Anisha Riggs
Incense is a significant part of Vietnamese culture and beliefs, and there are several villages in Hanoi that have been making incense sticks for generations. Quang Phu Cau, a village in Ung Hoa District, is one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Hanoi, located about 30-35 km from the city centre. The village has been making incense sticks for over a hundred years, and 70% of households in the village rely on incense production for their income. Visitors can learn about the traditional craft of making incense sticks and buy some incense to use or give as gifts. Another famous incense village in Hanoi is Yen Phu, which is located on the west bank of Tay Ho district.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Location | Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, Yen Phu estuary, Tay Ho district, Hanoi city |
| Transport | Car, motorbike, bus or overhead railway |
| History | The village's incense-making career originated from a Chinese tradition from the 13th century. |
| Colour | Red and yellow |
| Scenery | Large incense bundles with one end tied together and the others spreading out like blooming flowers |
| Ingredients | Cinnamon, blackbutt, thyme root, anise and agarwood |
| Tour | Available daily: Morning (7:30am – 12:30pm) or Afternoon (12:30pm – 5:30pm) |
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What You'll Learn
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
Quang Phu Cau is a quintessential Vietnamese village known for its centuries-old tradition of incense-making. The village offers a glimpse into the authentic charm of Vietnam, with its vibrant colours and aromatic scents. The lucky colours of the East, yellow and red, are prominently featured in the incense, creating a visually striking display. The incense-making process is showcased throughout the village, from splitting bamboo and bundling toothpicks to dyeing and stringing the incense together.
The villagers of Quang Phu Cau have been producing incense for generations, and their craft is an essential part of their daily lives. The village is bustling with activity, as carts and trucks transport bundles of incense to markets near and far. Visitors can witness the entire incense-making process, interact with local artisans, and learn about the careful selection of raw materials and the significance of incense in Vietnamese culture and spirituality.
The Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is open almost year-round, and it is best visited on sunny days when locals dry incense in various formations, creating captivating scenes. The village tour is available daily, with morning and afternoon sessions, providing a private experience that includes hotel pick-up and drop-off. Visitors can also opt for a photo tour, capturing the vibrant craft village in all its glory.
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Yen Phu Incense Village
According to historical documents and village artisans, the incense trade in Yen Phu was established by a Chinese man in the 13th century. The development of Buddhism and the customs of burning incense in the village led to the expansion of the incense trade. Over the years, Yen Phu Incense Village has attracted a large number of people from nearby villages, including An Duong and Nghi Tam.
Making incense is a complex and challenging process that requires multiple stages. Each family member has a specific duty, from simple to complex tasks. The older people and children usually take on uncomplicated tasks such as drying, collecting, and packaging the finished products. The most difficult stage is mixing the incense powder (sawdust) with flavourings such as anise, cinnamon, and other ingredients. This task is reserved for the most skilled and experienced individuals as improper preparation can affect the fragrance.
Despite the hard work, villagers in the incense-making trade have a low income. However, they continue this traditional trade, which is suitable for them and has cultural and spiritual significance.
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Hong Duong Incense Village
In addition to its incense-making tradition, Hong Duong Village also offers a glimpse into the cultural and spiritual significance of incense in Vietnam. Incense burning is an essential practice in Buddhism and other religious traditions, with the belief that the smoke carries prayers for prosperity and peace. The village's incense sticks are made with natural ingredients, such as cinnamon, blackbutt, thyme root, and anise, with agarwood being the most common due to its fragrant, dark, and resinous wood.
Today, the incense-making profession in Hong Duong is facing some challenges, with a decline in the number of households involved in the craft. However, the village is still a bustling place, with children helping their families with simple tasks and learning about the traditional trade. Visitors can explore the village, interact with the locals, and purchase incense sticks directly from the artisans, supporting the preservation of this ancient tradition.
Overall, a trip to Hong Duong Incense Village offers a unique opportunity to immerse yourself in the local culture, learn about the spiritual significance of incense, and appreciate the skill and dedication of the artisans who have been crafting these fragrant sticks for generations.
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An Duong and Nghi Tam Incense Villages
Hanoi is home to several incense villages, including Quang Phu Cau, Yen Phu, and Xa Kieu. However, this response will focus on An Duong and Nghi Tam Incense Villages, as requested.
The villages of An Duong and Nghi Tam in Hanoi, Vietnam, are known for their incense production, a trade that has been practised for centuries. The art of incense-making in these villages is believed to have originated from a Chinese tradition dating back to the 13th century, introduced to the region alongside Buddhism and the custom of burning incense. While incense-making experienced a decline in popularity during the 1980s, with many families opting for different occupations, the tradition was revived in the following decade. Today, the villages continue to produce incense, with families dedicated to preserving this traditional craft despite the challenges of low income and arduous labour.
Visiting the Incense Villages
Incense-Making Process
The villagers of An Duong and Nghi Tam take pride in their unique recipes for the incense paste, which typically includes natural ingredients such as cinnamon, blackbutt, thyme root, and anise. Agarwood, a fragrant dark resinous wood, is also commonly used and is known for its distinctive fragrance. The incense sticks are carefully crafted by hand, a time-consuming process that is believed to enhance the scent and produce more smoke. After dipping the sticks in the incense paste, they are laid out to dry in the sun, a traditional method that artisans believe preserves the fragrance better than artificial drying techniques.
Significance of Incense in Vietnam
Incense holds a special significance in the spiritual life and cultural beliefs of Vietnam. It is commonly burned during rituals and prayers for ancestors, especially during significant times of the year. The scent of incense is believed to be alluring, with its warm and intense fragrance creating an obligatory atmosphere ahead of important occasions. Incense sticks are also valued for their visual appeal, with vibrant colours like fuchsia and hot pink creating a stunning display.
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Dao Tu and Cau Bau Incense Villages
Hanoi is home to several incense villages, including Quang Phu Cau, Dao Tu, and Cau Bau. These villages have been making incense for generations, with the profession originating from a Chinese tradition from the 13th century.
Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
Located about 30-35 km from Hanoi's city centre, Quang Phu Cau Incense Village has been making traditional incense sticks for over a century. The village is known for its vibrant red incense sticks, which are hung out to dry in large courtyards, creating a stunning visual spectacle. The incense is also dyed yellow, the other lucky colour of the East, making the village a photographer's dream. Visitors can reach the village by car, motorbike, bus, or train.
The profession of making incense sticks spread from Quang Phu Cau to the areas of Dao Tu and Cau Bau, turning the large Quang Phu Cau commune into a large-scale craft village. Today, incense-making is a traditional job in these villages, with children helping their families with simple tasks like moving bamboo. Visitors can observe the entire incense-making process, from splitting bamboo and bundling toothpicks to dyeing and stringing the incense sticks. The aroma of the incense base and the bustling village life will leave a lasting impression on visitors.
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Frequently asked questions
You can buy incense directly from the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village, which is about 30-35 km from Hanoi city centre.
You can get there by car, motorbike, bus or train. By car or motorbike, go straight along National Highway 21B, Provincial Road 429 to Quang Phu Cau. By bus, go to Yen Nghia bus station, then take bus number 91. By train, take the Cat Linh – Ha Dong overhead railway and get off at the last stop near Yen Nghia bus station, then take bus number 91.
The village has existed for over 100 years, with a history of making traditional incense sticks for more than a century. It is one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Hanoi.
You can learn about the traditional craft of making incense sticks, take photos of the villagers at work, and buy some incense to use or give as gifts.
Incense has a special significance in the spiritual life in Vietnam. Burning incense is part of Vietnamese culture and beliefs, particularly in the annual ritual of praying for ancestors.
