The Perfume Pagoda, also known as Chùa Hương in Vietnamese, is a complex of Buddhist pagodas located around 65 km away from Hanoi city centre. It is situated in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi. Huong Pagoda festival often takes place three months after the Lunar New Year festival, when many tourists come to visit and pray for prosperity, luck and peace.
Visiting the Perfume Pagoda in early spring to pray for peace has become a well-known cultural tradition in Vietnam. Before the arrival of spring and the New Year, countless people from all over the country have the opportunity to embark on a serene pilgrimage to the sacred land of the Buddha's gate, the Perfume Pagoda. They go there to pay homage to the Buddha at the beginning of the year, seeking spiritual purification, and to enjoy the scenic beauty of the mountains and rivers.
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1. History of the Perfume Pagoda
In simple terms, the place known as "Perfume Pagoda" is actually called Huong Son - a large cultural complex with many Buddhist temples and shrines. Huong Son is situated on the right side of the Day River in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi.
The Inner Pagoda, also known as the Perfume Pagoda, is located in the centre of Huong Son. It was constructed in the late 17th century. During the war against the French in 1947, the Pagoda was mostly destroyed. However, it was rebuilt later in 1988 under the guidance of monk Thich Thanh Chan.
Bombax ceiba is growing besides Yen Stream
2. Architecture of the Perfume Pagoda
The Perfume Pagoda is a complex of buildings located in the valley of Yen Stream. It consists of two parts: the outer part, also known as Chua Ngoai, and the inner part, known as Chua Trong.
Thien Tru pagoda in Huong Pagoda complex
To reach the Ngoai Pagoda or Tro Pagoda, visitors start from the Duc Pier and travel to the Yen Stream. The outer pagoda has three entrances situated on wide courtyards made of bricks, along with a three-story bell tower built in the third courtyard. The most special highlight of this architectural block lies in the two triangular gables exposed on the top floor, which is typical ancient architecture.
Sarced cave in the pagoda complex
In contrast to the man-made Outer Pagoda, the Inner Pagoda is a thousand-year-old natural cave. At the entrance of the cave, visitors will see four words carved: "Huong Tich Dong Mon." Afterward, a paved path with 120 steps leads through the Huong Tich cave. The cave still preserves historical writings and marks, including five Chinese characters, “Nam Thien De Nhat Dong,” carved by Tinh Do Vuong Trinh Sam in 1770. Those characters mean this is the most beautiful cave in the country.
You can reach Perfume Pagoda by cable car
The Perfume Pagoda complex is not only spiritually beautiful but also attracts visitors by its nice landscape. Yen stream has clear, flowing water throughout the year combined with blooming flowers and plants in every season, which makes this place a favourite destination for many tourists who visit Perfume Pagoda. The boat ticket for the Huong Tich ferry costs only 50,000 VND per person.
Local people come here in the early morning
By sitting on a small wooden boat drifting along the stream, you can witness the beauty of different flowers in each season. In summer, you'll see the bright and vibrant red of bombax ceiba, while in late autumn, the water lilies paint a dreamy light purple. In spring, the white Ban flowers and plum blossoms create a serene atmosphere. That's why the pier next to the small stream is always crowded with people who come to admire this beauty.
Graceful water lilies on Yen Creek
3. Perfume Pagoda Festival
Many visitors come to the Perfume Pagoda not only to admire its beauty but also to wish their loved ones all the best. However, during the Perfume Pagoda Festival, the place becomes even more crowded. People from all over gather, and small boats fill the Yen Stream, creating a lively atmosphere. Lasting for three months, from the 6th day of the first lunar month to the end of March in the lunar calendar, the Perfume Pagoda Festival is the longest festival of the year.
Many people flock to attend Perfume Pagoda festival
During the festival, there are incense offering activities, worship ceremonies, and cultural performances for tourists to join in. Every year, around 1.5 million visitors flock to Huong Pagoda to attend the festivities. The Perfume Pagoda Complex entrance fee is 80,000 VND per person. When you arrive, you can choose different routes, such as Thien Tru - Huong Tich, Long Van, or Tuyet Son.
Yen stream filled with some kind of flora
When will the Perfume Pagoda festival 2025 happen? Next year, it will take place from February 15th, 2025 till the end of May 18th, 2025.
The Perfume Pagoda Vietnam is not only a tourist attraction but also a spiritual destination for many people who want to return to the land of Buddha. If you are interested in this peaceful site, book a private tour of Perfume Pagoda.
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Ciao Tiziana,
Novembre segna l'inizio della stagione secca nel Vietnam settentrionale e offre un clima piacevole. Considerate di visitare Hanoi, Ha Giang, Cao Bang, la baia di Halong o l'isola di Cat Ba. Per idee su d e itinerari, consultate questo articolo: Viaggiare in Vietnam a novembre: Informazioni pratiche.
Tenete presente che questo è anche l'inizio dell'alta stagione turistica. Si consiglia di prenotare hotel, trasporti e guide con largo anticipo. Se avete bisogno di assistenza o di un pacchetto turistico, non esitate a contattarci via e-mail all'indirizzo sm@izitour.com. Grazie e buon fine settimana!
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