Hanoi: Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour

Visitors to Hanoi have the chance to discover the city’s rich artisan heritage through the Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour. Offering both half-day and full-day options, the tour takes participants to three traditional villages where they can witness skilled craftspeople at work and even try their hand at age-old techniques like lacquer painting. With comfortable transportation, knowledgeable guides, and a tasty home-cooked lunch, it’s an immersive cultural experience not to be missed. What can these artisan villages reveal about Vietnam’s artistic traditions?

Key Points

• A half-day or full-day tour that explores three artisan villages in Hanoi, showcasing lacquer, conical hat, and incense making.
• Includes hands-on activities, observing artisanal processes, home-cooked lunch (for full-day option), and transportation with an English-speaking guide.
• Prices range from Kč 740 to Kč 370 per person, with flexible booking and free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Half-day tour visits Chuong Conical Hat Village and Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, while full-day tour covers all three villages.
• Tour is not suitable for wheelchair users due to uneven terrain, and visitors with sensitivities to acrylic or lacquer smells should consider this.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Hanoi: Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour offers visitors a unique opportunity to explore the rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship of three distinct villages just outside the city.

The tour is available in half-day and full-day options, with the full-day tour including a home-cooked lunch and visits to all three villages – Lacquer, Conical Hat, and Incense.

The full-day tour includes a home-cooked lunch and visits to the Lacquer, Conical Hat, and Incense villages.

Participants can expect to engage in hands-on activities, observe the artisanal processes, and take home a conical hat souvenir.

Transportation, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees are included, making this tour a convenient and immersive cultural experience.

Pricing and Booking Options

Visitors can save up to 50% on the Hanoi: Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour, with prices ranging from Kč 740 to Kč 370 per person.

The tour offers a half-day (5 hours) or full-day (8 hours) option. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours in advance, and booking is flexible with no upfront payment required.

Pickup is available at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or the central meeting point, with a comfortable bus/coach and an English-speaking guide.

The tour includes entrance fees, a conical hat souvenir, and a home-cooked lunch for the full-day option.

Half-Day Itinerary

The half-day tour option takes visitors to two artisan villages, allowing them to explore the captivating processes behind conical hat making and incense production.

In the morning or afternoon, the tour visits the Chuong Conical Hat Village and the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. Participants observe the skilled artisanal techniques, take photos, and learn about the cultural significance of these traditional crafts.

Optionally, the tour includes a drop-off at Hanoi’s famous Train Street.

With a duration of 5 hours, this half-day experience offers an immersive glimpse into Hanoi’s vibrant artisan heritage.

Full-Day Itinerary

For the full-day option, participants visit three distinct artisan villages, seeing the intricate processes of lacquer painting, conical hat making, and incense production.

The tour kicks off at 8:00 AM and runs until 4:30 PM. After pickup, guests explore a lacquer workshop, learning the traditional techniques of this Vietnamese craft.

Next, they visit the Chuong Conical Hat Village, trying their hand at hat-making.

Finally, they observe the centuries-old methods of incense production at the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village.

A home-cooked lunch is included, and the tour offers an optional drop-off at Train Street.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Pickup and Transportation

Participants can be picked up from their hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, while those staying elsewhere will meet the group at No. 27 Hang Bac Street in the Hoan Kiem District.

Participants can be picked up from their hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, while others will meet at No. 27 Hang Bac Street in Hoan Kiem District.

The tour includes comfortable bus or coach transportation to the villages. The tour guide will meet the participants in the hotel lobby 30 minutes before the scheduled departure time. This ensures a smooth start to the day’s activities:

• Pickup at hotels in the Old Quarter

• Meeting point at No. 27 Hang Bac Street

• Comfortable bus/coach transportation included

Inclusions and Exclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, along with an English-speaking guide to lead the activities.

A home-cooked lunch is provided for the full-day option. Participants receive a conical hat souvenir and a water bottle. All entrance fees are covered.

However, the tour excludes other drinks and personal expenses. Lunch isn’t included for the half-day option. Tips for the guide and driver are also not covered.

Wheelchair users should note the tour isn’t suitable for them. Visitors with sensitivities to acrylic or lacquer smells should consider this before booking.

Important Considerations

Visitors with sensitivities to acrylic or lacquer smells should consider this tour carefully before booking, as the artisanal processes involved may be irritating.

The tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users due to the uneven terrain and narrow pathways in the villages. Participants are advised to wear comfortable shoes for walking.

Pets aren’t allowed on the tour.

While the tour has received generally positive reviews, some customers have provided feedback on areas for improvement, such as:

• Language options for guides

• Pacing of the tour

• Effectiveness of the tour guide

Customer Feedback

Although the tour has received generally positive reviews, with an overall rating of 4.3 out of 5 based on 12 reviews, some customers have provided feedback on areas for improvement.

Some felt the tour guide’s effectiveness was inconsistent, with a few noting language barriers. Others suggested the pacing could be better, either feeling rushed or finding the stops overly lengthy.

While most enjoyed the hands-on experiences, a few participants with sensitivities to acrylic or lacquer smells noted this should be considered before booking.

Since You Asked

What Is the Minimum Group Size Required for the Tour?

This tour does not have a minimum group size requirement. Travelers can book the tour individually and participate in the activities and visit the villages as part of a small or large group.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Participants?

There are no age restrictions for participants on this tour. The tour is suitable for travelers of all ages, though it’s recommended that children be accompanied by an adult for the best experience.

Can the Tour Be Customized to Accommodate Special Needs?

The tour can be customized to accommodate special needs. Participants with sensitivities should notify the tour operator, who’ll work to adjust the itinerary or provide alternatives. However, the tour may not be suitable for wheelchair users.

Are There Any Additional Fees for Language Translation Services?

Additional language translation services aren’t mentioned, but the tour provides an English-speaking guide. To accommodate special needs, the provider may offer translation services for an extra fee. Customers should inquire about this when booking.

Can the Tour Be Booked for Other Dates Beyond the Listed Options?

Yes, the tour can be booked for other dates beyond the listed options. The provider offers flexible booking, allowing customers to reserve a tour on their preferred date if availability permits.

Final Words

The Hanoi: Incense, Hat Making & Lacquer Artisan Village Tour offers a unique cultural experience. Visitors can choose between a half-day or full-day tour, engaging in hands-on activities and observing skilled artisans. With comfortable transportation, an English-speaking guide, and a home-cooked lunch, it’s an immersive and memorable way to explore Vietnam’s rich artisan heritage.

You can check if your dates are available here: