Perfume Pagoda Festival

Vietnam's longest festival is held at the beautiful Perfume Pagoda (Huong Pagoda), a stunning synthesis of natural scenery and local architecture that according to local beliefs is also Buddha's heaven.

This important pilgrimage site is found amongst the many evocatively-named pagodas on the mountain. The place to worship Bodhisattva Kwan Yin and Buddha himself is reached after a sampan boat ride past peaceful farmland.

From Chua Thien Chu (Pagoda Leading to Heaven), a path winds uphill to the Perfume Pagoda itself, with refreshment stalls along the way. The long walk is worth the effort. On the way pilgrims can wash away some negative karma at the Clearing Unjust Charges stream. Further on are the stalactites and transparent white statues of Tien Pagoda. Pilgrims greet each other with A Di Da Phat, meaning generally "Praise Lord Buddha, may he bring us health and luck".

The Inner Pagoda disappears into Huong Tich cave under the inscription "The most beautiful cave in the South", apparently written over 200 years ago. Inside, statues of Buddha and Boddhisatvas reside in a cloud of incense and offerings.

The festival highlights take place around March, when the crowds of pilgrims are at their largest, but the Perfume Pagoda is worth visiting at any time of the year. A popular option is to take an organised day trip from Hanoi.