Hanoi: Blacksmith Village or Incense Village, Hat Village

Traveling through Hanoi offers more than bustling streets and street food — it’s a chance to see the city’s craftsmanship come alive. This tour, offered by GREEN VIETNAM TRAVEL, scores highly for its authentic encounters, detailed craftsmanship, and value for money. Visitors get to craft their own knife, paint a conical hat, and learn about incense making in traditional villages just outside the city.

We particularly love how this journey combines hands-on activities with cultural insight, making it ideal for curious travelers eager to see Vietnam’s artisan side. Plus, the surprisingly low price of just $1.18 per person makes it accessible for almost anyone.

That said, be aware that the tour involves working with hot materials and sharp tools, requiring patience and some physical effort. It’s best suited for those comfortable with a bit of manual activity and interested in authentic, local crafts rather than just sightseeing. If you’re looking for a genuine taste of traditional Vietnamese skills, this tour checks so many boxes.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: Visit working villages renowned for conical hats, incense, and blacksmithing.
• Hands-On Activities: Make your own knife, paint a hat, and create incense sticks.
• Cultural Insights: Learn the history behind each craft from local artisans and families.
• Great Value: At just over a dollar per person, it offers high-quality, memorable experiences.
• Photo Opportunities: Colorful scenes, traditional tools, and handcrafted souvenirs make for perfect pictures.
• Flexible Options: Choose a half-day group tour or just a guided visit to incense village.

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary Breakdown

Starting Point and Transportation

The tour begins with a convenient pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter — perfect if you’re staying centrally. Transport is generally included in the full package, creating an easy transition from city hustle to quiet village life. For those not wanting a full transfer, there’s an option to hire a guide for just the village visit, but without car transfer and entrance fees included.

Conical Hat Village (Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village)

The journey starts in Chuong Village, famous for conical hat-making that’s been passed down for over 300 years. Here, you’ll see artisans weaving straw and palm leaves into the iconic hats. A highlight is the chance to paint your own hat — a fun, creative activity that leaves you with a personalized souvenir.

A visitor once noted, “We liked the experience as we were able to see the full process of producing incense sticks,” which echoes the satisfaction of witnessing craftsmanship from raw materials to finished product. Many comment on the peaceful, colorful scenes of traditional workshops and the skill involved in handcrafting these hats.

Incense Village (Quang Phu Cau)

Next, you’ll visit Quang Phu Cau, a village with over 100 years of incense-making tradition. Here, you’ll wander through narrow streets lined with bundles of colorful incense sticks and meet families who dye and craft incense on a small, artisanal scale.

One reviewer appreciated the opportunity to learn about incense-making from scratch and to observe the lives of local workers. The visit usually includes a trip to a nearby factory, where you can see a more industrial process, contrasting with the family-run workshops. You’ll even get to take home incense souvenirs, making this an aromatic memory of Vietnam’s craft traditions.

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Knife Making in Da Sy Village

For those opting into the full experience, the highlight is the knife-making workshop in Da Sy Village. This is where you’ll see artisans forge knives from raw steel — a craft with roots in both utility and resistance. Under the guidance of skilled blacksmiths, you’ll hold a hammer, shape hot steel, and learn grinding and polishing techniques.

Visitors describe feeling the heat of the forge and a sense of pride when holding their finished knife. It’s not just about the activity but about understanding a craft that has sustained generations of farmers and artisans. The experience isn’t rushed, allowing for plenty of time to ask questions and appreciate the skill involved.

Optional Visit to Hanoi Train Street

After the villages, travelers have the option to end the tour at Hanoi Train Street, famous for its narrow railway track running just a meter away from cafes and homes. If you’re not in a rush, you can soak in the ambiance, take photos, and watch the trains pass — a quirky, iconic Hanoi scene.

What to Expect from the Tour

This half-day experience typically lasts about 6 hours, starting early in the morning or late in the morning, depending on your preferred schedule. The tour is mostly conducted in small groups, making it intimate and more engaging. The itinerary balances hands-on activities with cultural stories, providing a meaningful connection to local traditions.

The tour is cost-effective, given the inclusion of materials, guidance, and entrance fees. For just $1.18 per person, it’s an incredible value considering the depth of experience. The price covers everything from the knife-making workshop, painting activities, incense-making, and all entrance fees. Bottled water is provided, and guides are knowledgeable, fluent in multiple languages.

Practical Considerations

Since the activities involve working with hot and sharp tools, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothes and be prepared for some physical effort. The villages are traditional, so don’t expect modern facilities — instead, enjoy the authentic atmosphere and the chance to learn directly from artisans.

If you choose the local guide option for incense village only, keep in mind that car transfer and entrance fees are not included, so plan accordingly. Some reviewers recommend bringing snacks, as the tour doesn’t include lunch.

Authenticity and Cultural Value

This tour shines in its authenticity. It’s not a staged demonstration but a real chance to meet local artisans and see their craft in action. The blacksmiths, incense makers, and hat artisans are proud of their work and eager to share their skills.

One reviewer, Maurizio, said, “The experience is exciting and good value,” highlighting how the tour offers a complete look at traditional crafts, not just superficial sightseeing. The opportunity to make your own souvenir — whether a painted hat or a handcrafted knife — makes this tour memorable.

The Value for Money

Considering the price, the tour offers excellent value. You get multiple craft experiences, guided explanations, and souvenirs all included. Compared to other artisan tours that can be pricey and rushed, this one balances quality and affordability perfectly.

Final Thoughts

This tour is an ideal choice for travelers eager to connect with Vietnam’s artisanal roots. It’s not just about observing but actively participating in traditional crafts, making it perfect for culture lovers, families, or curious travelers. The photos, the stories, and the handmade souvenirs will be treasured long after your visit.

If you’re after a genuine, affordable way to see Vietnam’s crafts, this experience genuinely delivers. The combination of visual beauty, hands-on activities, and cultural stories makes it one of the more rewarding excursions outside Hanoi.

Ideal for those who want to learn and create, it’s also a great introduction for first-time visitors looking to understand the local way of life beyond the city streets.

FAQ

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, but children should be comfortable with working with hot materials and sharp tools. Patience is required, so it’s best suited for older kids or teenagers.

Do I need to bring anything?
Comfortable clothes are recommended. It’s also a good idea to bring snacks since the tour doesn’t include lunch.

How long does the full tour last?
Approximately 6 hours, covering visits to three villages and optional extra activities such as the Train Street.

Are meals included?
No, the tour does not include lunch. It’s advised to eat beforehand or bring snacks.

Can I book just the incense village visit?
Yes, there’s an option for a guided tour of incense village only, but this doesn’t include car transfer or entrance fees.

Is this a group tour?
Yes, generally conducted in small groups for a more personal experience.

What makes this tour good value?
For just over a dollar, you get multiple hands-on craft activities, guided insights, souvenirs, and all entrance fees included, making it a cost-effective cultural experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: