From Hanoi: Incense Village 1 Day Trip

From Hanoi: Incense Village 1 Day Trip — A Practical Guide to Authentic Vietnamese Crafts

This one-day tour from Hanoi takes you on a journey through three charming villages that showcase Vietnam’s artisanal traditions: the Incense Making Village, the Conical Hat Village, and the Lacquer Art Village. For $57 per person, you’ll spend around six hours exploring, learning, and creating, all while enjoying local meals and the comfort of air-conditioned transport. The tour is designed with small groups—limited to 15 participants—ensuring a personal, engaging experience led by an informative guide.

What we really appreciate about this trip are the close-up hands-on activities. Making your own conical hat and painting lacquerware give you authentic souvenirs that are more meaningful than generic trinkets. Plus, the local meals at a riverside restaurant or family home add a warm, personal touch to the day. A second highlight is the opportunity to observe traditional craftsmanship, from incense sticks to lacquer paintings, which reveals the dedication and skill poured into each piece.

A potential consideration is the tight schedule—some might prefer more time at each village, but the itinerary balances activity and travel efficiently. The day is packed with visual and tactile experiences, making it ideal for those eager to understand Vietnam’s artisan side in a single trip. If you’re curious about Vietnamese crafts and eager for a meaningful, interactive day, this tour hits the mark.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Who Will Love This Tour?

If you enjoy hands-on experiences, exploring local traditions, and savoring regional cuisine, you’ll find this trip rewarding. It’s especially suited for travelers who want a balanced mix of cultural insight and authentic craftsmanship without staying overnight. Families, solo travelers, and small groups will appreciate the personalized feel of this guided day.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship: Visit villages where artisans craft incense, hats, and lacquerware, gaining firsthand insight.
• Hands-on activities: Make your own conical hat and lacquer piece—perfect souvenirs and memorable experiences.
• Local cuisine: Enjoy a meal at a local home or riverside restaurant, experiencing regional flavors.
• Small-group intimacy: Limited to 15 participants, ensuring personalized attention and interaction.
• Flexible planning: Hotel pickup and drop-off included, with options from Hanoi Old Quarter or specific locations.
• Value for money: At $57, the tour covers transportation, entrance fees, activities, and meals, making it a good deal for immersive cultural exploration.

Exploring the Itinerary in Detail

Pickup and Start — Convenient and Comfortable

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter—or at a specified location if you’re staying outside the area—around 7:30-8:00 AM. The air-conditioned coach quickly whisks you out of the bustling city into the countryside, making the transition smooth and comfortable. This early start means you’ll beat some of the bigger crowds at the villages, giving you a more intimate experience.

More Great Tours Nearby

Incense Stick-Making Village (Quang Phu Cau)

Your first destination is the Incense Making Village, where the sights, sounds, and scents immediately transport you to a world of aromatic tradition. Walking through narrow pathways, you’ll see artisans skillfully assembling incense sticks—an art perfected over generations. Many reviews mention the fascination of watching artisans at work, with one traveler highlighting the “mesmerizing sights and sounds” of this ancient craft.

The guide will explain traditional techniques, and you’ll have ample opportunities to snap photos. Some visitors note the pleasure of seeing the intricate process firsthand, helping you understand why incense plays such a vital role in Vietnamese spiritual and cultural life.

Conical Hat-Making Village (Chuong Conical Hat Village)

Next, just a short 15-minute drive away, you arrive at the Chuong Conical Hat Village. Here, the focus shifts to another Vietnamese icon—the conical hat, or “nón lá.” You’ll observe artisans making these hats from palm leaves, paper, and bamboo. But what makes this part special is the chance to participate yourself: you can make and even paint your own hat.

This activity is often highlighted in reviews as “a fun, memorable hands-on experience,” with many travelers proudly showing off their personalized souvenirs. The process involves selecting materials, assembling, and decorating your hat, giving you a tangible connection to Vietnam’s traditional attire.

Lunch at a Local Home or Riverside Restaurant

After the hat-making, the tour pauses for lunch. Depending on the day, this might be at a family’s home or a scenic riverside restaurant. The meal typically features regional flavors—fresh herbs, rice, vegetables, and local specialties—offering a delicious chance to enjoy Vietnam’s cuisine in a relaxed setting.

Many reviewers appreciate the home-cooked feel of the meal, noting it’s a great way to support small local businesses and get a taste of authentic home-style cooking. It’s also an excellent opportunity to chat with locals or your guide about everyday life in these villages.

Lacquer Art-Making Village (Ha Thai Bamboo Lacquer)

The final stop is the Lacquer Art Village, where craftsmanship reaches new heights. Visitors observe artisans creating intricate lacquerware—from jewelry boxes to decorative panels—using traditional techniques. The appeal here is the visual spectacle of craftsmanship and the chance to try your hand at painting lacquer.

Many travelers comment on the detailed process involved and the warm hospitality of the family-run factory, often inviting visitors to paint a small lacquer piece to take home. This hands-on activity is frequently praised as “a second meaningful souvenir,” fostering a genuine appreciation for Vietnamese artisanship.

Return to Hanoi

After a full day of exploration and creating, your guide will escort you back to Hanoi, with a quick stop at a clothing surplus shop along the way. Here, you can browse for branded items at bargain prices, making the day’s end both fun and practical.

Why This Tour Offers Great Value

At $57 per person, this tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, all entrance fees, meals, and activities. The price reflects a well-rounded experience that combines cultural learning, hands-on crafts, and regional flavors—a genuine window into Vietnam’s artisanal heart. Compared to standalone visits, you save the hassle of organizing transport and guides, and you gain access to artisans who are eager to share their skills.

The small group size ensures personal attention and a relaxed atmosphere, allowing for questions and meaningful interactions. You’ll come away with unique souvenirs and a deeper understanding of Vietnam’s craftsmanship traditions.

Are There Any Drawbacks?

While the itinerary covers three key villages efficiently, some travelers might find the schedule a bit tight—each stop is about an hour or two, leaving limited time for lingering or shopping. If you prefer slow, contemplative visits to each craft, you might wish for more time at each site. Plus, the day involves a fair amount of moving between villages, so those who dislike bus travel may find the transfers less appealing.

Practical Tips for Travelers

• Wear comfortable clothing and shoes suitable for walking and hands-on activities.
• Book early, especially during peak seasons or holidays when surcharges apply.
• Bring a small bag for souvenirs, as you’ll be making some to take home.
• Be aware that drinks and additional meals are not included—consider bringing water or extra snacks.
• If you have mobility issues or require wheelchair access, confirm with the provider beforehand, as the tour is wheelchair accessible but may have some limitations.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The price covers hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, air-conditioned transportation, a guide, entrance fees to the villages, and meals at a local home or riverside restaurant.

How long does the tour last?
The total duration is about one day, with pickup around 7:30-8:00 AM and return in the late afternoon.

Are there any extra costs?
There is a $10 surcharge per person for major holidays like Christmas, New Year, and Lunar TET. Drinks and personal expenses are not included.

Can I participate in the craft-making activities?
Yes, you can make and paint your own conical hat and lacquerware, creating personal souvenirs.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking and hands-on craft activities.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Most children who enjoy crafts and cultural activities will find it engaging, but consider age and patience for the schedule.

Are there vegetarian options?
The provided information doesn’t specify dietary restrictions—check with the provider before booking if needed.

Does the tour run during holidays?
Yes, but with a surcharge of $10 per person during Christmas, New Year, and TET.

Is the tour wheelchair accessible?
It is wheelchair accessible, but it’s best to confirm specific needs with the provider.

In Closing

This From Hanoi: Incense Village 1 Day Trip offers a practical and enriching glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional crafts. It’s especially appealing for those who value interactive experiences, local connection, and authentic souvenirs. The combination of craftsmanship, regional cuisine, and small-group intimacy creates a well-rounded, memorable day out of the bustling Hanoi streets.

If you’re eager to see artisans at work, learn traditional techniques firsthand, and take home handcrafted mementos, this tour will suit you perfectly. It’s a wonderful way to combine cultural discovery with a bit of fun, making your Vietnam trip both educational and heartfelt.

You can check availability for your dates here: