A Pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda

A Pilgrimage to
the Perfume Pagoda

It is not often that we are really lyrical about panoramic vistas but whenever we reach
the Perfume Pagoda outside Hanoi, the immense beauty of this cave temple is simply
breathtaking. This pilgrimage site will bring Vietnam’s beauty to new heights.

WHY THIS TOUR?

Natural beauty combined with deep spirituality is all about Vietnam and the Vietnamese. The name ‘The Mountain of Fragrant Traces’ already should captivate travellers, as this is the English name of Huong Tich Mountain.

This pilgrimage site, a striking example of a temple constructed inside a cave, truly is an example of immense beauty. An example of where, at great length, architects and leaders of a bygone era went to construct sites that inspire awe and draws a huge crowd from across Vietnam during one of its religious festivals.

TRAIL ITINERARY

A Pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda

08:00 - 17:30

In the morning, our English-speaking guide and driver wait for you in the lobby and guide you to your air-conditioned car to start your journey. Situated some 70 kilometres outside Hanoi, the Perfume (Huong) Pagoda is one of the most famous sites surrounding the city.

Set in the beautiful karst cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountain this legendary pagoda attracts thousands of pilgrims every spring after TET – the celebration of Vietnamese New Year – as it is considered a site of great reverence. Be mindful that the climb to the top is steep – should you dare to take on the 2-kilometre hike – one but the views at the end of the stairs are beyond breathtaking. Alternatively, a cable cart runs regularly from the base of the mountain to the top.

The journey continues overland where you will see farmers labouring endlessly over their crops, before boarding your simple sampan for the serene ride to the enormous complex of pagodas and shrines built into the cliffs of the Huong Tich Mountain, collectively known as the Perfume Pagoda. If one is seeking a definition of living in harmony with nature – search no further!

You will enjoy a scenic boat trip down the meandering Yen River from My Duc before exploring the pagoda, its temples and caves amidst fascinating views opening from every angle as you move to the top. A large part of the day will be spent cruising leisurely through the marvels of Mother Nature as your guide for the day outlines the many unique natural features. Nothing beats spending a couple of hours aboard a local boat and be in awe of how breathtaking this region of Vietnam is.

After a local Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant, the boat will take you back to the jetty for the return transfer to Hanoi. Arrival back in Hanoi will be in the late afternoon with memories of spectacular rock formations, caves with large stalactites and ‘stairways to heaven’ lingering in your thoughts.

THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW

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INCLUSIONS

  • A full-day tour with a professional English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request and may be subject to supplementary charges
  • Transportation by air-conditioned vehicle with professional driver.
  • Return cable cart trip to the Perfume Pagoda
  • Boat trip over the Yen River
  • All applicable taxes and service charges
  • Lunch at a local restaurant is included (food only)

EXCLUSIONS

  • Tours, inclusions of any kind and other services that are not outlined in the tour description
  • Personal expenses such as meals, drinks, tips and gratuities, shopping, portage fees and optional tours, unless otherwise stated
  • Hotel accommodation in the destination of commencement.
  • Compulsory Christmas, country-specific festival and/or New Year dinner at included hotels
  • Single supplement charges for single travelers, where applicable
  • Any airline tickets, visa fees, additional transportation cost from and to the general meeting point
  • Supplements for transfers for customers arriving or departing from any airport or resorts located outside the general pick-up and drop-off locations
  • Hotel expenses of a personal nature, should an overnight be included: this includes mini-bar consumption, laundry, room service, any telephone or other communication cost not mentioned in the program
  • Travel insurance coverage for customers (highly recommendable)

GOOD TO KNOW

  • This tour is operated on full private basis with English-speaking guide. Other languages are on request / subject to availability and supplementary charges may apply.
  • Return transfers for this excursion apply only / are inclusive for customers staying in and inside Hanoi city centre. Transfers outside these areas, including any accommodation outside the capital, harbour and the Hanoi International Airport are excluded. Supplements apply for customers who want to join this excursion outside one of these regions.
  • Customers are advised that during the TET celebrations (celebration of Vietnamese New Year), excursions and tours may be subject to supplementary charges and/or may see longer waiting times than normal. We appreciate your understanding on this.
  • This excursion includes obstacles of various kinds that may not make this excursion suitable for wheelchair users.
  • Guests are advised that some walking is required during this excursion; we always ensure that we take the most comfortable ways from the entrance of the sight to the sight itself.
  • We will do all possible to comply with any dietary requirements during this excursion; it may not always be possible to confirm your wishes in advance based on the choice of local restaurant.
  • We always will make efforts to confirm the exact pick-up time upon reservation. For any operational issues in which are not able to confirm the exact pick-up time in advance, we reserve the right to inform you the day before the departure of the tour.
  • Please note pickup and drop-off services may not be confirmed for customers staying at private residences, apartment complexes, or other non-registered tourism accommodations. Customers may be asked to meet at a nearby hotel for pick-up and drop off.
  • Please ensure that you bring sunglasses, a hat /cap and sunblock with a high SPF factor when traveling with us on this tour – even when it is cloudy, the sunrays still have an immense power.
  • It is the responsibility of the customer to provide us with the correct hotel information, should pick-up and drop-off services be included in the package. Any changes in accommodation outside 24 hours will be handled accordingly: changes within 24 hours may be on request.
  • We recommend wearing light, comfortable cotton clothing and comfortable shoes.

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