The vibrant central city of Hue, Vietnam, is famous for its history, stunning royal architecture, and spiritual landmarks. Among its hidden gems, Thuy Xuan Incense Village stands out as a colorful, living museum with more than 700 years of tradition. This place is not only a spot to buy souvenirs, but it’s also where art, faith, and heritage come alive in every swirl of fragrant smoke. I recently visited this beautiful craft village, and here’s my quick guide to help you plan your trip, discover what to do, and uncover the fragrant history that makes it unforgettable.
Discover Thuy Xuan Incense Village in Hue
If there’s one place in Hue that touches all your senses, it’s Thuy Xuan Incense Village Hue. When I first arrived, I was immediately struck by the riot of colors – vivid red, yellow, purple, and pink incense sticks arranged like blooming flowers. The gentle fragrance floating in the air reminded me that this wasn’t just a craft village; it was a living museum of Hue’s soul.
Located at 62 Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, the village sits at the foot of Vong Canh Hill, overlooking the serene Perfume River. The peaceful scenery, with wooden houses and friendly artisans, makes this place ideal for anyone seeking both culture and calm. With a 700-year history linked to the Nguyen Dynasty, Thuy Xuan has been crafting incense for royal rituals, temples, and the daily spiritual lives of Hue’s people.
For those planning a cultural journey through Hue, this spot is a must-see. It’s not just a visit; it’s a step back in time where heritage and creativity meet. You can also check out this helpful travel guide about Hue’s best sights to plan your route easily.
The Centuries-Old History of Thuy Xuan Incense-Making Village
Thuy Xuan’s story began during the Nguyen Dynasty, when incense became an essential part of royal life. The emperors demanded the finest scents for ceremonies, and the artisans of Thuy Xuan rose to the challenge. Over generations, their skill turned into a family legacy.
Every household here has a story to tell; how they learned the art from their parents, and how they passed it on to their children. Despite changes through time, the people of Thuy Xuan have kept their craft alive. They’ve managed to blend traditional methods with a modern touch, turning the village into both a working community and a cultural attraction.
When I talked to one elderly artisan, he smiled and said, “Our incense doesn’t just burn – it carries prayers.” That simple sentence perfectly captures the spirit of this village.
The Traditional Process of Making Incense in Thuy Xuan Village
The making of incense here is both delicate and precise. It starts with selecting natural ingredients like Litsea bark, cinnamon, agarwood, clove, and star anise. These ingredients are ground into a fine mixture that becomes the fragrant base.
Then, artisans skillfully roll the paste onto bamboo sticks, making sure each one has the right thickness. Afterward, the sticks are laid out under the bright Hue sun to dry for days. Watching rows of colorful incense bundles drying in the sunlight feels almost magical, it’s like seeing tradition glowing.
What I love most is how everything is natural. There are no synthetic chemicals, and the process reflects the eco-friendly values that have existed long before the term became popular. Each stage of the craft shows not just technical mastery but also deep respect for Hue’s spiritual culture.
Best Things to Do in Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Join a Hands-On Incense-Making Workshop
If you want to get your hands dirty (in the best way possible), join one of the local workshops. My favorite was at Me Tuyet Workshop, run by a kind 70-year-old artisan who donates profits to children with cancer. The class costs around 50,000–100,000 VND, and it’s worth every dong.
Another good place is Thuy Xuan Traditional Incense House, where for 50,000–80,000 VND, you can try every step – from mixing powder to rolling incense and even dyeing it in those signature rainbow colors. The sessions last 30–45 minutes, but the experience stays with you much longer.
Making incense by hand gave me a new appreciation for the patience and care behind each bundle. It’s art, meditation, and history all in one.
Shop for Authentic Hue Souvenirs
After the workshop, you’ll want to take a bit of Hue home. I picked up a few colorful incense bundles (50,000–100,000 VND) and some scented herbal sachets filled with jasmine and lemongrass for my wardrobe. There are also wooden figurines (70,000–120,000 VND) and lotus blossom incense sticks that are perfect for meditation.
Each product carries the warmth of the artisan’s hands and the fragrance of Hue’s tradition.
Capture Stunning Photos of Colorful Incense Displays
This village is a dream for photographers. Everywhere you look, you’ll find incense arranged in bursts of red, yellow, and purple. The best time to visit for photos is early morning or late afternoon when the light is soft and golden.
Locals are friendly and used to visitors, but always ask before taking close-up pictures of them at work. I wore a simple white shirt and a non la (Vietnamese conical hat) to match the village’s peaceful vibe—it made my photos feel even more authentic.
How to Get to Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Getting to Thuy Xuan is easy, with several ways to reach it depending on your travel style. The village lies about 7 km southwest of Hue city center, roughly a 15–20-minute ride.
You can rent a motorbike for around 100,000–150,000 VND per day if you want to explore on your own, or simply take a grab or taxi for 100,000–130,000 VND one way. Parking is convenient and inexpensive, usually just 5,000–10,000 VND.
However, for the most comfortable and time-saving experience, we highly recommend using our private car service at Hura Cars. Since the incense village is a bit outside the city, our private cars make the trip easy and comfortable. You can also visit nearby sites like Tu Duc Tomb, Khai Dinh Tomb, and Minh Mang Tomb along the same route. It’s also more affordable than taking multiple Grab rides, especially if you’re traveling with family or friends.
When we drove along the Perfume River on the way to Thuy Xuan, the ride was smooth and relaxing, and we could already smell a faint hint of incense in the breeze. It’s one of those small but special details that make exploring Hue unforgettable.
Tip: To book easily, contact us on WhatsApp at +84 934 899 900. We’ll be happy to help you plan a custom route around Hue that fits your time and interests perfectly.
Travel Tips for an Enriching Visit
- Best time to visit: March to August—the dry season when the weather is sunny and the colors of incense are at their brightest. Also check the ideal period to go to Hue.
- What to wear: Lightweight clothes or traditional Ao Dai and a conical hat. And don’t forget your camera!
- Cultural etiquette: Be respectful, greet artisans politely, and buy a small souvenir after chatting or photographing.
- Cash: Always carry small bills in Vietnamese dong for entrance or workshop fees.
When I visited in July, the weather was perfect. The sunlight made every incense bundle glow. The artisans smiled warmly when I greeted them in Vietnamese – “Xin chào!” – and even offered me a cup of jasmine tea.
Nearby Attractions to Explore Around Thuy Xuan Village
Tu Duc Mausoleum
Just 1 km away, this imperial tomb sits among pine trees and lotus ponds. It reflects Emperor Tu Duc’s poetic soul and love for art. The entrance fee is about 150,000 VND, and I recommend joining a guided tour if you want to learn about royal life in the 19th century.
Vong Canh Hill
Only 2 km from the village, Vong Canh Hill offers one of Hue’s best panoramic views of the Perfume River. It’s free to visit and especially stunning at sunrise or sunset. I went in the late afternoon, and the soft light made everything glow golden.
Tu Hieu Pagoda
A short 1.5 km ride brings you to Tu Hieu Pagoda, a peaceful Buddhist temple hidden among pine trees. It’s known for its deep message of filial piety and as the burial place of royal eunuchs. The atmosphere here feels sacred, calm, and perfect for reflection.
Thuy Xuan Village stands as a powerful testament to the enduring traditional craft village spirit in Vietnam. It’s a place where you can touch, smell, and see seven centuries of history in action. This is an essential destination for any traveler seeking the true heart of Hue.