Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat, Lacquer Tour & City Highlights

Exploring Hanoi through this tour offers a fascinating peek into Vietnam’s centuries-old craftsmanship and vibrant culture. While we haven’t personally taken it, the many positive reviews suggest it’s a great way to see authentic artisanal villages combined with iconic city sights.

What we love about this experience is its blend of hands-on activities, insightful guides, and affordable pricing—all for just $16 per person. The tour offers a genuine connection to local traditions that are fading in the modern world. However, keep in mind that some parts involve acrylic or lacquer paints with strong smells, which might be a consideration if you’re sensitive.

This tour is ideal for those interested in art, culture, and traditional Vietnamese life. Families, solo travelers, or anyone wanting a deeper understanding of Hanoi beyond the bustling streets will find it enriching and fun.

Key Points

• Authentic craftsmanship: Visit villages dedicated to incense, hats, and lacquer art.
• Interactive experiences: Make and paint your own conical hat or lacquer piece.
• Expert guides: Guides like Lana, Jay, and Danny bring local crafts to life with detailed explanations.
• Great value: At $16, it combines multiple villages, city highlights, and optional activities.
• Flexible options: Half-day or full-day tours suit different schedules.
• Picturesque views: Capture vibrant scenes, especially in the incense village and colorful villages.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Why This Tour Stands Out

This tour offers much more than just sightseeing—it’s a chance to get involved in Vietnam’s traditional crafts firsthand. It’s designed to suit travelers who want an affordable, engaging, and authentic experience that goes beyond the standard city tour.

Priced at just $16 per person, the value is impressive considering the number of stops, activities, and cultural insights. Both the half-day and full-day options are tailored to different preferences and schedules, making it easy to fit into your Hanoi itinerary.

Itinerary Breakdown: What You Can Expect

Half-Day Tour: Village Visits + Train Street (Optional)

Starting early in the morning or later in the afternoon, the half-day option typically lasts around six hours. It kicks off with a pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter—a comfortable start after which you head to the Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village, known for its 300-year-old tradition. Here, you’ll observe the intricate process of hat-making, and most guests enjoy decorating their own hats with paint, creating a personalized souvenir to take home. Reviewers like Mark mentioned how relaxing and enjoyable this activity is, especially for children.

Next, you’ll visit the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, which has been producing incense for over a century. It’s a fascinating peek into a craft that’s deeply woven into Vietnamese spiritual and daily life. Our sources highlight how local artisans craft incense on a family scale, often using natural ingredients. Visitors get a chance to walk through the vibrant village, see the steps involved in incense making, and snap photos of the colorful scenes.

The tour wraps up with an optional visit to Train Street, where you can enjoy a coffee or snack at your own expense, watching the trains pass just inches from the cafes. It’s a popular spot—reviewers like Jeannie appreciated how guides went out of their way to ensure safe return, even amidst Hanoi’s busy traffic.

Full-Day Tour: All Three Villages + Local Lunch

The full-day option is more comprehensive, lasting about eight hours and including a home-cooked lunch. It starts at the incense village, where guides like Lana or Lulu explain the incense-making process and allow you to take photos in the picturesque fields. The experience goes beyond just watching—participants often get involved in making or decorating incense, which adds a personal touch.

Afterward, you’ll visit the Chuong conical hat village again, but this time with the chance to join in the making process and paint your own hat. The guides are praised for their patience and detailed explanations, making the activity accessible even for beginners.

The last stop in the full-day tour is the Lacquer Artisanal Village, where you observe skilled artisans producing intricate lacquerware. Visiting a family-run factory, you learn how these beautiful items are crafted and even get the chance to paint a lacquer piece yourself. Reviewers like Francisco and Linda mentioned how engaging and insightful this part was, especially seeing the entire process from raw materials to finished product.

More Great Tours Nearby

City Highlights and Water Puppet Show

Some options include visits to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Temple of Literature, and Tran Quoc Pagoda, giving a well-rounded cultural overview. The tour often concludes with a water puppet show, which is a charming showcase of Vietnamese folklore and tradition—great for families or those new to Hanoi.

What Makes This Tour Special?

Authentic craftsmanship is the core of this experience. Visiting villages that still produce incense, conical hats, and lacquerware gives travelers a chance to see how traditional skills are passed down through generations. The guides, often acknowledged for their knowledge and friendliness, make each stop lively and educational.

The hands-on activities—painting hats, decorating lacquerware—add a personal touch that makes the day memorable. These are not just passive sightseeing moments but engaging experiences that foster a deeper appreciation for Vietnamese culture.

Transport and Group Size

The tour uses comfortable buses for transfers, with reviews indicating that transportation is generally smooth and reliable. Group sizes tend to be moderate, around 25 people, which strikes a good balance between social atmosphere and enough space for everyone to participate comfortably.

Duration and Flexibility

The half-day tour offers a concise, relaxed experience, perfect for travelers with limited time or those who prefer a lighter day. The full-day option is better suited for those eager to explore more villages and have a leisurely, in-depth experience.

Price and Value

At $16 per person, the tour provides fantastic value considering the multiple craft villages, expert guides, entrance fees, and the chance to create your own souvenirs. The inclusion of a home-cooked lunch in the full-day option further enhances the experience, making it an affordable way to deepen your understanding of Hanoi’s artisanal traditions.

Real Guest Experiences and Insights

From reviews, guides like Lana, Jay, and Danny consistently receive praise for their friendliness, knowledge, and ability to make complex crafts understandable. For example, Lana’s attentive guidance helped guests like Grace and Susana feel comfortable, even involving elders in the activities.

Many guests appreciated the chance to make their own crafts. Mayuran found painting her conical hat “relaxing,” and Francisco loved painting lacquerware, noting how impressive the craftsmanship was. The guides’ patience and willingness to answer questions create a welcoming atmosphere for all.

Authentic Photos and Scenic Highlights

Photographers will love the vibrant scenes in the incense village, with its colorful sticks and bustling streets. The conical hat village’s traditional workshops and lacquer family homes provide picturesque backdrops, perfect for memorable snapshots.

Tips for a Better Experience

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking around villages.
• Bring snacks or eat beforehand if you opt for the half-day tour without lunch.
• If sensitive to smells, be aware that many artisans use acrylic or lacquer paints.
• Consider the full-day tour if you want more in-depth engagement and a relaxed pace.

Who Is This Tour Best For?

This experience is perfect for culture seekers, craft enthusiasts, and families looking for an interactive day out. If you cherish authentic, handcrafted items and want to see how they’re made, this tour delivers.

Travelers on a budget will find it incredibly good value—especially when you factor in the chance to make personalized souvenirs. It’s also suitable for those who prefer a flexible schedule, with options to tailor the day to your interests.

However, if you’re looking for a fast-paced, sightseeing-only tour or have mobility concerns, you might find the walking and participation a bit much. Also, those sensitive to paint smells should consider this before booking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this tour suitable for children?
Yes, children generally enjoy the hands-on activities like painting hats and lacquerware, especially when guided patiently. Many guests mention their kids loved the experience.

How long does the tour last?
The half-day option lasts about 6 hours, while the full-day tour is approximately 8 hours, including transportation, activities, and meals.

Are meals included?
Only the full-day tour includes a home-cooked lunch. The half-day tour does not, so plan to eat beforehand or bring snacks.

Can I join the tour if I don’t want to participate in craft activities?
Yes, you can observe the process. However, the activities are a major part of the experience, and guides encourage participation.

What should I wear?
Comfortable shoes are recommended for walking around villages. Dress appropriately for the weather, especially if visiting during hot or rainy seasons.

Is transportation comfortable?
Yes, reviews indicate the buses are comfortable, though group sizes can be around 25. Be prepared for some traffic delays on the return journey.

Are there any accessibility concerns?
The tour is not suitable for wheelchair users or pregnant women, mainly due to walking involved in the villages.

What is the best time to take this tour?
Morning and early afternoons are typical options. Be sure to check your schedule, especially if you want to include the optional Train Street visit.

How much does it cost?
The tour is priced at $16 per person, which offers good value considering the activities, guides, and entrance fees included.

Final Thoughts

This Hanoi tour, combining traditional craft villages with city highlights, offers an excellent way to see a different side of Vietnam. It’s ideal for travelers eager to learn about Vietnamese artisanship in an engaging, hands-on manner. The affordable price point, combined with knowledgeable guides and authentic experiences, makes it a standout choice.

Whether you want to decorate your own conical hat, see incense being crafted, or just enjoy a relaxed day exploring Hanoi’s cultural roots, this tour delivers. The positive reviews speak to its reliability, friendly guides, and the memorable moments created along the way.

For those wanting a meaningful, interactive glimpse into Vietnam’s craftsmanship heritage, this experience hits the right notes. It’s a perfect mix of education, fun, and cultural appreciation—leaving you with souvenirs and stories to cherish.

You can check availability for your dates here: