The Perfume Pagoda tour offers a captivating opportunity to take in Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage. Travelers can embark on a scenic journey from Hanoi, traversing the tranquil Yen Stream by traditional boat. Along the way, they’ll discover sacred sites like Huong Tich Cave and Giải Oan Temple, guided by knowledgeable English-speaking experts. With a price tag of just $46.68 per person, this full-day excursion promises an enchanting experience for those seeking to uncover the country’s spiritual essence.
Key Points

- The full-day tour to Perfume Pagoda includes a traditional boat ride, entrance fees, English-speaking guide, and lunch for $46.68 per person.
- The tour departs from Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 8 am and returns around 6:30 pm, with a 1.5-hour drive to the Perfume Pagoda site.
- The tour highlights include visiting Huong Tich Cave, Thien Tru Pagoda, and Giải Oan Temple, which are part of the Perfume Pagoda complex.
- The Perfume Pagoda is a popular pilgrimage site for Vietnamese people, with common greetings among pilgrims being "A Di Đà Phật" or "Namo Amitabha Buddha."
- The tour excludes additional fees for electric car transfers, cable car, and personal expenses, and is not suitable for people over 95 years old.
Tour Overview and Pricing

The full-day tour to the Perfume Pagoda offers visitors a chance to explore this iconic Buddhist complex within the limestone mountains.
Priced from $46.68 per person, the tour includes a traditional boat ride, entrance fees, English-speaking guide, and lunch.
It lasts 1 day, and guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The tour departs from Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 8 am, with a 1.5-hour drive to the Perfume Pagoda site.
At the end of the day, guests return to Hanoi around 6:30 pm.
Book now and pay later to secure your spot.
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Itinerary Highlights

The tour begins with pickup at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 8 am. After a 1.5-hour drive, you’ll embark on a 1-hour boat ride through the scenic Yen Stream. Along the way, you’ll visit the following attractions:
| Site | Description |
| — | — |
| Huong Tich Cave | Statues of deities and stunning stalactites/stalagmites |
| Thien Tru Pagoda | An important Buddhist temple |
| Giải Oan temple | A sacred site for pilgrims |
The tour concludes with a return to Hanoi around 6:30 pm, providing a full day of cultural exploration and spiritual discovery.
Cultural Significance
Perfume Pagoda is a complex of Buddhist temples and shrines nestled within limestone mountains, making it a popular pilgrimage site for Vietnamese people.
Pilgrims often greet each other with the phrases "A Di Đà Phật" or "Namo Amitabha Buddha" when visiting the sacred sites.
Pilgrims greet one another with the phrases "A Di Đà Phật" or "Namo Amitabha Buddha" when visiting the sacred sites.
Various routes lead to the pagoda, but a common element is the boat ride from Yen wharf.
Visitors can explore the Thien Tru Pagoda, Tiên temple, and other revered spots like Long Tuyền Well, Thuyết Kinh cave, and Cửa Võng Shrine, all believed to grant blessings.
Explore Thien Tru Pagoda and Tiên Temple

As visitors explore the Perfume Pagoda, they’ll discover the serene Thien Tru Pagoda, a centerpiece of the complex. This 15th-century temple features intricate carvings, including a massive Buddha statue.
Nearby, the Tiên Temple honors Tien Cô – a revered celestial maiden. Pilgrims come to pay respects and seek blessings. The temple’s peaceful atmosphere invites quiet contemplation.
Visitors can wander the grounds, admiring the architecture and natural beauty of the limestone landscape. This sacred site offers a glimpse into Vietnam’s rich Buddhist heritage and the enduring significance of the Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage.
More Great Tours NearbyVisit Sacred Sites
While exploring the Perfume Pagoda, visitors can venture to several sacred sites that hold deep spiritual significance. These include the Long Tuyền Well, said to have healing powers, the Thuyết Kinh cave where Buddhist sutras are recited, and the Cửa Võng Shrine, revered for its protective deities. Each site offers a unique opportunity to connect with the rich religious and cultural heritage of Vietnam. The table below highlights some of the most revered sacred sites at the Perfume Pagoda complex:
| Site | Significance |
| — | — |
| Long Tuyền Well | Believed to have healing powers |
| Thuyết Kinh Cave | Where Buddhist sutras are recited |
| Cửa Võng Shrine | Revered for its protective deities |
| Hương Tích Cave | Statues of deities and stalactites/stalagmites grant blessings |
| Giải Oan Temple | Offering prayers for the forgiveness of sins |
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Hương Tích Cave: Blessings Galore

Nestled deep within the limestone mountains, Hương Tích Cave captivates visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty and spiritual significance.
Statues of deities and stunning stalactites and stalagmites line the cave’s interior, believed to grant blessings to those who make the pilgrimage. Pilgrims often light incense and prostrate themselves before these sacred formations, seeking divine guidance and protection.
The cave’s serene ambiance and connection to Vietnamese Buddhist traditions make it a must-see for those exploring the Perfume Pagoda complex. Its unique geological features and spiritual resonance create an awe-inspiring experience for all who venture within.
Inclusions and Exclusions
The tour package includes boat trips, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and lunch.
Enjoy boat trips, entrance fees, an English-speaking guide, and lunch as part of this tour package.
However, it excludes other meals, electric car transfers (+40,000 VND), and cable car fees (one way +150,000 VND, round trip +220,000 VND). Personal expenses are also not covered.
The tour isn’t suitable for people over 95 years.
Participants are advised to bring:
-
Sun hat
-
Umbrella
-
Pets aren’t allowed
Itineraries may change due to weather or conditions.
Important Considerations

Travelers should keep a few important considerations in mind when booking this tour. The tour isn’t suitable for those over 95 years old.
Visitors should come prepared with a sun hat and umbrella, as the weather can be hot and sunny. Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.
Also, the itinerary may change due to weather or other conditions. While the tour includes boat trips, entrance fees, lunch, and an English-speaking guide, it excludes other meals, electric car transfers, and cable car fees.
Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Bring My Own Food on the Boat Ride?
Passengers can bring their own food on the boat ride, but it’s not included in the tour package. The tour provides lunch, so bringing additional food is optional and at the passenger’s discretion.
Is There an Option to Visit the Pagoda Independently?
Yes, visitors can visit the Perfume Pagoda independently. They can take a public bus or taxi to Yen wharf and arrange their own boat ride and entrance fees without booking a guided tour. This allows more flexibility in exploring the site at their own pace.
Do We Have Time to Explore the Markets in Hanoi?
The tour doesn’t include time for exploring Hanoi’s markets. It’s a full-day excursion to the Perfume Pagoda, with the itinerary focused on visiting the pagoda’s sites and attractions. There’s no opportunity built-in for visiting Hanoi’s markets on this tour.
Can I Wear Casual Clothing for the Tour?
Yes, casual clothing is appropriate for the tour. The itinerary doesn’t require formal attire, so visitors can wear comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing that allows for easy movement during the activities and boat ride.
Are There Any Restroom Facilities Available During the Boat Ride?
There are restrooms available at the boat launch and along the Yen Stream during the boat ride. Travelers can use these facilities as needed throughout the 1-hour boat journey.
The Sum Up
The Perfume Pagoda tour offers an enchanting glimpse into Vietnam’s cultural heritage. With a scenic boat ride, exploration of sacred sites, and an expert guide, this day trip provides an immersive experience for visitors. The tour’s inclusive pricing and convenient transportation from Hanoi make it a practical choice for those seeking to discover the beauty and significance of this spiritual destination.
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