Discover Perfume Village & Conical Hat Village: Culture, Craft, and Heritage Near Hanoi

Visiting traditional craft villages is one of the best ways to understand Vietnam’s cultural soul. Just outside Hanoi, Perfume Village (Làng Hương) and Conical Hat Village (Làng Nón) preserve centuries-old craftsmanship passed down through generations. These peaceful villages offer colorful scenery, friendly artisans, and immersive hands-on activities—perfect for a half-day cultural trip

 

How to Travel From Hanoi Old Quarter to Perfume & Conical Hat Villages

Both villages are located in Tây Hồ – Bắc Từ Liêm area, around 8–12 km from the Old Quarter. You have several convenient transportation options:

1. By private car  (Fastest & Easiest)

• Travel time: 50–1.5 hour 

• Cost: 1050,000 – 1200,000 VND
  Just enter “Làng Hương Xuân La” or “Làng Nón

2. By Motorbike (Flexible)

• Travel time: 1.5 hour –2 hour

• Perfect for travelers who enjoy exploring local streets.
  You can rent a motorbike from Old Quarter for 500,000–700,000 VND

3. By Local Bus (Budget Option)

• Bus routes: Bus 13, 33, 55A (depending on your starting point)

• Cost: only 7,000 VND
  You will need a short 5–10 minute walk from the bus stop to each village.

4. Private Car/Private Tour

Best for families or small groups (3–8 pax).
Round-trip transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter takes about 4–5 hours including village visits.

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🌸 What to See & Experience in Perfume Village (Làng Hương)

Perfume Village is famous for its traditional incense-making, a craft practiced for hundreds of years.

Top Highlights

✔ Colorful incense flower displays – perfect for photography.
✔ Learn how villagers mix natural ingredients like cinnamon, lemongrass, and agarwood.
✔ Hands-on activity: roll incense sticks with a local artisan.
✔ Visit small family workshops and learn about their generations of craftsmanship.
✔ Buy handmade incense as gifts.

Best Time to Visit

• Morning: soft light and fewer tourists

• Dry season: October – April

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👒 What to Explore in Conical Hat Village (Làng Nón)

The Vietnamese conical hat (nón lá) is an iconic symbol of Vietnamese women and rural life. At Conical Hat Village, you’ll watch artisans craft these hats using bamboo and palm leaves.

Top Highlights

✔ Watch the full process of creating a conical hat by hand.
✔ Try sewing your own nón lá with guidance from artisans.
✔ Discover the cultural meaning behind the hat in Vietnamese history.
✔ Explore local temples and communal houses preserved for generations.

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🎌 Cultural Experiences You Should Not Miss

1. Incense Rolling Workshop

Make your own colorful incense sticks and take them home as souvenirs.

2. Conical Hat Sewing Class

Learn the traditional stitching technique used to create beautiful and durable hats.

3. Village Walk

Walk through peaceful alleys, ancient temples, and charming local houses.

4. Photography Spots

• Incense drying courtyards

• Bright red incense “flowers”

• Rows of handmade conical hats

• Charming old village gates

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📌 Suggested Itinerary (Half-Day Trip)

8:00 – Pick up from Hanoi Old Quarter
8:30 – Arrive at Perfume Village
• Learn incense craft
• Join hands-on incense-making
• Take photographs

10:00 – Transfer to Conical Hat Village
10:15 – Conical Hat workshop
• Learn about bamboo frames & palm leaves
• Try sewing a hat

11:30 – Return to Hanoi
12:00 – End of the tour