Quang Phu Cau’s 15 Best Tours: Which To Choose?

Exploring Quang Phu Cau offers a fascinating glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional crafts and artisanal skills. Unlike some other craft villages, this area combines incense-making, conical hat craft, and lacquer art into engaging tours that are rich in local culture. We particularly enjoy tours that include hands-on experiences, like decorating a conical hat or learning the incense process, because they leave you with memorable souvenirs and authentic insights. One standout is the Full Day Tour: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art, which combines several crafts for a full immersion.

If you’re short on time, the half-day options—like the From Hanoi: Half-Day Tour to Incense & Hat Villages—offer a quick but meaningful taste of local craftsmanship. For those keen to explore Hanoi’s highlights alongside village visits, tours like the Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat, & City Highlights Tour blend cultural sites with outdoor crafts. Whichever you pick, these experiences promise genuine local encounters, often with engaging guides who share stories behind each craft.

1. Hanoi Incense Village Tour & Traditional Crafts All Included

This tour is a comprehensive dive into Vietnamese traditional craftsmanship. It takes you through Incense Village, Chuong Village for conical hats, and Hanoi Lacquer Village, all in one day. With a 4.5/5 rating based on 19 reviews and priced at $35, it offers excellent value for those wanting a well-rounded experience. The trip includes boat rides, hiking, cycling, and visits to artisan workshops, making it ideal for active travelers who want more than just a quick look.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on authentic local artisans and their crafts, plus the opportunity to explore hidden corners of northern Vietnam. The inclusion of epic adventures like boat trips and cycling adds a fun, physical element. Reviewers appreciate the mix of scenery and craftsmanship, and at this price point, it’s an easy way to cover a lot of ground while gaining meaningful insight into Vietnam’s craft traditions.

Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers seeking a full-day, immersive experience that combines culture, activity, and genuine interactions.

2. From Hanoi: Half-Day Tour to Incense & Hat Villages

At number 2, this $13 tour is a budget-friendly option that packs a punch in terms of cultural authenticity. It’s a 5-hour trip focusing on Chuong Village’s conical hat making and the century-old incense craft of Quang Phu Cau. It’s particularly appealing if you want a quick, in-depth look at two of Vietnam’s most iconic artisanal trades.

The tour includes visits to small-scale incense factories and a hands-on experience of conical hat making, with options to observe the entire process. It’s well-suited for travelers who prefer shorter trips but still want meaningful cultural exposure. The reviews note how the process of crafting conical hats is especially intriguing, and the guides help explain the symbolism behind these crafts.

Bottom Line: A great pick for budget travelers or those with limited time who want authentic craft experiences without sacrificing depth.

3. Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat, & City Highlights Tour

This approximately 6-hour tour, costing $16, combines village visits with key Hanoi sights. It begins with a traditional conical hat workshop, where you can observe and decorate your own hat—then shifts to the incense village, where craft production is on full display. Afterward, the tour incorporates visits to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Temple of Literature.

The appeal is the seamless blending of urban sights with rural crafts, offering a well-rounded perspective of Hanoi’s cultural landscape. The tour ends with a visit to Train Street, where you can enjoy a coffee while watching the trains pass. The added option for a full-day tour including a water puppet show makes this ideal for travelers wanting a comprehensive Hanoi experience.

Review highlight: “Learned how conical hats are made and got a selfie with incense in the background.”
Bottom Line: Best for those wanting a mix of Hanoi’s history and craftsmanship, all in one engaging day.

4. Hanoi’s Artisan Trail Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Art Tour

Rating 4.7/5 from 3 reviews, this $14 tour offers a focused, artisan-led journey across three crafts. It emphasizes traditional techniques, including incense stick production, conical hat crafting, and lacquerware, with visits to Train Street for some great photo opportunities. The tour is flexible, running from 5 to 9 hours, perfect if you want a relaxed pace.

What sets this apart is the small number of reviews noting the guide’s knowledge and the opportunity to see local artisans at work in their homes and workshops. The experience feels intimate, making it suitable for travelers eager to learn craft secrets firsthand.

Bottom Line: A highly recommended choice for craft lovers who want a detailed, personal look at Vietnam’s artisanal traditions.

5. From Ha Noi: Conical Hat and Incense-Making Villages Tour

Rated 4.5/5, this $31 tour is tailored for those interested in traditional craft demonstrations. It covers Chuong village’s hat-making and Quang Phu Cau’s incense production, with a focus on learning about the process. It’s best suited for travelers who want a guided overview and the chance to buy souvenirs directly from artisans.

Reviewers found the manufacturing process fascinating and praise the guide’s storytelling. It’s a straightforward, engaging experience that gives you a sense of Vietnam’s craftsmanship heritage.

Bottom Line: Ideal for those seeking a balanced, educational experience without too much fuss.

6. Hanoi Day Tour: Incense, Hat and Lacquer Villages

Rated 4.5/5 with a price of $34, this full or half-day tour offers visits to multiple villages plus a home-cooked meal. It’s designed for travelers wanting a broader culture, including learning lacquer techniques at Ha Thai Village and creating their own souvenirs.

The tour is well-paced, with a focus on artisans’ daily lives. The delicious local meal adds a tasty touch. This tour is perfect for those who want to see multiple crafts in one day but have limited time.

Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers interested in more than one craft, seeking value and variety.

7. 1 Day Tour to Incense Village, Hat Village & More

For $56, this full-day experience covers Huong Village for hat-making, Quang Phu Cau for incense, and a sculpture village. It’s highly rated (4/5) and offers opportunities to try making your own conical hat and lacquer.

Reviewers mention Eric’s excellent guiding, making it a favorite among repeat visitors. It’s suited for travelers who want a comprehensive culture tour with hands-on activities.

Bottom Line: Best for those wanting to maximize village visits and craft participation in a day.

8. Full Day Tour: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art

At $62 and an 8-hour duration, this private tour emphasizes learning the incense-making process in depth. It’s perfect for craft enthusiasts who want personalized attention and a detailed look into Vietnamese artisanal methods. It includes visits to Quang Phu Cau and local family workshops.

Some reviews note the high-quality experience but suggest it’s better suited for those keen on intensive craft learning. The price is reasonable given the depth of experience and personalized service.

Bottom Line: Ideal for dedicated craft lovers wanting a private, detailed experience.

9. Ha Noi: Perfume pagoda or Incense Village w Guide Pick up

This tour combines scenic boat trips on Yen stream with visits to Quang Phu Cau and the Perfume Pagoda. Priced at $49, it offers a more spiritual and scenic experience alongside craft exploration. It’s best for travelers who enjoy a mix of nature, religion, and crafts.

The boat ride adds a tranquil moment, while the tour of incense-making provides cultural insight. It’s suited for those who want a more leisurely pace and diverse activities.

Bottom Line: Great for travelers looking to combine nature and craft in a single trip.

10. Incense and Hat Village 1/2 Day Trip From Hanoi

This budget-friendly $14 tour is a long day (12 hours) focusing on incense and conical hat-making. It includes visits to Ung Hoa District and Thanh Oai villages, with a focus on local artisans.

It’s best for adventurous travelers with plenty of time and interest in rural Vietnam. The trip involves multiple stops, so patience and curiosity are key.

Bottom Line: For those who want to see more rural villages and don’t mind a full day of travel.

11. Excursion to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village from Hanoi

Rated perfect 5/5, this private 5-hour trip is ideal for those seeking personalized insight into incense-making. It emphasizes community engagement and photo opportunities.

It’s best suited for travelers who want a focused, private experience with a guide who shares extra cultural stories. The reviews praise the prudent driver and insightful conversation.

Bottom Line: An excellent choice for intimate, personalized craft exploration.

12. Explore Quang Phu Cau Incense Stick/Hat/Lacquer Village

At around $60 for a full-day tour, this experience covers all three crafts in depth. It allows you to visit artisans’ homes, factories, and learn about the process. It emphasizes getting off the tourist trail by exploring traditional villages.

It’s best for avid craft enthusiasts who want to see the process at every stage and meet the makers. The detailed itinerary and local interactions make this a well-rounded option.

Bottom Line: Perfect for those with a real interest in Vietnamese craft techniques and community-based tourism.

13. From Hanoi: experience traditional Vietnamese craft villages

For $77, this full-day tour includes visits to Ha Thai Lacquer Village, Non Chuong Village, and Quang Phu Cau. It focuses on learning about lacquerware, hat-making, and incense crafts with a local guide.

It’s good for travelers wanting a structured, educational experience covering multiple crafts with lunch at a local home.

Bottom Line: Well-suited for those wanting a comprehensive craft day with an emphasis on learning and interaction.

14. From Hanoi: Incense Village 1 Day Trip

Rated 5/5, this popular day trip ($57) takes you through Quang Phu Cau and a lacquer factory. It emphasizes the art of incense making and includes making your own cone hat.

The trip is practical, with visits to family-run workshops and scenic village scenes. It’s a good pick for immersive experiences that combine craft, scenery, and local life.

Bottom Line: An excellent, well-reviewed option for a full day of craft exploration.

15. From Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art

Finally, this private 5-8 hour tour offers full immersion in quintessential Vietnamese crafts. It includes visits to Quang Phu Cau and Chuong village, with a focus on personalized interaction.

Rated 5/5, it’s perfect for those wanting a private, tailored experience with possible additional visits to artisan homes and workshops. The delicious home-cooked lunch is a highlight.

Bottom Line: An ideal choice for travelers looking for flexibility and a deeply personalized craft experience.

How to Choose the Right Tour in Quang Phu Cau

When selecting your tour, consider your budget, time constraints, and specific interests. If you want a comprehensive experience covering multiple crafts and scenic activities, the Full Day Tour: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art is hard to beat. For a quick, budget-friendly visit, the Half-Day Tour to Incense & Hat Villages delivers authentic insights without breaking the bank.

Those interested in more personalized attention might prefer the Private Incense Village Excursion or Experience Traditional Vietnamese Craft Villages. For travelers who want an all-in-one cultural tour that combines Hanoi sights and craft villages, the Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat, & City Highlights Tour offers a great mix.

Booking early is advisable, especially for popular private and full-day tours, to ensure availability and tailor your experience.

Final Words

Quang Phu Cau and its surrounding villages present a fantastic opportunity to see Vietnam’s artisanal skills firsthand. Whether you prefer a short half-day visit or a comprehensive full-day experience, options abound for every interest and budget. For craft lovers, the Full Day Tour delivers a deep dive, while the budget-friendly Half-Day Tour is perfect for a quick taste.

If you’re eager for a personal, detailed experience, booking one of the private tours ensures you get the most out of your day. No matter your choice, these tours guarantee an authentic look into Vietnam’s rich craft traditions—so don’t wait, book early, and enjoy your journey into Vietnamese artisanship.