When planning a day trip from Hanoi, travelers face a choice between visiting the historic Perfume Pagoda or the traditional Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. While the pagoda offers serene landscapes and culture, the incense village garners mixed reviews. Ultimately, the overall experience – from the knowledgeable guide to the delicious lunch – can make either option a memorable adventure. But which one will leave you truly captivated?
Key Points

- The Perfume Pagoda, with its scenic views, historic temples, and serene boat trip, is a highlight of the tour, while the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village has mixed reviews.
- The incense-making village offers a culture experience, but some find it less interesting compared to the pagodas and caves.
- The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees, a boat trip, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch, making it a comprehensive day trip.
- Comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water are recommended for the tour, which involves trekking and exploring natural landscapes.
- The tour has a rating of 4.1/5 based on 10 reviews, with positive remarks on the guide and experience, though the incense village has mixed feedback.
Tour Overview

The tour offers travelers the opportunity to discover the Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples nestled in the mountainous region of Vietnam.
The day trip from Hanoi also includes a visit to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village and a boat trip on Yen stream. Lasting one day, the tour is priced from $54.90 per person.
A day trip from Hanoi offers a visit to the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village and a boat ride on Yen stream, priced from $54.90 per person.
With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now & pay later option, the tour provides flexibility.
Whether seeking culture or natural beauty, this compact experience caters to a range of interests.
Looking for more options in Hanoi? We've reviewed plenty of other experiences.
Highlights of the Perfume Pagoda and Quang Phu Cau Incense Village Tour

What makes this tour truly captivating are the highlights it offers.
Visitors can enjoy the sights, sounds, and scents of Quang Phu Cau Village, known for its century-old traditional incense making.
The boat trip on Yen stream amidst natural beauty provides a serene experience.
Exploring the historic Thien Tru pagoda and the renowned Huong Tich cave, referred to as the "Nam Thien De Nhat Dong," adds cultural and natural richness.
Trekking or taking a cable car to the Perfume Pagoda offers scenic views.
Capping off the day with a traditional Vietnamese lunch completes the well-rounded experience.
Key Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes transportation, an English-speaking guide (with surcharges for other languages), entrance fees, a boat trip, and a traditional Vietnamese lunch.
Drinks, cable car rides, tips, and personal expenses are excluded. Visitors should bring comfortable shoes, a camera, sunscreen, and water.
Availability for tour start times and participant selection must be checked.
While the overall rating is 4.1/5 based on 10 reviews, some found the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village less interesting compared to the pagodas and caves.
The guide and overall experience received positive remarks.
Suggested Packing List

Visitors are advised to bring a few essential items for the Perfume Pagoda tour. Comfortable, sturdy shoes are crucial for navigating the terrain.
A camera is a must to capture the stunning scenery and cultural sights. Sunscreen and a hat will help protect against the sun’s rays.
Don’t forget to pack a water bottle to stay hydrated throughout the day. Finally, a light jacket or sweater is recommended, as the temperatures can be cooler in the caves and on the boat.
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Comfortable shoes
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Camera
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Sunscreen and hat
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Water bottle
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Light jacket or sweater
Tour Availability and Participant Selection

Depending on the desired departure time and group size, travelers can check the availability of the Perfume Pagoda tour.
The tour typically runs at various times throughout the day to accommodate different schedules. Travelers should inquire about the participant capacity and make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
The option to reserve now and pay later is available, providing flexibility. Tour operators work to ensure a smooth experience, so participants should feel free to communicate any special needs or requests when booking.
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village: Mixed Reviews

According to the customer feedback, the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village received mixed reviews from participants.
Some found it less interesting compared to the pagodas and caves:
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Some participants felt the incense village was less captivating than other attractions.
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Others appreciated the opportunity to immerse in the sights, sounds, and scents of traditional incense making.
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A few noted the incense village wasn’t as engaging as expected.
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Positive remarks highlighted the overall guide and experience, despite mixed opinions on the incense village.
The varied feedback suggests the incense village may not resonate equally with all tour participants.
Exploring the Perfume Pagoda and Yen Stream

Though the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village received mixed reviews, the tour also allows visitors to explore the serene Perfume Pagoda and take a peaceful boat trip on the Yen stream.
The Perfume Pagoda, a complex of Buddhist temples, offers stunning natural scenery. Visitors can trek or take a cable car to reach the pagoda, enjoying scenic views along the way.
The tranquil boat ride on Yen stream, surrounded by lush greenery, provides a serene respite from the bustling city.
Customer Feedback on the Overall Experience

Customers have provided mixed reviews on the overall experience of this tour. Some found the visit to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village less interesting compared to the pagodas and caves.
However, the tour received positive remarks about the knowledgeable guide and the overall experience. According to the reviews:
The tour received positive remarks about the knowledgeable guide and the overall experience, according to customer reviews.
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The tour received an overall rating of 4.1/5 based on 10 reviews.
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Some customers were less impressed with the incense village, finding it less captivating than the other attractions.
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The guide was praised for their knowledge and ability to enhance the tour experience.
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The boat trip on Yen stream and the exploration of the Perfume Pagoda were highlight activities.
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The included lunch at a local restaurant was also well-received.
Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Included From Hanoi City Center?
Yes, the tour includes transportation from Hanoi city center. According to the information provided, the tour package includes transportation as one of the inclusions.
Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?
The tour itinerary can’t be customized, but transportation from Hanoi city center is included. The tour covers key highlights like Perfume Pagoda, Quang Phu Cau Village, and a boat trip, with set activities and durations.
Are There Any Child Discounts Available?
The tour offers child discounts, though the exact percentage is not specified. Customers should inquire about child pricing when booking the tour to take advantage of any available discounts.
Are Professional Photography Services Provided?
The tour doesn’t provide professional photography services. However, guests are welcome to take their own photos throughout the day trip. There are no additional fees for personal photography during the tour.
How Flexible Are the Tour Schedules for Individual Travelers?
The tour schedules are flexible, allowing individual travelers to check availability and select their preferred starting times. Participants can reserve the tour in advance and pay later, providing convenience for planning their trip.
The Sum Up
The Hanoi day trip offers a unique blend of cultural and natural experiences, featuring the historic Perfume Pagoda and the traditional Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. Though the incense village garnered mixed reviews, the overall experience, including a knowledgeable guide and a delicious traditional lunch, creates a memorable adventure for travelers exploring the serene landscapes and rich traditions of the region.
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