Full Day Tour: Incense Village, Hat-Making & Lacquer Art

Set out on a captivating full-day tour that immerses you in Vietnam’s vibrant artisan traditions. Explore enchanting villages and discover the intricate crafts of lacquerware, conical hat-making, and incense production. Get hands-on with these cultural practices, savor a homemade lunch, and gain insight into the significance behind each unique skill. This immersive experience offers a rare glimpse into local heritage and the opportunity to create your own artistic masterpieces. Prepare to be captivated by the country’s timeless artistry.

Key Points

• A full-day tour exploring three artisan villages: Ha Thai for lacquerware, Chuong for conical hat making, and Quang Phu Cau for incense production.
• Hands-on experiences include creating lacquer paintings, crafting conical hats, and observing the incense-making process at a family-scale and large-scale factory.
• Tour price includes a live English-speaking guide and a home-cooked lunch, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Highlights include capturing photos of colorful incense bundles and artistic creations, and learning about the cultural significance of these traditional crafts.
• Comfortable shoes, camera, and sun protection are recommended for the immersive experience in traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

This full-day tour offers visitors a chance to explore three artisan villages – Ha Thai, Chuong, and Quang Phu Cau – known for their exceptional lacquerware, conical hats, and incense production.

Priced at $64.91 per person, the tour lasts one day and features a live English-speaking guide. Guests can create their own lacquer painting and conical hat, enjoy a home-cooked lunch, and learn about the personal stories of local artisans.

The tour includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and the option to reserve now and pay later. Comfortable shoes, a camera, and sun protection are recommended.

Itinerary Highlights

The tour itinerary highlights a visit to three distinct artisan villages – Ha Thai, Chuong, and Quang Phu Cau.

Explore three distinct artisan villages – Ha Thai, Chuong, and Quang Phu Cau on this immersive tour.

In Ha Thai, guests learn about lacquerware production and create their own lacquer painting.

The tour then moves to Chuong, where participants experience the centuries-old craft of conical hat making, crafting their own hats.

Finally, in Quang Phu Cau, the group observes family-scale incense production and visits the largest incense factory in the region.

Throughout, guests have the opportunity to capture photos of the colorful incense bundles and their artistic creations.

Lacquerware Production in Ha Thai Village

Ha Thai village, established in the 17th century, is renowned for its intricate lacquerware production.

Visitors can learn about the multi-step process, from preparing the wood base to applying layers of lacquer and decorating the pieces.

Artisans demonstrate how they use natural ingredients like tree sap and eggshells to create the glossy, durable finish.

Tourists can even try their hand at creating their own lacquer painting, guided by skilled artisans.

The village’s long history and dedication to preserving this traditional craft make it a fascinating stop on the tour of craft villages around Hanoi.

Conical Hat Making in Chuong Village

After visiting the lacquerware village, the tour continues to Chuong, a village with a 300-year-old tradition of conical hat production.

Participants learn the intricate process of making these iconic Vietnamese hats. They observe skilled artisans weaving palm leaves and shaping them into distinctive cones.

Visitors then try their hand at crafting their own conical hat, guided by the local experts. This hands-on experience provides a deeper appreciation for the artistry and cultural significance of this traditional Vietnamese accessory.

The tour offers a unique opportunity to connect with the community and create a personal memento.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Incense Production in Quang Phu Cau Village

After visiting the conical hat-making village, the tour proceeds to Quang Phu Cau, known for its family-scale incense production. Guests observe the intricate process of making incense by hand, from drying the bamboo sticks to coating them with fragrant herbal paste. The tour includes a visit to the largest incense factory in the village, where workers meticulously craft incense bundles in vibrant colors.

| Step | Description |

|——|————-|

| 1 | Drying bamboo sticks |

| 2 | Mixing herbal paste |

| 3 | Coating bamboo in paste |

| 4 | Drying incense bundles |

| 5 | Packaging final product |

The tour provides a unique opportunity to witness the time-honored tradition of incense making and gain insight into the cultural heritage of Quang Phu Cau.

Artistic Creations

As participants delve deeper into the tour, they’ve the opportunity to create their own artistic pieces.

In the 300-year-old Chuong village, they’ll learn the intricate process of conical hat making. Participants can craft their unique hats, customizing the colors and designs.

Similarly, in the Ha Thai lacquerware village, established in the 17th century, guests can create their own lacquer paintings. Under the guidance of local artisans, they’ll apply layers of lacquer and decorate their creations with mother-of-pearl inlays.

These hands-on experiences allow travelers to take home a piece of Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Inclusions and Important Information

The tour includes pick-up and drop-off at the Old Quarter, a guided tour of the three artisan villages, and an optional home-cooked lunch.

Guests are advised to:

• Wear comfortable shoes for walking

• Bring a camera to capture the vibrant sights

• Stay hydrated by bringing a water bottle

Smoking isn’t allowed during the tour, and the experience isn’t suitable for wheelchair users or individuals with back problems.

The tour provides an immersive experience into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage and artistic traditions.

About the Tour

This full-day tour offers an immersive journey into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, showcasing the artisanal traditions of three unique villages.

You’ll visit Ha Thai, renowned for its lacquerware, Chuong, famous for its conical hats, and Quang Phu Cau, home to a thriving incense industry.

Along the way, you’ll create your own lacquer painting and conical hat, enjoy a home-cooked lunch, and meet local artisans who’ll share their personal stories.

The tour also includes a visit to the largest incense factory in Quang Phu Cau.

With free cancellation and the option to pay later, this experience is both flexible and convenient.

Since You Asked

What Should I Bring for the Tour Besides a Camera?

Besides a camera, visitors should bring a sun hat and water for hydration. Comfortable walking shoes are also recommended, as the tour involves visiting several villages and engaging in hands-on activities.

Is It Possible to Visit the Tour Sites Independently?

Yes, it’s possible to visit the tour sites independently. The itinerary highlights several artisan villages that are open to the public. However, going with a guided tour provides in-depth insights and the convenience of transportation and lunch.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participating in the Tour?

The tour does not have any age restrictions. Participants of all ages are welcome to join. However, the activities may not be suitable for very young children or individuals with mobility limitations.

Can I Customize the Tour Itinerary to My Preferences?

Customization options are limited as this is a fixed group tour. However, guests can communicate their preferences to the tour guide, who will try to accommodate them within the set itinerary where possible. Overall flexibility is relatively low for this particular tour.

What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Tour?

The tour’s maximum group size is not specified, but it’s likely a small group for a personalized experience. Contact the tour operator to inquire about the specific group size and any options for customizing the itinerary to your preferences.

Final Words

This immersive full-day tour offers a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich artisan traditions. Visitors can discover the intricate processes behind lacquerware, conical hat-making, and incense production. They’ll enjoy hands-on participation, savor a home-cooked lunch, and gain a deeper connection to local craftsmanship and heritage. It’s an exceptional experience for those seeking an authentic cultural encounter in Vietnam.

You can check if your dates are available here: