Full Day to Perfume Pagoda

A trip to the Perfume Pagoda, a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam, offers visitors a chance to enjoy the country’s rich cultural heritage. This full-day excursion from Hanoi promises a serene boat cruise, the opportunity to trek or take a cable car to the Huong Tich Cave, and a delectable local Vietnamese lunch. With visits to the Heaven Kitchen pagoda and Le Dynasty, travelers can expect an engaging and picturesque journey that will leave them eager to uncover more of Vietnam’s hidden gems.

Key Points

• A full-day excursion to the Perfume Pagoda, a renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site in the Huong Tich mountains of northern Vietnam.
• The tour includes transportation, a boat cruise along the Yen stream, and a local lunch.
• Visitors can either trek or take a cable car to reach the Huong Tich Cave, where they can explore intricate Buddhist shrines.
• The tour offers a small-group experience with a maximum of 15 participants, providing a more personalized and intimate exploration.
• The itinerary includes visits to other significant sites, such as the Heaven Kitchen pagoda and Le Dynasty, offering a comprehensive cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Trip Details

The Perfume Pagoda tour is a full-day excursion that takes visitors on a journey to this renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site located in the Huong Tich mountains of northern Vietnam.

The small group tour is limited to 15 participants and includes pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

After a 2-hour drive, visitors embark on a 1-hour boat cruise along the Yen stream to Thien Tru harbor. From there, they can trek to the Huong Tich Cave or opt for a cable car ride.

The tour also includes a local lunch and visits to the Heaven Kitchen pagoda and Le Dynasty.

Bottled water, air-conditioned transportation, and a driver/guide are provided.

Itinerary Overview

The day begins with a 2-hour drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the Perfume Pagoda, followed by a 1-hour boat cruise along the Yen stream to Thien Tru harbor. From there, visitors can either trek to the Huong Tich Cave or opt for a cable car ride. After exploring the cave, guests will enjoy a local lunch before visiting the Heaven Kitchen pagoda and Le Dynasty.

Activity	Duration
Drive to Perfume Pagoda	2 hours
Boat cruise to Thien Tru harbor	1 hour
Trekking or cable car to Huong Tich Cave	Varies
Lunch at local restaurant	1 hour

Boat Cruise to Thien Tru

After the drive from Hanoi, the tour moves on to a 1-hour boat cruise along the serene Yen stream to reach Thien Tru harbor at the base of the Perfume Pagoda.

This scenic river journey provides a peaceful transition into the mountainous landscape surrounding the sacred site. During the cruise, guests can take in the lush greenery and limestone cliffs that line the river’s edge.

Upon arrival at Thien Tru harbor, the group will disembark and begin the trek or opt to take the cable car up to the Huong Tich Cave, the main destination within the Perfume Pagoda complex.

Trekking to Huong Tich Cave

From Thien Tru harbor, visitors can either trek up the mountain paths or opt to take the cable car to reach the Huong Tich Cave, the main highlight of the Perfume Pagoda complex. The hike to the cave takes approximately 1-2 hours, depending on fitness level. Along the way, travelers can enjoy the serene natural surroundings and catch glimpses of the pagodas and temples dotting the hillside. For those who prefer a more leisurely ascent, the cable car provides a scenic ride up the mountain. Once at the cave, visitors can explore the intricate carvings and Buddhist shrines inside, a true testament to the spiritual significance of this site.

Trekking	Cable Car
Moderate Difficulty	Hassle-Free
Connect with Nature	Panoramic Views
$0	$10-$15

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Lunch at Local Restaurant

Following the trekking or cable car ride, visitors can enjoy a local lunch at a nearby restaurant, savoring authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

The meal typically features a selection of rice, noodle, and vegetable dishes, complemented by fresh herbs and sauces to tantalize the palate. Diners can expect to be served a spread of regional specialties, such as pho (noodle soup), banh mi (Vietnamese sandwiches), and various stir-fried and steamed dishes.

The restaurants are often family-owned, providing a genuine cultural experience. Lunch is included in the tour package, ensuring a satisfying mid-day break before continuing the exploration of the Perfume Pagoda’s sacred sites.

Visiting Heaven Kitchen Pagoda

Visiting the Heaven Kitchen pagoda is a highlight of the Perfume Pagoda tour, offering visitors a glimpse into the site’s religious significance. Travelers can explore the intricate architecture and admire the vibrant colors of the temple’s interior, which features a mix of Buddhist and Taoist influences.

The pagoda’s name, ‘Heaven Kitchen,’ is derived from the belief that it was the cooking place for the immortals, adding to the site’s mystical allure.

Some key features of the Heaven Kitchen pagoda include:

• Intricate wood carvings and detailed wall paintings
• A large bronze statue of the Buddha in the main hall
• Smaller shrines and altars dedicated to various deities
• Picturesque views of the surrounding mountains and forests
• The opportunity to witness religious ceremonies and rituals

Pricing and Inclusions

The tour package includes local taxes, bottled water, lunch, a driver/guide, and an air-conditioned vehicle.

Plus, travelers have the option to purchase a one-way ($10) or round-trip ($15) cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave.

There’s also a surcharge for visits on special occasions like Christmas, New Year, and Lunar New Year holidays, which is $10 per person for Christmas and New Year, and $20 per person for Lunar New Year.

Booking options are flexible, with the ability to reserve now and pay later, as well as free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Booking and Cancellation

Booking the Perfume Pagoda tour is straightforward, as travelers can reserve their spot now and pay later. Plus, the tour company offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, providing flexibility for participants.

The booking process is hassle-free:

• Reserve your spot online or over the phone
• No need to pay upfront, you can settle the balance later
• Receive confirmation details via email

Make changes or cancel your booking if needed (up to 24 hours prior). Enjoy a stress-free experience with the convenience of flexible booking options.

This approach ensures a seamless booking experience, allowing you to plan your Perfume Pagoda adventure with confidence.

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is the Dress Code for the Trip?

There is no formal dress code for the tour. Travelers should wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for outdoor activities and mild weather. Light, breathable fabrics are recommended to stay cool during the day.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Participants are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes bottled water and a provided lunch at a local restaurant. Any outside food or drinks would need to be approved by the tour operator.

Are There Any Age or Fitness Level Restrictions?

There are no age or fitness level restrictions for this tour. However, it involves some moderate trekking, so participants should be reasonably fit. Children are welcome, but parents should consider their abilities before booking.

Can I Extend the Trip or Add Additional Activities?

Yes, you can customize the trip by adding extra activities or extending the duration. The tour operator can provide options to tailor the experience to your interests and needs. Just let them know your requirements when booking.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

The tour does not provide Wi-Fi access. Guests should plan accordingly, as connectivity may be limited during the day trip to the Perfume Pagoda due to the remote location and nature of the activities.

Recap

The Perfume Pagoda offers an immersive cultural experience in a stunning natural setting.

Visitors can enjoy a serene boat cruise, trek or take a cable car to the Huong Tich Cave, savor a local Vietnamese lunch, and explore historic pagodas.

This small group tour provides a well-rounded introduction to this renowned Buddhist pilgrimage site in northern Vietnam.

You can check if your dates are available here: