Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat and Knife-Making Tour

Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat and Knife-Making Tour
Location: Northern Vietnam, Vietnam
Cost: $13 per person
Duration: 6 hours to a full day
Rating: 4.9/5 from 12 reviews
Provider: CRAFT VILLAGE HANOI TOUR

A quick look at what this tour offers — For just $13, you’ll spend anywhere from six hours to a full day exploring Vietnam’s traditional crafts outside Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter. The experience takes you to Quang Phu Cau Village for incense-making, Chuong Conical Hat Village for hat decoration, and Da Sy Blacksmith Village for knife forging. You’ll even get to craft your own souvenir — whether it’s a painted hat or a handmade knife.

Two things we particularly love about this tour: First, the chance to see artisans at work, which offers a genuine peek into Vietnam’s craft traditions rather than a sanitized, mass-produced version. Second, the hands-on activities—painting a conical hat and forging your own knife—give you a tangible memory of your visit.

One consideration is that this tour involves quite a bit of walking and standing, so comfortable shoes are a must. Also, if you’re especially interested in the knife workshop, be sure your booking includes that component, as some options focus only on the villages.

This experience suits curious travelers who want more than just sightseeing — it’s perfect for those eager to connect with local artisans and take home a meaningful, handcrafted souvenir. It’s an ideal choice for families, craft lovers, or anyone looking for a memorable, authentic day outside Hanoi.

Key Points

• Authentic Cultural Insights: Get a close look at traditional Vietnamese crafts directly from artisans.
• Hands-On Activities: Decorate your own conical hat and forge a knife with expert guidance.
• Affordable Price: At just $13, the value is remarkable for the depth of experience and souvenirs you’ll bring home.
• Diverse Stops: Combining incense making, hat decorating, and blacksmithing offers a well-rounded view of local craftsmanship.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a full-day or half-day tour, with private or small group options available.
• Knowledgeable Guides: Visitors consistently praise guides for their friendliness and detailed explanations.

You can check availability for your dates here:

In-Depth Review of the Hanoi Craft Village Tour

An introduction to the villages and what they reveal about Vietnamese culture

This tour is a refreshing departure from Hanoi’s busy streets, whisking you away to some of the region’s most traditional craft villages. For just $13, you get a well-organized journey that balances education, activity, and a touch of cultural charm. The key stops—Quang Phu Cau for incense, Chuong for conical hats, and Da Sy for blacksmithing—each tell a story about Vietnam’s artisanal heritage.

Starting with Quang Phu Cau – the incense-making village

Your day begins with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and soon you’re on the road to Quang Phu Cau. This village has been producing incense for over a century. We loved the way artisans work on family-scale operations, crafting bundles of aromatic incense by hand. It’s a far cry from factory-produced sticks, and the vibrant dyed incense sticks on display are a feast for the eyes.

Guides often describe the process of incense-making in detail, revealing how each step is a delicate balance of tradition and craftsmanship. You might find the family who dyes the sticks especially friendly, happy to show their techniques and explain how their products are made. The visit to a nearby factory takes you a step further—here, you’ll learn how incense is made from scratch, giving you insight into the manual labor involved. Many reviews highlight how “the artisans were adorable” and appreciated the chance to see the full process, from raw materials to finished products.

Chuong Conical Hat Village — a symbol of Vietnamese identity

Next, you’ll head to Chuong Village, known for over 300 years of conical hat craftsmanship. The process of making these iconic hats is fascinating—the way artisans shape straw and attach the brim offers a glimpse into how Vietnam’s history and culture are woven into everyday objects.

What makes this stop special is the opportunity to decorate your own hat. Painting a traditional conical hat allows you to add a personal touch, and many travelers tell us how much they cherish their painted souvenirs. The craftsmanship involved is impressive, but what we really enjoyed is the interaction with the artisan guides who patiently teach you the art of decoration.

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Da Sy Blacksmith Village — forging memories (and knives)

The final stop is Da Sy Village, famed for blacksmithing and knife-making. Here, you enter a world of sparks and glowing steel. We loved the way the guide explained the importance of blacksmithing, a craft passed down through generations—used for farming tools, weapons, and everyday utensils.

Under expert guidance, you’ll hammer raw steel into a blade, experience the intense heat of the forge, and learn grinding and polishing techniques. Carving and attaching the wooden handle personalizes your creation—something that stays memorable long after the tour ends. Several reviews comment on how “the experience of making your own knife is so cool” and how the guides are attentive and knowledgeable.

The overall experience — what to expect

This tour is a blend of observation, participation, and souvenir-making. You can expect a full day of walking, with some physical activity involved—so wear comfortable shoes and bring a camera to capture artisans at work and your own handiwork.

The tour can be tailored to your interests, with private or small group options, and the pace is flexible. The guides are praised for their warmth and expertise, often going above and beyond to ensure everyone feels involved and informed.

What the reviews say

Authentic experiences shine through in the reviews. Mélanie from France calls it “a super day with family,” emphasizing the adorable artisans and the guide’s kindness. Cherry from the UK highlights the great photographer and the accommodating guide Huy, making sure everyone has a good time.

The feedback about the knife-making workshop is uniformly positive, with travelers feeling proud of their handcrafted blades. One reviewer from Australia notes, “The incense village is a great place to learn how to make it from start to finish,” appreciating the hands-on aspect.

Price and value analysis

At just $13, this tour offers exceptional value. You get multiple craft demonstrations, hands-on activities, and souvenirs—all of which would likely cost much more if arranged independently. The inclusion of local guides who are knowledgeable and friendly enhances the experience, making the price quite reasonable.

Who should consider this tour?

This experience is best suited to curious travelers who want a meaningful connection to Vietnamese traditions. It’s particularly good for families, craft enthusiasts, and those who value authentic interactions over superficial sightseeing. It is also suitable for those with limited mobility, as the tour involves walking but not strenuous activity.

The Sum Up

For anyone visiting Hanoi and looking to go beyond typical temple visits or bustling markets, this tour offers a practical, affordable, and engaging experience. It’s a chance to see firsthand how local artisans keep centuries-old traditions alive, and to participate in them yourself. The hands-on activities make it especially memorable, giving you tangible souvenirs and stories to share.

The knowledgeable guides make all the difference, explaining processes patiently and adding context to each craft. The tour balances education and fun, making it suitable for both solo travelers and families. If you’re eager to connect with Vietnam’s rich craft traditions without breaking the bank, this tour delivers more than its modest price suggests.

This is a highly recommended experience for those interested in authentic culture, craftsmanship, and meaningful souvenirs. It’s a rare chance to see how local artisans work, learn their stories, and take home a piece of Vietnam in a truly personal way.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The tour typically runs from 6 hours to a full day, with options for half-day or full-day experiences.

What is included in the price?
For $13, you get guided visits to three villages, hands-on activities like hat decoration and knife forging, and souvenirs such as your painted hat and handmade knife.

Are there private and group options?
Yes, both private and small group tours are available, allowing you to choose the experience that best suits your preference.

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Most likely yes, but because there’s some physical activity involved, comfortable shoes are recommended. Kids who enjoy crafts will love it.

What should I bring?
Bring comfortable walking shoes and a camera to capture artisans at work and your own creations.

Does the tour involve a lot of walking?
Yes, expect some walking at each village, but it’s manageable for most travelers.

Can I customize the tour?
Yes, with private options, guides can usually tailor the experience to your interests, such as focusing more on knife-making or hat decoration.

What if I want to include a visit to Hanoi Train Street?
Some options include a drop-off at Hanoi Train Street after the tour. If you don’t want to go there, just inform your guide.

Is the tour family-friendly?
Absolutely, many reviews mention family enjoyment, especially with the craft activities and friendly guides.

Embark on this engaging, authentic journey into Vietnam’s craft traditions—you’ll walk away with more than souvenirs; you’ll carry stories and skills to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: