Incense Village Hanoi City Tour With Lunch & Small Group Bus

Exploring Hanoi’s Hidden Gems: Incense Village, Historic Sites, and Street Food

Looking to experience Hanoi beyond the usual tourist spots? This full-day tour offers a balanced mix of cultural sights, local crafts, and street life, all for just $25 per person. Led by friendly, English-speaking guides, you’ll visit Incense Village Quang Phu Cau, see the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (from outside), explore the historic Temple of Literature, and even get an adrenaline rush on Train Street. The tour is conducted in a small group via a comfortable limousine bus, making the experience more intimate and flexible.

What we love about this tour are two specific details. First, the opportunity to photograph the colorful process of incense-making—a rare chance to see artisans craft fragrant sticks under the sun, which truly adds a local touch you can’t get from a big bus tour. Second, the train passing right in front of your eyes at Train Street is genuinely unforgettable—something you’ll remember long after the trip ends.

A potential consideration? The incense village visit is weather-dependent—if it rains, you’ll switch to Bat Trang pottery village instead. Also, since the tour only includes outside visits of Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, if you’re eager to go inside, you’ll need to plan extra time. This tour suits travelers who appreciate authentic sights, cultural insights, and good value—especially those who enjoy small groups and lively street scenes.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship at Incense Village offers a glimpse into traditional Vietnamese artisanry.
• The train street provides a thrilling photo opportunity unavailable elsewhere.
• The small group setting enhances interaction with guides and personalized attention.
• Culinary highlights include Bun Cha, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee, offering delicious local flavors.
• The itinerary balances culture, history, and street life for a comprehensive Hanoi experience.
• Weather can impact visits to incense-making, but alternative options are available.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Deep Dive into Hanoi’s Charm: The Incense Village City Tour

If you’re after a well-rounded day exploring Hanoi, this tour is a fantastic choice. For $25, you gain access to a series of sights that showcase both Vietnamese craftsmanship and history—all with the ease of a limousine bus and an English-speaking guide. It’s perfect for travelers who want a hassle-free, affordable way to see multiple highlights without feeling rushed or crowded.

The Morning Adventure: Incense Village & Train Street

Your day begins quite early, with pickup between 7:15 and 7:30 am in the Hanoi Old Quarter. This early start means you’ll beat the crowds and enjoy a more serene experience. The first stop is the Incense Village Quang Phu Cau, about an hour and a half out of the city. Here, you’ll see artisans painstakingly make colorful incense sticks, laying them out to dry under the sun. You can take plenty of photos, capturing the vibrant hues and meticulous craftsmanship.

What makes the incense village visit stand out is the chance to see local artisans at work, which gives you a real sense of Vietnam’s traditional industries. One reviewer called it “a perfect time with no other travelers around” that made it feel like you had the place all to yourself, an experience many travelers value deeply.

A note of practicality—if it rains, the incense process slows or stops, and the guide will take you instead to Bat Trang pottery village for a hands-on ceramics workshop. This flexibility ensures that your day remains engaging, no matter the weather.

Next, you’ll head to Train Street, the site of countless Instagram shots. Here, you’ll witness the train passing close enough to touch—literally just a few meters from the cafes and shops lining the street. Watching the train thunder past as you stand on the narrow sidewalk is an adrenaline-pumping, photographic opportunity. One traveler described it as “amazing,” emphasizing that this is something you can’t experience elsewhere.

Afternoon Highlights: History, Culture, and Breathtaking Views

After lunch in the area, featuring local favorites like Bun Cha, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee, the tour continues with visits to Hoa Lo Prison, known as the “Maison Centrale” or the “Hanoi Hilton.” While you only view the exterior, it’s a poignant reminder of Vietnam’s struggle for independence.

Next, the Temple of Literature, Vietnam’s first university, offers a peaceful stroll through ancient courtyards, with highlights such as Khue Van Pavilion and Doctor Stelae carved on turtles’ backs. These sites provide insight into the Confucian influence on Vietnamese education.

A highlight for many is the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum area. You’ll only see the outside of the mausoleum, but the grand monument and the Ba Dinh Square where Ho Chi Minh declared independence in 1945 are historically significant. The tour ends with a visit to Tran Quoc Pagoda, built in 528, on West Lake, giving travelers a chance to appreciate Buddhism’s role in Vietnam’s spiritual life.

Transport, Group Size, and Value

Traveling in a small group means you’ll likely have more meaningful interactions and quicker access to sites. The limousine bus ensures comfort, especially after a long morning of sightseeing. The entire day costs just $25, which is an excellent value considering the number of sites visited, the quality of guides, and the included local foods.

Authentic, Practical, and Engaging

Many reviewers praise the knowledgeable guides—from “Trinh” to “Minh” and “James”—who make the history come alive with friendly insights and fluent English. They also appreciate the mixture of cultural sights and street scenes, which provide a genuine taste of Hanoi’s everyday life.

Food lovers will enjoy the chance to sample Bun Cha and Banh Mi, paired with local Egg Coffee, a specialty you won’t want to miss. These experiences round out the day and bring flavor to your understanding of Vietnamese cuisine.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is best suited for independent travelers, culture enthusiasts, and food lovers looking for value without sacrificing depth. It’s ideal if you enjoy small-group tours, want a mix of history, crafts, and street scenes, and are comfortable with standing outside sites—since inside visits are limited for Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Because it’s quite packed into one day, travelers with limited time in Hanoi will especially appreciate its efficiency.

Final Thoughts

This Hanoi city tour delivers a well-structured, affordable, and authentic glimpse into Vietnam’s capital. The combination of craftsmanship, history, and street life creates a rich, varied experience that doesn’t feel rushed or superficial. The small group format and friendly guides make it easier to ask questions and connect with the places you visit.

The highlight moments, like the incense-making and the train passing by, stay with you long after the tour. For those who want a deep, well-rounded introduction to Hanoi, including some of the city’s most photogenic spots and tasty foods, this tour hits the mark.

If you’re after an engaging, value-packed day with plenty of opportunities for authentic photos and cultural insights, this is a great choice. It’s especially suited for travelers who appreciate local craftsmanship, historical context, and street scenes but prefer a comfortable, guided experience.

FAQs

Is the tour suitable for all ages?
While most travelers find the tour enjoyable, it’s not recommended for pregnant women, people with mobility issues, or wheelchair users, as some sites involve walking and standing outside.

What should I bring?
Comfortable shoes are essential, along with sunglasses, a hat, sunscreen, and cash for extras or souvenirs. Large bags are not allowed, so pack light.

Does the tour include inside visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum?
No, you only see the mausoleum from the outside, respecting Vietnam’s visitor policies.

What if it rains during the incense village visit?
Your guide will take you to Bat Trang pottery village instead, where you can try making ceramics in a workshop.

Are meals included?
Lunch with local specialties like Bun Cha, Banh Mi, and Egg Coffee is included as part of the tour price.

How long is the total tour?
It’s a full-day experience, starting early around 7:15 am and concluding in the afternoon, with an option for a half-day if you leave earlier.

What language are guides available in?
The tour is conducted in English, with knowledgeable guides who speak fluent, understandable English.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, offering flexibility for your travel plans.

Is there any additional cost I should expect?
Optional extras like cyclo rides or water puppet shows are available for extra fees but are not included in the main tour.

This tour offers a thoughtful, lively, and affordable way to see some of Hanoi’s most iconic sights, enjoy authentic local foods, and understand the city’s vibrant spirit—all in one well-organized package. Whether you’re a history buff, a food enthusiast, or simply curious about Hanoi’s daily life, you’ll find plenty to love.