip along Yến Stream, gliding quietly through tranquil mountains and forests, is an experience everyone should try at least once.
People visit Hương Pagoda to pray for love, peace, and good fortune in the new year.
People visit Hương Pagoda to pray for love, peace, and good fortune in the new year.
Attractions:
- Yến Stream at its most beautiful from the first lunar month
- A lively spring festival atmosphere that still retains a sense of Zen tranquility
The ancient Hương Pagoda in the capital region
4. Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery – Đà Lạt
Meditation among the clouds, peace amid pine forests
Đà Lạt is already known for its calmness, but stepping into Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery deepens that sense of tranquility. Morning mist, the mirror-like surface of Tuyền Lâm Lake, and the sound of temple bells in the breeze all create a space where the mind can truly be set down and rested.
Many visitors come here at the beginning of the year to practice light meditation, enjoy the scenery, and make wishes for a peaceful year ahead.
Many visitors come here at the beginning of the year to practice light meditation, enjoy the scenery, and make wishes for a peaceful year ahead.
Experiences worth trying:
- Walking meditation around the lake
- Watching the sunset from the stone steps
- Checking in at the three-entrance gate overlooking Tuyền Lâm Lake
Trúc Lâm Zen Monastery Đà Lạt – a gem of serenity
5. Bà Chúa Xứ Temple – Sam Mountain, An Giang
One of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in the Mekong Delta
Bà Chúa Xứ Temple is renowned for its spiritual power, attracting millions of pilgrims every year. At the beginning of the year, people come here to pray for wealth, prosperity, and smooth business endeavors. The festive atmosphere, Mekong Delta culture, and deep devotion of the locals create a truly unique experience.
Special features:
- Ancient architecture and a vibrant festival atmosphere
- Easy to combine with visits to Châu Đốc, Cham villages, and Trà Sư cajuput forest
Bà Chúa Xứ Temple with strong Eastern architectural influence
Conclusion
Whether you are a spiritual believer or simply looking for a place to “recharge” your inner energy, these five destinations all offer a sense of peace, lightness, and hope.
A New Year pilgrimage is not just about visiting temples—it is a journey back to yourself, to begin a new year in the most complete and meaningful way.
A New Year pilgrimage is not just about visiting temples—it is a journey back to yourself, to begin a new year in the most complete and meaningful way.
