Explore the Poetic and Sacred Scenery of Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda, known as the "sacred land," is not only distinguished by its stunning natural beauty but also by its unique temple architecture. Join BDATrip on a visit to this captivating spiritual destination!

Introduction to Perfume Pagoda

Where is Perfume Pagoda? How to Get There?

Perfume Pagoda, also known as Huong Tich Pagoda, is located along the Day River in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, about 55km from the center of Hanoi.

To reach Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi, you have several transportation options:

• Bus: You can take bus number 103 from My Dinh Bus Station to Perfume Pagoda and vice versa. Buses operate from 5:00 AM to 8:00 PM daily with a frequency of 15 minutes per trip. The fare is 9,000 VND per person, one-way. However, traveling by bus may take longer, especially during peak hours, and finding a seat might be challenging.
• Motorbike: Riding a motorbike offers flexibility and comfort, allowing you to easily change your route and stop at other attractions along the way.
• Private Car Rental: If you are traveling with a large group or family, renting a car with a driver is an ideal choice, providing convenience and comfort.

However, you cannot drive directly to Perfume Pagoda. Instead, you need to purchase a boat ticket at the entrance, then board a boat at Ben Duc and cruise along the Yen Stream to reach the main attractions of the pagoda. The boat journey is about 4km long and takes between 45 minutes to 1 hour to reach the pagoda from the dock.

When Was Perfume Pagoda Built? Who is Worshipped at Perfume Pagoda?

The construction of Perfume Pagoda began in the late 17th century. However, during the resistance against the French in 1947, the pagoda suffered significant damage. Later, under the guidance and leadership of the late Venerable Thich Thanh Chan, Venerable Thich Vien Thanh undertook the restoration of the pagoda in 1988.

Each temple in this complex has its unique religious worship practices:

• Huong Tich Cave: This cave houses a green stone statue of Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy, crafted during the Tay Son era, under the reign of Canh Thinh in 1793.
• Trinh Temple: This temple is dedicated to the god Quan Tu Ma Hung Lang, who made significant contributions in fighting invaders and assisting King Hung Vuong VI.
• Cua Vong Temple (Van Song Temple): This temple is dedicated to the Forest Princess, also known as Thuong Ngan Van Huong Princess Le Mai Thanh Mau.
• Thien Tru Pagoda (Outer Pagoda): This large Zen monastery is where Buddhist monks practice and preserve various scriptures, laws, and treatises.
• Other Structures: These include Bac Dài Pagoda, Quan Temple, Ca Pagoda, and Tuyet Son Pagoda, where the Five Tigers and the Fish God are worshipped.

The Legend of Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi

Perfume Pagoda is closely associated with the folk belief of worshipping Quan Am, the Goddess of Mercy. Legend has it that on this sacred land, Princess Dieu Thien, also known as Ba Chua Ba, followed the call of Bodhisattva Quan The Am, practiced Buddhism for nine years, and eventually attained enlightenment on Buddha's birthday (February 19th of the lunar calendar).

In March of the Year of the Tiger (1770), Lord Trinh Sam visited Huong Tich Cave to offer incense and admire the scenery. He had the words "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong" (The Most Beautiful Cave in the Southern Sky) engraved on a stone outside the cave entrance.

Lord Trinh Sam is considered to have played a significant role in turning Huong Tich Cave into a grand historical site and laying the foundation for the development of the Perfume Pagoda Festival. Since Lord Trinh Sam's visit, every spring, visitors from all over flock to Perfume Pagoda to offer incense and enjoy the poetic, picturesque scenery.

In the past, the Perfume Pagoda Festival usually took place after the village's Yen Vy Mountain Opening Ceremony on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year. Today, the Perfume Pagoda Festival is still held annually on this day, attracting a large number of visitors and Buddhists.

When to Visit Perfume Pagoda?

You can visit Perfume Pagoda at any time of the year, as each season offers its own beauty and unique experiences:

• January to April: This is the pilgrimage season at the beginning of the year when Perfume Pagoda is crowded and lively. However, it is also a time for you to immerse yourself in the vibrant, colorful, and cultural festival atmosphere.
• May to September: This is the time when the rice flowers along Yen Stream are in full bloom, creating a stunning landscape. If you visit Perfume Pagoda during this period, you'll witness the vibrant beauty of nature with bright red rice flowers.
• October to December: This is the season of water lilies and white reeds. When visiting Perfume Pagoda during this time, you'll enjoy a romantic scene with water lilies floating on Yến Stream and dreamy white reeds surrounding the area.

Entrance Fees and Visiting Hours at Perfume Pagoda

Perfume Pagoda is open to visitors from 6:00 AM to 6:00 PM daily. To enjoy the fresh morning air, it's recommended to depart early from Hanoi to reach the boat station on time.

The entrance fee to Perfume Pagoda includes a sightseeing ticket priced at 80,000 VND per person and a boat ticket priced at 50,000 VND per person.

A few notes:

• The above ticket prices apply to the route from Trinh Temple - Thien Tru Pagoda - Huong Tich Cave, departing from Ben Duc.
• The boat ticket for the Tuyet Son and Long Van routes is 35,000 VND per person.
• Special cases such as war invalids and children under 1.1 meters or under 10 years old are exempt from sightseeing tickets.

Cable Car Ticket Prices:

• Adults: 150,000 VND for a one-way ticket and 220,000 VND for a round-trip ticket.
• Children under 1.2 meters: 100,000 VND for a one-way ticket and 150,000 VND for a round-trip ticket.

Highlight Experiences at Perfume Pagoda

Worship at Prominent Sites in Perfume Pagoda

Here are the main attractions you should visit when at Perfume Pagoda, one of the most famous temples in northern Vietnam:

• Ben Duc at Perfume Pagoda: The journey to explore Perfume Pagoda begins at Ben Duc. From Hanoi, it takes about two hours to reach here. Many visitors enjoy taking a boat ride on Yen Vi Stream from Ben Duc, as it offers not only a unique experience but also inspiration for many romantic poems.
• Yen Stream at Perfume Pagoda: While boating on Yen Stream, you'll be able to admire the lush green rice fields and the rugged limestone mountains stretching to the base of Huong Mountain. From the boat, you can easily spot Phuong Hoang Mountain and Doi Cheo Mountain, which resemble an Indian python. To the right is Ngu Nhac Mountain and Trinh Temple, where visitors often stop to offer prayers.
• Trinh Temple at Perfume Pagoda: Also known as Thuong Quan Temple, Trình Temple is about 300 meters from Ben Duc and is the first stop on the way to Perfume Pagoda. The temple was built at the foot of Ngu Nhac Mountain and was destroyed during the French resistance in the 20th century, later rebuilt in 1992.
• Long Van Cave: From Long Van Station, you need to climb about 150 meters to reach Long Van Pagoda and then pass through a mountain pass to reach Long Va Cave. The cave is spacious and airy, making it an ideal place to rest and admire nature.
• Tuyet Son Cave: Although the cave is located in the mountains, the path to it is relatively easy. Tuyet Son Cave is known for its unique stalactites, leaving a strong impression on visitors.
• Huong Tich Cave: Huong Tich Cave is the most important destination in the Perfume Pagoda complex, where you can find the "Inner Pagoda," also known as Perfume Pagoda. From a distance, the cave resembles a dragon's mouth, and the ancient inscription "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong" (The Most Beautiful Cave in the Southern Sky) from 1770 can still be seen on its walls. Inside the pagoda, you'll find many statues of Buddha, Quan The Am, and other deities carved from green stone, with the statue of Quan Âm being the most impressive. The cave also features many natural stalactites, and people believe that touching them brings good luck. Visitors can choose to hike or take a cable car to reach the cave.
• Thien Tru Pagoda: After the boat ride, Thien Tru Pagoda is the first destination. Also known as the Outer Pagoda or Bep Troi (Heaven's Kitchen), this is one of the key locations in the Perfume Pagoda complex and is where the opening ceremony of the Perfume Pagoda Festival takes place. Besides its religious significance, Thien Tru Pagoda also houses the Vien Cong Tower, where the ashes of the monk Vien Quang, the founder of the pagoda, are kept.
• Bao Dai Pagoda: Situated at the foot of the mountain, Bao Dai Pagoda is designed in the distinctive architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty.
• Giai Oan Pagoda: Located on the way to Huong Tich Cave, Giai Oan Pagoda is about 2.5 kilometers up Long Tuyen Mountain. The pagoda has an ancient, peaceful beauty.
• Thanh Son Pagoda: Thanh Son Pagoda has entrances from both the river and the mountain, creating a majestic natural landscape. This is one of the typical temples representing Vietnamese beliefs.
• Sung Sam Cave: Sung Sam Cave is about 100 meters high, with an average width of 15 meters and its entrance facing the southwest. It is an interesting destination for visitors who enjoy exploring.

Don’t Miss the Perfume Pagoda Festival at the Beginning of the Year

The Perfume Pagoda Festival is one of the most important religious events in northern Vietnam after the Lunar New Year, attracting millions of Buddhists and visitors from all over. It is also the longest festival in Vietnam, lasting from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year to the 6th day of the 3rd lunar month, with the main festival activities taking place from the 15th to the 20th day of the 2nd lunar month.

During the festival, pilgrims flock to Perfume Pagoda with hopes of praying for a peaceful and prosperous new year. Everyone attending the festival strives to overcome the challenging journey to reach Huong Tich Cave, carrying the deep belief that the deities will sense their sincerity and bless them with the fulfillment of their heartfelt wishes.

Culinary Experiences at Perfume Pagoda

When visiting Perfume Pagoda, don't forget to stop by Mai Lâm Restaurant to enjoy the delicious and distinctive local dishes. Additionally, along the path from the boat station to Thiên Trù Cave, there are many different eateries where you can choose according to your taste and preference.

Some specialties of Perfume Pagoda that you can buy as gifts for family, friends, and colleagues include:

• Rau Sang (Sweetleaf): Sweetleaf is commonly used to cook soup with fish or meat, but it is quite expensive because it is a difficult plant to grow.
• Perfume Pagoda Apricots: Grown abundantly on the mountainsides and valleys, Perfume Pagoda apricots are small, yellow, or pinkish-red with a fuzzy exterior. These apricots have a mildly sour taste, making them perfect for making refreshing drinks in the hot summer months.
• Che Lam: Chè Lam is a famous traditional sticky rice cake, considered a specialty of Hanoi, with a unique and attractive flavor that combines the chewy texture of sticky rice with the spicy warmth of ginger.
• Cu Mai Cake: This cake has a mildly sweet taste and is usually packed in small portions, making it convenient to buy as a gift.

Admiring Perfume Pagoda’s Scenery from Above

The cable car ride to the entrance of Huong Tich Cave takes only about 10 to 15 minutes, but it is enough for you to admire the romantic beauty of the surrounding mountains and forests below. From the cabin, you'll see the majestic green forests stretching out, interspersed with beautiful temples and pagodas along the way.

If you want to combine avoiding fatigue with enjoying more experiences, consider buying a one-way cable car ticket to go up the mountain, then walk down to explore the natural landscape further.

Things to Remember When Visiting Perfume Pagoda

To ensure a smooth pilgrimage, here are some important things to keep in mind:

• When visiting temples, dress modestly and respectfully to honor the sacred space.
• Wear athletic shoes to make moving around more comfortable.
• When entering shrines, choose to enter through the side doors instead of the main entrance, and step over the threshold rather than on it.
• Limit the number of incense sticks you light; one stick at the incense burner outside is sufficient.
• Avoid purchasing or using products made from wildlife, as they may be illegal.
• When visiting temples, refrain from eating meat or killing animals to maintain a sincere heart.
• Be cautious when purchasing herbal medicine along the way, and always check the expiration dates on packaged products like Cu Mai Cake and Sweetleaf Cake.

Perfume Pagoda, with its mystical, pristine beauty and unique spiritual values, is a must-visit destination to explore the richness of Vietnamese culture and religion. I hope the information above helps you have a meaningful and fulfilling pilgrimage.

Some other attractive tourist destinations in Hanoi:

• Ngoc Son Temple
• Tran Quoc Pagoda
• One Pillar Pagoda