Hanoi: Incense Village, Conical Hat, & Van Phuc Silk Tour

If you’re craving a glimpse into Vietnam’s traditional artistry beyond the usual tourist spots, this tour offers a fascinating peek into Hanoi’s craft villages. With options for half-day or full-day adventures, it promises authentic experiences, colorful sights, and insights into age-old Vietnamese traditions.

What we love about this experience? First, the chance to see three distinct artisan villages—each showcasing different crafts that tell stories of Vietnamese culture. Second, the opportunity to participate directly—like painting your own conical hat or learning how incense is made. Third, the local vibe you get from meeting families still practicing these crafts, which makes the entire trip feel genuine.

One thing to consider is that the tour involves some walking and getting around small villages, which might be a bit tiring for those with limited mobility. Also, the half-day option doesn’t include a meal, so you’ll want to eat beforehand or bring snacks.

This tour suits travelers who enjoy hands-on experiences, authentic cultural encounters, and exploring lesser-known sides of Hanoi. It’s perfect for those wanting a break from the busy city streets while learning about Vietnam’s traditional crafts.

Key Points

• Authentic artisan experiences in villages still practicing centuries-old crafts
• Participation opportunities, like decorating your own conical hat or seeing incense-making firsthand
• Great value at $16, offering several craft villages and local insights
• Guided by knowledgeable local guides providing context and storytelling
• Flexible options for half-day or full-day, including a home-cooked lunch in the longer version
• Ideal for curious travelers keen on cultural and artisanal immersion

You can check availability for your dates here:

The Itinerary in Detail

Starting Point: Hanoi Old Quarter Pickup

The tour begins with hotel pickup in Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter, setting the tone for a day immersed in Vietnam’s traditional crafts. The comfortable bus takes you out of the bustling city and into a more peaceful, rural atmosphere— a refreshing change from Hanoi’s busy streets.

Conical Hat Village: A Craft with 300 Years of Tradition

Your first stop is the Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village, renowned for its 300-year-old craft. Here, you’ll get a close-up look at how these iconic hats are made, from shaping the straw to assembling the conical form. Several reviews mention the fun of decorating your own hat—a souvenir that doubles as a tangible memory of your Vietnamese experience.

One traveler shared, “We enjoyed painting our conical hat,” highlighting that this activity isn’t just for the kids—adults can also get creative and take home a personalized piece. The guide provides insights into the history and significance of the hats, making this stop both educational and engaging.

Incense Village: Aromas and Artistry

Next, you’ll visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, where incense production has been a family craft for over 100 years. Walking through the village, you’ll see how locals manually produce incense sticks—bundling, dyeing, and shaping fragrant sticks. The colorful bundles and fragrant air create a sensory-rich environment.

A highlight for many is meeting a family specializing in dyeing incense sticks. You’ll see their intricate process, which has been passed down through generations. Some reviews mention the opportunity to take a selfie with the vibrant incense bundles—a fun way to remember the visit.

For a deeper understanding, there’s a visit to a nearby incense factory, where you can learn how incense is made from scratch. This is a chance to see the manual labor involved and appreciate the skill behind these aromatic products.

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Optional Visit: Hanoi’s Train Street

After these craft stops, you can choose to visit Train Street, a famous narrow alley where trains occasionally pass just inches from cafes and homes. Travelers love the photo opportunities here, and enjoying a coffee while watching a train roll by is a unique experience. The tour concludes here, and you’re responsible for your own transportation back to your hotel.

Full-Day Version: Adding Van Phuc Silk Village

The full-day itinerary takes it a step further with a visit to Van Phuc Silk Village, which dates back over 1,200 years. Here, you’ll see more than 700 households producing silk and over 100 shops selling silk clothing and accessories. Even if you’re not shopping, observing silk weaving is mesmerizing—the intricate handwork and patterns reveal a craft that’s still alive today.

This option also includes a home-cooked lunch, typically served at a local artisan’s house or riverside restaurant, giving you a taste of authentic Vietnamese cuisine in a family setting. It’s a wonderful chance to relax and chat with locals about their craft and daily life.

Comfort and Logistics

The tour uses a comfortable bus for transportation, making it easy to cover all villages without the hassle of navigating rural roads. Tour guides are English-speaking and are generally praised for their knowledge and friendliness. Someone mentioned that guide Lulu was very kind and took great photos, emphasizing the importance of a personable guide.

The duration varies: the half-day runs about 6 hours, starting early morning or late morning, while the full-day extends to around 12 hours, incorporating a leisurely lunch and more sights.

What Travelers Say: Authentic Insights

One reviewer appreciated the “magnificent and typical” feel of the villages, while another mentioned that they enjoyed the festival atmosphere during their visit—highlighting the flexibility and vibrancy that can influence your experience.

Some found the hat decorating activity particularly fun, while others felt the incense-making process was a bit routine. Notably, a reviewer said, “The tour guide Lulu was very nice and took excellent photos,” showing how a friendly guide can make a difference.

A common theme in reviews is that guides are knowledgeable and engaging, helping to explain the significance of each craft and making the experience more meaningful.

Practicalities and Tips

• Pricing at $16 per person offers excellent value for three artisan visits, especially considering the hands-on activities included.
• The tour includes all entrance fees, along with a conical hat and water bottle, so there are few extra costs unless you choose to buy silk products or other souvenirs.
• Since the half-day tour doesn’t include lunch, plan to eat beforehand, or bring snacks for energy during crafts.
• Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around small villages and uneven paths.
• The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchairs due to the nature of the village terrain.
• Booking is flexible, with the option to reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is possible up to 24 hours in advance.

The Sum Up

This Hanoi craft village tour offers a genuine, hands-on look at Vietnam’s traditional artisanship. It’s well-suited for travelers who want more than just sightseeing—those craving interaction, cultural storytelling, and a chance to make their own souvenirs.

The combination of local guides, authentic villages, and participatory activities makes it a memorable day. Plus, the inclusion of a home-cooked lunch in the full-day option adds a warm, communal touch that elevates the experience.

If you’re keen to connect with Vietnam’s craft heritage in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere and enjoy some beautiful photo opportunities, this tour is a fantastic choice. It balances affordability with meaningful encounters, perfect for curious, culturally-minded travelers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Most activities, like decorating a conical hat and seeing incense-making, are family-friendly. However, consider the walking distance and village terrain for very young kids.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are essential since you’ll be walking through villages and uneven paths. Light clothing and a hat or sunglasses are also recommended.

Can I buy souvenirs during this tour?
Yes, especially at Van Phuc Silk Village where numerous shops sell silk products. Even if you don’t buy, it’s interesting to see the craftsmanship firsthand.

Is transportation included?
Yes, a comfortable bus picks you up and drops you off at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel.

What’s the main difference between the half-day and full-day options?
The full-day adds an extra village—Van Phuc Silk—and a home-cooked lunch, making it more immersive and relaxing.

Are the guides knowledgeable?
Yes, reviews consistently praise the guides for being friendly and well-informed, making the stories behind each craft engaging.

Can I visit Train Street after the tour?
Yes, the tour ends at Train Street if you choose the optional drop-off. You can enjoy coffee or explore more at your leisure.

Is this tour suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. It’s a small group experience that’s friendly and interactive, perfect for solo explorers wanting authentic insights.

This tour offers a balanced mix of hands-on activities, cultural storytelling, and scenic village visits. For travelers looking to see Hanoi’s traditional artisanship up close while enjoying genuine local hospitality, it’s a delightful and budget-friendly choice.

You can check availability for your dates here: