Among the 

hustle and bustle of Hanoi, peace can still be found in the serene

environment of Perfume Pagoda, also known as Chua Huong in Vietnamese. I
remember the first time I visited Perfume Pagoda was 20 years ago, when I was just a
kid following my parents. At present, I am more than 30 years old and still try to visit
Perfume Pagoda at least once a year.

The Perfume Pagoda is a vast complex of temples and shrines built into the limestone
Huong Tich mountains. Every year, its religious festival draws large numbers of
pilgrims across Vietnam to go and praise for blessings.

To travel the Perfume Pagoda, we do need to spare a day due to its vast area. First,
when arriving at Perfume Pagoda, we will be picked up by a tour guide to get onto a
boat, which takes around an hour and a half along the Yen stream. Along the boat
ride, scenery of exotic birds, dragonflies will fascinate visitors of all nationalities.
After the ride, we will trek 2 hours to reach the Huong Tich Cave, which is the center
of the Chua Huong complex. Its external appearance resembles an open mouth of a
dragon, with Chinese characters carved in the wall of the cave. At the entrance to the
cave, it is easily to see the words ”Nam Thien De Nhat Dong” (The best cave in the
south sky). Inside the cave, there are statues of Buddha and Quan Am, and both are
made of green stone. Next, we will visit the Thien Tru Pagoda, also known as Heaven
Kitchen Pagoda before heading home.

To me, Chua Huong is not only a spiritual place but also a place where I can find my
peace amidst the chaos of a busy life.