OVERVIEW

Hidden 60-km Southwest of Hanoi among lush paddy fields, limestone karst and picturesque villages, the Perfume Pagoda is the perfect one-day trip from Hanoi for nature lovers. On our Perfume Pagoda Day Trip Hanoi, enjoy a leisurely 3-hour sampan boat cruise through rice fields and 'Halong Bay' style rock formations before heading up to The Perfume Pagoda, a set of shrines and temples built into a limestone hillside.

PROGRAM DETAILS

0800 depart for the 2-hour journey to the Perfume Pagoda. Enjoy the scenic drive through the rich farming land of the Red River Delta, to one of northern Vietnam's holiest of sites. On arrival join your private rowing boat for the relaxing hours' cruise down the Yen River, along the way stop at Den Trinh (pagoda of representation).

The Perfume Pagoda is not just one pagoda but many shrines and temples built into a limestone hillside. The first of these is at the foot of Huong Tich Mountain, which means 'Mountain of Fragrant Traces'. From here, you'll disembark and follow a stone flagged path to Thien Tru, 'Pagoda Leading to Heaven'. This pagoda was built in the seventeenth century and dedicated to the goddess Quan Am, symbolically marking the start of the journey to 'heaven'. Continue the walk uphill to Huong Tich Chu, 'Pagoda of the Perfumed Vestige'. The pagoda is one of the most important to the Mahayana Buddhists of Vietnam. Note: As an option there is a cable car which can be taken instead of walking. 

When you reach the top you will be rewarded with a fine view and an appetizing picnic lunch. Following lunch, start the journey back down the mountain where your rowing boat will be waiting to take you back to your waiting vehicle. Arrive in Hanoi in the late afternoon. (L)

* Proper walking shoes must be worn for this tour. The trek can be strenuous for some as the path is fairly steep (As an option there is a cable car which can be taken instead of walking). 

* During Tet (Vietnamese New Year) the Perfume Pagoda is crowded with pilgrims and travel during this time is not recommended, check with your travel consultant for further details.

PRICING: in US Dollars per person

Rates are valid until 30 September 2012

Our Services Include:

• Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B= Breakfast, L= Lunch, D= Dinner)
• English or French speaking local guide
• Tours and transfers by private air-conditioned vehicles
• Entrance fees for all visits as mentioned in the itinerary
• Boat trips as mentioned in the itinerary

Our Services do not Include:

• Vietnam visa  arrangements (a visa to Vietnam is compulsory for most nationalities)
• International and Domestic Flights  (quoted separately )
• Meals other than mentioned above.
• Camera/video entrance fees
• Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tips etc..)
• Travel insurance (*)
• Any service not mentioned above.