Hanoi: Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour

Discover the vibrant artisan culture of Hanoi through a captivating tour. Explore the intricate traditions of conical hat making, incense crafting, and lacquerware. With half-day and full-day options, visitors can enjoy the creative processes and meet the skilled local artisans. The full-day tour even includes a delicious home-cooked lunch, making it a well-rounded cultural experience. Whether seeking a glimpse or a deep dive, this tour offers an authentic…

Key Points

• This tour offers a half-day or full-day experience to explore Hanoi’s traditional villages, including Conical Hat Village, Incense Craft Village, and Lacquer Village.
• Participants can meet local artisans, learn about their crafting processes, and have the opportunity to purchase handmade souvenirs.
• The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and a home-cooked lunch for the full-day option.
• Cancellation up to 24 hours in advance is free, and there is an option to reserve now and pay later.
• The tour has received mixed feedback, with some customers noting inconsistencies in the quality of the experience.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The "Hanoi: Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour" offers visitors an opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage of Hanoi’s artisan villages.

Priced from $16.06 to $32.12 per person, the tour is available in half-day (5 hours) and full-day (8 hours) options, providing flexibility.

Free cancellation is offered up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Travelers can reserve now and pay later, ensuring a smooth booking process.

The tour includes pickup, an English-speaking guide, and various cultural experiences, making it an affordable and immersive way to discover Hanoi’s artisanal treasures.

Itinerary and Activities

Depending on the chosen option, the tour offers a diverse itinerary that allows visitors to enjoy the artisanal traditions of Hanoi.

The half-day tour visits the Conical Hat Village and Incense Craft Village, with an optional drop-off at the charming Train Street.

The full-day tour expands the experience, adding a stop at a Lacquer Village. Guests can meet local artisans, learn about the hat and incense-making processes, and even paint their own conical hat.

The full-day option also includes a home-cooked lunch and the same optional drop-off at Train Street.

Pickup and Transportation

For this tour, pickup is available from hotels located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

Travelers staying outside this area will meet the group at the designated meeting point – No. 27 Hang Bac Street in Hoan Kiem District.

Transportation is provided via comfortable bus or coach, with the journey to and from the villages taking approximately 70 minutes each way.

The tour includes:

• Convenient hotel pickup and drop-off

• Comfortable bus/coach transportation

• 70-minute travel time each way

• Meeting point for hotels outside Old Quarter

• Pickup available from Old Quarter hotels

Inclusions and Exclusions

Although the tour includes numerous inclusions, there are also some exclusions to be aware of. The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, a home-cooked lunch for the full-day option, a conical hat souvenir, a water bottle, and all entrance fees. However, the exclusions consist of any other drinks, personal expenses, and tips/appreciation for the service. To better understand the inclusions and exclusions, consider the following table:

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

|————|————|

| Hotel Pickup/Drop-off | Other Drinks |

| English-speaking Guide | Personal Expenses |

| Home-cooked Lunch (Full-day) | Tips/Appreciation |

| Conical Hat Souvenir, Water Bottle, Entrance Fees | |

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Highlights of the Conical Hat Village

Visitors to the Conical Hat Village can expect to witness the intricate process of crafting the iconic Vietnamese conical hats.

Visitors will:

• Watch skilled artisans weave palm leaves into the distinctive hats

• Learn the traditional techniques used to shape and finish the hats

• Have the opportunity to paint and personalize their own conical hat souvenir

• Explore the small workshops and see the hats at different stages of production

• Gain an appreciation for the time and care required to create these timeless Vietnamese symbols.

Exploring the Incense Craft Village

Nestled within the outskirts of Hanoi, the Incense Craft Village captivates visitors with its rich heritage and the intricate process of incense-making.

Guests witness local artisans meticulously crafting incense sticks, each one infused with a distinct fragrance. The village’s history dates back generations, as families pass down the time-honored techniques.

Visitors can observe the deft hands of the artisans, from mixing the fragrant powders to carefully rolling and shaping the incense.

An optional activity allows participants to create their own personalized incense, imbuing it with a scent of their choice as a memento of their immersive experience.

Discovering the Lacquer Artisan Village

The Lacquer Artisan Village offers an immersive glimpse into the intricate world of Vietnam’s renowned lacquer art.

Visitors can witness skilled artisans at work, meticulously applying layer upon layer of lacquer to transform ordinary items into exquisite masterpieces.

The experience includes:

• Observing the painstaking process of creating lacquer paintings, bowls, and vases

• Exploring the vibrant palette of natural pigments used to achieve the lustrous, high-gloss finish

• Learning about the history and cultural significance of this centuries-old craft

• Opportunities to try your hand at painting and personalize a lacquer souvenir

• Interactions with the artisans, who share their passion and expertise.

Customer Feedback and Recommendations

Based on the customer reviews, the tour seems to have received mixed feedback.

While some praised the knowledgeable guide and interesting activities, others noted inconsistencies in the quality of the tour experience.

The tour experience received mixed reviews, with some praising the knowledgeable guide and activities, while others noted inconsistencies.

Recommendations include wearing comfortable shoes and being mindful of potential sensitivities to acrylic or lacquer paint smells.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour may not be entirely suitable for young children. Some activities, such as handling lacquer paint, could be potentially hazardous. Parents should consider the child’s age and ability to participate safely in the tour’s activities.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The tour’s maximum group size is not explicitly stated. However, it’s common for small-group tours in Vietnam to have a limit of around 12-15 participants to ensure an intimate and personalized experience.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary?

The tour’s itinerary can’t be customized, but travelers can choose between half-day and full-day options to tailor the experience. The full-day tour provides more flexibility, including a home-cooked lunch and optional drop-off at Train Street.

Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment?

You don’t need any special equipment for the tour. Just wear comfortable shoes and be mindful of potential sensitivities to acrylic or lacquer paint smells, as recommended by the tour information.

How Accessible Is the Tour for Individuals With Disabilities?

The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users, but the provider recommends contacting them to discuss any other accessibility needs. Comfortable shoes are advised due to walking involved.

The Sum Up

The Hanoi Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, allowing visitors to discover traditional crafts and meet local artisans. With half-day and full-day options, the tour provides a comfortable and informative journey, including a delicious home-cooked lunch. It’s a perfect blend of cultural exploration and culinary delight, making it a must-do activity for those seeking to experience Hanoi’s vibrant heritage.

You can check availability for your dates here: