Could you please advise the itinerary that includes experiencing the sleeper train? I really love to try once.
Discover the aromatic charm of Phia Thap Incense Village. Explore traditional incense-making, culture & tours in this unique Vietnamese destination.
Nestled in the serene landscapes of northern Vietnam, Phia Thap Village stands as a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and traditional craftsmanship. Famous for its incense-making tradition, this charming village offers a glimpse into a centuries-old practice passed down through generations. Here, skilled artisans carefully handcraft each incense stick, infusing them with stories of the past and the essence of Vietnamese spirituality. Whether you're a culture enthusiast or simply looking for an off-the-beaten-path destination, Phia Thap Village promises an unforgettable experience filled with authenticity and charm.
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1. Overview of Phia Thap Village
As one of the seven recognized traditional craft villages of Cao Bang province, Phia Thap (Phuc Sen commune, Quang Hoa district) is famous for its incense making craft and is still maintained by the Nung An people - the ethnic group living here. Phia Thap lies peacefully in the middle of a valley with stilt houses with yin-yang tile roofs.
A corner of Phia Thap Incense Village
The incense making profession has accompanied the Nung An people since the first days of establishing the village, building the hamlet at the foot of Pha Hung Mountain (Nui To). The Nung An people believe that incense smoke is a spiritual bond, expressing the admiration and gratitude of the living to their ancestors when they have returned to the mountains. Through that, the ancestors know how the lives of the Nung descendants are today, how the village has changed and developed...
A group of Nung children is taking part in an incense-making workshop
What is special about Phia Thap is that 100% of the households in the village know how to make the craft and are diligent in keeping it. The 53 households in the village are 53 small workshops. Therefore, at any time of the year, when visiting Phia Thap, people can see bundles of incense drying in the yard, placed on stone fences, and even on the steps leading up to the ancient stilt houses.
2. Things to Do in Phia Thap Village
Learning about incense making tradition
Phia Thap incense is made entirely from natural ingredients in the limestone mountainous region. With completely natural ingredients, Phia Thap incense sticks create a spicy, strong scent due to the leaves of the agarwood tree. Despite modern technology, the people here still only use the traditional incense making method left by their ancestors.
The incense body is often made from a special kind of bamboo trees because it is flexible and easy to catch fire. These special bamboos are taken from the forest, cut into pieces about 40cm long, then split by hand, shaved clean into small sticks like chopsticks, round and soaked in water for 2-3 days before being used. Meanwhile, the incense body powder is made from pine wood. The pine trees are left to rot for at least 3 years, then chopped, dried and ground into powder. This powder is then mixed with a mixture of sawdust and agarwood powder to create the main ingredient for the incense body. And especially the leaves of the Bau Hat tree - a type of tree that only grows on natural rocky cliffs in the forest, used to make glue to bind the powder and incense core.
The incense drying process
This meticulous, time-honored process not only ensures the quality and authenticity of Phia Thap incense but also reflects the deep respect the locals have for their natural surroundings. For visitors, witnessing this process firsthand is a unique opportunity to connect with the village’s rich cultural heritage and gain a deeper appreciation for the dedication that goes into each handcrafted incense stick.
Engaging with local artisans
In recent years, Phia Thap village has started to develop community tourism, welcoming visitors from all over the world to relax and learn about village life. The experience of making incense is one of the programs that attracts visitors here.
Visitors can take the time to sit with the artisans in their workshops. These artisans are not only skilled in their work but are also passionate about keeping the tradition alive. Many of them are happy to demonstrate the step-by-step process of making incense, from selecting the finest natural materials to the delicate art of rolling and shaping the incense sticks by hand.
Local artisans are always willing to share about the incense making process
Additionally, you can purchase handmade incense directly from the artisans as a memorable souvenir of your trip. These handcrafted incense sticks not only make for an authentic gift but also carry with them the stories and craftsmanship of Phia Thap Village.
Walking through scenic rice fields and valleys
As you stroll through the vast, verdant rice fields of Phia Thap, the endless expanse of green terraces unfolds before your eyes, with each layer of paddy reflecting the changing light of the day. The towering limestone mountains in the distance stand like silent sentinels, casting their majestic shadows across the valley. The cool, crisp air is filled with the earthy scent of freshly-tilled soil and the delicate fragrance of wildflowers blooming in the fields. Gentle streams meander through the landscape, their soft babbling creating a peaceful soundtrack to the quiet beauty around you.
Enjoy a walking trip around the village to meet local people and admire the beautiful scenery
As you walk deeper into the valley, you’ll encounter local farmers working in the fields, their daily rhythms weaving seamlessly into the natural landscape. Water buffaloes graze lazily, adding a touch of tranquility to the picturesque scene. The peacefulness of this rural setting offers a welcome contrast to the noise of modern life, allowing visitors to slow down and truly connect with the simplicity and beauty of nature. The stunning scenery, with its vibrant colors and timeless charm, invites quiet reflection and offers the perfect backdrop for capturing unforgettable memories.
3. What are the Differences among Phia Thap, Quang Phu Cau, and Thuy Xuan Incense Villages?
Among Vietnam’s renowned incense villages: Phia Thap, Quang Phu Cau, and Thuy Xuan, Phia Thap stands out not only for its rich cultural heritage but also for its dedication to preserving traditional methods of incense-making. Unlike Quang Phu Cau which is situated in the Red River Delta, where modern industrial techniques dominate the production process, Phia Thap maintains a more authentic, handmade approach using natural ingredients. This gives the incense from Phia Thap a distinctive, rich aroma that many believe captures the true essence of Vietnamese incense craftsmanship.
While Thuy Xuan is famous for its delicate, refined incense tied to the royal heritage of Hue, Phia Thap offers visitors a more immersive experience. Here, you can see firsthand the meticulous process of creating incense, allowing you to appreciate the care and tradition passed down through generations. If you’re seeking a genuine, hands-on experience in a village that stays true to its roots, Phia Thap is the ideal destination to explore the time-honored art of incense-making.
4. How to Get to Phia Thap Village
To get to Huong Phia Thap Village from Hanoi or neighboring provinces, you can choose one of the following means of transport:
- Bus/Coach: There are many bus companies running from Hanoi to Cao Bang with a travel time of about 6 - 7 hours. From the center of Cao Bang City, you can take a bus or taxi to Quoc Dan Commune where Huong Phia Thap Village is located.
- Motorbike: If you love the feeling of adventure and discovery by motorbike, prepare yourself a good car and experience driving on mountain passes to enjoy that journey.
- Private car: If you are a group of tourists who prefer privacy and hassle-free trips, choosing a private tour that has been specifically arranged by local travel agents is not a bad choice. With an experienced driver and a thoughtful tour guide, you can enjoy the trip to the fullest.
>> Read more: Why Choose Vietnam Local Tour Agency - Top 10 Recommendations
5. Tips to Travel to Phia Thap Village
Tourists are watching and discovering how to make the incense
When visiting Huong Phia Thap Village, here are some tips to help make your trip more convenient:
- Ideal time: The best time to visit is in spring (February - April) or autumn (September - November) when the weather is pleasant and the natural scenery is at its most beautiful.
- Prepare clothes: Because the climate here is quite cold in the early morning and late evening, prepare a light jacket and comfortable shoes for easy movement.
- Bring snacks: During the tour, you may not find many eateries near famous tourist attractions. Prepare some snacks and drinks to ensure your health throughout the journey.
- Prepare cash: Some areas in Cao Bang may not accept credit cards; so you should bring cash for shopping or enjoying local food.
Phia Thap Village offers a rare glimpse into a time-honored tradition that has been passed down through generations. Discover the secrets behind the fragrant incense sticks and connect with the artisans who keep this art alive. Let Izitour guide you on this unforgettable cultural journey. Contact us at [email protected] or WhatsApp +84 382 536 266 to plan your visit to Phia Thap Village!
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