Full Day Tour: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art

Full Day Tour: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art

Location: Thanh Oai, Vietnam
Country: Vietnam
Price: $64 per person
Duration: 1 day (check availability for start times)
Provider: Travel over the world
Rating: 4.7

You can check availability for your dates here:

An Authentic Day in Vietnam’s Artisan Villages

Imagine spending a day exploring the artisan heart of Vietnam, not just as a tourist but as someone genuinely engaging with local crafts. This tour takes you from Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter into the quieter, traditional villages of Thanh Oai, where artisans have kept their craft alive for centuries. For $64, you get a well-rounded experience visiting Ha Thai, Chuong, and Quang Phu Cau, learning about lacquerware, conical hats, and incense-making.

What we love about this trip is the chance to try your hand at creating—whether painting lacquer or decorating a hat—making the experience memorable beyond just sightseeing. Also, the opportunity to see how incense sticks are dyed and produced offers a colorful glimpse into rural Vietnamese industry.

A potential downside? The tour involves quite a bit of walking, sometimes on uneven village paths, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems.

If you’re someone who enjoys understanding local traditions through hands-on activities rather than just observing, this tour fits perfectly. It’s particularly suited for curious travelers who want authentic, artisan encounters in a manageable one-day format.

Key Points

• Authentic artisan experience: Hands-on activities in lacquerware, hat-making, and incense production.
• Cultural insights: Meet local artisans and learn about their daily lives and craft traditions.
• Delicious local lunch: Enjoy a home-cooked meal prepared by a Vietnamese artisan.
• Photography opportunities: Capture vibrant scenes of incense bundles and village life.
• Small group feel: Guided by an English-speaking guide, usually in a group that allows personalized attention.
• Value for money: At $64, includes multiple craft experiences, a local meal, and visits to three villages.

Exploring Thanh Oai’s Artisans: A Closer Look

Visiting Ha Thai: The Lacquerware Capital

The journey begins in Ha Thai, a village with a history of lacquerware production dating back to the 17th century. As you walk into the workshop, the air is filled with the scent of wood and lacquer, and vibrant paintings adorn the walls. You’ll meet a respected local artisan who shares the painstaking process of creating lacquer art—from preparing the wood to layering lacquer and polishing.

What makes this part special is the chance to try your hand at creating a lacquer piece. Under expert guidance, you can paint your own design on a small lacquer board, leaving with a one-of-a-kind souvenir. The process is detailed and requires patience, but the guidance makes it accessible for beginners.

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Chuong Village: The Conical Hat Tradition

Next, you’ll visit Chuong village, famous for its conical hats—a symbol of Vietnam recognized worldwide. The village is over 300 years old, and here, you see artisans meticulously stitching and shaping hats from straw and bamboo.

Depending on availability, you might also hear personal stories from a veteran about life during the Vietnam War, adding a poignant historical dimension. Or, you could simply watch as hats are carefully crafted, appreciating the skill involved.

If you’re up for it, you can try decorating a hat yourself or join in the process of making one, which is surprisingly fun and satisfying. This interactive element offers a tangible connection to Vietnam’s rural traditions.

Quang Phu Cau: The Incense Artisans

The final stop is the vibrant Quang Phu Cau incense village, where the air is thick with the scent of aromatic herbs and resins. You’ll stroll through family-run households dyeing incense sticks in bright colors—an art passed down through generations.

A visit to a large incense factory allows you to see the full production process—from mixing ingredients to shaping incense bundles. The colorful bundles are almost too beautiful on their own to ignore, making for some stunning photos.

This part of the tour provides insight into an industry that’s both practical and artistic, offering a window into rural Vietnamese livelihoods.

What Makes This Tour Value-Added?

Beyond the arts and crafts, this tour offers a genuine look into rural life in Vietnam. The inclusion of a home-cooked lunch by a local woman adds warmth and authenticity, making you feel like a welcomed guest rather than just a visitor. Plus, the guided aspect ensures you get context and stories behind each craft, enriching your understanding of Vietnamese culture.

The small-group setting and the opportunity to try your own hand at crafts make this experience engaging and memorable. For just $64, the combination of activities, cultural insights, and photo-worthy scenes makes this a good value compared to other more commercial or less interactive options.

Practical Tips for Your Day Out

• Wear comfortable shoes, as there’s walking involved on uneven village paths.
• Bring a camera to capture vibrant incense bundles, artisans at work, and your own creations.
• A sun hat and water are advisable to stay comfortable, especially in warmer weather.
• Be aware that smoking isn’t allowed on the tour—just another reason for all of us to keep the air fresh.
• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or those with back issues, so plan accordingly.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This is ideal for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they crave hands-on experiences that connect them with Vietnamese traditions. It suits those interested in art, culture, and local livelihoods, especially if you enjoy taking photos or making your own souvenirs. History buffs interested in personal stories, like war veterans, will find the visit to Chuong particularly meaningful.

If your goal is an authentic, manageable day trip that balances culture, craftsmanship, and cuisine, this tour hits the mark.

The Sum Up

This full-day tour offers a well-rounded look into Vietnam’s artisan crafts, with a great mix of hands-on activities, cultural insights, and local hospitality. For $64, you gain access to three distinct villages, each with its own unique tradition, along with the chance to create your own lacquer artwork and decorate a conical hat.

Travelers who appreciate authentic experiences and small-group interactions will find this tour particularly rewarding. It’s a wonderful way to step outside Hanoi’s busy streets and see a more peaceful, traditional side of Vietnam’s rural craftsmanship. Whether you’re a craft enthusiast, a history lover, or simply curious about local life, this trip will leave you with memorable images—and maybe a few handmade souvenirs.

FAQ

Is transportation included in the tour?
Yes, the tour includes pick-up and drop-off at the Hanoi Old Quarter, making logistics simple and hassle-free.

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately one day, but check specific starting times when booking to fit your schedule.

What’s the price of the tour?
The cost is $64 per person, which covers all visits, activities, and the home-cooked lunch.

Can I join the tour if I don’t speak Vietnamese?
Yes, the tour is guided in English, ensuring clear explanations and a good experience for English speakers.

Are there any age restrictions?
While specific age restrictions aren’t mentioned, children comfortable with walking and participating in crafts will enjoy this experience more.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes, a camera, sun protection, and water are recommended. The tour involves walking through villages and outdoor activities.

Is the tour suitable for people with mobility issues?
No, it’s not suitable for wheelchair users or those with back problems due to walking on uneven surfaces.

Are drinks included?
No, drinks are not included, but you can purchase beverages during the day or enjoy the traditional lunch.

What makes this tour stand out compared to others?
The chance to try your hand at local crafts and visit three distinct artisan villages makes it a hands-on, memorable experience that’s rich in culture and authenticity.

This tour offers a chance to connect with Vietnam’s traditional craftsmanship in a relaxed, engaging way. Perfect for curious travelers eager to see and make, rather than just observe, it’s a genuine journey into the country’s artisanal soul.

You can check availability for your dates here: