Hanoi: Incense Village, Hat, Lacquer & Train Street Full-Day

Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi, is a captivating blend of ancient crafts and vibrant village scenes. Enjoy the rich cultural heritage of the city with a full-day tour that takes you on a journey through the centuries-old traditions of incense-making, conical hat craftsmanship, and intricate lacquer artistry. Witness the daring interaction between locals and the passing trains on the famous Train Street, and indulge in a home-cooked lunch that celebrates the flavors of Vietnam. This comprehensive tour offers a unique opportunity to delve deeper into the enduring traditions that define Vietnam’s cultural identity.

Key Points

• Explore Hanoi’s rich cultural heritage through a full-day tour featuring visits to the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Chuong Conical Hat Village, Ha Thai Lacquer Village, and the iconic Train Street.
• Discover the centuries-old tradition of incense-making and observe skilled artisans in Quang Phu Cau, the renowned incense village on Hanoi’s outskirts.
• Immerse in the intricate craft of conical hat-making at the Chuong Conical Hat Village, where skilled artisans use bamboo, palm leaves, and natural dyes to create the iconic ‘non la’.
• Witness the centuries-old lacquer art tradition at the Ha Thai Lacquer Village, where you can observe artisans at work and try decorating a lacquer piece.
• Experience the daring and resilient community of Train Street, where trains pass mere inches from surrounding homes and shops, creating a unique and electric atmosphere.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Options

There are two tour options available for visitors:

a half-day tour and a full-day tour.

The half-day tour includes visits to the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Chuong Conical Hat Village, and an optional stop at Train Street.

The full-day tour builds on the half-day experience by adding a visit to the Ha Thai Lacquer Village and a home-cooked lunch.

Both tours offer the opportunity to discover Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage, from the production of incense to the crafting of iconic conical hats and lacquerware.

Visitors can capture stunning photos and enjoy the vibrant scenes of these traditional villages.

Quang Phu Cau Incense Village

Quang Phu Cau is a centuries-old incense village nestled on the outskirts of Hanoi, where artisans have honed the craft of producing Vietnam’s renowned incense sticks.

Visitors will be captivated by the vibrant scenes of villagers skillfully rolling, drying, and packaging the fragrant sticks. The air is permeated with the alluring aroma of freshly made incense, transporting guests to a bygone era.

Guests can observe the intricate process, from the selection of raw materials to the meticulous hand-rolling techniques passed down through generations.

Exploring Quang Phu Cau offers a glimpse into the heart and soul of Vietnam’s enduring traditions, making it a must-visit destination for those seeking an authentic cultural experience.

Chuong Conical Hat Village

Located just outside Hanoi, the Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village is renowned for its production of Vietnam’s iconic conical hats, known as the ‘non la’. Artisans in this picturesque village have perfected the intricate techniques required to craft these distinctive headpieces, which have become a symbol of Vietnamese culture. Visitors can watch as skilled craftspeople weave, dye, and shape the bamboo and palm leaves into the iconic hats.

Materials Used	Weaving Process	Finishing Touches
Bamboo	Shaping the brim	Dyeing
Palm leaves	Interweaving the leaves	Trimming
Natural dyes	Securing the structure	Polishing

From start to finish, the creation of a Chuong conical hat is a true labor of love, preserving a cherished Vietnamese tradition.

Ha Thai Lacquer Village

Alongside the iconic conical hats of Chuong Village, Hanoi is also renowned for its vibrant lacquer art tradition, exemplified by the skilled artisans of Ha Thai Lacquer Village.

Visitors to this charming rural enclave can witness the intricate process of transforming raw lacquer sap into exquisite, high-gloss lacquerware.

The village boasts:

• Centuries-old lacquer crafting techniques passed down through generations
• A diverse range of products including furniture, home decor, and personal accessories

Visitors can:

• Observe artisans at work and even try their hand at decorating a lacquer piece
• Gain insights into the cultural significance of this distinctive Vietnamese art form

Shops in the village offer a wide selection of premium lacquerware for purchase.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Train Street

Winding its way through the heart of Hanoi, Train Street offers visitors a unique and thrilling experience, as they witness the daily passage of trains merely inches from the surrounding homes and shops.

This narrow alley is a popular spot for photographers and adventurous travelers, who come to capture the daring dance between the train and the people who live along its tracks.

While the trains operate on a tight schedule, the real excitement lies in the electric atmosphere and the chance to interact with the local residents, who’ve adapted their daily lives to accommodate the constant presence of the trains.

Train Street is a testament to the ingenuity and resilience of the Vietnamese people.

Home-Cooked Lunch

For the full-day tour option, travelers will enjoy a home-cooked lunch that immerses them in the local culinary traditions of Vietnam. The meal features authentic dishes prepared by skilled home cooks, providing a genuine taste of the country’s vibrant food culture.

The lunch includes:

• Pho – Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup made with flavorful broth, rice noodles, and your choice of meat

• Banh Mi – The beloved Vietnamese baguette sandwich filled with savory meats, pickled veggies, and spicy sauces

• Fresh Spring Rolls – Light and refreshing rice paper rolls stuffed with shrimp, pork, and crisp vegetables

• Cha Ca – Sizzling turmeric-infused fish sautéed with dill and served over a bed of aromatic noodles

• Che – A sweet and creamy Vietnamese dessert made with beans, fruit, and coconut milk

Inclusions

The tour includes pickup and drop-off at hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter area, an English-speaking tour guide, all entrance fees, one bottled water per person, and a conical hat per person for the full-day option. This ensures a seamless and enjoyable experience for participants.

The inclusion of transportation and an expert guide allows visitors to focus on seeing the cultural activities without the hassle of logistics.

The complimentary water and conical hat add thoughtful touches that enhance the overall tour experience.

With these comprehensive inclusions, travelers can fully concentrate on exploring the fascinating Hanoi villages and capturing stunning photos of the vibrant scenes.

Exclusions

While the tour includes a comprehensive set of inclusions, there are some exclusions travelers should be aware of.

Lunch isn’t included in the half-day tour option, and you will need to cover any additional drinks or personal expenses during the tour. Plus, the cost of any lacquer pieces for painting, as well as tips for the tour guide and driver, aren’t covered in the tour price.

The key exclusions are:

• Lunch (Half-day option only)
• Additional drinks and personal expenses
• Lacquer piece for painting (available for purchase)
• Tips for tour guide and driver
• Any other expenses not explicitly mentioned in the inclusions

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Sites?

Yes, the tour can be customized to visit specific sites. Clients can work with the tour provider to create a personalized itinerary based on their interests and preferences within the tour’s duration and available options.

How Accessible Are the Villages for People With Mobility Issues?

The villages have some accessibility challenges for those with mobility issues. The terrain can be uneven, and there may be steps or narrow paths. However, the tour operator can make accommodations where possible to assist guests with limited mobility.

Is Photography Allowed at All the Sites Visited?

Photography is generally allowed at the sites visited, though some restrictions may apply. Visitors should check with the tour guide or local staff for guidance on photo policies at each location to ensure a smooth and respectful experience.

What Should I Bring to Make the Most of the Tour?

To make the most of the tour, visitors should bring comfortable walking shoes, a sun hat, sunscreen, and a camera to capture the vibrant colors and traditional craftsmanship. Bringing a small snack or water is also recommended.

Is There an Option to Extend the Tour Duration?

There is an option to extend the tour duration. The full-day tour lasts 5 hours and includes additional stops like the Ha Thai Lacquer Village and a home-cooked lunch, while the half-day tour is shorter at around 3-4 hours.

Recap

This comprehensive day tour in Hanoi provides a captivating glimpse into Vietnam’s rich cultural heritage.

Visitors can enjoy the centuries-old traditions of incense-making, conical hat craftsmanship, and intricate lacquer artistry.

The tour also includes the opportunity to witness the unique interaction between locals and the passing trains on Hanoi’s famous Train Street, offering a truly authentic and memorable cultural experience.

You can check if your dates are available here: