Hanoi: Perfume Pagoda or Lotus Silk Village, Incense Village

Posted on by Tour-expert

Discover the art of lotus silk weaving in Phung Xa Commune or explore the sacred Perfume Pagoda. Enjoy a scenic boat ride on the Yen Stream. Or Visit Lotus Silk Village & Incense Village.

Itinerary

2 pickup location options:

  • Hoàn Kiếm

  • Hanoi

Car (85 minutes)

Phùng Xá
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour (1.5 hours)

Car (30 minutes)

Yến Stream
Boat cruise (50 minutes)

Perfume Pagoda
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour (2.83 hours)

Giải Oan Pagoda
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Hiking (20 minutes)

Hương Tích Cave
Photo stop, Visit, Guided tour, Hiking (30 minutes)

Yến Stream
Boat cruise (50 minutes)

Car (85 minutes)

2 drop-off locations:

  • Hanoi

  • Hoàn Kiếm

Highlights

  • Discover the ancient art of lotus silk weaving in Phung Xa Commune

  • Admire the rustic charm of tile-roof houses and hibiscus flower fences

  • Explore the Perfume Pagoda, a sacred site surrounded by stunning natural scenery

  • Enjoy a scenic boat ride along Yen Stream, surrounded by limestone mountains

  • Visit Trinh Temple, Thien Tru Pagoda, and Huong Tich Cave

Full description

Option: Private Tour – Hanoi: Perfume Pagoda with Boat Ride and Lotus Silk Village

Begin your journey with a drive to Phung Xa Commune in My Duc District, located about 40 km from Hanoi city center. Recognized as a traditional craft village in 2002, Phung Xa has been renowned for its scarf and towel weaving since 1929.

Explore the peaceful village, admire its traditional tile-roof houses, vibrant hibiscus hedges lining the roads, and experience the warm hospitality of the local residents.

Learn about the remarkable craftsmanship behind lotus silk, one of Vietnam’s most unique textile traditions. Watch how skilled artisans carefully extract delicate lotus fibers from lotus stems—a meticulous process requiring more than 3,000 stems and over 10 days of work to produce just 250 grams of lotus silk, enough to weave a single scarf.

Discover every stage of creating a lotus silk scarf, from cultivating and harvesting lotus stems to extracting the fibers and weaving the finished product. Depending on the design, size, and complexity, production can take a considerable amount of time.

After more than a year of experimentation, Mrs. Thuan successfully produced the first lotus silk scarf with its signature natural fragrance. Due to the painstaking craftsmanship involved, lotus silk products are highly valued. A single lotus silk scarf typically sells for around VND 4 million, depending on its size and quality.

Continue to Ben Duc Boat Harbor, where you’ll transfer by electric vehicle or car to Yen Stream. From there, board a traditional rowboat and cruise through the scenic waterway to the Huong Son religious complex.

Your first stop is Trinh Temple, followed by the magnificent Thien Tru Pagoda, both celebrated for their spiritual significance and beautiful architecture.

Continue to Huong Tich Cave, located approximately 390 meters above sea level. You can reach the cave either by hiking or by taking the optional cable car.

Visit Giai Oan Pagoda, situated on Long Tuyen Mountain, about 2.5 km from Huong Tich Cave. Dedicated to Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara, the pagoda is home to the famous Giai Oan Well, whose crystal-clear water is believed to possess healing properties.

If time permits, you may also visit additional attractions such as Hinh Bong Pagoda, Dai Binh Cave, Tien Son Pagoda, and Tran Song Temple.

Overall, this tour offers an unforgettable combination of cultural heritage, spiritual discovery, and breathtaking natural landscapes.

Includes

  • Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter

  • Round-trip transportation

  • Electric vehicle transfer

  • Traditional rowboat trip

  • Professional local tour guide

  • Entrance fees

  • Bottled water

  • Visit to Perfume Pagoda

  • Boat ride on Yen Stream

  • Visit to Thien Tru Pagoda

  • Visit to Huong Tich Cave, considered one of Vietnam’s most beautiful caves

Not included

  • Personal expenses

  • Optional cable car ticket (VND 260,000 / approximately USD 10, available for purchase onsite; no ticket required if hiking)

  • Tips

  • Lunar New Year surcharge (VND 250,000 per person from 16/02/2026 to 19/02/2026)

Important information

What to bring

  • Comfortable walking shoes

  • Hat

  • Camera

  • Sunscreen

Know before you go

  • The lotus silk weaving process is highly labor-intensive and time-consuming.

  • Lotus silk scarves are premium handmade products and are priced accordingly.

  • The Perfume Pagoda is one of Vietnam’s most important spiritual destinations, featuring numerous temples, pagodas, and caves to explore.

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