Quang Phu Cau Incense Village in Vietnam for Photographers
The Incense Village, located outside of Hanoi, offers an authentic glimpse into Vietnamese rural life. In Quang Phu Cau, local residents work from their homes producing incense sticks and bamboo baskets, continuing a tradition that reflects Vietnam’s rich craft heritage. Hanoi is home to 1,350 craft villages, each historically specialising in a single craft, where villagers collaborated to enhance productivity and ensure mutual benefit.
In recent years, the Incense Village has gained popularity among younger tourists who enjoy being photographed amidst vibrant bunches of incense sticks drying in the courtyards. Despite this growing attention, the village remains relatively untouched by mass tourism, allowing visitors to witness genuine craftsmanship firsthand. In this article, I’ll provide you with all the essential information you need to plan your visit to The Incense Village in Quang Phu Cau.
What is the Incense Village in Quang Phu Cau?
Quang Phu Cau is a small village located about an hour’s drive from downtown Hanoi. At first glance, it might seem like an ordinary Vietnamese town, with locals enjoying meals at small diners, sipping coffee on their porches, and working on crafting bamboo baskets. However, what makes this village unique is its thriving incense production.
The most remarkable aspect of the incense-making process can be found in large, fenced courtyards where vibrant incense sticks are laid out to dry under the sun. While you may spot small clusters of incense sticks drying in random spots around the village, the truly stunning displays are within these courtyards.
It’s important to note that these colorful arrangements of incense sticks are not there for tourists to take photos. They’re an essential step in the production process, as the sticks dry naturally before being packaged and transported for sale. Visiting Quang Phu Cau offers a rare opportunity to witness the authentic craftsmanship behind one of Vietnam’s traditional industries.
Among all the family-run factories in the village, the Long Hòa Incense Factory stands out as the most impressive and photogenic. Recognizing its appeal to visitors, the owners have thoughtfully invested in infrastructure to enhance the experience. They’ve created vibrant, colorful patterns with bundles of incense and set up backdrops specifically designed for photography, allowing visitors to pose for picture-perfect moments.
Additionally, they’ve built elevated platforms that provide unique vantage points for capturing stunning angles. If you time your visit right, you may also have the opportunity to capture candid photos of skilled craftsmen at work, adding an authentic touch to your photography.
What are these red sticks?
The red incense sticks, carefully arranged in bundles to dry under the sun, hold deep spiritual significance in Vietnamese worship culture. Burning incense is believed to serve as a channel of communication with ancestors in the spiritual realm, making it a profoundly rooted and cherished custom in Vietnamese traditions.
How to get to Quang Phu Cau Incense Village?
The best way to reach Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is undoubtedly by prearranged transportation. While public transportation is an option, if you’re a traveler with limited time, it’s best to make the most of every moment in Vietnam by prioritising convenience.
If you’re confident in riding a scooter in Vietnam, this can be an excellent choice. The route to Quang Phu Cau is relatively straightforward, and with a map, you shouldn’t have any trouble navigating your way there. However, for those who prefer a hassle-free experience, hiring a private driver is a highly convenient option.
We opted for a private driver (WhatsApp: +84 70 733 1992) who not only drove us to the village but also waited while we explored. As we were traveling as a pair with a large backpack filled with camera equipment, this option fit our needs and budget perfectly. It also allowed us to arrive at a specific time.
What's the best time to Visit Quang Phu Cau Incense Village?
The incense factories in Quang Phu Cau begin their work at sunrise to ensure they can complete most of their tasks before the midday heat sets in. A crucial step in the incense-making process involves drying the sticks under the sun. If rain or cloudy weather is forecast for the following day, factory operations may be adjusted or paused entirely, as proper drying conditions are essential. During both of our visits, the workers had already finished their tasks by around 9 a.m., and shortly afterward, the tourists began to arrive.
If you’re visiting the Long Hòa Incense Factory primarily to capture travel portraits of yourself or friends, you’ll still find vibrant displays of incense sticks arranged in eye-catching patterns, such as the shape of Vietnam. These arrangements are specifically designed for tourists to photograph, offering a unique and colourful backdrop even on days when the factory isn’t fully operational.
Photographing in Quang Phu Cau Incense Village
The first time we visited the Incense Village, we arrived early in the morning, just before sunrise. Upon finding the Long Hòa factory, we didn't see any action going on outside. At the gate, we were asked to pay a visitor’s fee of 20,000 dong (less than $1). Since we were the first visitors of the day, the workers uncovered a tarp in a corner of the courtyard, revealing incense sticks in various vibrant colours and patterns they had prepared for display. They also pointed us toward a backdrop of stairs filled with bundles of incense sticks.
As I wandered through the courtyard, it became clear that we were the only ones there, and it didn’t seem likely we’d see anyone at work. Using a translator app, I asked the factory owner if we'll be able to see the incense production. He simply pointed to the sky and shrugged, indicating that the overcast weather and the chance of rain had prevented them from starting work. When I inquired about the next day, his response was the same. It was clear that incense production heavily depends on favourable weather conditions. That day, we left without taking any noteworthy photos.
Later that day, I reached out to my now friend Mike from Momentlives, who organises photography tours in Vietnam. He explained how to approach photographing in the Incense Village and suggested taking a tour with him, which we combined with visits to two other locations in Hanoi. Choosing a trip with a local fixer often brings the best results. In this case, Mike had direct connections to the factory and other locations, allowing him to confirm the best times to visit and witness the workers in action—our primary goal for this trip. Additionally, having a local translator proved invaluable for fostering meaningful interactions.
The second time we arrived at the factory, the previously empty courtyard was already filling with freshly prepared bundles of red incense sticks. Without hesitation, I grabbed my camera and started shooting. The workers were accustomed to being photographed, so it didn’t feel awkward at all. On top of that, my translator kept me informed about what was happening next, ensuring I was always ready to capture the perfect shot. After about an hour of continuous photography, the workers were wrapping up their tasks, and so were we.
READ MORE: Hanoi Craft Villages
As we left the factory, my guide took me to a few other spots in the village where incense sticks were drying in the streets. However, I didn’t find those scenes as visually appealing. The day took an exciting turn when we encountered locals crafting bamboo baskets outside their homes. Some of them were friends of my fixer, while others, intrigued by our presence, invited us into their homes to photograph them at work and show where they live. This unexpected opportunity to capture the daily lives of the locals up close was both unique and fascinating, adding a memorable touch to our visit.
If you’re considering a photography tour in Vietnam, I highly recommend Mike from Momentlives. Not only does he offer expert guidance and connections, but he also provides a 10% discount to everyone referred by Picture the World.
Read our other articles about Vietnam
In the beginning of 2024, we spent over 4 months traveling around Vietnam. By staying longer in Vietnam, we were able to visit places off the beaten path, where regular tourists don't usually go, and create comprehensive guides for you to plan your travels.
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