Quang Phu Cau Incense Crafting Village
Tour Overview
If you're in search of a unique getaway near Hanoi that blends hidden gems with authentic local culture, this tour is just what you need. Escape the busy city streets and uncover charming, lesser-known spots where you can truly connect with the traditions and daily life of the Vietnamese countryside.
Itinerary
Full-Day Experience: Traditional Villages & Craft Heritage
7:45 – 8:15: Our local guide will pick you up at your hotel in the Old Quarter. Your cultural journey begins in Ha Thai Village, a centuries-old community famed for its exquisite lacquerware. Visit the workshop of a skilled artisan who will introduce you to this intricate art form. You’ll even get hands-on and craft your own small lacquer painting to take home.
Next, travel to the charming Chuong Village, known for its long-standing tradition of making Vietnam’s iconic conical hats. As you explore the village, you may have the chance to meet a war veteran and hear personal recollections of Vietnam's past or chat with other artisans to understand their craft and way of life.
Around midday, enjoy a warm home-cooked meal made by a local female artisan—an opportunity to savor authentic Vietnamese dishes in a family setting. Afterward, try painting your own conical hat or take part in the hat-making process under expert guidance.
In the afternoon, continue your exploration with a visit to Quang Phu Cau Village, a lively hub of incense production. Stroll through narrow village alleys where colorful bundles of incense sticks are dyed, dried, and prepared for distribution. The village offers beautiful photo opportunities with vibrant scenes at every corner.
End your day at the village’s largest incense facility, where you’ll witness the full cycle of incense making and learn about the traditions and daily lives of the families behind this iconic craft.
17:00 – 17:30: Return to Hanoi with drop-off options at Train Street or another location of your preference.
Half-Day Experience: Conical Hats & Incense Making (No Lunch)
Morning Session: 7:30 – 12:30
Afternoon Session: 12:00 – 17:30
Start your journey with pickup in the Old Quarter. Your first stop will be Chuong Village, home to Vietnam’s conical hat tradition for over three centuries. Watch the meticulous crafting process and speak with local artisans about their timeless techniques.
Continue to Quang Phu Cau, where incense-making is a vibrant part of daily life. Walk through the village and observe local families dyeing and preparing incense sticks in striking hues. This is a great chance to take stunning photographs and gain insight into this traditional craft.
Visit a major incense factory to see how raw materials are transformed into beautifully packaged incense, learning about the village’s role in preserving this cultural heritage.
12:00 – 12:30 (morning tour) or 17:00 – 17:30 (afternoon tour): Return to Hanoi, with flexible drop-off options. Please note: This tour does not include lunch, so it’s best to eat beforehand or bring along light snacks.
