The North
How to Visit Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi: Crowds, Boats, and Climbs
Planning a trip to the Perfume Pagoda? Learn how to navigate the scenic rowboat ride, choose between the mountain climb and cable car, and avoid the peak festival crowds.
作者：Trip2VN編輯部 · 閱讀 3 分鐘 · 發布於 2026年8月13日
How to visit Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi: The basic journey
To visit Perfume Pagoda from Hanoi, you need a full day. The journey requires a 2-hour drive south to Mỹ Đức district, followed by a 1-hour rowboat trip on the Yến Stream, and a final climb up the mountain. You can complete the climb on foot in about 1.5 hours or take the cable car in 10 minutes. Most travelers hire a private car or join a guided day tour starting from the Hanoi Old Quarter. Public buses also run from Hanoi to Mỹ Đức, but they require extra transfers and local navigation.
What to expect on the Yến Stream rowboat ride
The rowboat ride on Yến Stream is the only way to reach the main pagoda path. Local villagers row these metal boats by hand. The ride takes about 50 to 60 minutes each way. There is no shade on the boats, so you must bring an umbrella, sunscreen, and water. Life jackets are provided, and you should wear them throughout the journey. Tipping your rower is customary. Expect to pay a small tip of around $2 to $5 (approximate) per passenger at the end of the trip to support their manual labor.
Should you climb to Hương Tích Cave or take the cable car?
The main destination at Hương Pagoda is the shrine inside Hương Tích Cave. To reach it from the boat pier, you must travel up the mountain. Walking takes about 1 to 1.5 hours up steep stone steps lined with souvenir stalls and local restaurants. The path can be slippery when wet. The cable car offers a faster alternative, taking only 10 minutes. A round-trip cable car ticket costs from $10 (approximate). For the best experience, we recommend taking the cable car up and walking down to see the shrines along the path.
When is the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
The Hương Pagoda Festival runs from the 6th day of the first lunar month to the end of the third lunar month. This period usually falls between February and April. During these months, tens of thousands of Vietnamese pilgrims visit daily. The stream fills with boats, and the paths become highly congested. If you prefer a quiet visit, travel between September and December. During the autumn months, the weather is cooler, the landscape is quiet, and you can see water lilies blooming along Yến Stream.
