Journey to Sacred Serenity at Perfume Pagoda
Overview
Perfume Pagoda hidden 60-km Southwest of Hanoi among lush paddy fields, limestone karsts and picturesque villages, the Perfume Pagoda is the perfect one-day trip from Hanoi for nature lovers. Enjoy a leisurely 3-hour sampan boat cruise through rice fields and ‘Halong Bay’ style rock formations before heading up to the Perfume Pagoda. The pagoda itself is a set of shrines and temples built into a limestone hillside.
Included
Excluded
- Meals as mentioned (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
- English or French speaking guide (for other languages supplements apply)
- Tours and transfers as mentioned by private air conditioned vehicle
- Entrance fees for mentioned visits
- Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary
- Other services than mentioned
- International and domestic Flights
- Laundry, telephone calls and expenditure of a personal nature
- Tips, Travel insurance
Tour Amenities
Itinerary
08.00 depart for the 2-hour journey to the Perfume Pagoda. Enjoy the scenic drive through the rich farming land of the Red River Delta, to one of northern Vietnam’s holiest of sites. On arrival board a private rowing boat for the relaxing hours’ cruise down the Yen River, along the way stop at Den Trinh (pagoda of representation).
The Perfume Pagoda is not just one pagoda but many shrines and temples built into a limestone hillside. The first of these is at the foot of Huong Tich Mountain, which means ‘Mountain of Fragrant Traces’. From here, disembark and follow a stone flagged path to Thien Tru, ‘Pagoda Leading to Heaven’. This pagoda was built in the seventeenth century and dedicated to the goddess Quan Am, symbolically marking the start of the journey to 'heaven'. Continue the walk uphill to Huong Tich Chu, ‘Pagoda of the Perfumed Vestige’. The pagoda is one of the most important to the Mahayana Buddhists of Vietnam.
Note: As an option there is a cable car which can be taken instead of walking (not included).
At the top you will be rewarded with a fine view and an appetizing picnic lunch. Following lunch, start the journey back down the mountain. Return by rowing boat to the vehicle for transfer back to Hanoi, arriving Hanoi in the late afternoon. (L)
* Proper walking shoes must be worn for this tour. The trek can be strenuous for some as the path is fairly steep (As an option there is a cable car which can be taken instead of walking).
* During Tet (Vietnamese New Year) and the three months preceding, the Perfume Pagoda is crowded with pilgrims and travel during this time is not recommended, check with your travel consultant for further details.
