7:13 PM
An iron boat can carry 3-5 people and a large wooden boat –
up to 20 locals. The stream is edged by rice, grass, small paths, and temples
here and there. A local pilgrim can spend here traditionally three days to
visit entirely the area and pray at all the temples. The first temple they
often stop is called Den Trinh (The Shrine for First Presenting), where
Vietnamese burn the first joss-ticks to inform the local deities about their
presence and pray for a good trip and good luck for the year ahead. If you are
anxious to reach the main Wharf
of Huong Son
The uphill trip takes an hour climbing on the ancient flat and sometime slippery stones, which have been here thousand years ago. The road is "breathtaking" in all aspects – you will have some exercise, and at the same time have chance to take some stops to contemplate beautiful scenery and daily life of local farmers, who plant cassava and apricots in the valleys, who run quickly on the slippery stone with their burdens of tapioca, apricots or medicinal herbs whilst you are careful with your steps. The main pagoda is set in a huge grotto containing a highly decorative shrine. Each stalactite and stalagmite inside, which are soaked by undercurrent, is combined with a legend about its miracle and good luck. Most of them became small shrines by now. Remember that the stone grotto is huge and very cool, so stop for a while at the entrance to dry your sweat before coming in.
The main festive days of Chua Huong stretches from January to early April, busy and exciting. Sometimes it"s drizzling and the Vietnamese all believe that the real good things will reach you if you catch rainwater after praying in a sacred pagoda. And among all the sacred temples and pagodas in
