The 10 Best Explanatory Essays on Chua Huong for Grade 8

The Chua Huong Festival has a long history. Every year, after the Lunar New Year, the festival begins and lasts almost throughout the spring season. Pilgrims from all parts of the country, overseas Vietnamese, and international tourists flock here not only to wish for a prosperous new year but also to immerse themselves in the heavenly beauty of Huong Son.

Huong Son, located in My Duc District, former Ha Tay Province (now Hanoi), is about 70 kilometers southwest of the city center. By car, travelers pass through Ha Dong Town, Van Dinh, and reach Ben Duc. From here, the Huong Son region begins. Visitors take a boat along the Yen Stream, surrounded by lush rice fields on both sides. Ahead, the purple mountain range rises, partially obscured by white clouds, creating an awe-inspiring view.

The Huong Son complex is a magnificent blend of nature's craftsmanship and human ingenuity. The temples are scattered along the slopes of limestone mountains, peeking out from the dense forests. From the foot of the mountain, pilgrims climb thousands of rugged stone steps, lighting incense at the Ngoai Temple, then moving to the Trong Temple, Giải Oan Temple, Thiên Trù Temple, and the Hình Bổng Cave. Each temple is ancient, solemn, with flickering lights amidst the misty incense smoke, creating an atmosphere of mystery and sacredness. Each person visiting Chua Huong carries their own personal wishes, but what unites them is the feeling of leaving behind the burdens of everyday life, with both body and soul floating in a transcendent state.

The winding, steep road sees a stream of people climbing and descending. Old and young, men and women, from various regions, all walk in unison, exchanging greetings of "Nam mô A Di Đà Phật." Many elderly women wear traditional brown costumes, wrap their heads in a scarf, hold bamboo canes, and walk briskly, matching the pace of the younger pilgrims. The sound of "Nam mô" echoes through every corner of the journey.

Huong Son has many caves, but the largest and most enchanting is the Hương Tích Cave. Upon arrival, visitors can gaze around, and all tiredness will vanish, replaced by a peculiar sense of joy. The mountains, the clouds, the flowers, and the sounds of birds and flowing streams create a breathtaking natural landscape. Visitors take a deep breath of fresh, fragrant air before entering the cave.

The Hương Tích Cave is praised by Lord Trịnh Sâm as the "First Cave of the South." From the outside, the cave's entrance resembles the mouth of a giant dragon. The cave extends deep into the mountain, with a flat floor large enough to accommodate hundreds of people. The flickering lights reveal stone formations of various shapes, sparkling with rainbow colors. There are statues of a boy and a girl, silkworms, silver and gold trees, rice sacks... Pilgrims can light incense and pray for blessings, fortune, or love, hoping that Heaven and Buddha will grant their wishes.

Visiting the Chua Huong Festival requires at least two days to explore all the temples. Sitting inside the Hình Bồng Cave, listening to the wind's melody, one becomes lost in the dreamy atmosphere. On the mountain's peak lies a large, flat stone, said to be the "fairy chessboard," where the immortals come every year to test their skills. Many other legends also surround Chua Huong, adding to the mystery and sacred aura of this historical site.

As pilgrims leave Chua Huong, they take with them souvenirs: a red-threaded seashell pendant for good luck, a bamboo staff from their journey, a Buddhist bead necklace, or a package of old tea or fresh vegetables, as poet Tản Đà once described in his poems: "Want to eat sắn vegetables from Chua Huong. Don't mind the cost of the boat fare or the long road..." Travelers return home with a sense of longing, eagerly awaiting the next festival season. Without being told, everyone looks back, imprinting the stunning scenery of Huong Son in their minds, feeling even more proud of this precious land.

Our country boasts many beautiful landscapes that hold the cultural essence passed down by our ancestors, such as the Temple of Literature – National University, the Imperial Citadel of Hue, and more. Among them, Huong Pagoda stands out with its unique charm, leaving an unforgettable impression on visitors from all directions.

Huong Pagoda is special because it is not just a single pagoda but a complex of dozens of pagodas dedicated to Buddha, a few temples worshiping gods, and communal houses focused on agricultural beliefs. Located in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi, it was built in the late 17th century, destroyed during the French resistance in 1947, and later reconstructed in 1988.

While widely known, the Huong Pagoda in Hanoi is only a “version” of the original Huong Tich Pagoda in Ha Tinh. According to historical records, Lord Trinh Sam, not wanting his concubines and beauties to travel far for worship, ordered the construction of the Huong Pagoda complex in Hanoi.

The site honors Ba Chua Ba, a figure in folk belief, who is said to be the third princess of the Hương Lâm Kingdom. After undergoing numerous trials and nine years of meditation, she attained Buddhahood and is revered as the incarnation of Avalokitesvara (Quan The Am Bodhisattva), spreading wisdom to all beings.

Huong Pagoda harmoniously blends the natural beauty of the landscape with architectural marvels. The pagoda complex is spread across the Yen Stream valley, with the main pagoda being the Ngoai Pagoda, also called Chua Tro, formally known as Chua Thien Tru.

The pagoda is located near Ben Tro, where pilgrims travel upriver from Ben Duc. Visitors take a boat to the shore, then walk up. The pagoda’s main entrance is flanked by three spacious courtyards paved with bricks. The third courtyard holds a three-tiered bell tower. This ancient structure is distinctive with its two triangular gables at the highest level.

The bell tower was originally part of the Cao Mat village pagoda in Ha Dong Province but was relocated to Huong Pagoda in 1980. Chua Trong, or the Inner Pagoda, is not man-made but a natural stone cave. The cave’s entrance is marked by a large gate with the inscription “Huong Tich Dong Mon.” Inside, visitors descend a long slope, climbing 120 stone steps. The cave’s walls bear the inscription “Nam Thien De Nhat Dong,” written by King Trinh Sam. Inside the cave, there are additional plaques and poems carved into the stone.

The Huong Pagoda Festival takes place on the sixth day of the lunar New Year and often extends until late March. During the festival, millions of Buddhists and tourists flock to the pagoda. The peak of the festival occurs from the 15th day of the first lunar month to the 18th day of the second lunar month. This period marks the local “mountain opening” ceremony, now understood as the opening of the pagoda gates. The ceremony is simple but meaningful.

One day before the festival begins, all temples, pagodas, and shrines are lit with incense. Inside the Chua Trong, a ceremony is held with offerings of incense, flowers, lamps, candles, fruit, and vegetarian food. During the ceremony, two monks in robes conduct prayers before offering the items on the altar. Throughout the festival, there are occasional monks from various pagodas visiting to chant and meditate for short periods. The incense is constantly burning. The religious rituals lean towards the practice of “Zen,” but at Chua Ngoai, deities and gods from Taoism are also honored with colorful ceremonies.

The Cua Vong Temple, also known as the “Dragon King’s Temple,” honors Ba Chua Thuong Ngan, the guardian of the surrounding mountains. Chua Bac Dai, Chua Tuyet Son, Chua Ca, and the Quan Temple honor the five sacred tigers and other deities. The festival represents a collection of Vietnam’s religious beliefs, combining various practices from Buddhism, Taoism, and folk religions. Among the rituals are processions, offerings, and prayers.

The villagers prepare a ceremony at the house of the ritualist, then carry the written prayer to the temple where it is read aloud by the village’s elder officiants. The Huong Pagoda Festival is also a gathering place for unique cultural activities, such as boat races, mountain climbing, and folk opera performances like cheo and hat van.

Huong Pagoda’s beauty also lies in its cultural and spiritual values, representing the history and way of life of the Vietnamese people. It stands as a source of pride for the people of Vietnam and promotes the spiritual culture of the nation to the world.

Vietnam takes great pride in having many natural wonders, historic sites, and sacred landmarks. One of the most notable destinations that blends both the beauty of nature and the spirituality of Buddhism is Chùa Hương.

Chùa Hương, a national historical and cultural site, is a complex of temples, pagodas, and caves, located near the Đáy River, in Hương Sơn Commune, Mỹ Đức District, Hanoi. The temple complex was built in the late 18th century during the reign of King Lê and the Trịnh Lords, specifically under Lord Trịnh Sâm. While Chùa Hương is widely known across Vietnam, the one in Hanoi is not the original; it is a replica of the Chùa Hương Tích in Hà Tĩnh.

According to historical records, a Chúa Trịnh concubine prompted the construction of a second Chùa Hương in Hanoi. The long journey from the capital to the original Chùa Hương made her trips stressful and unsafe. Therefore, Trịnh Sâm decided to build this temple near Hà Sơn Bình Mountain, contributing to the creation of the picturesque and enchanting Chùa Hương of today.

Chùa Hương is an exceptional harmony of awe-inspiring natural beauty and sacred spirituality. Upon arrival at the temple complex, visitors are greeted by the serene Yến River, gently flowing as it leads to the heart of Chùa Hương. Visitors take a boat for about an hour and a half along the river, flanked by stunning hills and mountains, before reaching the main area of the temple complex, which consists of two primary parts: Chùa Ngoài and Chùa Trong.

Chùa Ngoài, or Thiên Trù Temple, is located at the foot of Hà Sơn Bình Mountain and features an “Ngũ môn tam cấp” architectural style. The temple area is expansive, and beyond the third level lies the sacred Tam Bảo, dedicated to the worship of Buddha. Continuing past Tam Bảo, visitors find the shrine to Thánh Mẫu, the Tàng Thư tower, the Tổ House, and the Thiên Thủy Stupa. To get to Chùa Trong at the mountain peak requires a 2 to 3-kilometer hike or cable car ride, with several other temples such as Giải Oan, Hinh Bồng, and Tiên Temple along the way.

Unlike Chùa Thiên Trù, Chùa Trong was not created by human hands but by nature, earning it the title of “Nam Thiên Đệ Nhất Động” (The First Cave of Southern Heaven). This majestic and mystical cave temple houses a statue of the Goddess of Mercy, Quan Âm. The deeper one ventures into the cave, the more formations resembling human figures are discovered, such as the Đụn Gạo Mountain, Cô Mountain, and Cậu Mountain.

Thanks to its otherworldly beauty, Chùa Hương has become one of the top destinations for both domestic and international visitors. Each year during the Hương Temple Festival, starting on the 6th of the 12th lunar month, the temple becomes vibrant with traditional activities such as chèo opera and quan họ singing along the Yến River. Additionally, Chùa Hương has witnessed the tumultuous shifts in history over the past three centuries. During the French colonial period, the Thiên Trù temple was heavily damaged by bombs. Moreover, Chùa Hương plays a significant role in the local tourism industry, generating substantial benefits for the people.

Thus, the Chùa Hương complex embodies the union of awe-inspiring nature and spiritual Buddhism, offering visitors not only a visual feast but also a peaceful, reflective experience at this sacred site.

I once heard a song that started with the following cheerful and lively lyrics: "Yesterday, I went to the Huong Pagoda, The flowers and grasses still misty with dew, With my mother and teacher, I fixed my hair and looked into the mirror." I also came across a poem by Chu Mạnh Trinh that says: "The sky, the scene of the Buddha, The fragrant Hương Sơn, long wished for. There are mountains, waters, and clouds, Is this the famous cave of the first rank?" Both of these pieces refer to the famous place known as the Huong Pagoda, but more precisely, it is not just a single pagoda but a cultural and religious complex called Hương Sơn, with a history spanning several centuries dating back to the reign of the Lê kings and Trịnh lords. The Huong Pagoda is not only a place of ethereal beauty, resembling a paradise, but it also embodies the serenity and solemnity of a Buddhist sanctuary. Visiting Huong Sơn allows travelers to leave behind worldly worries and find peace while taking in the beautiful landscapes, temples, and the so-called "Nam thiên đệ nhất động." The Huong Sơn complex was constructed in the late 17th century, around 1680-1704, and its creation is steeped in legend. One of the common stories is about two pagodas named Hương Tích, one in Hà Tĩnh and the other in Hà Nội. According to the story, the concubines of the lord, most of whom were from Thanh Nghệ Tĩnh, used to travel to Hà Tĩnh every spring to attend the Huong Pagoda festival and offer incense to the Buddha. The lord, worried about the long journey, decided to build another Huong Tích Pagoda in Hà Nội so the women could attend the festival closer to home. Today, the complex is located in Hương Sơn commune, Mỹ Đức district, Hà Nội, next to the Đáy River, with the central structure being the Hương Pagoda located inside the Hương Tích cave, sometimes called the Pagoda Inside. Architecturally, the Huong Sơn complex brings together dozens of large pagodas dedicated to Buddha, many temples to deities, and other shrines, creating a harmonious blend of natural landscapes—green mountains, blue waters, and white clouds—and ancient temple architecture. Following the Yến stream, visitors encounter notable structures, including the Chùa Ngoài (also called Chùa Trò or Chùa Thiên Trù). Inside this pagoda, there is a bell tower with a distinctive three-tiered roof. Chu Mạnh Trinh's verse mentions this bell tower: "A distant sound of a hammer echoes/ Startling the sea traveler in his sleep." The heart of the complex is the Hương Pagoda (or Chùa Trong, Chùa Hương Tích), which is not a man-made structure but a large cave with inscriptions on the cave wall, including the words "Nam thiên đệ nhất động," written by Lord Trịnh Sâm, expressing his admiration for the beauty of Hương Sơn. In addition to these two main structures, there are other architectural sites, which can be summarized in two lines of poetry: "This is the Giải Oan stream, this is the Cửa Võng pagoda, This is the Am Phật Tích, and the Tuyết Quynh cave." Among these, the Giải Oan stream and the Cửa Võng pagoda are located along the path from Chùa Thiên Trù to Chùa Hương Tích, while the Am Phật Tích is where the Bodhisattva Quan Thế Âm is said to have granted salvation, and the Tuyết Quynh cave or Chùa Tuyết Quynh is a small pagoda near Hương Tích cave. The Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the largest festivals in northern Vietnam, attracting millions of visitors and Buddhists from across the country. It starts on the 6th of February in the lunar calendar and ends around the end of the month, with the main festivities taking place from the 15th to the 18th. Reflecting the sacred and serene atmosphere of the Buddhist sanctuary, the festival's rituals are simple and straightforward, highlighted by the constant smoke from incense and the soft scent of offerings that fill the air. Pilgrims bring incense, flowers, fruits, and vegetarian offerings to the altars, light the incense, and pray with a pure heart in accordance with Buddhist tradition, before exploring the surroundings or participating in the festival's activities. The festival also includes rituals such as processions and folk music performances, like boat rides and singing, creating a peaceful and elegant atmosphere without any loud, disruptive elements. Those who come to the Huong Pagoda Festival leave with a unique sense of tranquility and joy, drawn by the beauty of the landscape and the sacredness of the place. The Huong Pagoda and its festival have become deeply ingrained in the cultural and religious practices of the Vietnamese people, especially for those who honor Buddhism, Taoism, and Confucianism. The site's rare beauty, resulting from the perfect blend of nature and human-made structures, has been an endless source of inspiration for poets and scholars throughout history. In this article, I have mentioned several verses from Chu Mạnh Trinh's *Hương Sơn phong cảnh ca*, a famous literary piece in classical Vietnamese literature, alongside references to Hồ Xuân Hương's poem on the Hương Tích cave and Tản Đà's poem on visiting the Hương Tích pagoda. The song "Em đi chùa Hương", set to music by Nguyễn Nhược Pháp and originally broadcast on the radio, remains a beloved melody that the older generations continue to cherish. The beauty of the Huong Pagoda landscape is likely even more stunning than the words of poetry could capture. Only with pure eyes, ears, and hearts can one truly experience its magical beauty, something no pen could fully convey. If you have the chance to visit Hà Nội, be sure to experience the enchanting Huong Sơn complex, where nature and serenity combine with Buddhist sanctity, offering one of the most blissful experiences in life.

Every year, as spring arrives, Huong Pagoda, located in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi, attracts hundreds of thousands of pilgrims from all parts of Vietnam, as well as many foreign visitors who come here for sightseeing, worshiping, festivals, and tourism. This sacred land truly offers stunning natural scenery, with many ancient pagodas and fascinating caves.

Huong Pagoda is just 60 km southwest of Hanoi, but it encompasses various types of tourism, including ecological tourism, cultural tourism, and cave exploration. The Huong Pagoda Festival lasts for two months, from before the full moon of the first month to the full moon of the third lunar month. Visitors can reach Huong Pagoda by different routes: on foot, by boat, with Yen Dock as the starting point of the journey. From Yen Dock, visitors travel by road through the peach forest, a path often used by woodcutters, allowing them to immerse in the beauty of pagodas, caves, and stunning landscapes, with the opportunity to light incense at the tomb of Tan Da, a famous poet of Vietnam from the early 20th century.

However, most tourists prefer the waterway. Everyone boards a boat, rowed by the girls from Yen village, slowly drifting along Yen stream, silently admiring the scenery on both sides. Far in the distance, the blue mountains emerge through a thin mist. If you're seated next to a talkative companion, they might share with you the legends of the Huong Son region, making the experience even more fascinating. The mountains are named according to their shapes: the Five Peaks Mountain resembling five bells, the Hill Mountain resembling a pile of rice, the Elephant Mountain, the Unicorn Mountain, and the Turtle Mountain. In addition, there are also the Dragon Boat Mountain, the Phoenix Mountain beside the Tuyet Stream – the stream that leads to the Tuyet Son Pagoda, the Rice Cake Mountain, the Drum Mountain, the Bell Mountain, the Monk Mountain, and the Priestess Mountain... The boat stops at the temple of Presentation where women and girls... perform rituals before the mountain gods and a brave general who once governed this sacred land. Then, the boat resumes its journey, meandering through picturesque scenery with plants swaying in the spring breeze.

The first stop brings visitors to Thien Tru Pagoda, considered the 'heavenly kitchen,' also known by locals as the Outer Pagoda or Pagoda of the Monk. To the right of Thien Tru Pagoda, there is the Tien Son Cave with numerous stalactites on its walls and five stone statues. This area also features a crescent-shaped lake with lotus flowers and fish. Surrounding Thien Tru Pagoda are towering mountains and hundreds of small towers.

Visitors continue to the main pagoda area, which contains the ancient Huong Tich Cave, highly revered by Lord Trinh Sam (18th century) as the 'southernmost cave,' meaning the most beautiful cave in the southern region. The cave's entrance is a gateway to heaven, leading to the underworld. This site combines numerous attractions like the Oan giải Pagoda, the Gate Pagoda, the Buddha Tich Hermitage, and the Tuyet Quynh Cave, where birds sing, monkeys howl, and the sound of the stream flows like nature's symphony. Huong Tich Cave is also associated with many historical figures and Vietnamese poets like Trinh Sam, Chu Manh Trinh, Cao Ba Quat, and Xuan Dieu... Mount Huong Son is believed to be over 200 million years old, but according to legend and historical records, Huong Tich Cave was formed just over 200 years ago. Inside the cave, the stalactites take on many different shapes, with locals giving them endearing names such as the Ba La tree and the Golden tree... Huong Tich Pagoda houses statues of Buddha, Quan Am, Kim Dong, and Ngoc Nu, all placed together. Notably, there is a nine-dragon stone structure formed by nine stone dragons.

In addition, Huong Tich Mountain features various temples, pagodas, and caves with charming names such as Long Van Mountain, Long Van Cave, Long Van Pagoda, Tuyet Son Cave, and Hinh Bong Cave. These are nestled amid rice fields, ancient mountains, and the Lão Valley. The recently discovered Sung Sam Cave, found in 1975, was once the residence of ancient humans thousands of years ago. Overall, Huong Tich Mountain and Huong Pagoda are truly natural wonders gifted to Vietnam.

Huong Pagoda attracts visitors not only for its natural beauty but also for its preservation of cultural relics from various historical periods. These priceless artifacts encapsulate the intellectual talents, emotions, and thoughts of the people, reflecting the ideologies of different eras. One of the earliest artifacts in Huong Son is a bronze bell known as the 'Dao Dai Huong Tich Son Hong Chung.' The bell is 1.24 meters high and 0.63 meters in diameter, with eight protruding knobs at the corners. Around each knob, there are small dots, making it distinct from other bells of the same era. This beautiful bell currently hangs in Huong Tich Cave and dates back to the 27th year of Canh Hung, 1766. A smaller bell, cast during the Tay Son period (1793), hangs in the Thiên Trù Pagoda’s ancestral hall. The bells of the pagoda resonate with the energy of the mountains and rivers, filling the air with their reverberations, soothing the souls of those in the earthly realm.

At Huong Pagoda, there are also many ancient stone relics. Notable among them are stone steles, including flat steles, pillar steles (four-pillars, six-pillars), and steles carved on stone. The oldest stele is the 'Thien Tru Tu Bi Ky,' located at the stele house along the path from Yen Dock to the pagoda. This stele dates back to the seventh year of Chinh Hoa, 1688. This large stele is intricately carved, with vigorous and dynamic animal figures such as elephants, buffaloes, ducks, and crabs, reflecting the rural life of the time. The stone platforms in front of the Buddha halls at Huong Tich Cave are finely crafted from the Le-Trinh era, with carvings of humans sitting cross-legged, wearing loincloths, with their heads and hands lifting the upper parts of the Buddha platform. These figures are transformations of the divine Garuda bird with a human body and bird's face, often found on stone platforms from the Ly-Tran period. The most artistically valuable sculpture in the entire Huong Son complex, including Huong Tich Cave, is the green stone statue of the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva, created during the Tay Son period. The statue has a slender body, an oval face, and a high neck with three folds. The left foot rests on a lotus pedestal, while the right foot is slightly bent. The left hand holds a pearl of wisdom, and the lotus leaves surrounding the statue sway gently as though touched by a spring breeze.

In terms of architecture, over time, most of the ancient structures in Huong Son have been destroyed by the harsh tropical climate and the ravages of war. The oldest remaining structure is the 'Viên Công Bảo Tháp' near the Electric Stream within the Outer Pagoda complex. This tower was built in the 17th century to house the relics of the monk Viên Quang, who played a pivotal role in restoring Huong Pagoda after years of neglect. The tower is made of high-quality red brick, with a smooth surface that highlights the delicate construction techniques used in its design. Viên Công Tower is an outstanding architectural masterpiece of the post-Le period.

The main hall of Thien Tru Pagoda is a large architectural structure that harmoniously blends modern architectural styles with traditional ones. As a result, visitors to the main hall feel both familiar and amazed, encountering a serene, reflective atmosphere alongside the profound philosophies of ancient art, set against the dynamic space filled with shapes, colors, and modern artistic elements.

Together with Thien Mu Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Huong Pagoda, these form a famous tourist complex that attracts visitors from far and wide. When visiting Huong Pagoda, travelers have the chance to enjoy breathtaking landscapes, traditional cultural beliefs, and a tranquil spiritual world.

Huong Pagoda, commonly referred to by locals, is technically a part of the Huong Son complex, a historic site located in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi. This famous cultural site stretches along the banks of the Day River and features various caves, temples, and pagodas. The centerpiece is the main Huong Pagoda, located within the Huong Tich Cave, also known as the Inner Pagoda.

Historically, Huong Pagoda originated in Ha Tinh Province, built in the late 17th century. It was destroyed during the resistance against French colonialism but was later rebuilt and restored in 1988 under the guidance of Thich Vien Thanh. You may wonder why Huong Pagoda is now located in the North. The story goes that during the reign of the Trinh Lords, to save resources and facilitate the travel of concubines to visit the compassionate Buddha, a monk was commissioned to build a pagoda on Ha Son Binh Mountain. Thus, the Huong Pagoda we know today was born.

The complex includes various unique architectural structures scattered throughout the Yen Stream valley, attracting many tourists. Notable landmarks include: Den Trinh, Thien Tru Pagoda, Tien Son Cave, Giai Oan Pagoda, Cu Vaong Temple, Huong Tich Cave, Hinh Bong Cave, Dai Binh Cave, Tuyet Son Pagoda, Bao Dai Pagoda, Ngoc Long Cave, and Ca Pagoda.

These sites are all natural wonders, with impressive stalactites and stalagmites shaped by nature, carved with intricate craftsmanship. Huong Pagoda is a must-visit destination for pilgrims during the Lunar New Year. The Huong Pagoda Festival lasts from the 6th day of the Lunar New Year until the end of March, with the main events taking place from the 15th day of the first month to the 18th of the second month. During this period, visitors can enjoy the enchanting view of blooming apricot flowers and take a boat ride, absorbing the serene, majestic beauty of the misty mountains and forests.

The Huong Pagoda Festival harmoniously combines Taoism, Buddhism, and Confucianism. The opening ceremony features a Lion Dance performance, a heartfelt greeting to all visitors from the local community and monks. Following this, the main ritual takes place. The ceremony leans toward Zen Buddhism, with monks dressed in robes, offering vegetarian food, fruits, and lighting incense during prayers. Throughout the festival, monks take turns chanting sutras at various temples. Incense smoke and oil lamps are carefully tended at the altars.

Huong Pagoda is not only a spiritual sanctuary but also a cultural hub for intangible heritage. The peaceful atmosphere, surrounded by hills and mountains, allows visitors to immerse themselves in the sweet melodies of 'trau van' folk songs and experience traditional cultural festivals like dragon boat racing, procession of deities, mountain climbing, and more.

Due to the vast and harmonious landscape, visitors can choose different modes of transportation for easier navigation: a boat ride to feel the coolness of the stream or a cable car ride for a panoramic view of the lively mountain scene.

Huong Pagoda is a place where the heavens and earth meet, where all beings unite in spiritual harmony. It is home to many pagodas dedicated to the Buddha, temples honoring saints, and shrines for agricultural deities. Many pilgrims journey here to seek blessings for peace, prosperity, happiness, and health for their families in the new year. Huong Pagoda is also renowned for its association with fertility, as couples who are struggling to conceive often come to pray for a child. Those wishing for a son make offerings at the male altar, while those seeking a daughter offer prayers at the female altar.

Anyone who visits the Huong Pagoda Festival:

Please ask fellow pilgrims about it

Whether it's wild vegetables or young apricot fruits

Unripe apricots, sweet cassava – do they still hold a place in your heart?

When you visit Huong Pagoda, don’t miss out on the distinctive flavor of wild vegetables and young apricots, or the sweet, tangy taste of apricots grown on the hillsides. When tired, take a break to enjoy a bowl of refreshing ‘che mai’ dessert or some local specialties like ‘banh cu mai’ and ‘che Lam’ as souvenirs. The tranquil beauty of the surroundings and the people of Huong Pagoda have inspired many literary works throughout history. The romantic Tản Đà once wrote:

“At Huong Pagoda, heaven touches the sky

A painting of love, stretched over many autumns

Spring comes and goes without a trace

Anyone who leaves, remembers it still, sweetly.”

Poet Nguyễn Nhược Pháp also captured the vibrant imagery of this place in his poetry, with vivid depictions of the landscape and sounds:

“The stream hums along the shore

By the edge of the green mountain

A tiny bridge curves across

The scenery almost looks like a painting

Behind the mountain, the chickens and rice cakes

Monkeys sitting everywhere

And at the elephant mountain

You can see both ends clearly”

Huong Pagoda, deserving of the title given by King Trinh Sam “The Most Beautiful Place in the South,” has endured for thousands of years, preserving its solemn, ancient, and sacred beauty, bestowed by nature. It remains a symbol of the nation’s good customs, representing peace, the aspiration to beauty, and the happiness found in the hearts of those who visit.

The Perfume Pagoda is a stunning scenic destination, a famous cultural landmark. When people mention the Perfume Pagoda, they also talk about the festivals and activities that are held annually, attracting countless tourists and pilgrims alike.

Located in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi, the pagoda was built around the 16th century. Throughout the wars against the French and Americans, it was severely damaged. In 1988, it was restored by Thich Vien Thanh, though its current appearance, though restored, cannot compare to its original state.

The scenery of the Perfume Pagoda is spiritual and ethereal, resembling a paradise.

The pagoda complex consists of various architectural works scattered across the Yen Stream valley. Pilgrims and tourists typically follow different routes. The main route starts at Yen Wharf and goes by boat to the Tro Wharf. There is also the option to walk along the mountain footpath. The people visiting the Perfume Pagoda are a diverse group, from the elderly to the young, and from men to women, children to adults.

On the way from Yen Wharf to Tro Wharf, visitors must stop at the Den Trinh temple on Mount Ngũ Nhạc. Though small, the temple is dedicated to a mountain deity. On the Yen Stream, there's a wooden bridge called Cầu Hội. Walking left from the bridge leads to the Thanh Son Pagoda within the mountain cave.

When reaching the Thiên Trù Pagoda, visitors should go to Mount Tiên, where there's another pagoda, Chùa Tiên. This pagoda houses five stone statues of Buddha created by stoneworkers from Kiện Khê (Hà Nam) in 1907, following the legend of Ba Chúa Ba Diệu Thiện attaining enlightenment and becoming the Avalokiteshvara Bodhisattva of Huong Son. On the way from Thiên Trù to the Hương Tích cave, you'll encounter the Giải Oan Pagoda, known for its crystal-clear well, named "Thiên nhiên thanh trì." Nearby are the Tuyết Kinh cave and the Phật Tích hermitage.

When talking about the Perfume Pagoda, one must mention the Perfume Pagoda Festival, which takes place on the 6th of January. The festival lasts until the end of March in the lunar calendar. On festival days, millions of pilgrims and tourists come to participate. The event also features boat rides and immersing oneself in a divine setting. Additionally, an exciting boat race festival takes place annually.

The Perfume Pagoda is a naturally beautiful and tranquil place, resembling a heavenly realm, attracting numerous Buddhists and tourists who come to explore and earnestly pray for good fortune in life.

When talking about the spiritual culture of the Vietnamese people, it is impossible not to mention the ancient, sacred temples that embody a unique and serene beauty. These temples serve as places for expressing gratitude and reverence to the ancestors and religious beliefs. Among the most well-known ancient temples in Vietnam is Huong Pagoda—a famous landscape, a cultural, historical, and religious monument of the country.

Huong Pagoda, also known as Huong Son, is a cultural-religious complex that includes numerous temples dedicated to Buddha, a few shrines for deities, and temples for agricultural beliefs. It is located in Huong Son commune, My Duc district, Hanoi. The pagoda was built in the late 17th century during the period of the South and North regions (Đàng Trong – Đàng Ngoài), but was destroyed during the resistance against the French in 1947. It was later rebuilt in 1988 by Venerable Thich Vien Thanh, under the guidance of the late Venerable Thich Thanh Chan.

This site is closely associated with the folk belief of worshipping the Lady Ba, the third daughter of King Dieu Trang, known in the Buddhist legend as the embodiment of Avalokiteshvara (Quan Thế Âm). After undergoing various trials and nine years of practice, she attained enlightenment and became a Buddha to help save all beings.

Through the skilled hands of the ancients and the beauty bestowed by nature, Huong Pagoda stands as a unique masterpiece, continuously surprising visitors with its charm. The Huong Pagoda complex features various architectural works scattered across the Yen stream valley.

The central area is the Outer Pagoda, also known as the Chùa Trò or Chùa Thiên Trù. This pagoda is not far from the Trò dock, where pilgrims typically travel up the Yen stream from the Đục dock to reach the pagoda by boat. The pagoda's entrance is flanked by three large courtyards paved with tiles. The third courtyard houses a bell tower with three tiers of roofs.

This ancient structure is uniquely designed with triangular gable ends on the highest level. Originally part of the Cao Mật village pagoda in Ha Dong province, it was relocated to Huong Pagoda in 1980 and now serves as the bell tower. The Main Pagoda, also known as the Inner Pagoda, is not a man-made structure but a natural limestone cave.

At the entrance of the cave is a large gate, with the inscription “Hương Tích động môn” (Entrance to the Cave of Perfumed Traces). Inside, visitors ascend a long slope, marked by 120 stone steps. The cave’s wall bears five Chinese characters: “Nam thiên đệ nhất động” (The First Cave in the Southern Sky), which were written by King Trinh Sam. Additionally, there are several stelae and poems engraved on the rock walls. The Huong Pagoda Festival is held on the 6th day of the Lunar New Year and usually lasts until the end of March. During this festival, millions of pilgrims and tourists from all over the country eagerly flock to Huong Pagoda.

The peak of the festival occurs from the full moon of the first month to the 18th of the second month in the lunar calendar. This day marks the local Mountain Opening Ceremony, but nowadays it is interpreted as the “Opening of the Pagoda.” The festival rituals are quite simple. The day before the festival begins, all temples, shrines, and pagodas are lit with incense. Inside the Main Pagoda, offerings of incense, flowers, candles, fruits, and vegetarian food are made. Two monks in robes present the offerings on the altar.

During the festival, there are occasional visits from monks who recite prayers for about half an hour in various temples and shrines. However, incense smoke is constant. The ritual practices lean toward “Zen,” but at the Outer Pagoda, the deities of the mountains are worshiped with all the colorful traditions of Taoism.

The Cửa Vòng Shrine is considered the “Sacred Ancestral Temple” of Lady Chúa Thượng Ngàn, the goddess who governs the surrounding mountains. Other temples, like Bắc Đài Pagoda, Tuyết Sơn Pagoda, Chùa Cả, and Quân Đình, are dedicated to deities of the five tigers and fish worship. The rituals here are an amalgamation of various religious beliefs, representing nearly all of Vietnam’s religious practices.

The festival includes both religious processions and cultural performances. Villagers carry a ceremonial sedan chair to the home of a writer who will compose the offerings, which are then presented at the temple. The Huong Pagoda Festival also showcases distinct ethnic cultural activities such as boat racing, mountain climbing, and performances of chèo and hát văn songs.

In addition to its unique architecture and the charm of the festival, Huong Pagoda holds profound spiritual, historical, and cultural values. It represents the living heritage passed down by our ancestors and needs to be preserved and maintained as a vital legacy.

Thus, with its invaluable cultural and historical significance, Huong Pagoda is a source of pride for the people of Hanoi and all of Vietnam. Visiting Huong Pagoda offers a chance to experience tranquility, slow down time, and embrace peace of mind, leaving behind the pressures and stresses of daily life.

Everyone is probably familiar with the Perfume Pagoda, a stunning natural and historical site in Vietnam. Every year, starting from the sixth day of the Lunar New Year, the Perfume Pagoda hosts its famous festival. Pilgrims from across the country, overseas Vietnamese, and foreign tourists flock to the site to seek good fortune and immerse themselves in the mystical beauty of Huong Son.

Located in My Duc District, Ha Tay Province, approximately 70 km southwest of Hanoi, the Perfume Pagoda can be reached by car through Ha Dong Town, Van Dinh, until reaching the boat station. Visitors then board a boat to glide along the clear Yen Vi stream, surrounded by lush rice fields. In front, the stunning mountain range rises majestically!

The beauty of Huong Son is a result of both human craftsmanship and nature's blessings. The pagodas are scattered across limestone hills, partially hidden by dense forests. To reach the temples, one must ascend thousands of steep stone steps, lighting incense at the outer temple before entering the inner one. Visitors then move on to the Giải Oan Temple, Thiên Mụ Temple, and the mystical caves of Bong and Huong Tích. Each temple exudes ancient majesty, shrouded in a misty, ethereal atmosphere that adds to the sense of divine mystery. Every visitor here feels a sense of liberation, leaving behind the mundane worries of daily life, experiencing a feeling of peace and comfort.

The winding path is filled with people of all ages and backgrounds, all united by a shared reverence, chanting the familiar “Nam Mô A Di Đà Phật.” Huong Son is home to many caves, but the most remarkable is the Huong Tích Cave. Upon reaching the cave, all exhaustion disappears, and visitors are filled with a sense of exhilaration. The place is adorned with blooming white plum flowers, and the air is fragrant with their scent. The sounds of birds singing and the gentle flow of the stream create a harmonious melody. At the cave's entrance, visitors take in deep breaths of the fresh, pure air.

Praise from the Trinh King has earned this place the title “The First Cave of the South.” The entrance of the cave resembles the mouth of a giant dragon, leading deep into the heart of the mountain. The cave's spacious interior can accommodate hundreds of people, with flickering candlelight creating a surreal atmosphere. The stalactites and columns within the cave take on various fascinating shapes, sparkling in rainbow hues.

To fully explore the Perfume Pagoda, one needs several days to visit all the sites. In the Bong Cave, the wind creates a melodic sound, lulling visitors into a dreamlike state. At the mountain's peak lies a large stone, known as the “Heavenly Chessboard,” where, according to legend, celestial beings gather to play chess annually. The pagoda is also steeped in countless legends and myths, adding to the mystical aura of this picturesque and sacred place.

When leaving, every visitor takes home a memento. As the tourists board their buses, their hearts are filled with nostalgia, silently reminiscing about the experience, proudly recalling their time at the Perfume Pagoda, and eagerly awaiting the next opportunity to return.

Vietnam, being a primarily agricultural society, carries the distinct characteristics of rural life, one of which is the deep belief in divine forces. Since agriculture relies heavily on favorable weather for a bountiful harvest, the people hope for mild weather and prosperous crops. However, floods, storms, and natural disasters still regularly disrupt their livelihoods, causing both material and human losses.

Hence, throughout Vietnam's long history, people have worshipped natural and supernatural forces in hopes of a better life, free from suffering. Temples and shrines have been built across the country, and one of the most famous temples is Huong Pagoda (also known as Huong Tich Pagoda).

Huong Pagoda, one of the most renowned temples in Vietnam, is located in Huong Son Commune, My Duc District, Hanoi. This temple, built around the 17th century, was severely damaged in 1947 during the French war. It wasn't until 1988 that the pagoda was restored by Venerable Thich Vien Thanh. Although it retains many of its original features, the modern Huong Pagoda cannot fully resemble the sacred, heavenly site it once was.

The temple's sacred beauty, which exudes an otherworldly atmosphere, moved the poet Chu Manh Chinh, who expressed his deep emotions when he set foot in Huong Son:

"The sky is the Buddha's domain

The scenic Huong Son I have longed for

Behold the mountains, the waters, the clouds

The First Cave asks, is this the place?

Soft whispers of the forest, the offerings of birds

Flowing streams, the sound of chanting"

Huong Pagoda holds its annual festival on the 6th of January and concludes in the latter half of March. During this time, pilgrims from all over the country flock to the site, lighting incense and making offerings to Buddha, hoping for blessings and prosperity. Huong Son is considered a sacred land, where the Avalokitesvara Bodhisattva is believed to have once resided, so the pagoda holds great spiritual significance. People believe that with sincere worship and prayers, their desires will be granted by the divine.

The Huong Pagoda Festival is one of the largest festivals in northern Vietnam, attracting massive crowds after the Lunar New Year. The area becomes bustling with people. From the base of Huong Son Mountain to the peak, pilgrims take a boat ride through a narrow yet picturesque stream, surrounded by fields of grass and golden rice paddies, making the journey even more enchanting. This natural beauty reinforces why Huong Son is called the Land of Immortals—it feels divine and otherworldly.

Today, besides boats, a modern cable car system has been built by the local government to accommodate visitors, especially international tourists. From the cable car, visitors can fully appreciate the majestic, sacred landscape of Huong Pagoda. Upon arrival, a different atmosphere emerges: the holy ambiance of the temple, with incense smoke filling the air and offerings set before the Buddha.

Devotees from all directions bow respectfully, creating a serene, sacred atmosphere. Whether or not one follows the faith, entering Huong Pagoda brings a shared feeling of tranquility and relief. It’s a time when people can release the burdens and pressures of life, seeking peace and prosperity for themselves and their families with genuine devotion. This is why Huong Pagoda continues to attract so many visitors every year.