8 Hours
Up to 3 days
15 people
English
Embark on a soul-stirring journey to the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage site in Northern Vietnam. The Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is not just a temple; it is a vast complex of Buddhist shrines and temples built into the towering limestone cliffs of Huong Tich Mountain. Located just 60km southwest of Hanoi, this day trip offers a unique blend of spiritual discovery and breathtaking natural beauty.
Your journey begins with a serene bamboo boat ride along the winding Yen Stream, drifting past limestone karsts and emerald rice paddies. Whether you choose to trek the stone steps like a traditional pilgrim or glide to the summit via cable car, you will be rewarded with the mystical atmosphere of Huong Tich Cave—the “First Grade Grotto under the Southern Sky.” This is a must-do for those seeking to understand the deep religious roots and stunning landscapes of rural Vietnam.
The Yen Stream Voyage: Enjoy a peaceful 1-hour cruise on a traditional rowing boat. It’s a photographer’s dream, with dramatic karst mountains reflecting in the crystal-clear water.
Huong Tich Cave (The Inner Temple): Explore the heart of the complex, a massive cave filled with ancient statues, shimmering stalactites, and stalagmites that locals believe bring good fortune.
Thien Tru Pagoda: Visit the “Kitchen of Heaven,” a majestic 15th-century temple famous for its intricate Buddhist sculptures and stunning tiered architecture.
Panoramic Mountain Views: Ascend the mountain to witness the spectacular “Halong Bay on Land” landscape from above.
Authentic Pilgrimage Experience: Learn about Vietnamese Buddhist traditions, rituals, and the history of the famous spring festival that draws millions of locals each year.
Flexible Ascent: Choose a rewarding scenic trek through the forest or save your energy with a modern cable car ride (optional) to the summit.
A day trip to Perfume pagoda, the important religious Buddhist of Vietnam.
8.30 pick up at your hotel. We spend about two hours drive through the picturesque countryside and back roads to the village of Duc, where we get on a small boat for a one hour trip up Yen stream to Thien Tru pagoda. The boat journeys down a narrow flowing stream fringed by rice fields, temples and grass and you will have the option to stop and visit some of these temples before heading to Huong Tich cave.
You may trek up (or take cable car ( extra-charges -tickets) to the mountain) to Perfume pagoda (top of the mountain), enjoy the spectacular landscape and learn more about typical Vietnamese Buddhist religious. Descending and have lunch at restaurant. Then get back to Thien Tru Temple to visit more beautiful and precious sculptures, taking photos, worshiping, getting on boat again back to the wharf and drive back to your hotel in Hanoi.
The Perfume Pagoda offers a deeper look into the Vietnamese soul than almost any other site. While many travelers stick to the city center, this trip takes you into the sacred mountains where history and nature collide. Our expert guides ensure you skip the confusion of the boat wharves and provide a meaningful context to the Buddhist rituals you will witness.
The mist is rising over the Yen Stream and the temple bells are ringing! Experience the spiritual heartbeat of Vietnam. Book your Perfume Pagoda Day Trip today and find your inner peace!