Nestled just a few kilometers southwest of Hue, Thuy Xuan Incense Making Village is a feast for the senses. With its bright incense bouquets, earthy scents, and time-honored craftsmanship, this charming village offers a peaceful escape from the imperial grandeur of the city center.
If you’re seeking an experience that captures the soul of Hue as its spirituality, artistry, and warm-hearted people. This is the perfect place to begin.
What can you find in this travel blog?
- The History of Thuy Xuan Incense Village: 700 Years of Craftsmanship
- How to Visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village
- Why You Should Visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village
- Top Things to See and Do in Thuy Xuan Incense Village
- Other Traditional Handicraft Villages Around Thuy Xuan
The History of Thuy Xuan Incense Village: 700 Years of Craftsmanship
For more than seven centuries, Thuy Xuan has carried on the sacred art of incense making. During the Nguyen Dynasty, the village was an official supplier of incense to royal temples and tombs. Today, many families continue this tradition in their homes, passing down secret techniques from one generation to the next.
So what makes Thuy Xuan incense stand out?
- All-natural ingredients: Made from aromatic herbs like cinnamon, clove, star anise, and sandalwood.
- Vibrant colors: Bold reds, golds, and purples. All these colors blend together, not just beautiful, but symbolic in Vietnamese culture.
- Handmade by families: Each stick tells a story of pride, patience, and devotion.
This isn’t just about fragrance, because incense in Vietnam is deeply spiritual, used for worship, reflection, and remembrance.
How to Visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village
How to Get There
Thuy Xuan is located about 7 km southwest of central Hue, making it easy to include in your city itinerary.
- Taxi or Grab: Comfortable and quick (15–20 minutes, around 100,000–150,000 VND)
- Motorbike: Great for adventurous travelers. The roads are easy to navigate and scenic.
- Cycling: A slow-paced, immersive option to enjoy the surrounding countryside.
- Guided Tours: Many tours feature Thuy Xuan alongside nearby tombs or craft villages. Ideal if you want a cultural deep dive without planning each stop yourself.
Best Time to Visit
Timing your visit can make all the difference:
- Morning (7–10 AM) and late afternoon (3–5 PM), either will make you get soft, flattering light for photos and cooler weather.
- Avoid midday, especially May to August, when temperatures soar and shade is limited.
- October to December is Hue’s rainy season. The village is still charming, but walkways can get slippery. Wear proper shoes and bring a light rain jacket.
Good to know: The village is open daily and there’s no entrance fee. Visitors are welcome to wander, observe, and interact freely.
What to wear
Thuy Xuan is a working village, not a commercial attraction. A little mindfulness goes a long way:
- Dress modestly: Think casual but respectful. Avoid beachwear or anything too revealing.
- Ask permission before taking close-up photos of artisans, especially if they’re working.
- Say “Xin chào” (hello) with a smile, a simple greeting often leads to a warm exchange.
- Support local: Buy directly from the people you meet. It’s a small gesture with a big impact.
Why You Should Visit Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Tucked away just outside Hue city, Thuy Xuan is more than just a pretty spot, it’s a place to slow down and connect with centuries of tradition. This quiet village welcomes all kinds of travelers, offering a gentle, colorful, and deeply local experience.
Whether you’re visiting solo, with friends, or as a family, you’ll find something meaningful here. Here’s why many travelers find it unforgettable:
-
Cultural explorers will love the deep-rooted incense craft tied to Vietnamese spiritual life like weddings, funerals, Tet, and daily rituals. This isn’t just a display; it’s a living tradition over 700 years old.
-
Photography lovers will find endless inspiration—from sun-dried incense arrays to locals in conical hats. It’s colorful, authentic, and naturally Instagrammable.
-
Families with children enjoy the hands-on fun of rolling incense and the calm, safe setting. It’s light learning wrapped in a playful experience.
-
Couples and small groups often enjoy the slow, peaceful vibe. Making incense together or strolling the village creates simple but memorable moments.
-
Short-stay visitors appreciate how easy it is to reach and explore. Just a couple of hours here pairs well with a morning at a royal tomb or lunch back in Hue.
-
Art and craft enthusiasts will admire the skill involved, from mixing powders to shaping each stick by hand. This is Vietnamese craftsmanship at its fines
If you’re someone who enjoys authenticity, calm settings, and a chance to learn from the locals, this village might be your favorite stop in Hue.
Top Things to See and Do in Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Once you arrive, there’s more than meets the nose. You will see every corner of the village holds something to discover.
Watch the Craft in Motion
Local artisans shape and roll incense sticks with quiet precision, turning piles of herbs into fragrant works of art. From drying to dyeing to bundling, it’s a mesmerizing process to observe.
Try Rolling Your Own
Some households invite you to join in offering quick demos and letting you roll a few sticks by hand. It’s a fun, hands-on souvenir you can take home (and it smells amazing in your suitcase!).
Snap the Perfect Photo
Incense bouquets are arranged like sunbursts, including reds, yellows, pinks, and spreading out in hypnotic circles. It’s no surprise this is one of Hue’s most Instagram’s spots. Come during golden hour for the best shots.
Bring a Bit of Hue Home
This is a great place to shop for meaningful, handmade gifts:
- Fragrant incense: Choose from cinnamon, lemongrass, or sandalwood
- Decorative incense fans: Beautifully tied bundles for altars or displays
- Conical hats & trinkets: Many families sell other small crafts on-site
These aren’t just souvenirs, they’re a piece of Hue’s living heritage. Perfect for thoughtful gifts or home rituals.
Other Traditional Handicraft Villages Around Thuy Xuan
If you’re already at Thuy Xuan, you’re just minutes away from more hidden gems. These nearby villages offer a fuller picture of Hue’s artistic heart.
1. Tay Ho Conical Hat Village (~3 km)
Known for the poetic nón bài thơ, it’s a special hat with hidden inscriptions only visible when held to the light. You can even try decorating one!
2. Phuong Duc Bronze Casting Village (~6 km)
Step inside family-run workshops where gongs, bells, and ritual urns are cast using age-old methods.
3. Trieu Tay Pottery Village (~7 km)
Experience clay crafting the traditional way. Rustic, handmade vessels are still used in local temples and homes.
4. Luong Quan Wood Carving Village (~5 km)
Master carvers sculpt intricate Buddhist statues and ornate altars using simple tools and practiced hands.
Suggested Itinerary:
Hue City → Thuy Xuan → Tay Ho → Phuong Duc → Tu Duc Tomb (sunset stop at the end of the day)
Whether you visit one or a few, these villages reveal Hue’s quiet devotion to beauty and tradition.
Thuy Xuan isn’t just a colorful photo stop, it’s a place to slow down, feel, and connect. Among the clouds of incense and rows of vibrant drying sticks, you’ll find a community still rooted in ritual, respect, and creativity. Whether you’re learning the old ways of incense making or simply soaking in the quiet charm of a living tradition, the experience leaves a lasting impression.
If you’re looking to explore Hue beyond the citadel walls, let the soft scent of cinnamon lead you to this heartfelt corner of the city. At Vietnam Travel Online, we’d love to customize a journey that’s insightful, comfortable, and just right for your travel style.
