Discover Hanoi’s Century-Old Incense-Making Village: A Hidden Gem Near the City outskirts

🇻🇳 Transportation: In the bustling city of Hanoi, renting a motorcycle (around 30 yuan per day) is an adventurous and cost-effective way to explore. A 35-kilometer ride, taking roughly an hour, will get you to your destination. For those preferring a more relaxed experience, half-day tour groups are available online, visiting two unique villages—an incense-making village and a bamboo hat-making village.

While these tours offer a more comfortable journey, they come at a higher price, around 178 yuan per person on Klook.

🇻🇳 Location: 📍Simply search for “Làng làm hương đỏ” on Google Maps. You’ll find it on the right side of a narrow road lined with houses. The entrance is easily identifiable, as the gate is open, and a quick glance to the right should lead you straight to it.

🇻🇳 Experience: This charming location is a compact yet picturesque venue where you can see from one end to the other. The entrance fee is a reasonable 50,000 VND (about 15 yuan) per person. Thoughtful touches include folding ladders placed at key photo spots, allowing for high-angle shots, and platforms with steps all around for overhead views, eliminating the need for a drone!

Free colorful Vietnamese conical hats are also provided, adding a vibrant touch to your photos. During your visit, a friendly staff member will help guide you through various poses and angles, ensuring you capture the best moments.

I arrived around 1:00 PM, and the place was nearly empty, providing ample space and freedom to take photos. The incense-making village looks particularly enchanting on an overcast day, as bright sunlight can sometimes wash out the colors. However, due to Hanoi’s often hazy skies, you’re likely to have ideal lighting conditions without needing to plan for specific times. The site also includes public restrooms and rest areas, making your visit even more comfortable.