The magnificent and mystical Perfume Pagoda, Chua Huong in the perfume mountains.

One can only get here by boat. today they have stable boats, not larger than a canoe. They will paddle for almost two hours between the high mountain peaks to get you to the place where you can take the cable car. You pass the smaller homes, people who fish, fields with lotus flower and small temple buildings.  Once on shore it's nice to stretch your leggs before you start the trip up to the top. Previously, it was a walk folowing the small narrow mountain trails that whent through the jungle to get you to this holy place, deep down in a cave on the mountain top. At that time, I remember meting many Vietnamese who said "adidafa" which means roughly that may happiness be with you. After a couple of hours walking, you where there. Today it takes about 15 minutes by cable car, but the old paths are still there, if you want to walk in the jungle.  

The view all the way up and when you get there is fantastic. When you go down the stairs to the cave, it is a powerful, feeling that meets you. Inside, in the cool cave air is moisty and filled with smell from the smoke. Further in to the cave, there is an altar. A monk beats on a drum. Some other monks wander around, ready to help those who want a prayer.  

Back down by cable car, there are several restaurants with good Vietnamese food and several souvenir shops. Your boat is waiting to bring you back to port.