The Perfume Pagoda: 4 Trips Up the Yen Stream

1.Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Private or Small-Group Tour

★★★★★★★★★★4.1 · 174 reviews · from $67Our pick

Travel from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Perfume Pagoda with an English-speaking guide, then row along Yen Stream to the temple complex. Visit Huong Tich Cave by a steep mountain path or take the optional cable car, enjoy lunch, and see Thien Tru and Heaven Kitchen pagodas. Guide Minh has been praised for his clear explanations and good humor.

“This tour was not for the faint hearted but was so worth it! The boat ride takes you on a peaceful journey to the pagoda. There’s a lot of stairs to climb and it can get very hot. Take the cable car unless you are starting very early in the morning before the heat. On the way the hospitality is outstanding with a delicious meal served with an access to cold water and fans. Our guide was very informative providing us with an excellent overview of the area and cultural significance of perfume pagoda. The views were sensational and it was a very enjoyable day.”

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2.Full-Day Perfume Pagoda Group Tour with Lunch

★★★★★★★★★★4.7 · 141 reviews · from $48

Leave Hanoi’s Old Quarter by air-conditioned coach for Perfume Pagoda, then ride a local boat along the Yen Stream to the mountain complex. Visit Huong Tich Cave and Thien Tru Pagoda with an English-speaking guide such as Minh or Long. Lunch, entrance fees, an electric vehicle, and hotel pickup are included; the cable car depends on the option you choose.

“The tour guide took great care of us and carefully explained any details about the pagoda we had and also about how our tour schedule would look like, highly recommend.”

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3.Full Day Tour to Perfume Pagoda with Traditional Boat Ride

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 101 reviews · from $39Best value

Leave Hanoi at 8 am for a guided day trip to Perfume Pagoda, about 60 km away. Ride a sampan along Yen Stream, visit temple sites including Thien Tru, and reach Huong Tich Cave by cable car. Lunch and transport are included; boat, cable car, and electric-car fees are extra. Guide Minh, who is from the village, has led tours here.

“Our travel guide Minh was the best guide, very positive and happy. Unfortunately we travelled with a family who had a small child, that was a nightmare, but Minh made it a good experience.”

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4.Perfume Pagoda – Yen Stream Boat Ride, Lunch & Cave

★★★★★★★★★★4.4 · 85 reviews · from $49

Travel from Hanoi Old Quarter with an English-speaking guide and a group of up to 12. A boat ride on Yen Stream leads to the Perfume Pagoda complex, where you’ll visit Huong Tich Cave and Thien Tru Pagoda, with lunch included. Guide Minh is often mentioned for sharing local history and traditions, though your guide may vary.

“Very nice tour of 2 places with Toan, very gentle driver, who bring us to Pagoda and Minh Mang tomb, 2 extraordinary places, need to go when in Hue. Fresh fruits and water offered on top of that, that was a Perfect tour”

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