The Huong Pagoda: A Must-See Attraction in Spring
The Huong Pagoda: A Must-See Attraction in Spring
The Huong Pagoda is an absolute must-see attraction during the spring season. The Huong Pagoda, which is also referred to as the Perfume Pagoda, is a place of immense importance in Vietnam, serving as a religious site and a highly sought-after tourist destination.
The grandest festival of the pagoda, which takes place from January to March, attracts millions of people. This festival coincides with the beginning of the lunar calendar year.
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The Huong Pagoda is situated around 60 kilometers southwest of Hanoi, specifically in the Huong Son commune of the My Duc district. Huong Son, also known as Perfume Mountain, is a remarkable religious complex located in Hanoi.
It is renowned for being one of the largest and most captivating complexes in the area. The complex consists of a network of pagodas, temples, and communal dwellings that are scattered throughout the mountain.
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The Huong Tich Pagoda, also known as the Traces of Perfume Pagoda or the Inner Pagoda, is a highly significant and revered structure within the entire complex.
Throughout the three-month celebration, a multitude of rituals and cultural events are meticulously organized to honor and show reverence to the Bodhisattva Kwan Yin.
The Huong Pagoda: A Must-See Attraction in Spring.
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Legend has it that Kwan Yin achieved enlightenment at the Huong Pagoda. Tourists from different parts of the world, including many Trinh warriors, embark on a journey up the Huong Son mountain range to experience the peacefulness and breathtaking beauty that have inspired countless generations of writers.
The journey to Duc Dock, which is the official starting point of the pilgrimage, usually takes about two hours. Duc Dock offers a wide selection of boats to transport visitors to their desired destinations.
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Image by Vietnam Budget Car rental
Travelers embark on a scenic one-hour boat journey along the Yen stream to reach their destination. The main attraction of the trip is the boat ride along the stream. Visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the calming breeze and appreciate the breathtaking and serene scenery.
The stream is encompassed by vast green rice terraces, rugged limestone mountains, and vibrant red Gao (Bombaxceiba) blossoms.
ThienTru, also known as Heaven Kitchen or The Pagoda, was built during the reign of King Le Thanh Tong (1460–1497) and has gained popularity as a famous tourist attraction.
It is also referred to as Chua Ngoai or Outer Pagoda. Visitors now have the convenient option of using the newly completed cable car system to reach the HuongTich grotto.
Image by Vietnam Budget Car rental
Image by Vietnam Budget Car rental
Image by Vietnam Budget Car rental
Image by Vietnam Budget Car rental
This eliminates the need for the arduous ascent up hundreds of stone steps that was previously required. Many pilgrims, including a significant number of women aged 80 and above, choose to trek the steep road if they are physically able.
They see this challenging journey as a way to demonstrate their profound devotion to Buddha.
Visitors to the Huong Tich pagoda are often amazed by its location inside a magnificent natural grotto that closely resembles the open mouth of a dragon.
The entrance of the cave is beautifully adorned with an inscription that reads "Nam thien de nhat dong" (meaning "the most beautiful cave under the southern sky").
The Huong Pagoda: A Must-See Attraction in Spring.
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Trinh Sam, a renowned poet and conqueror of the 18th century, wrote this inscription. A statue of the Goddess of Mercy was constructed during the Tay Son dynasty (1778–1802) using blue stone.
Legend has it that Kwan Yin, the deity renowned for granting the wishes of pilgrims, is believed to have left behind several relics in Huong Son.
Dinh Thi Vuong, a tourist hailing from Ho Chi Minh City, shared, "I have been visiting Huong Pagoda for more than 50 years." Vietnam is not only known for its breathtaking landscapes, but it is also home to a sacred site where people can offer prayers for global harmony and prosperity.
Each year, more than a million visitors from all over the country gather at the sacred cave. People visit for various reasons: some come to pray for a prosperous year, while others are attracted by the breathtaking beauty of the surrounding scenery.
