According to legend, one mountain in this range, was home to a kind-hearted, dutiful princess who underwent many hardships, and great danger to pay a ransom for the sins of her father, the king. Due to her self-lessness, courage, and great acts of devotion, she later became a Buddha. Moreover, in the 13 th century, one king marched over this land and with the eyes of astronomy, he named it the kitchen of heaven (Thien Tru). Later, this land became the sacred place for Buddhism– followers to come and pray for happiness, luck and good health.

Tour bus and guide will pick up at your hotel. Then we have a two hour drive through the picturesque countryside and back roads to the village of Duc , where we get on a small boat for a one hour trip up Yen Vy stream to Thien Tru Quay . You may trek up (or take cable car) to the mountain to Huong pagoda .

Lunch box will be ready after that. Going down and then get to Thien Tru Quay to visit more beautiful and precious sculptures, taking photos, worshipping, getting on boat again back to DucWharf . Tour ends in your hotel

PERFUM PAGODA INFORMATION:

After 70 km or 2 hours driving out of Hanoi, located on the limestone rocks of HuongSonMountain in beautiful and mystical surroundings. Unlike other temples in Vietnam, the only way to reach this sanctuary is floating along a narrow but extremely poetic stream by rowing boats that takes 45 minutes.

An iron boat can carry 3-5 people and a large wooden boat – up to 20 locals. The stream is edged by rice, grass, small paths, and temples here and there. A local pilgrim can spend here traditionally three days to visit entirely the area and pray at all the temples. The first temple they often stop is called DenTrinh (i.e. The Shrine for First Presenting), where Vietnamese burn the first joss ticks to inform the local deities about their presence and pray for a good trip and good luck for the year ahead. If you are anxious to reach the main Wharf of Huong Son mountain to start the uphill trip to see the Main Grotto of HuongTich, you may skip this temple, especially in the peak season between January and early April.

The uphill trip takes an hour climbing on the ancient flat and some time slippery stones, which have been here thousand years ago. The road is "breath taking" in all aspects – you will have some exercise, and at the same time have chance to take some stops to contemplate beautiful scenery and daily life of local farmers, who plant cassava and apricots in the valleys, who run quickly on the slippery stone with their burdens of tapioca, apricots or medicinal herbs whilst you are careful with your steps. The main pagoda is set in a huge grotto containing a highly decorative shrine. Each stalactite and stalagmite inside, which are soaked by undercurrent, is combined with a legend about its miracle and good luck. Most of them became small shrines by now. Remember that the stone grotto is huge and very cool, so stop for a while at the entrance to dry your sweat before coming in.

The main festive days of Chua Huong stretches from January to early April, busy and exciting. Sometimes it\\\'s drizzling and the Vietnamese all believe that the real good things will reach you if you catch rainwater after praying in a sacred pagoda. And among all the sacred temples and pagodas in Northern Vietnam, ChuaHuong is even more attractive and mysterious not only for its spectacular scenery, but for the painstaking road you passed over to reach to the top.

Tour cost per adult, quoted in US Dollar.

Trip Included :

• Meal as mentioned in program (L = Lunch  )
• Sightseeing fees
• English / French speaking tour guide
• Transportation
• All entrance fees and permits

Trip Excluded :

• Insurance
• Personal expense (drinks, telephone…)
• Tips and gratuities