You should put Perfume Pagoda on your travel schedule if you are going to Hanoi. Near Hanoi, this well-known tourist destination is one of the best attractions to get there what you should visit at Perfume Pagoda, this guide will offer some practical advice to assist you.
Where is Perfume Pagoda?
The famous Perfume Pagoda is situated along the Da River in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, some 70 kilometers from Hanoi's downtown.
It is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines scattered throughout the Huong Tich Mountains. You can enjoy a boat tour along the Yen Stream before trekking up to the main Huong Tich Cave, often called the “first cave under the Southern sky”.
Gateway of Perfume pagoda
Every year, thousands of pilgrims visit the area traversing through breathtaking limestone karsts, rivers, and rice paddies. The pilgrimage consists in climbing stone stairs towards Thien Tru Pagoda.
Besides, the core prayer of the celebration is offered in Huong Tich, an old revered cave. Devotees share their hopes for the next year.
Perfume Pagoda was constructed in the later half of the 17th century. Still, during the 1947 French resistance the pagoda suffered major damage. After, Venerable Thich Thanh Chan oversaw the repairs of the pagoda in 1989, assisted by Venerable Thich Vien Thanh.
Read more: The Entrances Fees, Sightseeing Ticket In Hanoi Vietnam
Best time to visit Perfume Pagoda
Firstly, if you travel, you should visit the pagoda between the first and the third lunar months. Since this is the pilgrimage season, you will have a great opportunity to socialize with other pilgrims.
Note that this falls with the Lunar New Year, hence visitor numbers could be high, so lines and masses of people will abound.
In Vietnam, it also lasts the longest from the sixth day of the first lunar month to the sixth day of the third lunar month.
The Landscape at the Perfume Pagoda in Vietnam
Processions, meditation sessions, and offering incense are just a few of the customs and events that abound during the festival.
And many people revere the gods, seek for rewards, and practice their faith more . Fun events and classic pastimes such rice blowing, tug-of- war, boat racing, folk singing, and more also abound.
Autumn (from August to October) is the second best time to visit Perfume Pagoda. This time of year the temperature is milder and the crowds are smaller, thereby providing a more laid back and enjoyable experience.
Moreover, the scenery is fantastic since the variations of the leaves give the surrounding mountains life.
How do you travel to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi?
From Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda, there are several methods to get there, each one fits different tastes and budgets. You could decide to catch on a bus, rent a car, ride a motorbike, or pay a taxi.
Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda by motorbike
If you like road exploration, a motorbike is a fantastic option. You can go along the path from Nguyen Trai - Thanh Xuan - Ha Dong - Ba La - Van Dinh and enjoy beautiful scenery.
It takes less than two hours to get Perfume Pagoda. Especially in the rural areas where the roads could be smaller, you remember to drive carefully and don protective clothing.
Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda by private car
Car rental in Hanoi is the fastest way to reach Perfume Pagoda, especially if you prefer a private and comfortable trip. The recommended route is Phap Van - Cau Gie - Dong Van - National Road 38 - Dau Market - Perfume Pagoda.
This travel usually takes one hour. Families or parties wishing to travel together and carry additional bags without fuss would find it perfect.
Renting a car allows you to set your plan, stops along the way, and carry more luggage. You can rent a car in Hanoi with Vietnam Budget Car Rental. We have our headquarters in Hanoi. You can choose to self-drive or rent a car with driver if you prefer a more relaxing trip.
Our MG 5 car
Read more: Hanoi Limousine Luxury Van Rental
Taxi from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda
One easy choice is taxi transfer from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda. Many trustworthy taxi companies run in Hanoi, they may pick you up from your place and drop you straight at Perfume Pagoda. For those who would want to unwind and enjoy the journey, the comfort and convenience make the somewhat higher cost justified.
Bus from Hanoi to Perfume Pagoda
Taking a bus is the most safe choice if you want to save money. There are bus lines 211, 78, or 75, which stop at Perfume Pagoda. You have options. Although it could take more time than other forms of mobility, you will cut expenses. To cut on lengthy waiting times, you could review the bus timetable ahead of time.
Top 5 things to do at Perfume Pagoda
The trip on the Yen River boat
You can reach the pagoda via water or road. Still, the most attractive approach to arrive there is by boat from Ben Duc town for one hour. And it takes about two hours separate Hanoi from the Pier Duc.
The boat excursion on the Yen River (also known as Yen Stream) is reportedly the highlight of many visitors' trip to the Perfume Pagoda.
The trip on the Yen River boat
Your boat will go through a narrow stream that is bordered by grass, paddy fields, and temples. You can stop at some of the temples and caves to explore them. But if you don't have much time, you should go straight to Huong Tich Cave.
The cable car
Largest temple within the Perfume Pagoda complex is Huong Tich Son. It is situated right at the summit of the mountain, in a cave. Either walk a somewhat steep hill for an hour and then ride the cable car to the summit or use a cable car.
You can also buy a ticket that only goes up the mountain, which will make the walk down the mountain easier.
Visit Thien Tru pagoda
After about an hour, the boat will reach Thien Tru (Pagoda heading to Heaven). From this pagoda, you can reach the peak of Huong Tich Son on a mountainous road.
Thien Tru Pagoda was built under King Le Thanh Tong in the 18th century and named "Thien Tru" is "heaven kitchen". Its name came from the nearby boulders that resembled diligent kitchen workers in action.
The cave features five granite statues and varying rock formations on its walls. The pagoda has a tower as well.
Thien Tru pagoda
Visit Huong Tich Cave
At the top is the lovely Huong Tich Cave. It is decorated with archaic Chinese calligraphy, the entrance to the massive and enigmatic Huong Tich cave and fragrant pagoda resembles the mouth of an open dragon. The Chua Huong Tich, sometimes known as Perfume Pagoda, resides within one of the dripstone caves.
The structure was started in 1575. In the sanctuary are sculptures of the bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and his feminine counterpart, Quan Am, the goddess of compassion. And the goddess statue made of copper was put in the temple in 1767.
After, the Tay-Son rebels stole it and melted it down to make weapons. The stone statue now on display was made again in 1793.
Huong Tich Cave
The walk up or down
You should remember to pack walking shoes since the walk up to the scent tower can get slipper. You will see a number of rock pagodas on the way, some pieces of stone are carved into the Ten Son Pagoda.
In addition, Pilgrims visit the Giai Oan Chua (Pagoda of Purification) to get better from their diseases or clear their minds. Don't have kids? Pray for future generations.
On the way to the temple, you ought to stop to appreciate the vista. Fruit trees like apricots and medicinal herbs planted by nearby farmers provide a quite fascinating landscape. Vong Temple, Thuyet Kinh Cave, and Thien Son Pagoda are some of the other temples in the area.
Some tips when visiting Perfume Pagoda
- Dress modest to pay reverence to this holy site.
- Use the side entrances rather than the main access if you want to enter a temple building.
- If you wish to burn one light one stick of incense at a time.
- Wearing sports shoes will help you to move more easily.
- Purchase nothing forbidden, including wildlife and its products.
- Purchase plant medicines from vendors along the routes with caution and verify the expiration dates of packaged goods including banh cu mai and banh rau sang.
