
Huong Tich Pagoda (Huong Pagoda) is perched 650 meters above sea level on Mount Ngan Hong in the Hong Linh mountain range in Thien Loc Commune, Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province. Situated 25 kilometers northeast of Ha Tinh City and 30 kilometers southeast of Vinh City, this pagoda is renowned as one of ancient Vietnam’s 21 most famous scenic spots, attracting visitors seeking spiritual solace and natural beauty.
1. The history of the construction of Huong Tich Pagoda
You might have heard a lot about the Perfume Pagoda in Hanoi, but perhaps you do not know that this famous pagoda is indeed a replica of Huong Tich Pagoda in Ha Tinh Province. Historical records indicate that due to the long and unsafe journey from the capital to Ha Tinh, Lord Trinh built another Huong Pagoda in the Ha Son Binh mountains (in Hanoi nowadays) for the safety of his consorts during festival seasons.
Constructed during the Tran Dynasty and later restored during the Le Trung Hung period, Huong Tich Pagoda in Vietnam has a long and storied history. In 1885, a fire destroyed the pagoda. In 1901, Dao Tan, the governor of An Tinh (Nghe An and Ha Tinh regions in the past), led efforts to rebuild it, restoring most of its original structures. Recognized in 1990 as a National Cultural and Scenic Site, Huong Tich Pagoda remains a famous spiritual destination in this region.
Read more: Vietnamese pagodas: 12 sacred sites to discover the spiritual essence
2. Ideal time to visit
The lofty mountain location, with its pleasant atmosphere and scenic landscapes, makes Huong Tich Pagoda a great destination year-round. To truly experience the festive atmosphere and the spiritual beauty of this sacred site, it is best to visit during the festival season, which coincides with the Vietnamese spring and Tet holiday.
The annual Huong Tich Pagoda Festival begins on the 6th day of the first lunar month, kicking off the Ha Tinh tourism year. The main festival day, on the 18th day of the second lunar month, commemorates Princess Dieu Thien’s enlightenment and transformation into Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. During the early spring and especially the festival, tens of thousands of people come to offer incense, pray for peace and prosperity, and enjoy the vibrant celebrations.
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3. What makes Huong Tich Pagoda attractive?
3.1. Architecture of Huong Tich Pagoda
Huong Tich Pagoda features a Buddhist temple and shrines honoring deities central to Vietnamese beliefs. The pagoda is divided into three sections: the Upper Temple, the Temple of the Heavenly Kings, and the Sanctuary of the Holy Mother—the site where Princess Dieu Thien attained enlightenment. Surrounding the pagoda are ancient trees with colossal roots, striking rock formations, and notable landmarks like the Co and Cau shrines, Quy Khoc stream, and Tien Nu Cave.
The Tam Bao Palace, housing ancient Buddha statues dating back hundreds, even thousands, of years, is particularly remarkable within the pagoda grounds. Additionally, Huong Tich Pagoda preserves two bronze Buddha statues, a precious Nine-Dragon bronze pedestal, and ancient bronze bells, which are of significant historical and cultural value. Atop Huong Linh Mountain rests a small shrine adorned with stone-carved statues, including one of Guan Yin, the Goddess of Mercy.

Huong Tich Pagoda houses many valuable statues and antiques (Source: Collected)
3.2. The tranquil scenery from Hong Linh Mountain
Situated 650 meters above sea level on the slopes of the vast Hong Linh mountain range, Huong Tich Pagoda is surrounded by breathtaking natural scenery, making it one of the best places to visit in Central Vietnam for a serene retreat. The journey to the pagoda meanders through verdant pine forests, alongside a tranquil lake and babbling streams.
Majestic mountains and expansive green forests stretch out before visitors, accompanied by fresh, crisp air and the lively sounds of birdsong. This tranquil and picturesque landscape forms a stunning tableau that is both grand and sacred, imbued with an enchanting mystique.
3.3. Legend of Huong Tich Pagoda
Legend has it that Princess Dieu Thien, the youngest daughter of King Chu Zhuang Wang (the 25th king of the Chu state during China’s Zhou Dynasty), fled her home to seek refuge in Buddhism. She began her spiritual journey in a cave on the Hong Linh mountain range after her father forced her into an engagement with a cruel man.
Her departure plunged King Chu Zhuang Wang into deep sorrow, leading to his grave illness. When the king’s condition worsened, Princess Dieu Thien sacrificed her own eyes and hands to save him.
Moved by her profound filial piety, Buddha restored her sight and hands. She continued her devout practice and eventually attained enlightenment, becoming the Bodhisattva Avalokitesvara. To honor her dedication and enlightenment, the people built Huong Tich Pagoda at the very site where she practiced and transformed into Guan Yin.
More about: Central Vietnam itinerary: Must-go places & travel guide
4. How to get there
To visit Huong Tich Pagoda, start from National Highway 1A at Nghen Town in Can Loc District, Ha Tinh Province. From there, travel 5 kilometers to reach the Huong Tich Pagoda tourist complex. At the main gate, you can choose from various routes to reach the pagoda, each offering a unique experience.
- From the entrance to Mieu Co Shrine:
- Walking: Walk 3 kilometers from the entrance to reach the main pagoda. Along the way, you will pass several temples and shrines until you arrive at Mieu Co Shrine. From here, you can either continue walking to the pagoda or take the cable car, as the remaining path is steeper and more physically demanding.
- Boat on Nha Duong Lake and walking: Opt for a scenic boat ride on Nha Duong Lake from the main gate. After the boat ride, walk 1 kilometer to Mieu Co Shrine and the cable car station.
- Electric car: Another option is to take an electric car from the main gate to the cable car station. This 5-kilometer route is flanked by rows of lush pine trees.
- From Mieu Co Shrine to the main pagoda:
- Cable car: At the cable car station at Mieu Co, take the 1 km ride to Huong Tich Pagoda, offering a quick and scenic ascent.
- Walking: The path from here is more challenging, with steeper inclines, requiring good physical fitness.
Once at the main pagoda, you can explore other temples and shrines within the complex by foot.
Huong Tich Pagoda, perched on the Hong Linh mountain range, offers stunning architecture, rich history, and serene natural beauty. Visitors can explore by foot, boat, or cable car, experiencing lush pine forests, serene lakes, and majestic views. This revered cultural and spiritual landmark provides a tranquil retreat, drawing pilgrims and tourists seeking peace and reflection.
Beyond Ha Tinh, Nghe An is an impressive stop on Central Vietnam tours with a variety of offerings. Just an hour’s drive from Huong Tich Pagoda and a 12-minute drive from Vinh Airport, VinWonders Cua Hoi near Cua Lo Beach in Nghe An Province offers an ideal spot for entertainment and relaxation.
VinWonders Cua Hoi offers top-notch services within an ecosystem spanning from the coastline to the island, boasting over 2,600 meters of stunning coastal views. Notably, it introduces the first sea-crossing cable car in North Central Vietnam, seamlessly connecting the mainland amusement park with Song Ngu Island and offering a panoramic 360-degree view of Cua Lo Beach. Moreover, the complex boasts water parks, amusement parks, shopping centers, and spiritual areas, ensuring diverse and delightful experiences for travelers exploring Nghe An.
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