Preparation for upcoming Perfume Pagoda Festival underway

 

Officials have invested to further expand the wharf and put a total of 4,500 boats into service during this year’s festival (300 boats more than the previous one), to avoid overloading and ensure safety of travelers.

 

Besides, to regulate business and reduce traffic congestion during the festival, shops and booths are planned to be set up far from the worship areas and the use of loud speakers is forbidden. The People’s Committee of My Duc District has asked shop owners to pledge not to overcharge tourists, and guarantee food hygiene also. 

 

 

Way to Perfume Pagoda

 

The organizers also apply strict rules to deal with violators and vandals at the holly Buddhist pagodas and surrounding area. In addition, a waste treatment system is being put into operation during the festival. 

 

According to the new decision by Hanoi City’s People Committee, entrance fee to the festival would increase to VND 50,000/ ticket for adult, and VND 25,000/ ticket for elders and children. A return boat ticket is priced at VND 30,000 - 40,000 on Huong Tich route, and VND25, 000- 30, 000 on Long Van and Tuyet Son routes. 

 

The festival opens on the sixth day of the first lunar month (Gregorian January 28th, 2012) in My Duc District, Hanoi. As is the case with previous ones, there are more than 1 million pilgrims and tourists visiting the festival every year. There are often numerous reports on illegal and criminal activities going on unregulated during the festival time.