Combo Incense Village Tour with Conical hat and HaThai Art Making

This full-day experience in Hanoi, Vietnam, offers a close-up look at three iconic local crafts: incense making, conical hat weaving, and lacquer art. For $56 per person, you’ll spend about 10 hours exploring villages just outside the city, with a knowledgeable guide leading the way. The tour includes transportation, meals, and hands-on activities, making it a well-rounded peek into Vietnam’s artisan traditions.

Two aspects we particularly love are the opportunity to participate directly in craft-making—whether painting your own conical hat or painting lacquer—and the chance to capture authentic photos of artisans at work in their colorful villages. The friendly interactions with locals deepen the experience and give it a heartfelt, genuine feel.

One possible consideration is the timing and pacing—the schedule runs from early morning to late afternoon, which might be a long day if you prefer more relaxed or leisurely sightseeing. However, this structure ensures you get to see three different crafts in one day without feeling rushed.

This tour is ideal for travelers who appreciate hands-on experiences and want a deeper understanding of Vietnamese traditions. It suits curious visitors eager to learn about local culture firsthand, especially those who enjoy photography, art, and engaging with local artisans.

Key Points

• Authentic Craft Experiences: Participate directly in making conical hats and lacquer art, creating memorable souvenirs.
• Rich Cultural Insights: Learn about Vietnam’s worshipping culture and centuries-old artisan techniques from friendly guides.
• Picturesque Villages: Capture stunning photos of artisans in action, surrounded by vibrant colors and traditional scenery.
• All-Inclusive Value: Price includes meals, entrance fees, and transportation, offering great value for a full-day tour.
• Personal Interaction: Engage with local workers and see the manual skills involved in each craft.
• Comfort and Convenience: Round-trip transfer from Hanoi’s Old Quarter simplifies logistics, allowing you to focus on the experience.

Starting in Hanoi: The Convenience of Pickup and Timing

The tour begins early, with pickup from your hotel or the Hanoi Old Quarter between 7:45 and 8:00 AM. This prompt start ensures you’re making the most of the day. The guide, whose insights are highlighted in reviews, will be your friendly companion, explaining the significance of each craft and helping you understand local culture along the way.

The small group size—capped at 15 travelers—means you’ll get personalized attention, and the mobile ticket system streamlines the process, making check-in quick and simple.

Incense Village: A Feast for the Senses

Arriving at Quang Phu Cau, the incense village, around 9:00 AM, you’ll immediately notice the sea of red incense sticks drying in the sun—a vivid scene that photographers love. For centuries, this village has been dedicated to producing incense used in worship and ceremonies throughout Vietnam.

What we loved most was observing the workers in traditional workshops, carefully shaping and drying incense. The process involves layers of colored sticks drying in intricate formations. As one reviewer noted, the sight of colored sticks layering out to dry makes for a beautiful photo backdrop. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to snap pictures of artisans at work, capturing their skill and the vibrant environment.

Our guide will also explain the worshipping culture and religious practices tied to incense use, adding context that deepens your appreciation of this craft. Visitors report that the visit feels authentic and heartfelt, providing a glimpse into a longstanding tradition.

A small downside might be the early start and busy environment, but for many, it’s part of the charm—seeing the village alive with activity.

Conical Hat Making: Hands-On Crafting in Chuong Village

Just a 15-minute drive away, the conical hat village offers a lively change of scene. Here, you’ll observe artisans weaving, shaping, and painting traditional Vietnamese nón lá. What’s special about this part of the tour is the hands-on participation—you won’t just watch, you’ll get to make your own conical hat.

As one reviewer remarked, getting involved in painting the hat yourself makes for a memorable souvenir and a tangible connection to Vietnamese culture. The process is engaging and surprisingly fun, especially when you see your own work taking shape. The guide will share stories about the history of the hat and its significance as a national symbol.

This portion of the tour offers a lively, interactive experience that appeals to both families and solo travelers. The craftsmanship involved is impressive, and the opportunity to paint your own design adds a personal touch to the day.

Lacquer Art: An Artistic Finale

After a hearty family-style lunch at a local artisan’s home or riverside restaurant, the tour heads to the lacquer art village. This is a highlight for art lovers: visiting large family-scale factories where artisans create stunning lacquerware.

Here, you’ll observe artists painting intricate designs on lacquer and even get to paint your own lacquer piece. The experience allows for creative expression and provides the chance to take home a unique handmade keepsake—another memorable souvenir from your trip.

Reviewers have praised this part of the tour for its informative demonstrations and the opportunity to see traditional techniques passed down through generations. The vibrant colors and detailed craftsmanship are mesmerizing, and many find it a rewarding conclusion to the day.

Returning to Hanoi and Final Reflections

By 4:30 PM, it’s time to head back to the city, with a brief stop at an attraction en route. The drop-off at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter makes it easy to continue exploring or relax after a full day.

The price of $56 includes meals, entrance fees, transportation, and hands-on activities, making it a good value considering all the authentic experiences packed into one day.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is best suited for curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing—they crave interactive, cultural activities. If you have an interest in craftsmanship, art, or local traditions, you’ll find this tour both enriching and fun. It’s also ideal if you enjoy capturing photos of artisans at work or want to bring home personalized souvenirs.

Those who prefer a relaxed pace might find a full 10-hour schedule a bit intense, but most will appreciate the comprehensive coverage and the chance to see multiple crafts in one day.

This tour offers a balanced blend of education, hands-on participation, and cultural insight—a real window into Vietnamese artisan life. Visiting villages just outside Hanoi keeps it authentic, while the guided aspect ensures you learn the stories behind each craft.

For travelers eager to engage directly with local artisans and create meaningful souvenirs, this experience is a winner. The friendly guides, stunning visuals, and delicious food make it a full, rewarding day.

While it is a busy itinerary, the pace keeps the day lively and engaging. And for anyone interested in Vietnamese culture beyond the tourist spots, this tour provides a genuine, heartfelt glimpse into traditional village life.

Is pickup included in the tour?
Yes, the tour offers pickup from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter, making your day seamless and stress-free.

How long is the tour?
The entire experience lasts approximately 10 hours, starting early in the morning and returning in the late afternoon.

Are entrance fees included?
All entrance fees for the incense village, conical hat village, and lacquer art village are included in the price.

Can I participate in the craft-making activities?
Absolutely. You’ll get to make your own conical hat and paint lacquerware, creating souvenirs that are both personal and authentic.

What is the group size?
The tour limits group sizes to around 15 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and engaging experience.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothing suitable for walking and crafting, a camera for photos, and a sense of curiosity.

Is lunch included?
Yes, a local family-style meal or riverside lunch is provided, giving you a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine.

Can children participate?
Most travelers of all ages can enjoy this tour, especially those interested in arts and crafts, but it’s best suited for children old enough to participate in making activities.

This full-day tour combines education, interaction, and authentic cultural sights in a way that’s both fun and meaningful. Whether you’re grabbing photos, making souvenirs, or simply soaking in local life, it’s a fantastic way to connect with Hanoi’s traditional crafts.