Excursion to the Perfume Pagoda
Overview
Set out on an extraordinary expedition just beyond Hanoi to discover the revered Perfume Pagoda, Vietnam's most renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site. This voyage transports you into a realm of tranquility, where a combination of serene footpaths and sampans reveals ancient pagodas and breathtaking karst landscapes
- Glide on a boat along the Yen stream, encircled by karst mountains and lush flooded rice fields.
- Embark on a serene walking journey, uncovering resplendent temples and pagodas.
- Immerse yourself in the cultural tapestry of Buddhism in Vietnam, gaining a deeper understanding of its practice.
Itinerary
8:00 AM: Your guide and driver will collect you from your hotel. After a scenic hour-and-a-half drive through picturesque countryside, you'll arrive at the Perfume Pagoda, an expansive complex of 38 temples and Buddhist sanctuaries nestled amidst limestone mountains and tropical forests.
The Perfume Pagoda hosts a religious festival that draws pilgrims from across Vietnam, with its peak season occurring in February and March (after the Tet holiday). Begin with an hour-long boat cruise aboard a traditional sampan along the Yen stream, navigating through captivating karst formations and serene flooded rice fields.
After your sampan voyage, ascend a lengthy staircase to reach the Thien Tru Pagoda. From there, a short walk to the cable car station leads you to the main Huong Tich Pagoda, perched atop the mountain summit. The landscape unveils a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains. Huong Tich Pagoda houses divine statues and is revered by pilgrims who seek blessings from the stalactites and stalagmites, many of which possess special properties like the "Golden Tree" and "Silver Tree."
Upon descending, either by cable car (optional) or a pleasant stroll down easily accessible stairs, you'll encounter the Giai Oan Spring and the Tuyet Son Pagoda. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant, followed by a brief respite before embarking once again on a boat for a tranquil cruise to Duc Port.
Your driver awaits at the dock to escort you back to Hanoi, marking the conclusion of this extraordinary journey.
Prices and Accommodation
How to book?
Enter your travel date, the number of adults, and the language
Click "Book this tour" for price, then "Book now" to reserve.
"Pricing is for up to 6 adults. For larger groups, please request a customized offer in your 'special requests'
Included
- Private transportation for your exclusive group as per the itinerary.
- Meals as mentioned: 1 L (1 Lunch).
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guide.
- Entrance fees to all visited sites.
- 1 liter of bottled water per person per day.
- Administrative fees.
- One-way cable car ticket.
- Round-trip private boat fare for the Yen stream cruise.
Excluded
- Round-trip cable car ticket for the return journey.
- Personal travel insurance.
- Bank charges.
- Beverages, telephone usage, personal expenses, and anything not explicitly mentioned in the "Inclusions" section.
- Tips for guides and drivers.
Useful Information
- February and March mark the peak tourist season, especially for Vietnamese visitors, resulting in high crowds throughout the site. If visiting during this period, weekends should be avoided for a more immersive experience.
- Important: Out of respect for the places of worship, proper attire is required, mandating that knees and shoulders be covered, especially during temple and pagoda visits.
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