Hanoi: K9 Da Chong Site or Incense Village & Hat Village

When it comes to experiencing Vietnam beyond Hanoi’s bustling streets, this tour offers an insightful blend of history, crafts, and local traditions. We’re reviewing a trip that packs a lot into half a day, giving travelers a taste of Vietnam’s revolutionary past, intricate craftsmanship, and authentic village life.

What we really like about this experience is how it balances history with hands-on activities—painting a conical hat, making incense sticks, and exploring a site linked to Ho Chi Minh himself. Plus, it’s great value considering the depth of stories and locally crafted souvenirs you’ll take home.

That said, keep in mind that the travel to K9 Da Chong involves a 70 km journey from Hanoi, so it’s best suited for those comfortable with a morning or afternoon drive. It’s perfect for history buffs, craft lovers, or anyone wanting a meaningful escape from city chaos.

Key Points

• Balanced itinerary combining history, culture, and artisan experiences.
• Longer visit to K9 Da Chong gives a solid understanding of Vietnam’s revolutionary history.
• Interactive craft activities make the day memorable and hands-on.
• Flexible options for private or small groups, with multi-language guides.
• Value-packed tour with cultural insights and memorable souvenirs.
• Accessible for travelers using wheelchairs and those seeking a flexible schedule.

The tour, arranged by GREEN VIETNAM TRAVEL, is designed to give a comprehensive understanding of Vietnam’s history and traditional crafts. The duration hovers around 5.5 to 6 hours, making it an ideal half-day expedition that fits neatly into any Hanoi itinerary.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Pickup & Transportation

Most travelers are picked up from their hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or specific locations such as Hoàn Kim. The transportation involves a comfortable private vehicle, which helps set a relaxed tone for the day. The drive to K9 Da Chong is approximately 70 km west of Hanoi, taking around an hour. Reviewers mention that the ride is smooth, and the driver is punctual, making the experience hassle-free.

Visiting K9 Da Chong: A Site of Revolutionary Significance

Once you arrive at K9 Da Chong, you’ll quickly realize this isn’t just a scenic escape but a site loaded with historical importance. Spanning 234 hectares of lush forest hills and two shimmering lakes, it’s a spot that combines nature, history, and a respectful nod to Vietnam’s fight for independence.

The site was a central base for the Communist Party during Vietnam’s revolutionary years and served as a location where President Ho Chi Minh’s body was preserved from 1969 to 1975. The Memorial House, completed in 2015, is the highlight here, along with Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house and relics like the GAZ car gifted by the Soviets.

A reviewer highlights the emotional impact of walking through the site: “You could really feel the reverence here, especially seeing the preserved body and the quiet dignity of the memorial.” The site also emphasizes sustainable tourism, with a focus on conservation and local engagement, making it a meaningful visit both historically and environmentally.

Exploring Local Crafts: Incense & Hat Villages

After soaking up the history, the tour shifts gears to focus on Vietnam’s renowned artisanal crafts. The Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village has been producing the iconic Vietnamese hats for over 300 years. Here, visitors get a rare chance to observe the intricate process of making and decorating conical hats. Many travelers enjoy painting their own hats—which makes for a fantastic and personalized souvenir.

Next, the tour visits Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, a place with over a century of incense-making tradition. Walking through the village, you’ll see families dyeing and assembling incense sticks on a small, artisanal scale. It’s a vivid experience, with colorful bundles of incense creating a stark contrast to the peaceful village setting. One guest notes, “It was fascinating to see how much craftsmanship goes into each bundle, and I loved being able to make my own incense sticks.”

For those interested in deeper insights, a nearby factory tour offers a look at how incense is made from scratch, revealing the different stages of production and the lives of local artisans. Many reviews mention the opportunity to buy authentic souvenirs directly from the makers—a bonus for souvenir hunters.

Optional Visit to Hanoi Train Street

Depending on your schedule, the tour can include a quick stop at Hanoi Train Street, famous for its narrow tracks running just meters from cafes and shops. While some might find this brief visit a fun photo opportunity, others may prefer to skip it if pressed for time, as the main focus remains on the heritage and crafts.

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The Itinerary Breakdown

The tour begins with two pickup options in Hanoi, followed by a guided visit to K9 Da Chong for about 2.67 hours, including walking and sightseeing. You’ll get plenty of time to explore the memorials, take photos, and absorb the historical significance.

For the half-day group option, you’ll visit two villages—Conical Hat and Incense Craft Village—plus the optional Train Street. This route allows a more interactive experience, perfect for travelers wanting to see traditional crafts firsthand.

What’s Included & Practical Tips

The tour includes a local guide speaking multiple languages (English, Vietnamese, etc.), which enriches the experience with personal stories and context. Be sure to wear comfortable shoes—the sites involve some walking—and bring your camera to capture both the scenic views and the intricate crafts.

Weather-wise, the site has a tropical monsoon climate, so pack an umbrella or raincoat depending on the season. Reviewers advise arriving with weather-appropriate clothing and note that the site is wheelchair accessible, making it inclusive for most visitors.

Value & Cost

While prices vary depending on private versus group tours, the value is clear. You get a combination of historical insight, culture, and hands-on activities at a reasonable cost. Guests particularly appreciate the small group feel, which allows for personalized attention and better interaction with guides and artisans.

This experience offers a meaningful way to see Vietnam through multiple lenses—history, craft, and culture. The balance between educational content and interactive activities ensures that you’re not just passively observing but actively participating.

The connections to Ho Chi Minh and Vietnam’s revolutionary past provide a deeper understanding of the country’s resilience and pride. Meanwhile, the craft workshops give you a tangible souvenir and insight into Vietnam’s artisanal traditions, often overlooked in typical city tours.

If you’re someone who loves history, appreciates craftsmanship, or simply wants a more authentic connection to local life outside Hanoi’s busy streets, this tour will suit you well. It’s especially good for travelers who value meaningful, well-organized excursions with knowledgeable guides and flexible options.

This tour combines history, craftsmanship, and local culture into a well-rounded half-day experience. It’s thoughtfully curated to balance education with interaction—giving you a real taste of Vietnam’s heritage in an accessible way. The visit to K9 Da Chong offers a poignant look at the revolutionary period, while the craft villages make it fun to get hands-on and bring home personal souvenirs.

For those seeking a value-driven, authentic journey outside the usual tourist spots, this tour ticks many boxes. It’s suitable for history buffs, craft enthusiasts, and curious travelers eager to understand Vietnam’s past and present through meaningful encounters.

While some might find the drive a bit long or prefer a full-day experience, the inclusion of unique craft activities and a historic site makes this a memorable, worthwhile option. Just remember to come prepared, wear comfortable shoes, and look forward to stepping into Vietnam’s living heritage.

How long is the drive from Hanoi to K9 Da Chong?
The drive is about 70 km west of Hanoi and typically takes around an hour, making for a comfortable journey with scenic views along the way.

What can I see at the K9 Da Chong site?
You’ll visit a site with significant revolutionary history, including the Memorial House, Ho Chi Minh’s stilt house, relics like the Soviet-gifted GAZ car, and enjoy beautiful natural scenery with forests and lakes.

Is the tour suitable for all mobility levels?
Yes, the site is wheelchair accessible, and the tour is designed to be inclusive, although some walking is involved.

What are the craft activities included?
You can paint your own conical hat in Chuong village, which has been making hats for over 300 years, and make incense sticks in Quang Phu Cau village, a tradition that’s over 100 years old.

Can I buy souvenirs during the tour?
Absolutely. You can purchase handcrafted conical hats and incense sticks directly from local artisans, making for authentic souvenirs.

What’s the best time to visit K9 Da Chong and the villages?
The site has a tropical monsoon climate, so plan accordingly for rain or dry season. Mornings tend to be cooler and less crowded.

Is this tour private or group-based?
It’s available as a private tour or in small groups, with guides speaking multiple languages to enhance your experience.

You can check availability for your dates here: