Hanoi: Tu Van Flag Village or Hat Village & Incense Village

Hanoi: Tu Van Flag Village or Hat Village & Incense Village

Location: Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Country: Vietnam
Price: $13 per person
Duration: 6 hours
Provider Rating: 4.8

A quick overview of what you get

This budget-friendly, 6-hour tour from Hanoi takes you to two or three nearby villages where centuries-old crafts are still alive. Your guide will lead you through Tu Van Flag Village, famous for making national flags, and Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a fragrant, colorful spot loved by photographers. You also have the option to include Chuong Conical Hat Village, known for its iconic Vietnamese hats.

What we really love about this experience is how it balances hands-on craft demonstrations with storytelling, giving you a genuine glimpse into Vietnam’s artisanal traditions. Plus, at just $13, you get a lot of value—visiting multiple villages, seeing authentic crafts, and capturing great photos.

A possible downside is the length of travel—the villages are about 30-35 km from Hanoi, so there’s some driving involved, which might be tiring if you prefer more relaxed, urban-focused days. Also, walking through villages means some uneven paths, so comfortable shoes are advised.

This tour is perfect for travelers who enjoy culture and want to see how traditional Vietnamese crafts are made—think embroidery, incense-dyeing, and hat-weaving. It’s suited for those with a curiosity for local history and craftsmanship, especially if you’re looking for an affordable, well-organized experience that avoids the tourist traps.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: See how Vietnamese flags, incense, and hats are made using traditional techniques.
• Cultural Insights: Learn about the history of each craft and its importance to Vietnamese identity.
• Photo Opportunities: The villages are vibrant and colorful, perfect for memorable photos.
• Affordable Value: At $13, this tour offers a rich glimpse into local life rather than just sightseeing.
• Hands-On Experience: Some options include painting or decorating crafts, making the visit interactive.
• Small Group or Private: The experience is customizable and intimate, enhancing the authenticity.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring the Villages: A Detailed Breakdown

Starting Point: From Hanoi to Tu Van Village

Your journey begins with a pickup in Hanoi, then a roughly 30-kilometer drive south to Tu Van Village in Thuong Tin District. This village has been involved in embroidery and flag-making since the 16th century. We loved the way the guide explained the village’s role in Vietnam’s national identity—millions of flags have been sewn here for decades, especially before major events like the 1945 revolution.

The flag-making process involves selecting muslin fabric from nearby districts, which is then cut, embroidered, and assembled with precision. We found it fascinating how much care goes into aligning the stars and stripes—the guide emphasized that even a tiny misalignment could ruin the flag’s symbolism.

Flag-Making: A Craft with National Pride

Visiting a workshop where about 10 families produce flags, we saw the craft of embroidery and tailoring firsthand. One quote from a reviewer sums it up: “We loved the behind-the-scenes look at how flags are made, especially the detailed embroidery work.” It’s clear that craftsmanship is passed down through generations here, with families relying on this trade for their livelihood.

You get a chance to observe the meticulous process, from fabric selection, cutting, to adding the precisely placed stars. It’s a quiet, disciplined process, but one that holds great significance for Vietnamese national symbolism.

Moving on to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Next, you’ll head about 35 km southeast to Quang Phu Cau, a sensory feast. The streets are lined with colorful bundles of incense sticks drying in the sun, filling the air with an aromatic mix of natural ingredients. This village has been producing incense since the 19th century, and it’s a still-family-run tradition.

We loved the vibrant chaos of the drying areas, where you can take photos of the intricately bundled sticks and see artisans dyeing and shaping incense. The guide explained that incense making is a family affair, with local dyeing specialists adding their touch to the process.

Reviewers often mention how photogenic this scene is: “It’s a photographer’s paradise, with stunning visual contrasts and fragrant air.” We agree that it’s a wonderful way to see how natural materials—bamboo, herbs, resins—are crafted into a product used daily in Vietnam.

More Great Tours Nearby

Optional Stop: Chuong Conical Hat Village

For those wanting a more tactile experience, some tours include a visit to Chuong Village. Here, artisans for over 300 years have been making the iconic Vietnamese conical hats. You can watch the process, which involves shaping bamboo and palm leaves, and even paint your own hat to take home as a souvenir.

It’s a quick, fun stop that adds a bit of personal creativity and gives you a tangible object of Vietnamese culture. Many reviews highlight how decorating the hats is a memorable part of the day.

Optional: Visit to Hanoi Train Street

Some tour options include a stop in Hanoi Train Street, famous for its narrow railway tracks running just inches from cafes and homes. It’s a popular photo spot and a peek into Hanoi’s urban edge. If you’re not interested in being dropped off here, you can stay in the vehicle, but many visitors find it a lively, authentic slice of Hanoi life.

What to Expect: Practical Tips

• Timing: The tour lasts around 6 hours, starting typically in the morning or early afternoon. The exact schedule can vary based on your pickup location and tour option.
• Walking: Expect some walking through village streets, often uneven or crowded. Comfortable shoes are recommended.
• Photography: Bring your camera or phone—these villages are full of vibrant colors, intricate details, and candid moments.
• Language: The guides speak both English and Vietnamese, making explanations accessible for most travelers.
• Accessibility: The tour is wheelchair accessible, which is a plus for travelers with mobility concerns.
• Group Size: It’s a private or small-group experience, meaning more personalized interaction and less crowding.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

If you’re someone interested in Vietnamese craftsmanship—be it flag embroidery, incense making, or traditional hat weaving—this tour offers a meaningful, affordable peek into local artisanship. It’s ideal for travelers who appreciate hands-on activities and want to learn the stories behind everyday objects.

Those looking for a photo-centric day will enjoy the colorful streets and detailed work, while history buffs will value the explanations of how these crafts are woven into Vietnam’s national story. It suits travelers who prefer small group or private tours over large, impersonal excursions, ensuring you get time and attention from your guide.

Final thoughts

This tour offers a well-rounded, genuine window into Vietnam’s artisanal traditions. For just around $13, you gain access to authentic craft workshops, vibrant village scenes, and stories that deepen your understanding of Vietnam’s culture. It’s a chance to see how local crafts are made with patience and pride—an experience that’s both educational and visually rewarding.

The flexibility of options—whether visiting just the incense and hat villages or including the flag-making—allows you to tailor the experience to your interests. The combination of visual beauty, hands-on participation, and cultural storytelling makes this a worthwhile choice for curious travelers.

If you want a meaningful, budget-friendly taste of traditional Vietnamese life, this tour will serve you well. It’s especially good for those who enjoy local crafts, photography, and authentic encounters—a true slice of rural Vietnamese heritage within reach.

FAQ

What is the cost of the tour?
The tour costs $13 per person, offering excellent value for a full morning or afternoon of cultural exploration.

How long does the tour take?
It lasts about 6 hours, including transportation, sightseeing, and some walking through the villages.

Are there options to customize the experience?
Yes, you can opt for a private tour, include stops at Chuong Conical Hat Village, and choose morning or afternoon sessions.

Is transportation included?
Most options include pickup and drop-off from Hanoi, but some variants let you hire a guide without transfer.

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, it’s wheelchair accessible and involves walking, making it suitable for most travelers with normal mobility.

Can I take photos?
Absolutely. The villages are photogenic with colorful stalls, traditional crafts, and lively scenes.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes for walking and casual clothes are best, as some paths are uneven.

Will I learn about the history of these crafts?
Yes, guides share stories about each village’s history and the significance of their crafts in Vietnamese culture.

Is this tour good for photography enthusiasts?
Yes, especially in Quang Phu Cau, where the vibrant incense sticks and drying scenes make striking images.

How do I book this tour?
You can reserve through the provider’s website, with options to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

In the end, this tour offers an enriching, affordable look at some of Vietnam’s most cherished crafts. Whether you’re snapping photos, learning about local traditions, or just curious about how Vietnam’s iconic flags, incense, and hats are made, you’ll come away with a deeper appreciation for the artistry that defines this vibrant country.

You can check availability for your dates here: