Perfume Pagoda Day Trip: Stunning Boat Ride, Hiking Trails & Buddhist Culture
Overview
Trip Highlights
Experience the Essence of Perfume Pagoda: A Day Trip from Hanoi
Nestled in the peaceful countryside of Hanoi capital, the Perfume Pagoda stands as the largest and most revered temple in Vietnam. Annually, this temple draws a huge number of local pilgrims, particularly after Vietnamese lunar new year, where festivities span three months from lunar January to March. During this festival time, throngs of Vietnamese make big pilgrimages to this holly pagoda, seeking blessings for a new year coming with happiness, good health, and prosperity.
Participating in this excursion during the festival is a unique opportunity to immerse oneself in the vibrant atmosphere of the pagoda amidst bustling crowds.Alternatively, for those seeking a more tranquil experience, scheduling the trip between lunar April and December promises pristine scenery with fewer local pilgrims.

So, taking part in this Perfume Pagoda Day Tour offer you numerous chances to enrich yourselves about Vietnamese religious belief & Buddhist practices in Vietnam
More interestingly, if you wish to extend your journey after Perfume temples, let us know so we can customize to add your visits to Ninh Binh, Mai Chau, or Halong Bay on a comprehensive 5 to 6-day Northern Vietnam travel itinerary that showcases idyllic villages and captivating natural beauty.
Boat ride & walk/cable car to visit Perfume Pagoda
Unique Experiences Await on Your Perfume Pagoda Day Trip
- Enjoy a delightful rowing boat voyage along the serene Yen River, treating your senses to awe-inspiring vistas of majestic mountains and glimpses of tranquil farming life dotting the riverbanks.
- Gain deep insights into Vietnamese Buddhist traditions as you delve into the heart of Northern Vietnam’s most sacred pagoda, steeped in centuries-old tradition and spiritual significance.
- Indulge in healthy physical activity with leisurely hike along stone steps and scenic trails, treating your body & spirit amidst the picturesque surroundings.
- Uncover the untouched beauty of the natural landscapes, venturing into the mystical depths of Huong Tich Cave, revered as the sanctum of Buddha, and traverse the rugged terrain of the mountains, each step a testament to the timeless beauty of this sacred land
Itinerary
7:30 – 7:45 AM: Our guide and driver will pick you up from your hotel. Departure for the Perfume Pagoda Complex, with a brief stop halfway for a 20-minute break, allowing you to stretch your legs, refresh at the restroom, or indulge in some leisurely window shopping for local handicrafts such as lacquer wares, paintings, and embroideries.

10:00 AM: Arrive at Yen Pier. Commence your exploration with a serene 1 hour boat journey along the picturesque Yen Stream, followed by a captivating 1.5 hour trek to the summit of the mountain, where Huong Tich Cave awaits, offering awe-inspiring vistas of the surrounding mountainous landscapes

Subsequently, pay homage to Thien Tru Pagoda, also known as the Pagoda leading to Heaven, and the Pagoda of the Perfume Vestige, before savoring a delicious lunch at a local restaurant.
The trip includes :
- Comfortable pick-up and drop-off by our air-conditioned shuttle bus (Hanoi – Perfume Pagoda – Hanoi)
- Scenic rowing boat excursion on the river
- Entrance fees of mentioned visiting places
- A delicious lunch of local Vietnamese foods
- Accompanied by an English-speaking guide
What to Bring:
- Sun protection essentials: hat and sunscreen
- Comfortable attire and sturdy footwear suitable for walking
- A spirit of adventure and readiness for fun!
The trip excludes :
- Beverages & drinks
- Tips to guide, driver & boat rower
- Personal expenditures
- Cable Car Ticket (Optional: Additional cost of 5 USD for a one-way ticket & 10 USD for a round-trip ticket)
Frequently Asked Questions
The Perfume Pagoda is not a single temple but a vast complex of Buddhist pagodas and shrines built into the limestone Huong Tich mountains. It is a major pilgrimage site where locals come to pray for health and prosperity. The highlight is the Huong Tich Cave, which houses a spectacular inner temple inside a massive grotto, often described as “The First-Ranking Cave under the Southern Sky.”
The Perfume Pagoda is located about 60km (37 miles) southwest of Hanoi. The journey with Golden Holiday Travel typically starts with a 1.5 to 2-hour drive in a private car. Upon arrival at the Duc Wharf, the experience continues with a scenic 1-hour rowing boat trip along the Yen Stream, surrounded by karst mountains and rice fields, which is the only way to reach the mountain’s base.
The hike from the base (Thien Tru Pagoda) to the Huong Tich Cave involves a steep uphill climb on stone steps that takes about 45 to 60 minutes. While it is a great exercise, it can be physically demanding. For a more comfortable “VIP” experience, we highly recommend taking the cable car system, which offers a breathtaking aerial view of the forest and reaches the cave in just a few minutes.
The Perfume Pagoda Festival runs from the 6th day of the 1st lunar month to the end of the 3rd lunar month (typically February to April). This is the busiest time in Vietnam with thousands of pilgrims. If you prefer a peaceful, contemplative experience and want to capture better photos, the best time to visit is from September to December, when the weather is cool and the Yen Stream is tranquil
As this is a sacred religious site, modest attire is mandatory. Both men and women should wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees. Additionally, because the tour involves boarding small rowing boats and potentially walking on slippery stone steps, comfortable walking shoes or sneakers with good grip are essential.
Booking a private tour ensures you aren’t rushed by a large group’s schedule. Our licensed guides provide deep insights into the legends of the Bodhisattva and the history of the Ly Dynasty. We manage all logistics—from private transfers and boat tickets to cable car arrangements—allowing you to enjoy the spiritual “Hanoi Escape” without the stress of navigating the crowded local ticket booths.
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

No reviews yet!
All Reviews
Perfume Pagoda Day Trip: Stunning Boat Ride, Hiking Trails & Buddhist Culture