Incense Village & Bamboo Fish Trap Village & Soy Sauce From Hanoi

Discovering Hanoi’s Hidden Crafts: Incense, Fish Traps, and Soy Sauce

If you’re looking for a day trip from Hanoi that reveals Vietnam’s authentic craft traditions, this tour offers a wonderful blend of sights, smells, and stories. For just $1.79 per person, you’ll spend roughly 6 to 8 hours exploring the tiny villages of Hung Yen—home to centuries-old techniques that are all but disappearing. Your journey includes visits to Incense Village, Bamboo Fish Trap Village, and Soy Sauce Village, with knowledgeable guides bringing each craft to life through stories and hands-on experiences.

What we love most is how personal this tour feels. It isn’t just about rushing through tourist spots; it’s about understanding the painstaking work and cultural pride behind each craft. The chance to see traditional fish trap making and soy sauce production up close offers a rare glimpse into Vietnam’s artisan roots. Plus, the optional private photo tours let you capture these vibrant scenes without feeling rushed.

One consideration? The tour’s duration means comfortable footwear and a willingness to embrace rural settings. If you prefer a leisurely, detailed exploration of Vietnam’s crafts rather than a quick overview of tourist spots, this experience will suit you perfectly. Travelers who enjoy genuine local interactions and small-group atmospheres will find it especially rewarding.

Key Points

• Authentic craft experiences: Learn traditional fish trap weaving, soy sauce making, and incense crafting directly from local artisans.
• Intimate small group: With a maximum of 9 travelers, the tour feels personal, allowing for meaningful interaction.
• Cultural insight: Guides are knowledgeable, sharing stories that add depth to each village visit, enriching your understanding of local traditions.
• Affordable value: At just $1.79, this tour offers a rare opportunity to explore Vietnam’s artisan side without breaking the bank.
• Beautiful rural scenery: Expect picturesque scenes of rural Vietnam, especially in the incense and fishing villages, perfect for photography.
• Flexible options: Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter and some private guides speaking multiple languages enhance convenience and comfort.

A Deep Dive into the Village Visits

Incense Village & Quang Phu Cau Handicraft Village

Your day begins with a visit to Quang Phu Cau Village, where the air is filled with the fragrant aroma of incense sticks being crafted by skilled artisans. This is more than just a sightseeing stop; it’s an opportunity to see traditional incense-making techniques that have sustained the local community for generations. The guide will probably tell you about the significance of incense in Vietnamese culture, used in religious and spiritual practices across the country.

The highlight here is the chance for you to make your own incense sticks, which the guide will help you with—plus, you get to take some home as a souvenir. As it’s a private photo tour option, you can also get close and personal, capturing the artisans at work amid the vibrant colors and fragrant smoke. One traveler, Sian_W, noted how their guide Huy was very knowledgeable and helpful with photography, making the experience even more memorable.

Fish Trap Village of Thu Sy

Next, you’ll venture about 7 km from Hung Yen’s city center to Thu Sy Fish Trap Village, renowned for traditional fish trap weaving. Here, the focus is on a craft that has been passed down for centuries—crafting local fish traps that are both functional and beautiful. This activity offers a fascinating look at rural Vietnamese livelihoods and ingenuity.

Expect to see local artisans demonstrating the weaving process, using natural materials to produce intricate traps that have sustained fishermen for generations. The scenery is authentic, peaceful, and photogenic. One review mentions that the village is “off the beaten path,” giving you a chance to see a less-commercialized side of Vietnam’s rural life. The experience is free of charge, making it an excellent value considering the cultural depth.

Soy Sauce Village of Ban Yen Nhan

Just 25 km from Hanoi, Ban Yen Nhan is famed for its traditional soy sauce production. Visiting this village is like stepping into a culinary secret—where local families have preserved ancient recipes and fermentation techniques. The guide will explain the process of making soy sauce, which involves fermentation in wooden barrels—a method that has been refined over generations.

This part of the tour gives you insight into Vietnam’s culinary heritage. You’ll see the soy sauce being brewed and perhaps even sample some fresh. The village is a charming place, with rustic scenes perfect for photos or simply soaking in the rural ambiance.

What to Expect and Tips for Travelers

Transportation and Comfort

Transportation is provided in an air-conditioned vehicle, which makes the long hours more comfortable—especially in Vietnam’s warm climate. The tour is designed to pick you up and drop you off at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, which is incredibly convenient for most travelers staying in that area.

Duration and Group Size

Spanning about 6 to 8 hours, this tour strikes a good balance between seeing enough without feeling rushed. With a maximum of 9 travelers, it retains an intimate atmosphere—perfect for conversation, questions, and genuine interactions.

What’s Included and What’s Not

At this price point, the tour provides bottled water, entrance fees for the villages, and guidance in both English and Vietnamese. For private tours, guides also speak French, Spanish, and Chinese, offering flexibility for language preferences. You’ll also get some incense sticks to take home—a small, meaningful souvenir.

Expenses not covered include personal drinks, extra souvenirs, or gratuities. This is typical but worth keeping in mind if you plan to purchase crafts or additional snacks.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits travelers who appreciate authentic cultural encounters over touristy attractions. If you’re curious about traditional Vietnamese crafts, enjoy small-group settings, or love capturing genuine local scenes on camera, you’ll find this tour highly rewarding. It’s especially perfect if you want to see a different side of Vietnam away from busy markets and bustling city streets.

Why This Tour Offers Real Value

For just $1.79, the value lies not just in the cost but in the depth of experience. You’re paying for guided visits to artisan villages where crafts are still made by hand, offering insight that no museum exhibit can match. The guided explanations about each craft add layers of understanding that deepen your appreciation.

The chance to participate in making incense and see traditional soy sauce fermentation adds a hands-on element that makes the experience memorable rather than just observational. Plus, the photography opportunities—especially with personalized guidance—are a bonus for those eager to document their trip.

Compared to more commercialized tours, this one offers a genuine connection to local life. It’s a chance to see how Vietnam’s artisans keep their traditions alive amidst modern challenges.

Final Thoughts: Who Should Take This Tour?

This tour is best suited for culturally curious travelers, small groups or couples who enjoy authentic experiences, and anyone wanting an affordable way to understand Vietnam’s artisan side. It’s especially suitable for those who value personalized guides and enjoy photography—thanks to the private photo opportunities and knowledgeable guides like Huy.

If your interest lies in local crafts, culinary traditions, or simply discovering a quieter, more authentic Vietnam, this day trip is a perfect choice. It offers a layered look at rural life, craftsmanship, and cultural pride, all wrapped into a manageable day’s outing from Hanoi.

FAQs

How long is the tour?
The tour lasts approximately 6 to 8 hours, making it a full but comfortably paced day trip.

What is included in the price?
You’ll receive hotel pickup and drop-off, bottled water, entrance fees to the villages, guidance in multiple languages (including English and Vietnamese), and some incense sticks to take home.

Are there private guide options?
Yes, private tours include guides speaking English, French, Spanish, or Chinese, offering more personalized attention.

Is this tour suitable for all travelers?
Most travelers can participate, as the tour is designed to be accessible. However, good walking shoes and a willingness to explore rural villages are recommended.

Can I take photos during the visits?
Absolutely. The guides encourage photography, especially during the private photo sessions at the incense and craft villages.

What is the main focus of each village?
Incense Village specializes in incense stick production, Fish Trap Village demonstrates traditional weaving techniques, and Soy Sauce Village shows how local soy sauce is crafted—each a window into Vietnam’s artisan traditions.

How far are the villages from Hanoi?
They are all within a short drive, with the soy sauce village about 25 km away, and the fish trap village about 7 km from Hung Yen’s city center.

What should I wear or bring?
Comfortable clothing and walking shoes are best. Bring your camera, some cash for souvenirs, and a curiosity for authentic Vietnamese crafts.

This tour offers a genuine slice of Vietnamese craftsmanship, perfect for those eager to see how tradition is kept alive by hand. It’s a day that balances culture, scenic beauty, and friendly guides—all at a very accessible price. If you’re after meaningful experiences away from crowded tourist spots, this is a journey you won’t forget.