For a delightful day excursion into the pleasant sounds of Hanoi, you may want to consider the Perfume Pagoda. This destination is perhaps most popularly known as one of the most magnificent places for pilgrimage in Vietnam and also attracts the largest number of local pilgrims. Do not forget to visit this article, which talks about this fascinating place and allows you to be captivated by the beauty and calmness of this pagoda.
Written by Thu Giang (Local Expert)
Updated on Feb 11, 2025
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Thu Giang, a seasoned professional from Hanoi and a travel enthusiast, is passionate about Southeast Asia. Her extensive travels through the region have endowed her with deep insights into its various countries. Fluent in both French and English, Thu Giang's thorough understanding of Vietnamese culture enhances her contributions to this blog. Currently working at Kampá Tour, she is a valued voice here. We invite you to share your comments at the bottom of her articles to engage directly with her. Your feedback is important, and she looks forward to responding to you personally.
Perfume Pagoda (Vietnamese: Chua Huong), located about 70 kilometers south of Hanoi, sits gracefully on the banks of the Yen River, nestled into the limestone cliffs of Huong Tich (Mount of Fragrances). This vast complex of Buddhist temples and shrines is seamlessly integrated with nature, making it one of the most significant spiritual temples in Vietnam.
The first temple was built in the 15th century by a monk of high rank whose practice and self-realization culminated in enlightenment. The foundation was laid at the top of Huong Tich Mountain. Over the years, many constructions have been built, some of which were destroyed and rebuilt throughout history until the present time.
Perfume Pagoda, a sacred pilgrimage site near Hanoi
It was during the Tran dynasty in the fifteenth century that the nation's prosperity was established. In the minds of the Vietnamese people, the Perfume Pagoda is engraved as a very sacred religious center. Thus, it has become a source of pride for the nation due to its outstanding architecture, culture, and historical significance.
Every year, many travelers, both national and international, from various parts of the world converge at this pilgrimage site to the Buddhist world and enjoy the beautiful scenery of this country.
Top Things to Do at Perfume Pagoda
Boat ride on the Yen River
You can travel to the Perfume Pagoda either by road or by river, but the most enthralling way is by boat. A journey of approximately one hour on the Yen River (Yen Stream) starting from Ben Duc village is indeed an experience as well as a means of transport for travelers. It is a narrow, winding stream that flows between jagged limestone rocks, lush rice fields, and serene temples, making a picture worth a thousand words.
For many travelers, the boat trip is itself the magic spell. According to Vietnamese belief, the 3-kilometer river journey prepares one's mind for entering the sacred area. The refreshing birdsong in a peaceful setting makes all the worries of life seem to fly away, leaving one feeling metaphorically 'born again'.
The Yen River during the water lily season
Between October and November, the river turns into a fabulous masterpiece. Water lilies bloom, painting the river with purple hues as the waters swell. This magical transformation enhances the journey's significance, offering a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in nature.
Travelers with little time can head directly to Huong Tich Cave, the spiritual center of the Perfume Pagoda complex. For those with more time, stopping at other temples and caves along the way adds depth to the tapestry of the experience.
Visit Thien Tru Pagoda
About an hour later, this boat will stop at the walled Thien Tru (Pagoda leading to Heaven). From this pagoda extends the steep mountain path that leads to the top of Huong Tich Son.
The Thien Tru Pagoda was constructed in the 18th century during the dynasty of King Le Thanh Tong. It is named "Thien Tru," meaning "Heaven's Kitchen," after the peculiar rock formations in this area, which were imagined to resemble chefs busily working in a kitchen. The pagoda also has a tower, and there is a cave with five granite statues and diverse rock formations adorning the cave walls.
120 Steps to the Mystical Huong Tich Cave
Huong Tich Son, the main temple of the Perfume Pagoda complex, can be found in a cave all the way on the top of the mountain. There are two ways to get there, either by a fairly tough one hour climb or by cable car. The cable car brings you to the top in just a few minutes and the views over the top of the trees with mountains on the background are very nice. You can also buy a one-way ticket up the mountain so you have just a less tiring walk down the mountain.
Or you can Climbing 120 steps to reach Huong Tich Cave is an unforgettable experience. The entrance to the cave, resembling a dragon's open mouth and adorned with ancient Chinese letters, sets the tone for the sacred atmosphere. Inside this dripstone cave lies Chua Huong Tich, where construction began in 1575.
Pilgrimage Path on Foot to Enter Huong Tich Cave
The sanctuary houses statues of bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara and his female counterpart Quan Am, the goddess of mercy. The original bronze statue of Quan Am, placed in 1767, was looted and melted into weapons during the Tay-Son rebellion. The stone statue that stands today dates back to 1793.
Though hundreds of steps lead upward, to reach this place, every pilgrim feels that the distance is worth walking. It is said that the more one is determined, the luckier they shall be, showing that the walk is both physical and spiritual.
Interior of the picturesque Huong Tich Cave
Visit and Admire Stunning Pagodas
The Perfume Pagoda attracts pilgrims and tourists who believe that the stalagmites and stalactites inside the cave bring miracles and good luck. Along the way you will pass several cave pagodas. The Ten Son Pagoda has some stone carvings. The Giai Oan Chua (Pagoda of Purification) attracts pilgrims who come here to purify their souls or seek healing from their illnesses. Childless couples pray for posterity.
Thien Tru Pagoda is the largest in the complex
It is worth stopping and enjoying the view from the temple. The scenery from the temple is very interesting, dotted with fruit trees. The scenery is very interesting, dotted with medicinal herbs grown by local farmers. Due to the fragrant smell of medicinal herbs, the place is popularly called the Pagoda of Perfume.
A small temple located on the limestone cliffs of Mount Huong Tich
One-Day Suggested Itinerary
Visiting the Perfume Pagoda complex entails doing a bit of boating before visiting the place. It could probably be frightening for first-time visitors. Here is an itinerary that should best serve a one-day exploration:
Departure from Ben Duc Boat Pier - River Ride
Visit Trinh Temple
From Tro Pier, move by boat to Thien Tru Pagoda
Visit Huong Tich Cave
Visit the Giai Oan Pagoda
Please tell us if it interests you to come here on your trip to Vietnam. Contact us!
Annual Perfume Pagoda Festival
This Perfume Pagoda Festival is the greatest religious event in the northern area and in Vietnam in general and occurs after the Lunar New Year (Tet Holiday). The opening ceremony of the Perfume Pagoda Festival 2025 takes place on the 6th to 16th day of the 1st lunar month or from February 3rd to 13th, 2025.
This pagoda hosts a very busy festival, attracting numerous pilgrims and visitors who come to pray for luck, fortune, and health. The longest festival in the north of the country holds great significance for the cultural and spiritual life of the people.
The Perfume Pagoda Festival is held annually after the Tet Festival
Buddhist activities during the festival are primary, but they also make space for worshipping ancestors and Mother Nature. Along the road to the pagoda, there are other shrines and temples dedicated to the mountain goddess, sacred animals, and more.
Unlike many Vietnamese festivities, where traditional activities mostly dominate, the Huong Pagoda Festival is now a combination of sightseeing and pilgrimage. Other spiritual undertakings include the incense offering ceremony, the procession, and the Zen ceremony.
When is the Best Time to Visit?
Visiting the Perfume Pagoda can be done at any time of the year. However, the time to choose for the trip depends on the different expectations of tourists.
For example, this period is best for those who wish to enjoy the most ecstatic atmosphere during the greatest religious festival organized in the North, as it happens during the spring months, in the first three months of the Vietnamese New Year (usually from mid-January to April). This period is generally crowded and quite expensive since it is the peak season for pilgrimages in Vietnam.
You can visit the Pagoda del Perfume at any time of the year
However, if you want a quieter time and are more interested in gazing at the scenery, then your best bet is from October to December. During this time, the blue streak of the Yen River is dotted with purple water lilies, creating a very poetic background for immersion. In addition, the shrine is less crowded with tourists and a bit quieter, allowing you to experience the sacred feel of the shrine.
How to get there?
Located close to Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda has become one of the common stops for tourists from both the capital and other Northern provinces looking to get away from the hustle and bustle during the weekend. You can travel from Hanoi either by public transport or by hiring a private car with a driver to reach your final destination.
By Bus
There is a public bus number 103 that runs from My DInh bus station to the Perfume Pagoda and vice versa. The bus runs every day from 5 am to 8 pm with a frequency of 15 minutes. It costs only 9,000 VND per person for a one-way trip.
It is a very economical option, but it has several drawbacks. You will have to share the space with strangers and in the worst case, if it is too crowded, you will not have a seat to sit in during the hour that the journey lasts.
Bus 103 runs from My Dinh bus station to the Perfume Pagoda. It is a very economical option, but it has several drawbacks. You will have to share the space wi
By motorcycle
Riding scooters and motorbikes is a good option for local youngsters and intrepid travelers. We do not recommend this option due to Hanoi's pollution and the fact that the road is not easy to find.
By private car
The safest and most comfortable way to get from Hanoi to the Perfume Pagoda is by private car. In fact, you will take a comfortable tour by private car with a driver. This is the best option.
So, if you feel like exploring the beauty and cultural value of this pagoda but don't know where to start, don't hesitate to contact us to include the Perfume Pagoda in your Hanoi tour.
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