Perfume Pagoda

Overview

The Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) is a vast Buddhist temple complex built into limestone cliffs 60 km southwest of Hanoi, reached by boat along the Yen Stream.

Highlights

• Boat ride: A peaceful 1-hour sampan journey through rice paddies.
• Huong Tich Cave: The main shrine inside a massive karst cave.
• Mountain scenery: Dramatic limestone peaks and tropical forest.

History

A pilgrimage site since the 15th century. The annual festival (Jan–Mar, lunar calendar) draws hundreds of thousands.

Visitor Tips

• Full-day trip: Plan 5–6 hours minimum.
• Cable car: Available to skip the 4 km hike.
• Duration: 4–6 hours on site.