| Quang Phu Cau Village
How to visit the incense village near Hanoi
For anyone who loves photography, a visit to Quang Phu Cau Village, also known as Vietnam’s incense village, is an absolute must! Located on the outskirts of Hanoi, this village is home to several incense factories. Visitors can witness hundreds of workers painting and drying bamboo to make incense sticks. Especially during the days leading up to Lunar New Year (also known as “Tet”), the village takes on a lively red and pink hue as millions of fragrant incense sticks are dried outdoors.
Curious? In this blog, we will tell you everything you need to know about visiting Quang Phu Cau Village.
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About Quang Phu Cau village
Quang Phu Cau Village is a small, traditional village located in the Ha Dong district of Hanoi, Vietnam. The village is known for its rich culture and friendly residents. Despite having the potential to become a popular tourist destination, Quang Phu Cau village still remains off the beaten path, making it an ideal destination for travelers seeking an authentic and unique experience.
The village is located on the banks of the To Lich river, which forms a somewhat polluted backdrop for the village. The river is also an important source of water for agriculture, which many residents rely on for their livelihoods.
The village also has many traditional crafts, such as pottery and basket weaving, but it is most famous for its production of incense, which is used in many religious ceremonies and rituals in Vietnam. This incense is made from various natural ingredients, including herbs, wood, and resins.
After the incense is formed, it is left to dry for several days, which produces incredibly photogenic scenes of brightly colored bouquets of sticks that are placed on the streets and squares of the village. Once dry, the incense is wrapped in paper or placed in a holder and is ready for use.
The best time to visit Quang Phu Cau village
Those who want to observe the process of making incense and take incredible photos (like the ones in this blog) should go early. Try to reach the village around 10 am, as at that time the villagers lay out the incense to dry in various formations. This process will be completed around noon, when the workers take a lunch break.
The most spectacular time to visit Quang Phu Cau is around “Tet” (or Lunar New Year), when the production of incense is increased and the whole village turns red and pink as millions of fragrant incense sticks are dried on the streets.
The best place to make photographs
The best way to photograph the incense spectacle is from above. In this case, you don’t need to buy a drone. There is a certain square where the villagers provide platforms for those seeking this truly unique shot for a small fee. When you are there, look for this place: Làng làm hương đỏ.
How to get to Quang Phu Cau village from Hanoi?
Quang Phu Cau village is located in the Ha Dong district of Hanoi, Vietnam. There are several ways to get to the village from Hanoi, depending on your preferences and budget.
By bus: The most affordable and convenient way to get to Quang Phu Cau village from Hanoi is by taking the bus, line 91. The bus ride takes about 45 minutes to an hour (depending on where you board).
By taxi: Another option is to take a taxi from Hanoi to Quang Phu Cau village. This is a more expensive option, but it offers more comfort and flexibility. You can arrange with the driver to wait for you in the village or come back to pick you up after your visit. We chose this option and it worked well. Tip: make sure to have a good translation app on your phone, not every taxi driver speaks English (very well).
By motorbike: If you’re feeling adventurous, you can rent a motorbike in Hanoi and make your way to Quang Phu Cau village on your own. This option gives you more freedom and flexibility to explore the area at your own pace, but it also comes with some risks due to the chaotic traffic in Hanoi. Also note that in Vietnam foreigners are not insured when driving a +50CC motorbike.
By tour: Another option is to book a tour to Quang Phu Cau village, which includes transportation and a guide. This option is convenient and that way you can be sure you will get the most out of your experience in Quang Phu Cau incense village, where (it needs to be said again) most locals speak absolutely no English.
There are also special photography tours available, but these tend to be expensive.
Note that Quang Phu Cau is not well-connected to public transportation besides bus 91, so it is a good idea to check the schedules and routes carefully before planning your trip. It’s also a good idea to bring a map or download a navigation app since the village is not well signposted.
Near Quang Phu Cau: Hanoi and Lan Ha Bay
In all likelihood, your adventure to the colorful and aromatic Quang Phu Cau Village will begin from the pulsating heart of Vietnam, Hanoi. This journey from the bustling capital to the serene village not only showcases the dramatic contrast between urban vibrancy and rural tranquility but also offers a unique glimpse into the cultural diversity of Vietnam. As you venture from the dynamic energy of Hanoi on a path less traveled, the anticipation of discovering traditional artistry grows.
But your exploration doesn’t have to end with the enchanting experience of Quang Phu Cau. Once you’ve marveled at the unique craftsmanship of the village, a return to Hanoi reveals the ancient soul of the city in the Old Quarter. Our guide to Hanoi’s Old Quarter navigates you through its historic alleys, where the essence of the capital comes alive in its centuries-old architecture, diverse cuisine, and bustling markets, offering tastes and tales at every turn.
From Hanoi, Lan Ha Bay is a must-visit. Just a short journey from Vietnam’s bustling capital, Lan Ha Bay offers an idyllic escape into nature’s embrace. Its crystal-clear waters, towering limestone islands, and secluded beaches make Lan Ha Bay a pristine paradise, presenting an unspoiled and more serene alternative to the well-trodden paths of Ha Long Bay.
With fewer visitors, you can enjoy kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves in peace, making it the perfect retreat for those seeking tranquility amidst Vietnam’s natural splendor. Our journey through Lan Ha Bay invites you to experience this untouched landscape, promising an addition to your Vietnamese adventure that you’ll never forget.
Hi, we are Samira & Maurits, a travel-hungry couple with a passion for photography.
With our free travel guides, we hope to inspire you and help you plan your dream holiday. We also provide important tips and tricks for making new journeys, but also for capturing those precious memories in your own travel photos.
All the photos on this site were taken by us (unless it says otherwise underneath a picture).
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10 Responses
Hello, may I know how much you’ve paid for the taxi? And how many hours you’ve spent there?
Hello Sue. Thank you for reaching out to us. The taxi ride was arranged for us from the hotel and cost us around 1 million Vietnamese dong. We were on the road for about 3 quarters of an hour, each way. In the meantime, the taxi driver waited for us. We spent about 3 hours overthere. Definitely worth it!
Hello Samira & Maurits, thanks for guide. Can we do a self visit to the village if we don’t want to pay for a tour?
Hello Gargi Bhan. Thank you for your message. It is indeed possible to visit Quang Phu Cau Village without booking a tour. This will save you costs and give you the freedom to explore the entire village for as long as you want. Often, the reception at your hotel can arrange a taxi for you to facilitate this visit. We wish you a lot of fun! Best regards, Samira and Maurits.
hello, what app did you use for english translator?
Hi! We use the app ‘Sayhi’. With this app, you can speak or type texts in your own language. You can then show or play the translated text to your conversation partner, who can respond in their own language. You will need a data connection for this. Therefore, we recommend purchasing a SIM card upon arrival in Vietnam so that you can always use your phone when you have a connection.
Hello Samira,
We have only an afternoon to visit the Incense Village. Have a return flight to Delhi from Hanoi the next evening .
Is afternoon a good time ?
Secondly if not, then how many hours will it take starting 10 am ?
Dear Pradeep,
When you visit Quang Phu Cau in the morning, you’ll have the opportunity to observe the villagers as they lay out the incense to dry outside. It’s not entirely clear to us whether you’ll be able to witness the same process in the afternoon. Based on our knowledge, this activity seems to occur exclusively in the morning. If you were to arrive at 10:00 AM, a 2-hour visit should offer ample time to take in everything. We hope you have a wonderful experience during your visit to this unique and picturesque village. Safe travels!
Best regards,
Samira and Maurits.
Hello, If we travel to incense village on our own in a cab what would be the entrance ticket Cost to the village.
Hello! Thank you very much for your message. Fortunately, you don’t have to pay anything to visit Quang Phu Cau. However, there may be a small fee if you enter private property, for example, to take photos. The people there are very friendly and welcoming. We wish you a lot of fun!