Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat, and Lacquer Artisanal Tour

If you’re after a glimpse into Vietnam’s craftsmanship beyond the bustling streets of Hanoi, this tour offers a fascinating peek into traditional artisanal work. It’s a great way to step outside the city’s crowded tourist spots and see local life through the eyes of master artisans. With visits to three unique villages, expert guides, and a chance to create your own souvenirs, it promises an engaging, authentic experience.

What we love about this tour:

• The chance to visit real, working villages still practicing age-old crafts
• The opportunity to try your hand at making a conical hat and painting lacquer art
• The picturesque scenes at the incense village, perfect for stunning photos
• The value for money, with prices starting at just $16 per person for a full cultural day

One consideration:
The tour relies on group sizes and timing, so it might feel a bit rushed if you prefer in-depth, leisurely visits. Also, the bus can be crowded, and some stops may be busy or staged for travelers.

Ideal for:
Travelers who enjoy hands-on cultural activities, want to learn about Vietnamese craftsmanship, and appreciate guided tours that combine education with fun.

Key Points

• Authentic craft villages: Visit three traditional villages focused on incense, conical hats, and lacquer art.
• Guided experience: Knowledgeable guides like Anna, Lana, and Jay make the process engaging and fun.
• Photo opportunities: Colorful scenes at the incense village and the chance to paint your own hat.
• Value for money: Starting at just $16, with options for full-day or half-day tours including a home-cooked lunch.
• Flexible options: Choose a half-day tour or a full-day experience with more villages and activities.
• Convenient pickup: Hotel pickup in Hanoi Old Quarter makes this seamless and easy to join.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Exploring Hanoi’s Artisanal Villages: What to Expect

This tour is designed to showcase Hanoi’s traditional crafts, giving you insight into local artisans’ lives while offering plenty of opportunities to get involved. It’s not just a sightseeing trip; it’s a chance to see, learn, and even create.

Starting Point and Transportation

Your journey begins with a hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, one of the city’s most lively and convenient neighborhoods. The comfortable bus takes you out of the city, often about a 15-30 minute drive depending on traffic, to the first village. Expect a well-organized experience, though some reviews note the bus can be crowded and the pickup outside of hotels even if advertised.

The Conical Hat Village: Chuong

Your first stop is the Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village, which has been making hats for over 300 years. Here, the focus is on observing local artisans as they craft and paint traditional Vietnamese hats. The process is remarkably manual—each hat is shaped by hand, and painting involves delicate brushwork. Many visitors enjoy participating in the painting activity, leaving with a hat they painted themselves. As one reviewer mentioned, “Painting the hat was very relaxing and therapeutic,” adding a personal touch to the experience.

Guide-led explanations help you understand the significance of the hat in Vietnamese culture, and some even get involved in the process, which makes the visit more memorable. The village itself provides a lovely, lively setting, with artisans working in small workshops that feel authentic rather than overly staged.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Next, you’re off to the Incense Village, where incense has been made for over 100 years. This part of the tour is perfect for those who love vibrant visuals. You’ll see colorful bundles of bamboo sticks and learn about the intricate manual process of incense-making. Visitors often comment on how much effort and skill go into each bundle.

A highlight is meeting a family that specializes in dyeing incense sticks, which offers a glimpse into the family-run nature of the craft. Many reviewers note the stunning photographs they take here, thanks to the riot of colors and traditional scenes. “The incense village was stunning to see,” said a traveler, capturing the visual appeal.

For those interested in the production process, there’s a nearby factory where incense is made from scratch, giving a more industrial perspective. Before heading back to Hanoi, you can pick up souvenirs—like incense bundles made on-site—to take home as authentic keepsakes.

More Great Tours Nearby

Lacquer Crafting Village

For the full-day option, the last stop is the Lacquer Village. This craft involves multiple steps—drawing, carving, and applying lacquer to produce intricate artworks. Visiting a family-run factory, you’ll see artisans producing large lacquer items, and you can even paint a lacquer piece yourself. As one reviewer noted, “Seeing how lacquer art is produced and getting to paint my own was a highlight.”

This stop is quieter and more intimate than the previous ones, offering a chance to truly appreciate the craftsmanship. Many visitors find it intriguing to learn about the detailed process and leave with a sense of respect for the skill involved.

Optional Train Street Visit

At the end of the tour, there’s an optional drop-off at the famous Train Street. If you’re curious, you can explore this lively spot at your own pace before returning to your hotel. Some reviews mention enjoying the vibe here, while others prefer to skip it to keep the day more relaxed.

The Experience in Practice

The tours are generally well-organized, with hotel pickup and drop-offs included, making logistics hassle-free. The half-day tour, costing around $16 per person, is excellent value for a quick introduction to Hanoi’s craftsmanship scene. It typically lasts about 6 hours—perfect for those with limited time or wanting a light yet enriching experience.

The full-day options expand on this, with extra villages and a home-cooked lunch included. Many reviews highlight the quality of guides like Anna, Lana, and Jay, who bring enthusiasm and genuine knowledge to the experience. They also add personal touches—like taking photos or sharing stories—that elevate the tour beyond just a sightseeing checklist.

What You’ll Actually Get

• Hands-on activities: Painting hats, creating lacquer art, and understanding incense making.
• Insight into local life: Seeing artisans at work helps you understand the traditional craft community.
• Cultural appreciation: Learning about the significance of these crafts in Vietnamese culture.
• Photo opportunities: Vivid scenes of colorful incense bundles and artisan workshops.
• Souvenirs: Take home your painted cone hat and incense or lacquer items (or just memories).

Price and Value

At $16 for the half-day, the tour offers remarkable value, especially considering the personalized experience and the chance to see genuine working villages. The full-day version includes a home-cooked lunch and visits to more villages, making it well worth the added cost if you want a deeper dive.

What Could Be Better?

Some guests have mentioned the bus being cramped or the villages feeling somewhat staged for travelers. The conical hat stop, in particular, can get busy, which might detract from the authenticity. Also, since the tour involves multiple stops, it’s a relatively quick overview, not an in-depth class—so if you’re after a detailed workshop, you might want to look elsewhere.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience is perfect for curious travelers eager to see real Vietnamese crafts firsthand. It suits those wanting an interactive, fun day that combines sightseeing with creative activities. If you’re interested in photography, the vibrant scenes are a bonus. It’s also ideal for anyone on a budget, given the reasonable price point and inclusion of transportation, guiding, and activities.

Those who prefer leisurely, in-depth workshops or very small group settings might find it a little fast-paced, but overall, most reviewers find it well worth the time and money. It’s especially good for families, solo travelers, or couples who want a taste of local tradition without committing to a long, expensive tour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there hotel pickup?
Yes, pickup is included from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making it easy to start your day. Outside the Old Quarter, contact the provider for advice on the meeting point.

How long does the tour last?
The half-day tour runs for about 6 hours, while the full-day option lasts all day, covering more villages and including lunch.

Can I participate in the craft activities?
Absolutely. You can paint your own conical hat and lacquer piece, adding a personalized touch to your souvenirs.

Is lunch included?
Lunch is included only in the full-day tour, served at a local family or riverside restaurant. The half-day tour does not include lunch, so plan accordingly.

What is the tour price?
Starting at $16 per person for the half-day version, with full-day options offering more activities and a traditional meal.

Are tips included?
No, tips for guides and drivers are appreciated but not included in the price.

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children who enjoy hands-on activities and cultural experiences often find this tour engaging. Just ensure they’re comfortable with walking and small group settings.

Are there any restrictions?
The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Also, artisans often use acrylic or lacquer paints, so sensitive noses might want to bring a mask or avoid painting if smells are an issue.

In The Sum Up

This Hanoi artisan tour offers a well-rounded look at some of Vietnam’s most beloved crafts. It’s affordable, engaging, and perfect for travelers wanting to understand local traditions with a touch of creativity. You’ll leave with meaningful souvenirs and a new appreciation for the skill and dedication of Vietnamese artisans.

Whether you opt for the half-day or full-day version, this experience is a fantastic way to explore beyond Hanoi’s busy streets and see the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship. It caters to curious, hands-on travelers eager to learn, take photos, and participate in local artisanal traditions—making it a memorable highlight of any trip to Hanoi.

Additional Information

Language: English-speaking guides
Group size: Private groups available, but standard tours are usually small and personalized
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance
What to bring: Comfortable shoes and snacks if on the half-day tour (since no meal is provided)
Not allowed: Pets

This tour delivers an authentic, lively, and budget-friendly cultural experience—definitely worth considering if craft and tradition are on your Hanoi itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here: