Hanoi: Incense Village & Conical Hat Artisan Tour with Pickup

Summary

Vietnamese craft villages, incense scents and hands-on hat making in Hanoi

You’ll walk through Chuong village’s quiet lanes, meet artisans weaving conical hats by hand, and try decorating your own. In Quang Phu Cau Incense Village you’ll photograph bold red incense drying in sunlight and watch locals blend fragrant powders in lively workshops. With a local guide sharing stories along the way—and hotel pickup included—it’s a half-day full of color and small surprises.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the light—soft and a bit hazy, filtering through the roofs of Chuong village as we got out of the van. Our guide, Minh, waved us over to a little courtyard where two women sat weaving those classic Vietnamese conical hats. The air smelled faintly of dried palm leaves and something earthy. I tried weaving for a minute (let’s just say my hat wouldn’t survive a rainstorm), but they were patient, showing me how their hands moved so fast it was almost hypnotic. Minh told us these hats have been made here for generations—he even pointed out his aunt’s house across the lane.

After that we headed to Quang Phu Cau incense village—maybe 40 minutes away? The road got busier and then suddenly opened up to this wild scene: hundreds of bright red incense sticks fanned out like giant flowers all over the courtyards. The smell hit me before anything else—sweet, woody, but not overpowering. There were people everywhere, chatting or working or just laughing at us tourists trying to take “the shot.” I snapped about a hundred photos but honestly, just watching one woman roll incense by hand was the best part. She grinned when I asked if her hands ever smelled normal again (“Never!” she said).

We toured the factory too—loud, busy, with piles of colored powder and sticks everywhere. Minh explained how each family has their own little trick for mixing scents; some use cinnamon bark or star anise. I tried to remember all the steps but mostly just remember the colors and that sticky-sweet smell clinging to my clothes after we left. On the way back to Hanoi (they dropped us off near Train Street), I kept fiddling with the tiny hat I’d painted earlier—my not-so-masterpiece—and thinking about how much work goes into things you see every day here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Visit hat and incense villages in Hanoi

• Discover conical hat making process
• Meet local artisans and paint hats
• Explore Quang Phu Cau incense village
• Take photos of colorful village scenes
• Visit incense factory and watch production
• Return to Hanoi city center

Top questions

How long does the Hanoi Incense Village & Conical Hat tour last?

The tour is a half-day experience including travel time from Hanoi city center.

Is hotel pickup included in this artisan tour?

Yes, pickup from your accommodation in Hanoi is included.

Can I try making or decorating a conical hat during the tour?

Yes, you can try weaving and painting your own traditional Vietnamese hat.

What should I expect at Quang Phu Cau Incense Village?

You’ll see incense being made and dried outdoors, with opportunities for photos and learning about local traditions.

Are there strong smells on this tour?

The incense village has noticeable sweet and woody scents; it may not suit those sensitive to fragrances.

Is this tour suitable for children or people with limited mobility?

The tour is wheelchair accessible and suitable for families with children or strollers.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks both English and Vietnamese.

Are entry fees or bottled water provided?

Yes, all entry fees and bottled water are included during your visit.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hanoi by air-conditioned vehicle, all entry fees at both Chuong conical hat village and Quang Phu Cau incense village, bottled water along the way, plus an English-Vietnamese speaking local guide who shares stories behind each tradition before dropping you off back in town—or even at Train Street if you’d like.