Quang Phu Cau: Vibrant Incense Village Just Outside Hanoi

Located about 35 kilometres away from the city center of Hanoi lies the tiny village of Quang Phu Cau. This traditional village is also known as the Incense Village, due to its long heritage of producing incense sticks. In recent years, the village has started to garner attention on social media platforms, primarily due to the vibrant colours of the incense sticks that form beautiful backdrops for photo opportunities.

What to expect at Hanoi Incense Village

Visitors to Quang Phu Cau incense village will get to learn about the traditional techniques and process of making incense sticks. Incense sticks are used widely throughout many Asian societies, and in Vietnam, is used at numerous religious events and festivals.

Witness the villagers in action as they go about their daily lives of making the incense sticks, packaging them, and transporting them for sale.

Majority of the incense sticks are red and yellow - the two colours which are considered to be very auspicious in most Asian societies.

As part of the manufacturing process, these incense sticks would be spread out to dry in the Sun. And it is precisely how these bouquets of incense sticks are laid out in various formations that form a vibrant backdrop for many stunning photos.

The photos are best taken from an elevated angle, and there are platforms that are installed around the village to allow visitors to take photos from an angle. Throughout the village, there are several different yards where they dry the incense sticks, but the most highly recommended one to visit is ‘Lang lam huong do’.

Aside from incense, the village also produces other crafts such as pottery and basket weaving. You can spend some time exploring the village. Speak with the hospitable locals and get greater insights to their craft.

Best Time to Visit Quang Phu Cau

If you want to catch the villagers in the act of laying out the incense sticks to dry, it is recommended to visit sometime between 10am - 12pm. But, if you don't need to watch the process of arranging the incense sticks, you can visit any time in the day!

Do check the weather forecast though, as you will want to avoid visiting the village when it is raining.

How to visit Hanoi Incense Village?

The incense village charges an entrance fee of 50k to 100k Vietnamese Dong ($2 to $4 USD) per person.

It is entirely possible for you to visit the village yourself - once you get to the village and pay the entrance fee, you are free to roam in the area and take photos.

But, if you wanted greater insights into the production process of the incense, you can consider joining a tour instead. There are a number of tours available that will give you a sneak peek into the different stages and steps of the manufacturing process.

Getting to Quang Phu Cau

The village is about a 1 hr -1.5 hr drive away from the city center of Hanoi. You can easily get a taxi or private hire to bring you from Hanoi to the village. Or if you have rented a motorbike in Hanoi, it is relatively easy for you to get to the village.

Quang Phu Cau Tours

If you are interested in joining a tour, here are some of the tours that we have found online:

1. Instagram Incense Quang Phu Cau Village Tour & Train Street Ha Noi on Klook

• Minimum of 2 pax per booking. Options of join-in tour and private tour.
• Free-cancellation up to 24 hours notice before your tour.
• Includes admission fees to the village, and get to witness the different stages of production.
• Half-day tour (~4.5 hours) that includes a visit to Hanoi Train Street and a drink at the Hanoi Train Street.
• Departure times at 7.30am or 11.00am.
• Includes 2-way transfer from your hotel.

Book on Klook (rated 4.8 / 5, based on 60 reviews) — from USD 38.39 per pax

Book on Viator (rated 5.0, based on 109 reviews) — from USD 44 per pax

2. Colors of Incense Village Quang Phu Cau

• Half-day tour (~5-6 hours). Private tour with photographer guide, maximum 4 per group.
• Free-cancellation up to 24 hours notice before your tour.
• Includes admission fees to the village, and get to see all stages of production.
• Departure time at 5.30am.
• Includes 2-way transfer from your hotel.

Book on Viator (Rated 5.0, based on 27 reviews) — from USD 182 per group.

3. Incense Village Private Tour from Hanoi to Ninh Binh Old Capital

• Full-day tour (~10.5 hours). Private tour, maximum 15 per group.
• Free-cancellation up to 24 hours notice before your tour.
• Includes admission fees to the village, and get to see all stages of production.
• Tour includes visit to Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, and Hoa Lu (ancient capital of Vietnam).
• Lunch included.
• Departure time at 7.30am.

Book on Viator (Rated 5.0, based on 34 reviews) — from USD 316 per group.

4. Incense Village Small Group Of 9 Tour From Hanoi to Ninh Binh

• Full-day tour (~10-11 hours). Maximum of 9 pax per tour.
• Free-cancellation up to 24 hours notice before your tour.
• Includes admission fees to the village, and get to see all stages of production.
• Tour includes visit to Ninh Binh, Tam Coc, and Hoa Lu (ancient capital of Vietnam).
• Lunch included.
• Departure time at 7.30am.

Book on Viator (Rated 5.0, based on 53 reviews) — from USD 85 per pax.