Hanoi: Figurine Village, Dau Pagoda or Hat & Incense Village

Travelers looking for a genuine insight into Hanoi’s local craftsmanship will find this tour to be a wonderful mix of cultural discovery and hands-on experiences. Whether you’re into arts and crafts, history, or simply want to see the city beyond its bustling streets, this tour hits all the right notes.

What makes it stand out are the opportunities to learn directly from artisans, the chance to create your own souvenirs, and the scenic, authentic atmosphere of the villages. You’ll love the colorful figurine-making process, the serenity of Dau Pagoda, and the vibrant smell of incense being crafted by local families.

A possible drawback is that some stops are about 40 km from Hanoi’s center, which means a bit of travel time is involved – something to keep in mind if you prefer urban sightseeing over rural visits. Still, this tour is best suited for curious travelers who want a meaningful, interactive experience rather than just sightseeing from a distance.

If you’re eager for a mix of culture, craftsmanship, and scenic views, this tour is a great choice, especially for those wanting to connect with local artisans and traditions.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: Get close to artisans creating rice powder figurines, incense, and conical hats.
• Interactive Experiences: Make your own figurines, paint a conical hat, and learn about traditional crafts firsthand.
• Historical Highlights: Visit Dau Pagoda, home to two revered monks’ bodies, and appreciate its historical significance.
• Scenic Locations: The villages are set in lush, tranquil landscapes, contrasting with Hanoi’s busy city center.
• Cultural Depth: Gain understanding of Vietnamese artisanal practices that have been passed down for centuries.
• Flexible Options: Choose between a full-day private experience or a half-day group tour with optional Train Street visit.

You can check availability for your dates here:

A Close Look at the Tour Itself

The Experience Overview

This tour offers a rich mix of culture and creative activity, perfect for travelers who want more than just sightseeing. It combines visits to Xuan La Village, Dau Pagoda, Incense Village, and Hat Village, with each location adding its own flavor of Vietnamese tradition.

The private tour option allows you to spend approximately 3 hours exploring Xuan La and Dau Pagoda, while the half-day group tour covers two villages, conical hat-making and incense, in about 6 hours. Both options start early, around 7:45 am or 11:45 am, depending on your preference.

Visiting Xuan La Village and To He Figurines

Xuan La village is the star for those interested in traditional Vietnamese toy-making. The craft of To He, rice powder figurines, is a skill that’s been practiced for over 300 years. It’s the only place in Vietnam dedicated to this art, making it a special stop on your trip.

Here, you’ll see artisans grinding glutinous rice into fine powder, mixing it with sugar and natural food coloring, and then sculpting intricate figurines using simple tools like bamboo sticks, combs, and beeswax. What makes this experience stand out is not just watching but actively participating: you can try making your own figurines under the guidance of skilled craftsmen.

Reviewers have noted how fascinating it is to see the artisans’ dexterity, creating everything from animals and fruits to cartoon characters. The natural, edible dyes—yellow, red, green, blue, purple, black, white—are all made from safe ingredients, so you might even taste some of your own creation.

Dau Pagoda: A Tranquil Historical Site

The Dau Pagoda adds an intriguing historical dimension to the tour. Situated on a hill in the Thuong Tin district, it’s a place of reverence and serenity. The pagoda is known for housing the preserved bodies of two monks, Vu Khac Truong and Vu Khac Minh, making it a site of spiritual and cultural importance.

The pagoda’s architecture has been refurbished numerous times over centuries, but it retains its historic charm. Surrounded by lakes and lush trees, it offers a peaceful escape from Hanoi’s bustling streets. An added bonus—the pagoda’s stele dates back to 1639, and the site’s long history ties it firmly to Vietnam’s past.

More Great Tours Nearby

Incense Village & Hat Village

The Incense Village of Quang Phu Cau is a sensory delight. Visitors can observe and participate in the artisanal process of making incense sticks, which has been a family tradition for over a century. Meet local families who dye and bundle incense, and learn about their techniques.

Next, the Chuong Conical Hat Village provides a colorful, creative outlet. Here, you’ll see artisans shaping and decorating traditional Vietnamese conical hats. The highlight is getting to paint your own hat—a perfect souvenir that captures the local craftsmanship.

Optional Extensions: Train Street

If your schedule allows, the half-day tour includes a stop at Hanoi Train Street, famed for its narrow tracks and lively atmosphere. It’s a fun, quick experience, especially for those interested in urban scenes and local life.

Logistics and Practicality

Transportation and Timing

Both tour options include pickup and drop-off from central Hanoi locations, such as the Old Quarter or Hano’s Hoàn Kim. The full private tour involves about three hours of guided visits, ideal if you prefer a relaxed pace. The group half-day tour packs in two villages and optional Train Street visits within approximately six hours, making it suitable for travelers with limited time.

Group Size and Guides

The tours are available as private or small-group experiences, with professional guides speaking multiple languages—English, Vietnamese, and others. The reviews highlight how knowledgeable guides enhance the experience, with many noting the guides’ friendliness and ability to explain local crafts thoroughly.

Cost and Value

While prices aren’t specified here, the tours are designed to offer excellent value through interactive activities and local insights. Making your own figurines or painting a hat is a memorable souvenir, and the visits to historic sites add depth to your understanding of Hanoi’s culture.

Accessibility

The tours are wheelchair accessible, broadening the range of travelers who can enjoy this experience.

What We Loved & What to Keep in Mind

Pros include the chance to see and participate in traditional crafts, the scenic rural settings, and the warmth of local artisans. The guides’ local knowledge makes the visits especially meaningful, and the interactive elements are a real highlight.

Considerations might be the travel distance to some villages, requiring additional time and patience. Also, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, purely sightseeing experience, this might feel more like a gentle, educational journey.

Who Should Consider This Tour?

This experience is perfect for travelers who value authentic cultural encounters and enjoy hands-on activities. It’s especially suited for families, craft enthusiasts, or anyone interested in Vietnam’s traditional arts. It also appeals to travelers wanting a peaceful escape from city noise, with scenic villages and historic sites offering a calming retreat.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a well-rounded look into Vietnamese craftsmanship and spiritual sites, with enough hands-on activities to satisfy curious minds. You’ll come away with tangible souvenirs, a deeper appreciation for local artisans, and memories of some of Hanoi’s most authentic corners.

For those eager to step off the beaten path and learn directly from skilled craftsmen, this tour delivers a meaningful experience. It balances cultural depth with fun, making it a worthwhile addition to your Hanoi itinerary.

If you’re seeking an engaging, educational, and scenic excursion that connects you with Vietnam’s traditional arts, this tour should be at the top of your list.

FAQ

How long does the tour last?
The full private tour lasts around 5 hours to 1 day, depending on your chosen option. The half-day group tour is about 6 hours.

Where do the tour pickups happen?
Pickups are available from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or Hano’s Hoàn Kim locations.

What crafts will I get to try making?
You can make rice powder figurines (To He), paint your own conical hat, and learn incense-making techniques.

Are the figurines edible?
Yes, To He figurines are made from natural, edible ingredients, including rice powder, sugar, and food coloring.

Is the tour suitable for children?
Yes, children can enjoy making figurines and painting hats; it’s a family-friendly, interactive experience.

What is Dau Pagoda known for?
It’s a historic site housing the embalmed bodies of two revered monks and is surrounded by scenic lakes and greenery.

Are the villages far from Hanoi’s center?
Yes, Xuan La village is about 40 km from Hanoi, so some travel time is involved.

Is the tour suitable for wheelchair users?
Yes, the tour is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for diverse travelers.

Can I cancel the tour?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

This detailed look at Hanoi’s traditional craft villages and historic sites promises an enriching experience, especially for those who love cultural authenticity and hands-on learning.

You can check availability for your dates here: