Perfume Pagoda pilgrimage by boat and cable car
A full-day spiritual and scenic pilgrimage to the Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) complex in My Duc District, Hanoi. The trip combines a traditional wooden boat ride along the Yen Stream, a cable car ascent into the limestone karst landscape, and visits to ancient pagodas and the sacred Huong Tich cave. The route blends cultural rituals, mountain scenery and local village life and is especially popular during the Lunar New Year (Tet) and spring months.
Location
Perfume Pagoda (Chùa Hương) complex — Huong Tich cave, Thien Tru and surrounding pagodas, My Duc District, Hanoi (departure typically from central Hanoi), Vietnam
Duration
8–10 hours (typical day trip from Hanoi)
Best Time to Visit
Late January–April (Tet and spring pilgrimage) for festivals and full atmosphere; October–December for cooler, quieter visits. Avoid heavy rains (June–September) when river conditions can be poor.
Pricing
Approximate costs per person (local currency VND and USD equivalents, subject to change):
- Round-trip wooden boat: 80,000–150,000 VND (~$3–6)
- Cable car (round trip): 120,000–200,000 VND (~$5–8)
- Entrance/donation fees and cave access: 10,000–50,000 VND (~$0.50–$2)
- Local boatman tip: 20,000–50,000 VND
- Typical guided day trip from Hanoi (includes transport, tickets, guide, lunch): $25–$50 per person
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Traditional wooden boat ride along Yen Stream through limestone karst scenery
Cable car ascent offering panoramic views when weather is clear
Huong Tich (Perfume Cave) — the spiritual heart of the complex with altars and stalactites
Thien Tru pagoda (Heaven’s Kitchen) and other riverside temples
Pilgrim rituals, incense offerings and seasonal festivals (especially during Tet)
Local food stalls and village scenes along the approach
Itinerary
Pickup from Hanoi and transfer to Den Trinh/Ben Thuy docks in My Duc
Road transfer ~1–1.5 hours depending on traffic. Many tours depart from Old Quarter hotels.
Boat boarding and scenic river journey up Yen Stream to the Perfume Pagoda area
Traditional wooden boats with local rowers. Wear life jacket if provided; the ride typically takes 40–60 minutes depending on water level.
Walk to base station and choice of cable car or uphill hiking
Cable car saves time and steep ascent; hiking (stone steps) takes 30–60 minutes and is part of the pilgrimage experience.
Visit Huong Tich Cave and nearby grotto shrines
Time to explore the main cave altar, make offerings if you wish, and photograph the stalactites and scenic viewpoints.
Lunch at a local restaurant or food stalls
Try local specialties (mountain river fish, vegetarian temple dishes). Cash preferred.
Explore Thien Tru pagoda, other hillside shrines and viewpoints
Leisurely walk, ascend small peaks for views, observe pilgrims and local rituals.
Return via cable car or on foot to the boat area
Allow time for queues in peak season; late afternoon light is good for photos.
Boat back to dock and transfer to Hanoi
Arrival back in Hanoi usually by early evening.
Safety Requirements
Wear sturdy, non-slip footwear for wet stone steps and uneven paths
Use life jackets on the boat — insist if not offered
Be cautious on steep or slippery steps inside caves and around shrines
Carry any necessary medications; medical facilities in the area are basic
Follow local guidance during crowded festival periods to avoid pickpocketing and crowd crush risks
Respect religious spaces: no photography where prohibited and dress modestly (shoulders and knees covered)
Tips
Arrive early (first boats) to avoid peak crowds and long queues, especially during Tet
Bring small-denomination cash (VND) for boat fares, cable car, offerings and food — ATMs are not common at the site
If you are visiting during peak pilgrimage season, consider booking a guided tour to streamline tickets and skip lines
Wear light, layered clothing; a waterproof layer for sudden showers in the wet season
Charge your camera/phone and bring a power bank; conditions inside caves can be dim so use low-light settings
Bargain politely for souvenir prices but respect temple vendors—prices can be fixed on food stalls
If you have mobility issues, opt for the cable car and inform your provider in advance to arrange easier boarding
