A Legendary Stay in Vietnam at Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery: Hotel Review

Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery is a 5-star luxury and wellness resort located at the base of Yen Tu Mountain in the Quang Ninh province of Vietnam, about 2 hours from Hanoi. Known as the birthplace of Vietnamese Buddhism, its location is full of sprawling forests and majestic temples that date back to Vietnam’s 12th century Tran Dynasty.

Via hired car, I arrived to the Yen Tu, immediately struck by the serenity that surrounded the area. Driving alongside mist-covered mountains and ancient forests, it felt as though time itself had slowed down. The fresh mountain air was noticeably less humid than Hanoi, inviting me to pause, breathe, and embrace the present moment.

The hotel itself proved to be the perfect escape from reality—a place where you can check-in to check-out. From the moment my car pulled up, the staff were extremely welcoming: opening my door, taking my bags and offering me a warm tea welcome drink to begin my experience. And I’m happy to say that their level of service never wavered throughout the course of my stay. By helping book excursions, providing complimentary tram rides into the village and even laughing with me while helping grab a few photos around the resort, the hotel’s staff truly went above and beyond to ensure I had the dreamiest stay possible.

The property is built like a traditional palace and has all the makings of a 5-star resort. Art and architecture lovers will particularly appreciate the well-thought space and curated design elements. I was particularly enamored by the hotel’s rock garden and symmetrical open-air hallways.

As far as the physical amenities go, the property is also equipped with everything you need for a few days of relaxation and rejuvenation, including a pool, gym, meditation classes, and several restaurants. I found it to be incredibly easy to settle in and do the bare minimum!

Legacy Yen Tu – MGallery offers 3 room and 3 suite options:

• Superior Room – 2 Single Beds
• Deluxe Room – 1 King Bed
• Deluxe Room – 2 Single Beds
• Junior Suite – 1 King Bed
• Junior Suite – 2 Single Beds
• Presidential Suite

During my visit, I stayed in a 1 King Bed Deluxe Room with a Pool View. And my goodness did this room feel fit for royalty!

At first sight, the size of the room left me questioning whether I was actually given a suite. When I later realized there was no mistake and this was in fact just a Deluxe Room, I wondered how large and grand those premium accommodations must be!

Inside my bedroom was the most massive bed I’d ever seen. It could have comfortably and spaciously fit three people, so sinking to sleep each night, enveloped by the warm covers, was an absolute luxury.

Being a wellness resort celebrating Buddhist origins and trying to maintain a peaceful environment for guests, the rooms have no TVs. I was, however, able to take advantage of the hotel’s WiFi to keep family and friends apprised of my health back home.

Just past the bedroom were two sets of floor to ceiling doors that opened up onto the room’s balcony. Complete with a large marble table outdoors, it had the most wondrous view – not just of the pool, but also of the hotel’s sweeping grounds and monumental architecture. It was absolutely breathtaking to behold.

The bathroom was comprised of two separate areas, a water closet and a washing areas with two sinks and a lovely walk-in shower. The marble-framed mirrors, flower-shaped sink bowls and gilded accents throughout the space made it difficult to want to leave the room each morning! Getting ready each morning in a space like that is something I could get used to!

The walk-in closet just off the bathroom was also a wonderful surprise. It was quite large, supplying plenty of counter-space and hangers for unpacking luggage. It also included the in-room safe, ironing set and Yen Tu-branded bathrobes and slippers!

To top things off, each guest accommodation includes a Room Service menu, Thien Quan Bar menu, Wellness Center Menu and a Village Activities List so you can plan out your day form the comfort of your room, if you so desire. Among the information provided, there was also a “Take Me Home” list that shows prices for all the items in your room or suite in case you want to take anything home with you at the end of your stay. Since I was already eyeing my room’s fuscia and teal tiger-shaped rug, this was a very tempting room feature.

What truly sealed the deal for my stay at Legacy Yen Tu were the exceptional activities and experiences offered.

Yen Tu Mountain

The highlight experience at Legacy Yen Tu is, of course, a trip up Yen Tu Mountain itself, where Vietnamese Buddhism was founded in the 12th century. Visitors can take a guided or independent trip 1068 ft up the mountain by not one, but two cable cars and some hiking to see its various historic Pagodas and Golden Buddha Statue. A trip up the mountain and back is generally 2-4 hours, depending on your pace and number of stops.

I took a private tour up the mountain myself and am so glad I did! Beyond the hotel staff, no one around Yen Tu really speaks English and I don’t know but a few words in Vietnamese myself so buying the cable car tickets or even knowing roughly where to go or what to see would have been so challenging! And while my guide was among those who did not speak English, her cell phone service was much better than mine in this part of Vietnam so we were able to successfully take the trek together by communicating via Google Translate.

Am Tuệ Tĩnh Wellness Center

Offering a variety of treatments from meditations to massages, the Legacy Yen Tu’s onsite experiences focus on wellness. The Am Tuệ Tĩnh Wellness Center consists of a separate building with spa and meditation rooms as well as an outdoor pool and jacuzzi.

While I couldn’t enjoy the onsite pool with my cast, I took part in two of the Wellness Center’s other inclusive offerings: a sound bath workshop and an eye yoga class. Having just gotten Lasik before my trip, the latter of the two was quite intriguing. It was a great way to measure my healing journey post-surgery and provided me with a good laugh!

Village Activities

Just a 10 minute walk or 5 minute tram ride from the resort is Yen Tu Village, the architectural grandeur of which feels like something out of a movie. Here, visitors can find a large square, café, restaurants, koi ponds, live performances, shops and activities.

Because of my broken wrist, the only strenuous activity I opted to try in the Village was some light horseback riding, which took place on a level, grassy terrain in 5-minute intervals. Other activities in the village include archery, calligraphy, Dong Ho folk painting and foot bathing.

Legacy Yen Tu – MGalley is a hotel where mystical meet modern, in the most harmonious and wonderful way.

If you’re looking for a resort that feels like both a peaceful, serene escape and an epic fantasy-adventure, look no further than Legacy Yen Tu – MGalley in Northern Vietnam.