With sincerity and serenity, we visit the land of Buddha.

During the Spring Festival season of the Year of the Horse 2026, Quang Ninh province entered its peak with nearly 80 large and small festivals, attracting millions of tourists. Among them, the Yen Tu historical and scenic site – a World Cultural Heritage site – was the focal point for pilgrims from all over the country. The Quang Ninh Provincial Police proactively implemented comprehensive plans to maintain peace and security from early on and from afar…

The path to the sacred mountain is clear and unobstructed.

At the Yen Tu scenic area, unlike previous years, this year's spring festival will feature a series of unique cultural, festive, and artistic activities on the largest scale ever. The highlight will be the Yen Tu Spring Festival Opening Ceremony 2026 on February 26th (the 10th day of the first lunar month). Prior to that, starting on March 7th (the 19th day of the first lunar month), a special artistic program will take place, recreating the historical, cultural, and philosophical journey of the Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen sect, portraying Yen Tu – a spiritual symbol of the nation, and a World Heritage site of outstanding global value.

The Quang Ninh Provincial Police are stepping up efforts to ensure traffic order and safety at historical sites and scenic spots.

Bearing unique cultural and historical values, Yen Tu has welcomed tens of thousands of visitors during the early days of the Lunar New Year of the Horse (2016). It is predicted that the number of tourists visiting Yen Tu will increase even more in the coming days. Lieutenant Colonel Vu Dinh Nguyen, Head of Road Traffic Police Team No. 1 (Traffic Police Department of Quang Ninh Provincial Police), said: “We determined that this is a time when the volume of vehicles increases dramatically. Even before Tet, the unit conducted on-site surveys, developed traffic diversion plans from afar, and deployed 100% of its personnel during peak hours. In addition to fixed checkpoints on National Highway 18 and the route to Yen Tu, the force also deployed mobile motorcycles to promptly handle incidents and prevent prolonged traffic congestion.”

Not only was traffic regulation enforced, but violations were also handled rigorously. During the 9-day Tet holiday, traffic police throughout the province handled nearly 1,000 cases of traffic safety violations. Major Trinh Quoc Bao, from Road Traffic Police Team No. 2, emphasized: “We focused on violations that directly cause accidents, such as drunk driving, speeding, and driving in the wrong lane. Strict enforcement is for early prevention. Accordingly, starting from the first day of Tet, a comprehensive alcohol testing program was implemented. This presence brought a sense of security to the people.”

Mr. Bui Quang Hung, a tourist from Hai Phong, said: “My family left at 5 am and we already saw the traffic police officers on duty. The road was crowded but orderly, with no pushing or shoving.” Ms. Pham Thu Ha, a tourist from Hanoi, shared: “Having officers directing and managing traffic flow clearly meant we weren't confused. The most important thing when going to the temple at the beginning of the year is feeling safe.”

Peace amidst the crowds of festival-goers.

If transportation is the path that brings tourists to the sacred mountain, then ensuring security and order at the historical site is the key factor in maintaining the solemnity and order of the spiritual space. At Yen Tu, the stream of pilgrims is growing day by day. From the foot of the mountain, through Hoa Yen Pagoda to the sacred summit, the police force, in coordination with the Management Board of the historical site, maintains continuous patrols.

Mr. Vu Ngoc Huong, Head of the Relic Protection Management Department of the Yen Tu Relic Site Management Board, said: "We closely coordinate with the police force to promptly handle any arising issues, especially at points with a high concentration of tourists."

Alongside the uniformed officers, surveillance teams are deployed in crowded areas to prevent pickpocketing, theft, and harassment of tourists. A police officer on duty at Yen Tu shared: "Maintaining security is not just about handling violations, but also about creating a sense of security for the people. We regularly remind vendors to display prices and prevent price gouging, which can be offensive."

Inspections of temporary residences, lodging, food safety, and fire prevention at service establishments around the historical site were also carried out rigorously. Ms. Nguyen Thi Lan, a resident of Yen Tu ward, said: "This year there are many visitors, but it's more orderly than before. There's no longer the crowding and touting like in previous years."

Mr. Tran Minh Duc, a tourist from Nam Dinh, expressed: “I have been to Yen Tu many times. This year, I see the police force appearing more frequently; they are everywhere, so I feel very safe.”

Not only at Yen Tu, but also at Loi Am Pagoda (Tuan Chau ward), where tourists have to travel across the lake by boat, waterway safety measures have been tightened. Lieutenant Colonel Nguyen Viet Hung, Deputy Head of Tuan Chau Ward Police, said: "We have deployed forces at both ends of the dock, checked the condition of the vessels, required passengers to wear life jackets, and resolutely prevented overloading."

With nearly 80 festivals of varying sizes taking place throughout Quang Ninh province after Tet, the pressure on the police force is considerable. However, through proactive, decisive action and a high sense of responsibility, the Quang Ninh police have maintained security at the grassroots level.

Amidst the throngs of people seeking to make their New Year's wishes, that enduring presence serves as a haven of peace. It ensures that each incense stick is lit with reverence, that each journey home is safe, and that every step towards this Buddhist land is not only a spiritual journey but also a journey of unwavering faith in the tranquility of this heritage site.

Source: https://cand.com.vn/Giao-thong/thanh-tam-thanh-thoi-ve-tham-mien-dat-phat-i797673/