If you are making a Hanoi travel plan, you should definitely consider visiting Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi. It is a popular destination for both religious pilgrims and tourists. In this article, we will provide tips to help you make the most of your visit.
1. Is Perfume Pagoda worth visiting?
- Location: Huong Son, My Duc, Hanoi
- Entrance Fee: 120,000 VND
Perfume Pagoda is absolutely worth visiting if you are interested in exploring Vietnam's culture and religion. Located about 70 kilometers from Hanoi's center, this complex is a series of shrines built into a limestone mountain. During the Lunar New Year, thousands of pilgrims make their way to this spiritual site to pray for blessings and good fortune.
Upon arrival, you can hike through lush vegetation to reach Huong Tich Cave, which houses serene Buddhist shrines. Along the way, do not forget to stop and try local delicacies such as steamed sticky rice cakes. At the top, you can take in breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscape.
Afterward, immerse yourself in Vietnamese religious culture at Trinh Temple or Thien Tru Pagoda. You can also check out Huong Tich Grotto, where there is an entrance resembling the mouth of a dragon, before retiring for the day with a cable car ride down the mountain.
2. Best time for your day trip to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi
To make the most of your trip, it Is important to know the best time to go. In general, there are two particular times of the year that are ideal.
Firstly, if you are a pilgrim, you should visit the pagoda between the first and the third lunar month. This is the pilgrimage season and a great opportunity for you to meet other pilgrims. However, it is important to note that this period coincides with the Lunar New Year, so the number of visitors can be overwhelming. There will be long lines and crowds.
The second best time to visit Perfume Pagoda is autumn, from August to October. During this period, the weather is cooler and the crowds are smaller, bringing a more peaceful and enjoyable experience. Plus, the scenery is breathtaking, as the leaves change color and the surrounding mountains come alive with vibrant hues.
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3. How to get to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi?
There are several transportation options that you can consider to travel to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi: motorbike, car, taxi, or bus. Whether you prefer the freedom of a motorbike, the comfort of a car, the convenience of a taxi, or the affordability of a bus, there is always something that will suit your needs.
- By motorbike: The route Nguyen Trai - Thanh Xuan - Ha Dong - Ba La - Van Dinh will take you to Perfume Pagoda in just under two hours.
- By car: Phap Van - Cau Gie - Dong Van - National Road 38 - Dau Market - Perfume Pagoda is the best route to take. It takes only around one hour.
- By taxi: Taking a taxi is the way to go if you want a hassle-free experience. Several reputable taxi companies operate in Hanoi, which will take you directly to your destination.
- By bus: If you are looking for a more economical option, taking a bus is a great choice. The bus routes 211, 78, and 75 all travel to Huong Pagoda.
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4. Ideal itineraries for your day trip to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi
4.1. Ben Duc Boat Harbor - Trinh Temple - Thien Tru Pagoda - Huong Tich Cave - Giai Oan Pagoda
This itinerary will take you to all the major and sacred temples here, allowing you to fully experience the beauty and spirituality of this ancient site.
Your journey begins at Ben Duc, where you can ride a motorbike or car to Yen Stream. From here, you will reach Huong Son relic area, where you can explore the temples and pagodas.
Trinh Temple is the first stop, and Thien Tru Pagoda is the next. Their grandeur and beauty will leave you in awe. Huong Tich Cave is another highlight of the journey, situated 390 meters above sea level. You can reach the cave's on foot or by cable car.
Giai Oan Pagoda is located on Long Tuyen Mountain, about 2.5 kilometers away from Huong Tich Cave. It is dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, featuring a transparent well called Giai Oan. The water in the well is said to have healing properties.
If you have time, you can also visit other attractions such as Hinh Bong Pagoda, Dai Binh Cave, Tien Son Pagoda, and Tran Song Temple. Overall, this itinerary is a perfect blend of natural beauty, spirituality, and cultural significance.
4.2. Ben Duc Boat Harbor - Trinh Temple - Long Van Pagoda - Long Van Cave - Sung Sam Cave
In this itinerary, the first two stops are the same as above. But after Trinh Temple, you will continue your journey by boat and head to Long Van Pagoda and Long Van Cave. These attractions are nestled amidst a verdant forest and offer a tranquil and picturesque view of the mountainside.
Long Van Pagoda is a stunning Buddhist temple that dates back to the 20th century. It is known for its intricate architecture and beautiful gardens, which are filled with colorful flowers and towering trees. Visitors can explore the temple's many halls and shrines, each of which is adorned with ornate carvings and intricate paintings.
Meanwhile, the nearby Long Van Cave is filled with stalactites and stalagmites, as well as underground streams and ponds. Your final stop will be Sung Sam Cave, known for its stunning natural beauty, as well as its historical significance as a Buddhist worship site. Here, you can pay your respects and gain insights into the history, culture, and spirituality of Vietnam.
In addition to Perfume Pagoda, some other temples in Hanoi that you should consider visiting are One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, Bach Ma Temple, Ngoc Son Temple, and Phu Tay Ho. Visiting temples can be a great experience, but sometimes it is nice to switch things up and have some lighthearted fun. That is where Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE Times City come in.
At Vinpearl Aquarium, you can marvel at more than 30,000 diverse marine specimens, including colorful fish, sharks, and even penguins. Meanwhile, VinKE is an educational playground for kids from 5 to 12. Here, they can try many job simulation games and other indoor activities. Both Vinpearl Aquarium and VinKE are located in Vincom Mega Mall Times City, making them a convenient stop after visiting temples.
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Besides Hanoi, Hoi An, Da Nang, Nha Trang, Phu Quoc, and Ha Long are other popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. They offer a diverse range of experiences for travelers.
Hoi An is known for its charming old town and traditional lanterns, while Da Nang boasts beautiful beaches and modern attractions. Nha Trang is a popular spot for water activities like snorkeling and diving, while Phu Quoc is a tropical island paradise with stunning beaches and lush forests. And Ha Long Bay is famous for its breathtaking limestone cliffs and emerald waters.
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A visit to Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi offers a unique glimpse into Vietnam's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty. It is an experience that should not be missed out on if you are traveling to Hanoi.
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