Hanoi: Hat Village & Incense Village or Perfume Workshop

Exploring Hanoi’s Hidden Crafts: Incense, Hats, and Perfume

If you’re looking to step off the busy streets of Hanoi and dive into the city’s lesser-known crafts, this tour offers a fascinating glimpse into local traditions. Whether you’re captivated by the fragrant allure of incense, the artistry behind conical hats, or the chance to craft your own perfume, these experiences promise a more intimate view of Vietnamese culture.

What makes this tour stand out? First, you get the chance to learn directly from skilled artisans — not just see their work but try your hand at it. Second, the scenic drives through rural villages and photo opportunities of colorful landscapes are a treat. Third, the chance to support local families and small cooperatives adds an ethical touch. However, be aware that the guided commentary can sometimes be a bit limited, especially in larger groups, which might leave some visitors wishing for more context.

This experience is ideal for curious travelers who love crafts, want a break from typical city tours, and value authentic interactions. If you’re eager to learn, create, and support local artisans, this tour is a perfect fit. Just keep in mind that timing and guide knowledge vary, so setting expectations accordingly will help you enjoy it even more.

Key Points

• Authentic Craftsmanship: Learn incense-making and hat crafting from local artisans.
• Brilliant Photo Ops: Capture vibrant landscapes and colorful village scenes.
• Personalized Experience: Options for private or small group tours, including a perfume workshop.
• Support Local Communities: Your participation helps sustain family-run cooperatives.
• Cultural Insight: Gain genuine understanding of traditional Vietnamese crafts.
• Flexible Tour Lengths: Ranging from 5 to 8 hours to suit your schedule.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Tour

This tour offers a well-rounded mix of hands-on experiences and scenic exploration. It typically begins with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, either from Hoàn Kim or Xóm Hà Hi, setting the stage for a day immersed in Vietnam’s artisanal world. The itinerary splits into two main options: a full-day private experience that includes perfume making and incense villages, or a half-day group tour covering hat and incense villages plus a visit to Hanoi’s famous Train Street.

The Perfume Workshop & Incense Village

The private tour is a highlight for those eager to get personal and creative. Your guide starts by helping you select scents that appeal to you before teaching you how to formulate a professional perfume. This involves trial blends—at least two times—to ensure you’re happy with the final scent. Once your perfume is perfected, you can choose a 10ml or 30ml bottle, blend ingredients at the perfumer station, and leave with a full package that you can take home.

Meanwhile, at Quang Phu Cau Village, you’ll learn about incense-making, a craft that originated in Phu Luong Thuong and expanded to other local villages. It’s a fascinating process that used to involve entirely handmade steps—from splitting bamboo and dyeing incense bases to shaping and drying each stick. While machinery has sped up production, many artisans still uphold traditional methods, especially for higher-end OCOP-rated products like cinnamon buds or agarwood.

The Hat Village Experience

The Chuong Hat Village, with a history dating back over 300 years, is simply charming. Here, you’ll see how conical hats are made, a craft that’s both functional and culturally significant. Visitors get the opportunity to decorate their own hat by painting it, turning it into a memorable souvenir. This stop is not only about watching skilled artisans but also actively participating, making it a fun and engaging experience.

Scenic Village Walks & Optional Train Street Visit

Both options include a scenic walk through the villages, where you’ll see locals at work and possibly chat with artisans about their craft. The half-day group tour also includes a visit to Hanoi’s famous Train Street, a narrow alley lined with cafes and homes where trains dramatically pass just inches from diners. This optional stop adds a dash of urban adventure to the rural charm.

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What to Expect While Visiting

The incense-making process is detailed and intriguing. You’ll observe artisans splitting bamboo, dyeing incense bases, shaping sticks, and drying them—an age-old craft that’s been passed down for generations. Expect to see vibrant incense fields, especially if timed during harvest seasons, and learn about products like incense sticks, coils, and buds—some of which have received top ratings for quality.

At Chuong Hat Village, the focus is on craftsmanship. Watching artisans skillfully weave and shape conical hats offers insight into their dedication. Painting your own hat is a highlight, transforming a functional item into a piece of art you can carry home.

The perfume workshop is particularly engaging. The guide helps demystify scent blending and allows you to experiment with ingredients, culminating in a personalized perfume that captures your favorite aromas. It’s a fun activity, especially for those with an interest in fragrances or creative pursuits.

The Scenery & Photography

Expect plenty of vibrant photo opportunities—colorful incense fields, traditional village houses, bustling market scenes, and the picturesque landscapes of rural Vietnam. Reviewers have noted the beauty of these views, often feeling like they’ve stepped into a different world away from Hanoi’s hustle.

Timing & Group Size

The tour is flexible, lasting from 5 to 8 hours depending on your choice. Private options tend to be more tailored, with fewer distractions and more personalized attention. Group tours are more economical but can sometimes be less detailed due to larger groups and limited guide engagement.

Transportation & Accessibility

Most options include pickup and drop-off from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making logistics straightforward. The tour involves walking through villages and participating in workshops—so comfortable shoes are recommended. Accessibility is available for wheelchair users, though the rural nature of villages means some uneven terrain.

Authentic Insights & Reviews

While many found the tour delightful—particularly the opportunity to learn from artisans and take home a personalized product—some reviews highlight areas for improvement. One traveler from the UAE expressed disappointment, citing a late pickup, inexperienced guide, and a lack of engaging commentary. They felt the incense-making and hat-making parts lacked depth and clarity, which detracted from the overall experience.

In contrast, travelers from Indonesia praised the guide for their knowledge about Vietnam and their photography skills, which enhanced their experience. This points to the importance of choosing a smaller, more personalized tour or requesting a guide with specific expertise in crafts.

Support for Local Artisans

An important aspect of this tour is supporting local families and cooperatives involved in incense and hat-making. Many products are part of the OCOP (One Commune One Product) scheme, with some earning 3-star and 4-star ratings, indicating high-quality craftsmanship. Your participation helps sustain these traditional industries and promotes cultural preservation.

Cost & Value Analysis

Pricing varies depending on whether you opt for a private or group experience and whether you include the perfume workshop. While the exact cost isn’t specified here, the tour offers a chance to create your own perfume and participate in traditional crafts—activities that could easily cost more if done independently. The guided aspect, combined with transportation and materials, provides a fairly good value, especially if you value the personal touch and cultural connection.

Who Will Love This Tour?

This experience suits craft lovers, cultural explorers, and supporters of local artisans. It’s perfect for travelers who enjoy hands-on activities, scenic village walks, and learning about traditional Vietnamese crafts beyond the usual tourist spots. If you prefer guided tours with in-depth explanations, opting for a private experience is wise. However, be prepared for some variability in guide knowledge, especially in larger groups.

The Sum Up

This tour offers a genuine peek into Vietnam’s artisan side, combining hands-on activities with scenic rural visits. You’ll leave with a personalized perfume, a painted hat, or beautiful incense sticks—memories and keepsakes that hold cultural significance. It’s especially valuable for those who want to support local families and learn craft skills directly from artisans.

While the experience might feel rushed or somewhat basic in larger groups, the chance to actively participate and capture vibrant photos makes it worthwhile. It’s best suited for travelers curious about traditional crafts, who appreciate authentic interactions and are willing to embrace a relaxed pace.

This is a memorable way to connect with Vietnam’s craftsmanship, adding depth to your Hanoi visit and creating keepsakes that remind you of your journey.

FAQ

Is this tour suitable for all ages?
Yes, the workshops and village visits are accessible for most travelers, including families, as long as participants are comfortable with walking and handling craft materials.

How long does the tour last?
The tour duration ranges from 5 to 8 hours, depending on the option chosen. Private tours tend to be more flexible with timing.

Are meals or drinks included?
The provided information does not specify meals or drinks, so it’s best to bring snacks or plan to purchase food during breaks.

Can I customize the tour?
Private options are available, allowing some customization, such as focusing more on perfume making or village visits.

What should I wear?
Comfortable, casual clothing suitable for walking and handling craft materials. Shoes should be suitable for village terrain.

Is prior experience needed for the perfume workshop?
No, the class is designed for beginners and those interested in learning about perfume making.

Are the villages accessible for those with mobility issues?
Accessibility is available, but some uneven terrain in rural villages may pose challenges.

What is the group size?
Group sizes vary; private tours are smaller and more personalized, while group tours tend to be larger.

How much support do guides provide?
Guide expertise varies; some reviews highlight knowledgeable guides, while others felt guidance was limited, especially in larger groups. It’s advisable to clarify guide experience when booking.

You can check availability for your dates here: