Setting out on a full-day adventure to the stunning Perfume Pagoda is a captivating cultural experience that promises to immerse visitors in the heart of Vietnam’s rich heritage. The tour offers a seamless blend of scenic landscapes, historical insights, and authentic culinary delights, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to explore the country’s natural wonders and spiritual traditions. With a range of activities and transportation options, the Perfume Pagoda tour caters to diverse interests and fitness levels, ensuring a memorable journey for all who embark on this remarkable expedition.

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Key Points

A full-day experience exploring the Perfume Pagoda, including a scenic 2-hour drive, 1-hour rowboat trip, and optional cable car ride.
Comprehensive tour package with hotel pickup, lunch, entrance fees, and air-conditioned transportation, starting at $52 per person.
Guided insights into the history and culture of the Perfume Pagoda, with a small group size of up to 15 participants.
Flexible itinerary allowing for a 1-hour trek to Huong Tich Cave or an optional cable car ride.
Overall positive customer feedback, with praise for the knowledgeable guide and cultural insights provided during the tour.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview

The tour offers a full day experience at the Perfume Pagoda. Priced from $52 per person, it includes pickup from any hotel/hostel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or an alternative meeting point.

The small group size is limited to 15 participants, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can also choose the reserve now & pay later option.

The tour includes a scenic 2-hour drive, a 1-hour rowboat trip, and a 1-hour trek or optional cable car ride. Lunch, entrance fees, and transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle are all covered.

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Itinerary

At 8:30 AM, the tour begins with pickup from the hotel.

After a scenic 2-hour drive, the group takes a 1-hour rowboat trip on the Yen stream to Thien Tru harbor.

A scenic 2-hour drive leads to a tranquil 1-hour rowboat trip on the Yen stream to Thien Tru harbor.

From there, they can choose to:

Trek to Huong Tich Cave for 1 hour.
Take an optional cable car for an additional fee.
Enjoy a 1-hour lunch at a local restaurant.
Visit the Heaven Kitchen pagoda and learn about its architectural significance.

The tour then returns by boat and bus, arriving back in Hanoi around 6:00 PM.

Inclusions and Extras

This day trip includes local taxes, bottled water, a Vietnamese lunch, as well as an English-speaking driver and guide. Entrance fees are covered, allowing you to skip the lines. However, there are some optional extras. The cable car up to Huong Tich Cave costs $10 one-way or $15 round-trip per person. Plus, there is a surcharge of $10 per person on Christmas and New Year’s, and $20 per person on Lunar Tet holidays.

| Inclusions | Extras |

| — | — |

| Local taxes | Cable car (one-way: $10, round-trip: $15) |

| Bottled water | Christmas/New Year surcharge ($10 per person) |

| Lunch | Lunar Tet holiday surcharge ($20 per person) |

| Driver/guide | |

Highlights

Scenic and picturesque drives lead visitors to the Perfume Pagoda, where a guided tour provides insights into the site’s rich history and cultural significance.

Key highlights include:

Delicious Vietnamese lunch served at a nearby restaurant, offering a chance to savor local cuisine.
Seamless entry experience, with all fees covered and no waiting in line.
Optional cable car ride for those seeking a more leisurely ascent to the Huong Tich Cave.
Knowledgeable and enthusiastic guides, who share their passion for the Pagoda’s architectural and spiritual importance.

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Customer Feedback

Based on the 4 reviews available, customers have overall rated the Perfume Pagoda day trip 4.5 out of 5 stars.

Visitors praised the enthusiasm and knowledge of the guide, providing valuable insights into the pagoda’s history and cultural significance.

However, some critiqued the organization and bus comfort. Customers also noted additional fees for the optional cable car and tipping the rowers.

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Getting to the Perfume Pagoda

The tour begins with a 2-hour scenic drive from Hanoi, covering a distance of 40 miles to reach the Perfume Pagoda.

The journey takes travelers through the picturesque Vietnamese countryside, offering glimpses of lush rice paddies, quaint villages, and the serene Yen stream.

Upon arrival, guests embark on a 1-hour rowboat trip along the Yen stream to reach the Thien Tru harbor.

From there, they’ve the option to:

Trek for 1 hour to the Huong Tich Cave.
Take a cable car (additional fee) to reach the cave.
Explore the nearby Heaven Kitchen pagoda.
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.

Exploring the Perfume Pagoda

After the scenic boat ride, visitors disembark at the Thien Tru harbor and have the choice to either trek for an hour up to the Huong Tich Cave or take a cable car (for an additional fee) to reach the cave.

Once at the cave, guests can explore the intricate Buddhist architecture and learn about its historical and cultural significance from the knowledgeable guide.

After the cave visit, the group proceeds to a local restaurant for a delicious Vietnamese lunch.

The day concludes with a relaxing boat ride and drive back to Hanoi, arriving around 6:00 PM.

Experiencing the Perfume Pagoda Tour

Although the journey to the Perfume Pagoda begins with a scenic 2-hour drive from Hanoi, the real adventure starts once travelers reach the Yen stream.

The true adventure begins once travelers reach the Yen stream, after a scenic 2-hour drive from Hanoi.

From there, they embark on a 1-hour rowboat ride to Thien Tru harbor, followed by:

A 1-hour trek to Huong Tich Cave, or an optional cable car ride for an additional fee.
A delicious Vietnamese lunch at a local restaurant.
A visit to the Heaven Kitchen pagoda to learn about its architectural significance.
The return boat ride and 2-hour trip back to Hanoi, where travelers are dropped off at their hotel around 6:00 PM.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Photography Allowed Throughout the Tour?

Yes, photography is generally allowed throughout the tour. Visitors can take photos at the Perfume Pagoda, during the boat ride, and at other sites along the itinerary, subject to any restrictions at specific locations.

What Should I Bring for the Boat Ride and Trekking?

For the boat ride and trekking, it’s best to bring comfortable walking shoes, sun protection, a water bottle, and light layers. Avoid bringing bulky items that could be difficult to carry during the activities.

Are There Any Age or Mobility Restrictions for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any age or mobility restrictions, but the trekking and boat ride portions may be challenging for those with limited mobility. The tour operator can accommodate guests with special needs if notified in advance.

Can I Extend My Stay at the Perfume Pagoda Site?

Unfortunately, the tour does not allow for an extended stay at the Perfume Pagoda site. The itinerary is a full-day excursion with a set schedule, including transportation back to Hanoi around 6:00 PM. Guests must adhere to the provided timeline.

Are There Any Cultural or Religious Customs I Should Be Aware Of?

Visitors should be respectful of cultural and religious customs at the Perfume Pagoda. Wear modest clothing, remove shoes when entering temples, and avoid touching religious artifacts. Observing these customs will ensure a meaningful experience at this sacred site.

The Sum Up

The Perfume Pagoda tour offers a captivating full-day adventure from Hanoi. Guests can enjoy a serene boat ride, explore the iconic Huong Tich Cave, and enjoy the cultural heritage of this sacred site. With a delightful Vietnamese lunch, all entrance fees, and knowledgeable guidance included, this tour provides an unforgettable experience amidst Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.

You can check availability for your dates here: