Hanoi Highlights: Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages Tour

Vietnam’s rich craft heritage comes alive in the "Hanoi Highlights: Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages Tour." Visitors can enjoy the vibrant traditions of incense-making, conical hat crafting, and lacquerware artistry. From exploring the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village to painting their own hats in Chuong, this tour offers a unique glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship. But what secrets do these villages hold?

Good To Know

• Immersive cultural experience showcasing traditional Vietnamese crafts, including incense-making, conical hat crafting, and lacquerware production.
• Half-Day Tour and Full-Day Tour options available, with pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Visitors can observe skilled artisans at work and participate in hands-on activities, such as painting conical hats and decorating lacquer pieces.
• The tour provides insights into the history, significance, and preservation of these time-honored Vietnamese crafts.
• Prices range from $11.77 per person, with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Tour Overview

The Hanoi Highlights: Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages Tour offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing traditional Vietnamese crafts and artisanal practices.

An immersive cultural experience showcasing traditional Vietnamese crafts and artisanal practices.

Priced from $11.77 per person, this 5-hour to full-day tour allows visitors to explore Hanoi’s renowned villages, including Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village, and the Hanoi Lacquer Crafting Village.

With free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance and a reserve now, pay later option, the tour provides flexibility and convenience.

Pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is included, ensuring a seamless start to the journey.

Tour Options

There are two main tour options available – a Half-Day Tour and a Full-Day Tour.

The Half-Day Tour visits two villages – the Conical Hat and Incense Craft Village, with an optional stop at Train Street. This tour lasts 4-5 hours, with morning and afternoon departures. Lunch isn’t included, so snacks are recommended.

The Full-Day Tour visits three villages – Lacquer, Conical Hat, and Incense. This tour includes a home-cooked lunch and lasts the entire day, with pickup between 7:45-8:15 AM.

Incense Craft Village

Visitors to the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village get to discover the traditional craft of incense-making. They’ll meet local artisans and see the colorful incense bundles that are meticulously handcrafted. The process involves dipping incense sticks into fragrant substances like sandalwood or lotus petals, then painstakingly tying them into intricate patterns. This village has specialized in this craft for over 300 years, passing down the techniques through generations. Exploring the vibrant community and witnessing the dedication of the artisans provides a unique cultural experience.

| Traditional Incense-Making Process |

| — | — | — | — | — |

| 1. Dip incense sticks in fragrant substances | 2. Tie sticks into intricate patterns | 3. Dry and pack incense bundles | 4. Distribute to local markets | 5. Enjoy the calming aroma |

Conical Hat Crafting Village

In the Chuong Conical Hat Crafting Village, visitors can learn about the 300-year-old craft of making the iconic Vietnamese conical hat.

They’ll observe skilled artisans handcrafting these traditional hats, using techniques passed down through generations. Visitors can also try their hand at painting their own conical hat as a memorable souvenir.

The village offers a glimpse into this time-honored tradition:

1. Witness the intricate hatmaking process

2. Participate in painting a conical hat

3. Gain insights into the history and cultural significance

4. Interact with local artisans preserving this centuries-old craft

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Lacquer Crafting Village

The Hanoi Lacquer Crafting Village offers a captivating glimpse into the artistry and tradition of lacquerware production.

Nestled amidst the bustling streets, this family-run factory showcases the meticulous process of creating intricate lacquer pieces. Visitors can observe skilled artisans delicately layering natural lacquer onto wooden frames, meticulously polishing and painting the surfaces.

The tour also provides an opportunity to try your hand at decorating a lacquer piece, allowing you to take home a unique souvenir. This immersive experience highlights the dedication and expertise that goes into preserving this centuries-old Vietnamese craft.

Tour Inclusions

The Hanoi Highlights tour includes a range of essential components to ensure a comprehensive and enriching experience.

The tour package includes:

The tour package includes pickup, an English-speaking guide, a home-cooked lunch, a conical hat, and all entrance fees.

• Pickup and drop-off at hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

• An English-speaking guide to provide insightful commentary throughout the tour

• A home-cooked lunch for the full-day option

• One complimentary conical hat and water bottle per person

• All entrance fees to the visited attractions, as outlined in the itinerary

These inclusions aim to create a seamless and immersive tour, allowing participants to fully engage with the local crafts and culture without worrying about logistics.

Important Considerations

Comfort and health are key considerations for this tour. Wear comfortable shoes to navigate the villages. The artisans use acrylic and lacquer paints, so those sensitive to strong smells should take precautions. Unfortunately, the tour is not suitable for wheelchair users.

| What to Bring | Not Suitable For | Health Considerations |

| — | — | — |

| Comfortable shoes | Wheelchair users | Artisans use acrylic/lacquer paint; consider sensitivity to smells |

| – | – | – |

Customer Reviews

Customers have overwhelmingly praised the Hanoi Highlights tour, awarding it an impressive 4.8/5 rating based on 6 reviews.

Reviewers highlighted several aspects that made their experience enjoyable:

1. Attentive and knowledgeable guides who provided engaging insights into the local crafts.

2. The opportunity to actively participate in hands-on activities like painting lacquer pieces and conical hats.

3. The chance to witness the intricate, centuries-old processes of incense-making and lacquer production.

4. The inclusion of a home-cooked lunch, which allowed for a more immersive cultural experience.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Transportation Between Villages Included in the Tour Price?

Transportation between the villages is included in the tour price. The tour provides pickup and drop-off at the hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as transportation to the various craft villages throughout the experience.

Can I Customize the Tour to Visit Specific Villages?

Yes, you can customize the tour to visit specific villages. The tour operator offers flexibility, allowing you to choose the villages you’d like to explore based on your interests and time constraints.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Physical Requirements for This Tour?

There are no age restrictions, but the tour isn’t suitable for wheelchair users. Participants should be able to walk comfortably, as the tour involves visiting several villages and observing craft-making activities.

Can I Book This Tour for a Group of People?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a group. The website indicates there’s no mention of group size restrictions, so travelers can reserve the tour for multiple people. The pickup and transportation arrangements can accommodate groups.

Are There Any Discounts or Deals Available for Booking This Tour?

Yes, there are discounts available for this tour. The price can be saved up to 50%, dropping from $23.53 to $11.77 per person. The tour also offers a reserve now and pay later option.

The Sum Up

The "Hanoi Highlights: Incense, Hat Making, Lacquer Villages Tour" offers an immersive cultural experience, showcasing Vietnam’s rich craft-making heritage. Visitors can explore vibrant incense villages, paint their own conical hats, and witness the meticulous artistry of lacquerware. This enriching journey provides a unique glimpse into the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship, allowing participants to connect with the country’s vibrant traditions.

You can check if your dates are available here: