Discover the enchanting Perfume Pagoda, a revered Buddhist site nestled amidst the stunning Huong Tich Mountains just outside Hanoi. This guided day trip from the city offers an immersive cultural experience, complete with a scenic cable car ride, serene boat journey, and impressive rock formations. Explore the pagoda’s historical significance and witness the devotion of pilgrims who flock to this sacred destination. Whether you’re a history buff or nature lover, the Perfume Pagoda promises an unforgettable adventure.

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Key Points

A day trip from Hanoi to the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of 18 pagodas and temples, priced at $52.05 per person with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
The tour includes transportation, electric car and sampan boat rides, a cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave, lunch, and an English-speaking guide.
The itinerary covers departure from Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 7:45-8:00 AM, arrival at the Perfume Pagoda around 10:00 AM, and return to Hanoi by 6:00 PM.
The Perfume Pagoda is a renowned pilgrimage site with unique rock formations and religious significance, offering a peaceful cultural experience.
Recommendations include wearing comfortable and modest attire, bringing water and sun protection, and being prepared for uneven terrain.

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Trip Overview

This day trip from Hanoi to the Perfume Pagoda offers an immersive cultural experience. Priced from $52.05 per person, the 1-day tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.

Pickup is provided from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with the option to arrange pickup outside this area. The itinerary highlights the 60 km journey southwest to the Perfume Pagoda complex, featuring electric car and sampan boat rides, a visit to the iconic sites, and a cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave.

Lunch and an English-speaking guide are included, with entrance fees and transportation covered. Guests are advised to dress modestly and wear comfortable shoes.

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Itinerary Highlights

The Perfume Pagoda day trip departs from the hotel around 7:45-8:00 AM, traveling approximately 60 km southwest to the Perfume Pagoda.

Visitors arrive at Hương Pagoda around 10:00 AM. They then take an electric car ride to the streamside (3 km) and a sampan boat to the main pagoda, visiting the Registration Hall and Heavenly Kitchen.

After lunch at a local restaurant, the group rides the round-trip cable car to Huong Tich Cave, taking in the unique rock formations.

They return to the mainland by electric car and arrive back at the hotel by 6:00 PM.

Cultural Significance

The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of 18 pagodas and temples that holds significant cultural and religious importance in Vietnamese Buddhism.

It’s a renowned pilgrimage site, attracting visitors from across the country.

Some key cultural highlights include:

The special Cave pagoda, which features intricate rock formations with unique names like "Silver", "Gold", "Boys", and "Girls".
Various religious rock formations that are believed to hold spiritual significance.
The scenic countryside views and peaceful atmosphere during the journey to the Perfume Pagoda.

Exploring this sacred complex offers visitors a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage.

Inclusions

The Perfume Pagoda day trip includes several key components. Visitors can look forward to a guided excursion with an English-speaking guide, as well as transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle. Entrance fees for all sites and boat trips are covered. And of course, a delicious local lunch is provided. To fully experience the spiritual and scenic highlights, the itinerary includes a cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave. The cost of this cable car ride varies based on age, as shown in the table below.

| Ticket Type | One-Way | Round-Trip |

|————-|———|————|

| Adult | 150,000 VND | 220,000 VND |

| Child (under 120 cm) | 100,000 VND | 150,000 VND |

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Cable Car Fees

One of the highlights of the Perfume Pagoda day trip is the cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave.

The cable car ride to Huong Tich Cave is a highlight of the Perfume Pagoda day trip.

The cable car fees are:

Adults: One way +150,000 VND, round trip +220,000 VND
Children under 120 cm: One way +100,000 VND, round trip +150,000 VND

These fees aren’t included in the tour price and must be paid separately.

The cable car provides a scenic and convenient way to access the cave, allowing visitors to take in the stunning rock formations and natural beauty of the Perfume Pagoda.

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Recommendations

When visiting the Perfume Pagoda, it’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly, as the tour involves walking and visiting religious sites.

The terrain can be uneven, so sturdy, closed-toe footwear is advised. Plus, as the pagodas and temples are sacred spaces, it’s respectful to cover up with long pants or skirts and shirts that cover the shoulders.

Bringing water, sunscreen, and a hat can also make the outdoor portions of the tour more comfortable. Following these simple recommendations will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience at the Perfume Pagoda.

Additional Information

Additional cable car fees are charged for the trip to Huong Tich Cave. Adults pay 150,000 VND one-way or 220,000 VND roundtrip. Children under 120 cm pay 100,000 VND one-way or 150,000 VND roundtrip.

Cable car fees for the Huong Tich Cave trip are 150,000 VND one-way or 220,000 VND roundtrip for adults, and 100,000 VND one-way or 150,000 VND roundtrip for children under 120 cm.

Other things to know:

Tips, travel insurance, and VAT aren’t included in the tour price.
Wear comfortable shoes and dress modestly when visiting the pagodas.
Pickup is available from Hanoi Old Quarter; inquire about pickup outside this area.

Arrive back at your hotel around 6:00 PM to conclude this full-day Perfume Pagoda adventure.

Getting to the Perfume Pagoda

The Perfume Pagoda sits approximately 60 km southwest of Hanoi’s city center.

The trip begins with a hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 7:45-8:00 AM. Travelers then embark on a scenic, 1.5-hour drive through the Vietnamese countryside.

Upon arrival at the Perfume Pagoda site, visitors take an electric car for 3 km to reach the streamside. From there, they board a sampan boat for a tranquil ride to the main pagoda complex.

After exploring the temples and caves, the return journey follows the same route, arriving back at hotels by 6:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

How Difficult Is the Hike to the Perfume Pagoda?

The hike to the Perfume Pagoda is moderate in difficulty. It involves a 3-km electric car ride and a boat trip, with the main walking portion being the cable car ride up to the cave. Proper footwear is recommended.

Can We Stop at Any Other Sites Along the Way?

The tour doesn’t include any stops along the way to the Perfume Pagoda. It’s a direct trip from Hanoi to the Pagoda complex. Visitors can’t add additional sites, but they’ll have time to explore the Perfume Pagoda’s numerous temples and caves during the visit.

Is There an Option to Go Without a Group Tour?

Yes, there’s an option to visit the Perfume Pagoda without a group tour. Travelers can organize private transportation and explore the site independently, allowing more flexibility in their schedule and visit.

Are There Any Dress Code Requirements for the Pagoda Visit?

The Perfume Pagoda requires visitors to dress modestly. It’s recommended to wear comfortable shoes and avoid revealing clothing when visiting the pagodas and temples as a sign of respect for the site’s cultural and religious significance.

Are There Any Restrictions on Photography Inside the Pagoda?

There are no strict restrictions on photography inside the pagoda. Visitors are generally allowed to take photos, but should be mindful of respecting the sacred nature of the site and avoid being disruptive during religious ceremonies.

The Sum Up

The Perfume Pagoda day trip from Hanoi offers a unique opportunity to explore Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. With a guided tour, scenic transportation, and a delicious lunch included, it’s a convenient and immersive way to experience this renowned pilgrimage site. Visitors can marvel at the stunning rock formations, take a cable car to the sacred Huong Tich Cave, and learn about the site’s deep spiritual significance. It’s an unforgettable experience for anyone interested in Vietnamese culture and natural beauty.

You can check availability for your dates here: