Looking for an authentic thing to do in Hanoi? Don’t miss exploring its vibrant traditional craft villages. From Van Phuc Silk Village to Bat Trang Pottery Village, Hanoi offers a rich cultural tapestry for curious travelers. One of the most unique and photogenic spots is the Quang Phu Cau village, famous for its colorful incense-making tradition. As the oldest incense village in Hanoi, it provides a captivating glimpse into centuries-old craftsmanship. Walking through rows of bright red incense sticks drying in the sun is both a sensory and visual delight. Whether you're passionate about photography, culture, or local traditions, Quang Phu Cau village is an unforgettable stop during your Hanoi adventure.
Quang Phu Cau sticky incense village is a traditional Vietnamese craft village in Ung Hoa district, located about 35 km from the center of Hanoi. The village is famous for its unique incense-making process and long-standing, that is passed down from one generation to another. The people here have preserved and promoted craft village traditions by harmoniously combining them to create the most unique incense bouquets. Quang Phu Cau sticky incense village is a famous tourist destination and is also where villagers continue to practice their traditional craft. The village is a great place to learn more about Vietnamese culture.
The main ingredients for making incense are indispensable bamboo, wood, sandalwood, and essential oils. Villagers use a special sticky glue to stick the ingredients together, then the incense is dried. Sticky rice incense is used to produce incense because it has the ability to burn deeply and radiate fragrance. It is often used in temples or lit in every home. Quang Phu Cau sticky incense village is one of the few places in Vietnam that still produces this traditional type of incense.
Incense sticks are made from a blend of bamboo, sandalwood, and essential oils. The ingredients are mixed together using a sticky substance called "glue", made from local tree bark. This mixture is then rolled into thin bars and dried in the sun. This makes the incense burn longer than traditional incense.
One of the things that makes Quang Phu Cau's sticky incense village unique is the way incense is dried. Incense sticks are often arranged in elaborate patterns on the ground, creating a truly beautiful sight. Everywhere you look, there are large courtyards. In the bright yellow sunlight, they are decorated with huge bouquets of colorful incense sticks. People dry incense in empty lots, shared spaces, and courtyards, creating a beautiful scene.
A great time to explore Quang Phu Cau sticky incense village in Hanoi is during the summer, lasting from May to September. During this season, the climate is wonderful with sunny days, creating the perfect environment for the incense drying process. On these days, drying incense is one of the main tasks in incense production. The bouquets of incense look like giant flowers under the bright sunlight. The village comes alive with vibrant colors as the streets are decorated with gracefully shaped dried incense sticks.
Another special time to immerse yourself in the charming beauty of Quang Phu Cau is during the Lunar New Year. Around this time, when incense production developed and millions of fragrant incense sticks were dried on the streets, Quang Phu Cau village was the place with the most spectacular scenery for tourists to visit and take beautiful photos... This festival sees a surge in incense production, and the entire village turns into a picturesque sea of red and pink as countless fragrant incense sticks are meticulously displayed on the streets.
The ticket entrance fee for Quang Phu Cau sticky incense village Hanoi is 50,000 VND (approximately $2.5 USD) per person. This fee includes everything in the village, such as check-in, the incense workshops, and drying incense sticks...
Respect the locals and their culture & environment. This includes dressing appropriately asking permission before taking photos, and not littering or damaging the property of the villagers...
Purchase some incense sticks to support the local community. This fee includes everything in the village, such as the incense workshops, drying incense sticks, and food stalls.
Try some of the local food: The village has many restaurants that serve Vietnamese food such as banh cuon (steamed rice rolls) and bun cha (grilled pork with noodles).
We hope this guide has been helpful and your journey to this exquisite destination promises to be a memorable and captivating experience.
In conclusion, if you're seeking a meaningful and culturally rich thing to do in Hanoi, a visit to its traditional craft villages is a must. Among them, the incense village Hanoi travelers rave about most is undoubtedly Quang Phu Cau village. With its striking visuals, warm local artisans, and deep-rooted history, it offers a one-of-a-kind experience that blends art, tradition, and authenticity. Whether you're a culture enthusiast or simply looking to explore off-the-beaten-path gems, Quang Phu Cau promises an unforgettable memory from your journey through Vietnam’s capital. Don’t forget your camera—this is one spot where every moment is picture-perfect.
As part of your 15 Day Vietnam Itinerary, a full day to visit Hanoi is a must. Begin with landmarks like the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, Defense Pagoda, and the Ethnography Museum to discover the country’s heritage. Explore the vibrant Old Quarter—walk across Long Bien Bridge, shop at Đồng Xuân Market, and admire the colorful stalls on Hàng Mã Street. Visit the ancient Bạch Mã Temple, enjoy authentic Vietnamese coffee at a boutique café, and soak in the lively atmosphere around Hoan Kiem Lake. End your day with a traditional water puppet show. This Hanoi experience, curated by Autour Asia, blends culture, history, and local charm.
Visiting the Ho Chi Minh Museum Hanoi offers a deep insight into the life, ideals, and legacy of one of Vietnam’s most revered leaders. Through a mix of historical artifacts, photographs, and symbolic exhibits, the museum presents not only Ho Chi Minh’s personal journey but also Vietnam’s path to independence. It’s more than a history lesson—it’s a cultural experience that helps visitors understand the heart of modern Vietnam. If you're exploring things to do in Hanoi, this museum is a must-visit for its educational value, unique architecture, and emotional depth. It’s a meaningful stop for anyone interested in Vietnamese history, politics, or national identity.
Visiting Quang Phu Cau, a renowned Hanoi incense village, is one of the most unique things to do in Hanoi. You can not only take stunning check-in photos at vibrant incense display workshops, but also witness the traditional incense-making process by local artisans. For the most authentic experience, head deeper into the village to find the homes or workshops where incense is truly made. It’s easy to do—just ask the friendly locals for directions.
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