Incense Village, Hat & Lacquer Artisanal Tour Options From Hanoi

Exploring Hanoi’s Handicraft Heritage: Incense, Hats & Lacquer Art

If you’re looking to step outside the bustling streets of Hanoi for a deeper look into Vietnam’s artisanal traditions, this Incense Village, Hat & Lacquer Artisanal Tour offers a fascinating day. For just $20 per person, you’ll spend about 8 hours visiting three historic villages—Chuong Conical Hat Village, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, and Ha Thai Lacquerware Village. Whether you choose a group or private experience, this tour promises a hands-on look at Vietnam’s craftsmanship, complete with opportunities to make your own souvenirs and enjoy a traditional home-cooked meal.

What really makes this tour shine are the chance to actually make a conical hat and try your hand at lacquer painting, along with insightful stories about the centuries-old traditions. We love how the guides are praised for their knowledge and friendliness—making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Plus, the inclusion of a home-cooked lunch adds a warm, authentic touch that many travelers appreciate.

One thing to keep in mind is that a good part of the day involves driving between villages, which might be a consideration if you’re eager for more walking or exploring on foot. Also, if you’re expecting to take home your lacquer artwork, note that in the full-day option the painted piece is for demonstration only. This tour suits travelers who love learning about local crafts, want a break from city sightseeing, and appreciate a meaningful hands-on activity.

If you’re curious about Vietnamese artisanship, enjoy cultural stories, or want a more personal experience with your tour guide, this trip is an excellent fit. It’s particularly well-suited for those who value authenticity over touristy gimmicks and for families or solo travelers eager to see a different side of Hanoi.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: Visit traditional villages to see how conical hats, incense sticks, and lacquerware are made.
• Hands-On Experience: Make your own conical hat and participate in lacquer painting with expert guidance.
• Cultural Insights: Learn the history behind each craft with knowledgeable local artisans.
• Delicious Home Cooking: Enjoy a homemade Vietnamese meal, with vegetarian and non-vegetarian options.
• Flexible Tour Options: Choose between a half-day or full-day experience, including a visit to three villages and your own souvenir.
• Value for Money: At $20, you get a full day of authentic, educational experiences with most reviews praising the guides and the value.

A Closer Look at the Tour Experience

Start at Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the tour begins with hotel pickup (or a designated meeting point). From there, it’s a short drive to your first stop: Chuong Conical Hat Village. Here, you’ll see artisans craft the iconic hats that are as much a symbol of Vietnam as pho. We loved the opportunity to decorate our own hats by painting them—a simple but satisfying way to connect with local traditions. The guide, often praised in reviews for her energy and knowledge, will explain the history and significance of the conical hat, which dates back over 2,500 years.

Next, your journey takes you to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. With over a hundred years of history, this village produces incense sticks that are part of Vietnam’s spiritual life. We found it fascinating to watch the incense-making process firsthand—seeing the sticks being layered and rolled, just like artisans have done for generations. The colorful, large flower sculptures make for great photo ops, often highlighted as a favorite part of the trip. Reviewers mention that “most of the trip is driving,” so don’t expect long walks here, but the visual feast and storytelling are well worth it.

The third stop is Ha Thai Village, known for its lacquerware. Here, a skilled artisan demonstrates the art of lacquer painting—a craft that has been thriving since the 17th century. You’ll have a chance to try your hand at a key process of making lacquer art, guided carefully through the steps. While the painted piece in the full-day tour is for demonstration only, the experience of participating is often praised as “very educational,” and it’s a chance to see the meticulous techniques involved.

Lunch is included only in the full-day option, served in a local home. Expect a home-cooked Vietnamese meal with vegetarian and meat options, praised by reviewers for its authenticity. Being invited into a local artisan’s home adds a genuine touch that few city tours can match. Many travelers report that the meal is simple yet flavorful, rounding out the culture.

Transportation is via air-conditioned vehicle, and the tour’s group size is capped at 30, which helps keep it intimate but lively. The tour culminates back in Hanoi, with an optional drop-off at the famous Train Street or return to the original meeting point.

Authenticity and Value

What sets this tour apart is its focus on genuine craft. Instead of just viewing products in a shop, you see artisans at work, learn their stories, and get to try making your own. For $20, the value is substantial—especially considering the inclusion of hotel pickup, most admissions, and a hearty home-cooked lunch in the full-day option. The reviews consistently praise the knowledgeable guides, who make complex processes understandable and fun.

Many travelers appreciated the personal touches, like guides encouraging participation and taking photos. Several mention that guides like Louisa and Ms. Jay went above and beyond, making the experience memorable. The tour’s structure allows for plenty of photo opportunities, with some reviewers commenting on how helpful the guides were in capturing moments, even under challenging lighting conditions.

However, a few reviews note that most of the day involves driving, which might be less appealing if you prefer more walking and exploring on foot. Also, if you’re hoping to bring home lacquered pieces, note that in the full-day experience, the painted items are for demonstration only—though you can keep your hat or take photos of your lacquer attempt.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is ideal for travelers who love learning through hands-on activities and are interested in Vietnam’s traditional crafts. It suits those who want a break from typical sightseeing, craving authentic interactions with artisans and a taste of local life. Families with kids, solo travelers, and couples alike will find value—especially if they appreciate stories and craftsmanship over just ticking off landmarks. The tour is also a good choice for those on a budget, offering a full day of culture at a very reasonable price.

If you’re keen on photos, you’ll love the colorful scenes and the chance to decorate your own hat or capture artisans at work. If you’re curious about Vietnam’s spiritual and artistic traditions, this tour offers a meaningful glimpse into the country’s craftsmanship heritage.

FAQ

How long is the tour?
It lasts approximately 8 hours, with options for half-day or full-day experiences.

What is included in the price?
Most admissions, air-conditioned transportation, hotel pickup and drop-off (in Hanoi’s Old Quarter), and a home-cooked lunch in the full-day option. The tour also includes the opportunity to make your own souvenir.

Can I choose a group or private tour?
Yes, you can opt for a group experience or a private tour, depending on your preference.

What should I bring?
Comfortable clothes, a rain jacket or poncho (weather-dependent), and a camera for photos. A hat or sunscreen may be useful, especially when outdoors.

Is the lacquer art piece I make in the tour usable at home?
In the full-day tour, the painted lacquer piece is for demonstration only. You can keep your conical hat that you painted yourself.

Are vegetarian options available?
Yes, the home-cooked lunch can be vegetarian or nonvegetarian, based on your preference.

How much walking is involved?
Most of the attractions involve short visits and photos, with a focus on driving between villages. Expect some walking within villages, but it’s mostly easy and accessible.

What if I want to visit Train Street?
The tour offers an optional drop-off at Train Street, but reviews note some confusion about this; it’s best to confirm with your guide before setting out.

All in all, this tour offers a delightful peek into Vietnamese craftsmanship, with the perfect balance of educational content, culture, and practical souvenirs. It’s a wonderful option for travelers keen to step into a living tradition and take home more than just memories—thanks to the chance to make and decorate your own crafts.