Quảng Phú Cầu is more than just a town; it’s a living canvas that embodies Vietnamese tradition and artistry. This town in the Mỹ Đức region is a popular location for photographers, travelers, and those looking for a genuine cultural experience. Quảng Phú Cầu is known for its bright bundles of incense sticks, which are dried in the sun like big scarlet flowers. This stunning visual extravaganza is the result of a centuries-old craft that has been passed down through generations, producing incense for temples, pagodas, and homes throughout Vietnam and beyond.

The air here is heavy with the pleasant, earthy perfume of sandalwood, cinnamon, and other natural elements, transporting you to another time and place. It’s a location where the rhythmic noises of daily life—the rustle of bamboo, the talk of artisans, and the distant hum of the city, coexist with the calm reverence of a spiritual tradition.

A visit to Quảng Phú Cầu is more than simply a day excursion; it’s an immersion into the soul of Vietnam, witnessing a beautiful craft in action and connecting with the warm and welcoming people who keep this heritage alive.

History: A Centuries-Old Tradition

Quảng Phú Cầu’s incense-making technique has a long history, just as the bamboo used to produce the sticks. The village’s history dates back to the 15th century, under the reign of King Lê Thánh Tông. Originally, the residents of Phú Lương Thượng, Đạo Tú, and Cầu Bầu (now part of Quảng Phú Cầu) were mostly engaged in agriculture and fishing. However, the craft of producing incense, which is an essential part of Vietnamese spiritual life, eventually gained traction and developed.

Incense has a strong cultural importance in Vietnam. It is utilized in ancestral worship, religious rites at pagodas and temples, and during major holidays like the Lunar New Year (Tết). Incense is used to speak with ancestors, honor deities, and seek blessings for health, prosperity, and good fortune. Quảng Phú Cầu became a key hub for incense manufacture due to its spiritual significance, ensuring its longevity throughout generations.

The craftspeople of Quảng Phú Cầu have mastered their techniques over generations. The process is precise, from choosing and preparing the bamboo to grinding the fragrant elements and dyeing the sticks. Traditionally, bamboo was split by hand, which was a laborious and skilled procedure. While contemporary machines are being employed to improve productivity, the craft’s heart remains firmly rooted in ancient processes and natural materials. The colors of the incense, especially the famous red and pink, were not picked at random. In Vietnamese culture, red represents luck and prosperity, whereas pink refers to the lotus, the country’s national flower.

Over 300 homes in Quảng Phú Cầu continue the habit of producing incense on a regular basis. This dedication has not only conserved a rich cultural heritage, but has also resulted in a unique and engaging visual spectacle that draws tourists from all over the world.

How to Reach Quảng Phú Cầu

Quảng Phú Cầu is conveniently located about 35-40 kilometers southwest of central Hanoi, making it an ideal day trip destination.

Here are the best ways to get there:

By Motorbike: This is the most popular and flexible option for a true Vietnamese adventure. The drive takes approximately 45-60 minutes, and the route along National Highway 21B offers a scenic view of the rural landscape, with its lush rice paddies and peaceful villages. Renting a motorbike in Hanoi is easy and affordable, but be prepared for the traffic and ensure you are comfortable navigating Vietnamese roads.

By Taxi or Private Car: For a more comfortable and hassle-free journey, a taxi or private car is an excellent choice. The trip takes about an hour. This is a great option if you are traveling with a group or prefer not to navigate the roads yourself.

By Bus: This is the most budget-friendly option. You can take bus number 91 from the Yên Nghĩa Bus Station in Hanoi. The bus ride is economical and will take you close to the village, from where you can walk for about 10 minutes to reach the main areas. While it may take a bit longer, it offers a glimpse into the daily life of local commuters.

Organized Tours: Many tour operators in Hanoi offer day trips to Quảng Phú Cầu, often combining it with other nearby attractions. These tours provide convenient transportation, a knowledgeable guide, and a structured itinerary, making them a great option for those who want a guided experience without the stress of planning.

5 Must-See Tourist Attractions

While Quảng Phú Cầu is a single, cohesive attraction, its beauty lies in the details and specific locations that showcase the artistry and the people.

1. The Incense Drying Courtyards: This is the heart of the village and the primary reason for its fame. Local households and small factories lay out thousands of incense bundles in their courtyards and along the village roads to dry. The most iconic arrangements are the “incense flowers”—large, fan-like bouquets of crimson and pink sticks arranged in intricate patterns. These sun-drenched courtyards are a photographer’s dream and a feast for the senses.
2. The Incense Production Workshop: To truly appreciate the craft, step inside a local workshop. Here, you can witness the entire process of incense making, from the cutting and splitting of bamboo sticks to the mixing of the aromatic paste. Artisans work with remarkable speed and precision, their hands stained with the colors of their trade. Many workshops welcome visitors and will happily explain the different stages of production.
3. The Village Streets and Alleys: Beyond the main courtyards, a walk through the small, winding alleys of Quảng Phú Cầu offers a more intimate look at village life. You’ll see bundles of incense drying in unexpected places—against house walls, on rooftops, and in small stacks beside doorways. This is where you can truly feel the gentle, peaceful rhythm of the community.
4. Phú Lương Temple: While the incense is the main attraction, the village is also home to several historical and cultural sites. The Phú Lương Temple (Đình Phú Lương) is a beautiful example of traditional Vietnamese architecture and a place of worship for the local community. It offers a moment of quiet reflection and a chance to see how the incense is ultimately used in a spiritual context.
5. The Local Market: For an authentic local experience, visit the village market. This is where you can see and smell the various materials used to make the incense, from different types of bamboo to the powdered barks and herbs. It’s also a great place to interact with the locals, buy some fresh produce, or simply soak in the vibrant atmosphere of a traditional Vietnamese market.

3 Culinary Delicacies

While Quảng Phú Cầu is famous for its visual and aromatic delights, the culinary scene is a simple and authentic reflection of Northern Vietnamese rural life. Don’t expect a wide array of restaurants, but rather, look for street food vendors and local eateries that serve honest, hearty meals.

Phở Gánh (Street Vendor’s Pho): No trip to Northern Vietnam is complete without a bowl of phở. In Quảng Phú Cầu, you can find small, family-run stalls or even street vendors serving up this classic noodle soup. The broth is rich and fragrant, the rice noodles are perfectly soft, and the slices of beef or chicken are tender. Enjoying a bowl of phở in the peaceful, rural setting of the incense village is a uniquely Vietnamese experience.

Xôi (Sticky Rice): Sticky rice is a staple of Vietnamese cuisine and is a popular breakfast or snack. In the local markets, you’ll find various types of xôi, from simple white sticky rice to more elaborate versions mixed with mung beans, corn, peanuts, or even topped with savory ingredients like fried onions and Chinese sausage. It’s a filling, flavorful, and incredibly comforting dish.

Bánh Đúc Nóng (Hot Rice Cake): This is a comforting, rustic dish perfect for a chilly day. Bánh đúc is a savory rice flour cake, often served in a bowl with a warm, slightly savory broth, topped with minced pork, fried onions, and fresh herbs. The texture is soft and smooth, and the flavors are simple yet satisfying. Look for it at local food stalls.

Points to Note

To ensure your visit to Quảng Phú Cầu is respectful, enjoyable, and safe, keep these points in mind:

Best Time to Visit: The best time to visit Quảng Phú Cầu is on a sunny day. The incense is laid out to dry only when the weather is good. The morning (7:00 AM – 9:00 AM) and late afternoon (3:00 PM – 5:00 PM) are ideal for photography, as the soft, golden light beautifully illuminates the vibrant colors.

Photography Etiquette: Quảng Phú Cầu is a working village, not a theme park. When taking photos, be respectful of the local artisans and their work. Many of the most iconic photo spots are on private property. Some households have set up specific areas for visitors to take pictures and may charge a small fee (typically VND 50,000 – VND 100,000 per person). This fee goes directly to the families and is a fair way to compensate them for their time and effort in arranging the incense for tourists. Always ask for permission before entering a private courtyard or taking close-up shots of people.

Dress Code: Wear comfortable and simple clothing. Choose colors that contrast with the vibrant red and pink of the incense bundles to make your photos stand out. White, blue, or yellow are excellent choices.

Purchase Souvenirs: Support the local economy by purchasing some of the incense. It makes for a beautiful and meaningful souvenir, and you’ll be contributing directly to the preservation of this traditional craft.

Travel Insurance: As with any international travel, it’s always wise to have travel insurance to cover any unexpected events.

Local Interactions: The people of Quảng Phú Cầu are known for their hospitality and kindness. A smile and a simple “hello” (“xin chào”) can go a long way. If you have a guide, they can help you communicate with the locals and learn more about their daily lives.

Responsible Travel & Cultural Sensitivity

• Remember why incense exists: It’s not just décor, it’s part of worship and remembrance. Treat the craft with the same respect you would in a temple.
• Noise & music: Keep volume low. Avoid drones, speakers, or large group shouts that disrupt the calm.
• Waste: Pack out what you bring, bottles, wrappers, wet wipes. Bins might be sparse in smaller lanes.
• Kids & elders: You’ll meet both. Step aside, let them pass, and give priority at all times; you’re the guest.

Quảng Phú Cầu is one of those rare places where a craft’s utility and beauty are inseparable. The incense made here will burn down to memory in homes and pagodas across the country, but for a few sunlit hours each day, it blooms into fields of color that feel almost otherworldly.

Go for the photos, sure. But stay for the stories, the rhythms, the iced tea, and the quiet nods between artisans who know their work matters, both to their families and to the rituals that bind Vietnam together. Visit thoughtfully, ask before you step, pay fairly, and you’ll leave with something that outlasts any picture: a real connection to the craft and the people who keep it alive.