Thuy Xuan Incense Village
A 700-year-old village in Hue, Vietnam, famous for its vibrant, hand-made incense sticks drying in colorful arrays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Best Time
Vibrant colors, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 700-year-old village in Hue, Vietnam, famous for its vibrant, hand-made incense sticks drying in colorful arrays.
"Excellent place for photography in Vietnam. Most colourful place on earth."
📸 Free Photo Ops!
Most shops encourage photos and even offer help with angles. Embrace it!
👗 Rent an Ao Dai
Enhance your photos with a traditional Vietnamese dress. Prices vary by shop.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Sundried Incense
Along the village roads
Thousands of colorful incense sticks drying in the sun create a breathtaking, kaleidoscopic display.
Traditional Incense Making
Artisan workshops
Witness skilled craftspeople meticulously creating incense sticks by hand, a centuries-old tradition.
Ao Dai Photoshoot
Various shops
Rent a traditional Vietnamese Ao Dai and pose amidst the colorful incense for unforgettable photos.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Photos
Embrace the Local Culture
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
📸 Free Photo Ops!
Most shops encourage photos and even offer help with angles. Embrace it!
👗 Rent an Ao Dai
Enhance your photos with a traditional Vietnamese dress. Prices vary by shop.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Buy incense directly from artisans; prices can be cheaper further down the road.
✋ Try Making Incense
Some shops allow you to try your hand at making incense sticks.
Tips
from all over the internet
📸 Free Photo Ops!
Most shops encourage photos and even offer help with angles. Embrace it!
👗 Rent an Ao Dai
Enhance your photos with a traditional Vietnamese dress. Prices vary by shop.
🛍️ Souvenir Shopping
Buy incense directly from artisans; prices can be cheaper further down the road.
✋ Try Making Incense
Some shops allow you to try your hand at making incense sticks.
🚗 Easy to Reach
Just a short ride from Hue city center, making it a convenient stop.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the stunning visual spectacle of colorful incense sticks and the friendly locals who encourage photography. Many enjoy the cultural immersion, especially the opportunity to rent traditional Ao Dai for photos and witness the incense-making process. While some find it touristy, the unique aesthetics and welcoming atmosphere make it a memorable stop.
"The experience of wearing ao dai at the incense village was one of a kind. We wore the ordinary ao dai and it was still great. We got to take unli pictures around and we were happy with it. We just paid 100k for the whole rental with accessories. We also bought some incense souvenirs."
duchess anastacio
"Pretty cool, it’s less of a village but more of lots of small owned shops along both sides of the road.
The prices vary by shop, we found it a little cheaper further down the road where they also let us try making the incense"
Jesse Bowskill
"Nice and colourful l, but very touristy. Worth a walk around but not too impressive."
Ilaria Ceseri
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Thuy Xuan Incense Village is conveniently located about 7km from Hue city center. You can easily reach it by taxi, Grab (ride-sharing app), or by renting a motorbike. Many tours also include this as a stop.
Yes, taxis and Grab are readily available in the area. If you rented a motorbike, you'll have your own transport.
Cycling is a great option if you enjoy scenic rides. The route is relatively flat and offers a pleasant way to experience the local landscape.
Absolutely! Many tours of Hue include a visit to the incense village, often combining it with other local attractions.
For photographers, renting a motorbike offers the most flexibility to stop whenever inspiration strikes and capture the best light.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The village itself is free to enter. You only pay for any souvenirs you buy or optional experiences like renting traditional clothing.
The shops are generally open throughout the day, from morning until late afternoon or early evening, to accommodate visitors.
No, advance booking is not necessary as there are no entrance tickets. You can visit anytime during operating hours.
Visiting in the early morning or late afternoon can help you avoid the peak crowds, especially during busy tourist seasons.
While not required, purchasing incense or other crafts directly from the artisans is the best way to support their traditional craft.
📸 📸 Photography
The best time for photography is during daylight hours, especially in the morning or late afternoon when the light is softer and the colors of the incense are most vibrant.
No, photography is generally welcomed and encouraged by the locals. Many artisans are happy to pose for pictures.
A smartphone with a good camera is sufficient for most visitors. If you have a DSLR or mirrorless camera, bring a versatile lens to capture both wide shots and details.
Yes, you can photograph the artisans at work. It's polite to ask for permission before taking close-up shots.
The roads lined with drying incense sticks are incredibly photogenic. Also, the areas where people are making incense and the colorful displays in the shops are great for photos.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Souvenirs
The primary souvenir is, of course, incense sticks in various scents and colors. You can also find incense cones and other related items.
Prices can vary between shops. It's often suggested that prices might be slightly lower further down the road, and some negotiation might be possible.
Popular scents include sandalwood, aloeswood, cinnamon, and frangipani, reflecting traditional and local fragrances.
Many visitors find the incense to be a beautiful and fragrant souvenir, representing a unique local craft.
Yes, the incense made here is traditionally used in temples and for religious ceremonies.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
+1 Many shops are welcoming, and some may even offer a chance for kids to try their hand at making incense, turning a visit into a fun, hands-on activity. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Renting an Ao Dai can elevate your photos, providing a beautiful cultural element. ✈️ Day-Trippers from Hue
Combine it with a visit to the Hue Citadel or other nearby attractions. The visual appeal and cultural insight make it a worthwhile stop. Consider hiring a motorbike or using a Grab for flexible transport. Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Incense Making
+1 Originally, artisans focused on sandalwood incense, a scent highly valued for its use in temples and by the nobility. The craft involves a meticulous process: bamboo sticks are split and dyed, then coated with a fragrant paste made from natural ingredients like wood powder, spices, and essential oils. The dyed sticks are then carefully arranged and left to dry in the sun, creating the iconic colorful bouquets seen throughout the village. +1This traditional craft has evolved to cater to modern tourism. While maintaining its heritage, the village now produces a wider array of scents, including cinnamon, frangipani, and other indigenous fragrances, to appeal to a broader market.
Visitors can often witness this intricate process firsthand, with many artisans happy to demonstrate their skills and even let you try your hand at making your own incense stick. The visual spectacle of thousands of colorful incense sticks drying along the village roads is a photographer's dream.
The vibrant hues, set against the natural backdrop, create a unique and captivating scene. It's a testament to the enduring legacy of this craft and its importance to the local culture and economy. +1Photography Paradise
+1 This creates a unique and breathtaking landscape that is both aesthetically pleasing and culturally rich. Beyond the iconic incense displays, the village offers numerous opportunities for engaging portraits. Many local artisans are incredibly friendly and welcoming, often encouraging visitors to take photos and even assisting them in finding the best angles.
For the best photographic results, visiting during daylight hours is crucial to capture the full vibrancy of the colors. Early mornings or late afternoons provide softer, more flattering light, while also offering a chance to avoid the midday crowds.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit