Huong Son Things to Do Tips by bpacker

Picturesque Journey

Needless to say, our boat journey on the Yen river to Perfume Pagoda was the highlight of our trip. For about 60 minutes, we meandered along silhouettes of tall mountains and watched as the mountains framed the rising sun and the reflection danced on the Yen river. Surely an inspiration for poets of yore and present day scribes?

Click here for more Yen River pictures.

UpHill Trek to Huong Tich Grotto

Well, we found out the the Kitchen Temple wasn't the only temple around, in fact there are other temples strung like pearls high up in the mountain! The most famous one was Huong Tich Grotto which needed a 'short' 2.5km uphill climb. Well, you don't say...

Den Trinh

When we arrived our destination, we took a short, albeit steep walk to the entrance of Perfume Pagoda. The first shrine that we saw was Den Trinh or registration shrine. Apparently, all visitors to this area must first "trinh" or register at the shrine and to announce their intentions to the Gods. Personally, I didn't register than anything other than a desire for lunch;)

Enroute to Perfume Pagoda

Our journey started at some Godforsaken hour in the morning since we had to take a bum-rotting-two hour ride to travel 50 miles from Hanoi to a pier in Ben Duc. Along the way, the bus made its way through Ha Dong city, Van Dinh township and passed through rice fields and shops selling roasted doggies.Well, I was too shocked to take a picture of the roasted stuff so here's a nice picture of a vegetable field. If you're keen to see a roasted dog, check out my Hanoi page.

Note: The road wasn't exactly in mint condition so it was like an off-road experience with pot holes and all. Cellulite Workout time!!!
Double Note: Despite my complaints, ODC did provide a nice air-conditioned mini bus. Guide was nice and friendly too.

Hell's Gate

Upon arriving at Huong Tich grotto, 120 more descending steps await you as the temple lies deep within the grotto. The entrance to those steps is aptly called "hell's gate" .

Where: Huong Tich Grotto, Perfume Pagoda, North Vietnam

Stalagmites and stalactites

Within Huong Tich grotto at Perfume Pagoda, you'll find stalagmites and stalactites in a variety of forms and shapes . As with the caves in Halong Bay, the locals can see trees, goddesses, couples, and even nine dragons within. Hmm, a case of too much moonshine again, I suspect...

A Shrine for Worship

At the bottom of 120 steps, lies a little shrine that has been used for worship since the 1520's. Well, when I was there, there were crowds of insensitive backpackers who wandered really close to the locals as they worshipped..

Stops for Weary Travellers

Along the way, you'll also find rest houses along the way. A lot of entrepreneurial folks will try to sell you coke and other American tidbits. Well, my travel gp ( which consisted mainly of Danes ) were young and energectic so they only paused for shots to be taken.

Beautiful Mountain Scenary

The walk, though long was peppered with beautiful scenic views.

Waiting Game

We also saw lots of petite rowers in peak-coned hats perched on a wall by Yen river, patiently waiting for customers. Apparently, these folks are a privileged lot. Every year, lots are drawn for this sought-after job since it pays quite well and tourists are known to give generous tips.Normally, the rowing jobs are reserved for under-privileged lot whose family have died in the war. Also, the use of motorised boats are prohibited on this river so as to give these rowers a job.

Where: Ben Duc, Yen River, Enroute to Perfume Pagoda