Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi: Day Trip, Boat Ride and Cable Car
The Perfume Pagoda (Chua Huong) is a complex of Buddhist pagodas and caves in the Huong Son massif, about 60 km south-west of Hanoi (My Duc district). The classic trip takes a full day: about 2 hours by road, a boat ride along the Yen stream, Thien Tru Pagoda, then the climb to the Huong Tich cave on foot or by cable car. Organised day trips from Hanoi with lunch sell from about $45 to $65 per person depending on the offer. The main season is the Chua Huong festival, from the start of the lunar year to spring (in 2026, from 18 February to 11 May, opening on 22 February): this is the busiest period. Outside the festival the site can still be visited, and is quieter. See also: Tet in Hanoi, Ninh Binh in a day and Ha Long Bay.
Highlights
The entrance gate
A traditional-style gateway marks the way into the sanctuary. It stands near the landing stage, where the boats leave for the pagodas.
The boat ride on the Yen stream
The rowed boats glide between limestone hills; the stream is about 3 km long. There is little shade: bring a hat and water.
Thien Tru Pagoda and Huong Tich Cave
After landing, a path climbs to the pagodas; Huong Tich Cave, the main sanctuary, is reached on foot (by steps) or by cable car. The cable car is optional and paid extra.
The pilgrimage atmosphere
During the festival, thousands of pilgrims climb with incense and offerings. Proper dress is required in the sanctuaries.
Practical info
Tips
- Official site prices vary by source and year: guides give about 120,000 VND for site entry and 220,000 to 260,000 VND for the return cable car, plus a boat ticket; none of these figures is confirmed for 2026-2027, so check at the ticket office or on the festival website. Organised trips usually include transport, the boat and lunch, and sometimes the entry fees; the cable car is often extra. Tour reviews mention heat on the boat: take a hat and water. During the festival, traffic restrictions may apply.
How to get there
Huong Son massif, Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi, about 60 km south-west of the centre. From Hanoi: organised minibus trip (about 2 hours), or a car with driver; public transport is possible but slow.
Opening hours
Nearby
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