Why to visit Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda is located in the Huong Son Commune of Hanoi’s My Duc District. It is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines nestled within a breathtaking limestone mountain range. Known for its spiritual significance and natural beauty, it attracts pilgrims and travelers alike seeking serenity and cultural exploration.
What’s Special About Perfume Pagoda
- Spiritual Significance: For Vietnamese Buddhists, the pagoda is a major pilgrimage site, especially during the Huong Pagoda Festival, which falls from January to March.
- Scenic Beauty: Since traveling to the pagoda forms part of a highly scenic journey over lush forests, karst mountains, and calm streams, the destination is as beautiful as the journey.
- Memorable Experience: People visit the pagoda by a picturesque boat ride along the Yen Stream. Then, it is either trekking or a cable car ride to the mountain top.
Things to Do at Perfume Pagoda
- Take a Boat Ride: Cruise along the Yen Stream. Enjoy the quiet scenery of limestone cliffs and rice fields.
- Explore Huong Tich Cave: The main pagoda is found inside the cave. It has stalactites and stalagmites that are considered sacred.
- Trek or Cable Car: Enjoy the scenic hike or cable car ride to reach the Pagoda.
- Experience the Festival: Be part of the lively Huong Pagoda Festival with rituals, food, and traditional performances
Unknown Facts About Perfume Pagoda
- The pagoda was first constructed in the late 15th century and has been renovated a number of times.
- Huong Tich Cave is inscribed with ancient Chinese characters that read "the most beautiful cave in Vietnam."
- Several of the stalactites found in the cave are believed to bring good luck to those who touch them.
- The Yen Stream changes color with the seasons, making it even more mysterious.
Entry Fee
VND 130,000 (including the boat ride).
Timings
Open daily from 6:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
Average Duration
1 day.
Distance
- From Hanoi: 60 km (2 hours by car).
- From Noi Bai International Airport: 80 km, taking 2.5 hours by car.
Nearby Tourist Spots
- Thien Tru Pagoda (1 km)
- Yen Stream (0.5 km)
- Tam Chuc Pagoda (30 km)
