HIGHTLIGHTS
Travel Style: Active Tours, Classic Tours
Trip length: Day Tour
Travel beyond Hanoi to the tranquil limestone karsts of Huong Son and discover the spiritual beauty of the Perfume Pagoda—one of Vietnam’s most iconic Buddhist pilgrimage sites.
After a scenic drive to the riverside, you’ll board a traditional rowing boat and drift along the Yen Stream through lush riverbanks and towering cliffs. A gentle trek or optional cable-car ride brings you to the sacred Huong Tich Cave and the collection of pagodas and shrines that grace the mountainside. Along the way, you’ll learn about Vietnamese Buddhist traditions, enjoy spectacular views of the river and karst landscape, and experience the peaceful atmosphere of this revered mountain temple complex. With a mix of nature, culture, and spirituality, this day tour makes a meaningful and memorable escape from the bustle of the city.
- Scenic boat ride along Yen Stream to the Pagoda complex
- Visit to Thien Tru Pagoda (“Heaven’s Kitchen Pagoda”), a spiritual entry point to the mountain complex
- Ascend to Huong Tich Cave, the heart of the Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage (via hike or cable car)
- Explore shrine-filled cave interiors and mountain-top temples built into karst cliffs
- Opportunities for quiet contemplation, stunning natural scenery and photography, and a cultural escape from urban pace
ITINERARY
7.30-8.00 Hotel pickup in Hanoi and drive (approx. 1.5–2 h) to Duc Wharf / Yen Stream embarkation point.
10:00 Board a traditional wooden rowing boat and cruise up Yen Stream through karst landscapes.
11:00 Arrive at Thien Tru Pagoda, explore the temple complex and light incense
11:30 Hike (or take cable car) to Huong Tich Cave—visit cave shrines, explore pagodas and enjoy panoramic views.
13:00 Lunch at a local restaurant at the foot of the mountain
14:00 Optional extra hike to higher shrines or view platforms, or return walk down and explore more of the mountain temples.
15:30 Boat ride back down the Yen Stream to the wharf
16:30 Drive back to Hanoi
18:00–18:30 Return to hotel in Hanoi. Tour ends
(Times are indicative and flexible based on season, weather, and group energy.)
GROUP TOUR (Seat-in-Coach)
The price is USD/person, quoted for a package tour/room/tickets..| Tour Package | Price |
|---|---|
| SIC Tour Price | $39 |
PRIVATE TOUR PRICE
The price (USD/person) is quoted for a private tour based on the group sizes, you can send us your inquiry to make up a personalized itinerary and quotation.| Tour Category | 2 pax | 3-5 pax | 6-8 pax | 9 pax up |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Private Tour | $76 | $59 | $45 | $38 |
Not fit your requirement? Feel free to contact us to plan this trip and get the best possible price based upon your travel period and specific touring needs.
INQUIRY
Other information
- Best time to visit: February to April (Perfume Pagoda Festival) for the spiritual atmosphere—though expect crowds. May to September offers greener scenery and quieter visits, but can be hot or rainy.
- Bring a hat, sunscreen and water for the boat and hiking portions.
- Wear comfortable shoes with good grip, especially if hiking the stone steps and mountain trails.
- If you prefer less hiking, let us know in advance—cable car option is available for most groups.
- Respectful attire is advised: modest clothes (shoulders, knees covered) when visiting pagodas and temples.
- Bring a light wind/rain jacket. Weather in the karst mountains can change quickly, especially if you ascend.
- The spiritual tone of the site calls for respectful behavior: quiet ceremony, no loud behavior in the temple areas, and minimal flashing photography during prayer moments.
Tour Includes
- Private car/Bus transferring as per program, pick up and drop off at hotel
- Entrance fees & boat trip
- Lunch at local restaurant
- English speaking guide
- Bottle Drink water
Tour Excludes
- Cable car rides ($10/person for a round trip; $6 one way ride)
- Drinks, personal expenses and other not mentioned above
- Travel insurance,
- Tips