along the way: day 60 - Perfume Pagoda

Monday, 23 December 2013

Today we went on a day trip to the Perfume Pagoda. The Pagoda is a popular excursion for Vietnamese tourists, particularly during the Lunar New Year festival when thousands of people flock there to pay their respects to their ancestors. According to our guide, all Vietnamese people hope to visit the Pagoda at least once in their lives.

We were picked up from the hotel at 7.30am by our guide, Dim, and set off on the drive to the Pagoda. During the drive, we had the chance to learn more about the Vietnamese culture from Dim who has been working as a tour guide for more than six years. On the journey, we discussed what life is really like for the Vietnamese people and the six million who are living in Hanoi alone. He told us of the orphanages on the outskirts of the city where children and homeless people are placed by the Government. We also learnt about the lack of social welfare and that going to school is compulsory but that everyone must pay school fees, from kindergarten onwards. We heard about the large number of people who go to university but are then unable to find a paid position in a company and remain at home, supported by their parents. And he explained that while Vietnam is a Communist country, Capitalism is on the up.

Dim explained that for Buddhists, when a family member dies, their body is buried in a Government cemetery for four years before being exhumed and buried for a second time, this time in the family's land.

After a two hour drive, we arrived at a small town where we climbed aboard a rowing boat for a one hour journey to the foot of the mountain in which the Pagoda is located. Along the river, farmers tend rice paddies and fishermen work in the clear, shallow waters. The boat docked and we began an hour climb up a flag stone path. The Pagoda is not a man-made structure but a 50m high grotto located in a cave. Inside the Pagoda are many glittering statues of Buddha, enveloped by a strong scent of incense, made as an offering by the Vietnamese visitors.

(Fishermen on the river)

(A large number of graves line the riverside)

(Arriving at the dock. The boat was rowed by a strong woman)

(An archway along the path on the way to the Pagoda)

(A bell outside the Perfume Pagoda)

(Looking back outside from inside the Pagoda)

(Dim, Jim and Nicky stand at the entrance to the Pagoda)

(An alter inside the Pagoda)

(The largest alter inside the Pagoda)

After visiting the Perfume Pagoda, we made our way back down towards the river where we had lunch at one of the many restaurants that line the path. We then visited the lower Pagoda before making our way back to the boat and beginning the journey back to Hanoi. It was a great day - lovely to get out into the countryside for a day and we were really grateful to have Dim who had so much knowledge and was such good company.

As Germany celebrate Christmas on the 24th, tomorrow is Paul's Christmas Day. Dim informed us that the Vietnamese people also mark Christmas on the 24th so we look forward to spending the day in the city and seeing how it is celebrated here.