Nestled peacefully along the road leading to the majestic tombs, Thuy Xuan incense village appears like a vibrant, colorful painting that captivates anyone visiting the ancient capital. This is not only a popular social media check-in spot but also a place that preserves the soul of a traditional craft village that has existed for hundreds of years. Join Queen Cafe Bus as we explore the unique features of this location in the article below.
1. Introduction to Thuy Xuan Incense Village
Thuy Xuan Incense Village (also known locally as Hue Incense Village) is one of the most famous and oldest traditional craft villages in the ancient capital region. The village's products were once trusted in the royal court and even served the kings and lords. Therefore, Thuy Xuan Incense Village is expected to be a "stopover" that attracts a large number of tourists, not only domestically but also internationally.
1.1. History and significance of the 700-year-old craft village:
The history of Thuy Xuan incense village dates back 700 years to the Nguyen dynasty. In the past, the village specialized in producing incense for the royal court, government officials, and local residents. Despite going through turbulent historical periods, the people of Thuy Xuan have persevered in preserving and promoting the craft passed down by their ancestors. In recognition of the village's significant contributions, the incense-making craft of the village was officially recognized as a "Hue Traditional Craft" in 2021.
1.2. Where is Thuy Xuan incense village?
The exact location of the incense village: Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City. This location is very convenient as it lies on the main road leading to the area. Tomb of Hue like Tu Duc Mausoleum, Dong Khanh Mausoleum and Viewpoint Hill.
1.3. Opening Hours and Ticket Prices for Thuy Xuan Perfume Village
- Opening hours: The shops in the village are open to customers almost all day, usually from 7:00 AM to 10:00 PM.
- Admission fee: Free of charge.
- Regarding photography "fees": Thuy Xuan incense village is renowned for its hospitable culture. Instead of charging for photos, the locals encourage visitors to buy a few small souvenirs to support the village's craft industry.
Note: If you don't make a purchase, you can put a small donation (usually between 10,000 and 20,000 VND) into the boxes placed in the store.
1.4. The best time to visit
With Queen Cafe Bus's experience, you can visit this incense village at any time of the year. But if we're talking about the ideal time, it would definitely be on dry days.
From March to August is the ideal time. This is the dry season in Hue, with clear blue skies and beautiful sunshine, perfect for taking photos with these vibrant, colorful bouquets.
Additionally, to get the best natural light for photography and avoid crowds, you should visit in the morning (from 8:00 AM to 10:00 AM) or in the afternoon (from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM).
2. Directions to Thuy Xuan Perfume Village
2.1. How to get to Hue City
You can easily reach Hue by various means of transportation:
2.1.1. Aircraft:
For visitors from far away places like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, or those who prioritize speed, air travel is the best option. Domestic airlines such as Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, etc. operate direct flights to Phu Bai International Airport (HUI).
2.1.2. Trains:
If you are someone who loves a slow, gentle pace and especially want to fully enjoy the stunning scenery along the North-South route, the train is an experience you should definitely add to your "wishlist."
Hue Station is conveniently located right in the city center, saving you both time and money on transportation upon arrival. Especially if you're traveling from the south, you'll get to admire the Hai Van Pass – one of the most beautiful coastal railway lines in the world.
2.1.3 Sleeper buses
For those seeking a balance between cost and comfort, sleeper buses are an ideal choice. For the best experience, you should prioritize private cabin limousine buses such as those offered by Queen Cafe BusThis option not only ensures a good night's sleep but also has the added advantage of dropping guests off at our office in the heart of Hue (7 Doi Cung Street), allowing you to start your journey of discovery immediately without wasting time on transportation.
| BUS ROUTE TO HUẾ | PRICE | BOOK TICKETS |
| Hanoi ⇔ Hue | $15.00 – $22.50 | Place it here |
| Da Nang ⇔ Hue | 150.000 VND/pax | Place it here |
| Hoi An ⇔ Hue | 150.000 VND/pax | Place it here |
| Ninh Binh ⇔ Hue | $150 - $200 | Place it here |
| Quang Binh ⇔ Hue | 180,000 VND | Place it here |
📞 For attentive consultation and the fastest ticket booking, you can contact:
- Hotline: 0906.413.468 – 0914.215.809
- Zalo: 0905.746.884 – 0914.215.809
- Website: https://queenbus.com.vn/
- Fanpage: Queen Cafe Open Bus
2.2. Traveling from Hue city center to Thuy Xuan Perfume Village
From the center of Hue city, you can reach the incense village (about 7 km away) by the following means:
- Motorcycle: The most flexible and economical option. Just follow Dien Bien Phu Street, turn onto Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street at the intersection, and continue straight ahead.
- Taxi/Grab: Fast and convenient, suitable for groups of friends or families.
- Cyclos: A quintessential Hue experience, allowing you to leisurely admire the streets on your way to Hue's pilgrimage village.
3. Top 5 experiences not to be missed in Thuy Xuan Perfume Village, Hue
3.1. Check in with the "fragrant flower forest" and photo spots
Most shops in the village display beautiful and unique bundles of incense, decorated with vibrant, one-of-a-kind colors, so you can choose many angles to photograph without worrying about repetition or lack of ideas.
Here's a little tip for you: To take memorable photos, many shops offer rental or loan services for traditional costumes such as ao dai, ao nhat binh, and ao tac. Don't hesitate to ask the shop owner to transform yourself into a poetic lady of Hue!
3.2. Watch artisans perform the traditional incense-making process
One of the most unique and meaningful experiences is watching the skilled hands of artisans as they create beautiful bundles of incense. You will witness the entire process of making incense, from selecting bamboo, splitting sticks, dyeing, mixing incense powder, to the final stage of rolling the incense. It is a process that requires meticulousness, patience, and dedication from the artisans.
3.3. Experience making your own incense stick
Many establishments in the incense village are happy to guide visitors in making their first incense sticks. This is an extremely interesting experience, helping you gain a deeper understanding of the hard work involved in the craft and allowing you to take home a one-of-a-kind souvenir made with your own hands.
3.4. Enjoy Hue tea and chat with the locals
After exploring and taking photos, don't rush off. Find a small roadside café, enjoy a cup of sweet Hue tea, and do something even more special: chat with the artisans. This is a precious opportunity to listen to the pulse of the craft village through stories of life and work.
We had the opportunity to chat with artisan Le Thi Hoa, who has been involved in the incense-making trade in Thuy Xuan for over 40 years. Surrounded by vibrant bundles of incense, she calmly shared:
The soul of incense sticks lies not only in their fragrant aroma, but also in the heart of the maker. Each stick must be perfectly round and uniform, carrying with it a wish for peace for those who light it. People come here to take pictures and then leave, which makes me happy. But when someone sits down to listen to me talk about making incense, I am even happier, knowing that my ancestors' craft is still cherished.
That brief conversation will help you understand that those bundles of incense are not just a handicraft product, but also the passion, the culture, and the very lives of the people here.
3.5 Shopping for incense and souvenirs (with 2025 reference price list)
The incense products in Thuy Xuan Village are diverse in type and price, including:
- Incense: Prices range from 80,000 to 200,000 VND per bundle.
- Cinnamon: Costs about 40,000 VND per bundle.
- Incense cones: Price from 50,000 to 600,000 VND/box.
Thuy Xuan incense products are not only widely consumed but also distributed to many provinces and cities across the country, demonstrating customers' preference for the long-standing reputation of the brand. In addition to worship and rituals, Thuy Xuan incense is also trusted to reduce stress, bring peace of mind, and serve as an item that brings positivity, wealth, and good luck.
4. Tips for a fulfilling visit to Huong Thuy Xuan Village
4.1. What to wear when visiting the incense village? Suggestions for photogenic outfits
To stand out among the colorful "sea of flowers," you should prioritize monochromatic outfits with refined designs:
- Ao dai: The perfect choice for picturesque photos in Hue.
- Bà ba blouse: Bringing rustic, simple beauty.
- Solid-colored dresses: Colors like white, beige, and light yellow will help you become the center of attention in the photo.
4.2. Estimated costs at the Incense Village
To help you easily manage your travel budget, here are some reference costs for one person visiting Thuy Xuan incense village:
- Parking fee: Approximately 5,000 – 10,000 VND per motorcycle.
- Photo fee (donation): Approximately 10,000 – 20,000 VND (place in the box or may be waived if purchasing goods).
- Souvenir shopping: Approximately 50,000 – 100,000 VND (for 1-2 small bundles of incense or other products).
- Drinks/Hue tea: Approximately 15,000 – 25,000 VND.
=> Total estimated cost: Approximately 80,000 – 155,000 VND per person for a comfortable and complete experience. Of course, this cost may vary depending on your shopping needs.
4.3 Suggested itinerary combining the Mausoleum & Vong Canh Hill
Because Thuy Xuan incense village is a tourist destination Hue Located on a major tourist route, you can easily combine your itinerary in one day:
- Morning: Sightseeing Khai Dinh Mausoleum and Tu Duc Tomb.
- Lunch: Have lunch at a Hue specialty restaurant near the area.
- Afternoon: Explore and take photos at Thuy Xuan incense village.
- Evening: Head to nearby Vong Canh Hill to watch the sunset. Perfume River.
We hope the above information will help you have a truly memorable trip to Thuy Xuan Perfume Village. Don't hesitate to make plans, and if you need a reliable companion on your journey to Hue, Queen Cafe Bus is always ready to serve you.
