Hue, the dreamy city on the Huong River, is not only famous for its royal tombs and temples but also for preserving long-standing traditional craft villages. Among them, Thuy Xuan Incense Village is a special destination, where colors and scents blend to create a unique cultural space. Visiting Thuy Xuan Incense Village, visitors will have a chance to admire and feel part of the ancient soul of Hue. Read this article to uncover the charming beauty of the village!
Overview of Thuy Xuan Incense Village in Hue
Nestled in the winding road of Huyen Tran Cong Chua, about 7 kilometers away from Hue city centre, Thuy Xuan Incense Village appears as an ancient film, where time seems to stand still in the warm scent and brilliant colours of the incense sticks spreading out like blooming flowers. With a history of more than 700 years, the village provided incense to the royal court and the people in the Thuan Hoa–Phu Xuan region. Although life has been changing significantly, the traditional incense of Thuy Xuan Village remains crucial, both in the daily life and spirituality of people in Hue.
What Makes Thuy Xuan Incense Village Special?
What makes the special Thuy Xuan incense village is not only hundreds of years of traditional incense making but also the elegant blending of culture, handicrafts, and the spirit of Hue.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village stands out with its colourful display of incense sticks, arranged in the shape of spreading flowers, dried evenly on the brickyard, or hung in rows in front of the porch. Not only a product for sale, these bundles of incense seem to have become visual works of art, encapsulating the ingenuity and creativity of the craftsmen. Colours such as red, yellow, purple, and blue… are not just for fun but also carry symbolic meaning in East Asian culture; red symbolises luck, yellow for prosperity, and purple for loyalty… From there, each stick of incense is not only fragrant but also carries prayers and hopes as well.
Colorful incense in Thuy Xuan Village
Different from many places where industrial incense is produced, Thuy Xuan incense retains traditional handmade methods. From selecting raw materials such as chestnut powder, cinnamon, agarwood, and star anise to the stages of rolling and drying incense, everything is done by hand with meticulous care as if kneading a sacred item. No chemicals are used; the scent here is gentle, elegant, and long-lasting but not harsh, making Hue people love it and tourists from all over appreciate it.
Thuy Xuan Incense Village is also a unique tourist and cultural destination in Hue. Visitors not only come here to purchase a few bundles of incense, but also to immerse themselves in the process of making incense, immersing themselves in the depths of Hue culture. It is fair to say that this place not merely preserves the craft but also “preserves the soul of Hue” by turning the labour process into a part of the living culture, something that is not easily seen anywhere else.
What to do in Thuy Xuan Incense Village in Hue?
“No need to wait for the Tet holiday; Thuy Xuan is brilliant every day – because this place not only produces incense but also preserves the soul of the people and the land of the capital.”
Admire the colorful “dance” of incense sticks
As soon as you set foot in the village, you will be overwhelmed by the sight of hundreds of colourful bundles of incense sticks displayed like a strange flower garden. Incense sticks of all colours – red, yellow, purple, and blue – are arranged in round clusters, spreading out like blooming lotus petals, creating a scene that is both traditional and artistic. This is a famous photo spot that many tourists, travel bloggers, and photographers have visited. With just an ao dai, or simply a dark-toned outfit, you can capture photos full of Hue’s poetic spirit.
Admire the colorful “dance” of incense sticks
Try your hand at making incense
One of the most fascinating things you can do when visiting Thuy Xuan Incense Village is that you can roll incense, roll the powder, and dye the toothpicks yourself under the enthusiastic guidance of skilled craftsmen. The feeling of kneading fragrant cinnamon powder and rolling each incense stick straight is not only fun but also makes you appreciate the quiet work of the craftsmen more. And you can bring the incense sticks you made by your own hands as souvenirs, a gift with a strong personal and cultural mark.
Try to make your own incense sticks
Listen to the stories about the craft village
In the small house, amidst the sound of the wooden fans and the faint scent of incense, you will hear artisans tell stories about their craft: from the royal court and the hard days of keeping the traditional fire alive to how they preserve the spirit of the craft in the new era. It is not just a story about incense but a story of a family, of Hue culture, of perseverance and national identity, then boosting your national pride and patriotism.
Listen to the stories of local people
Nearby Attractions
The Thuy Xuan Incense Village has a convenient location, which means you can combine the visit with nearby attractions. To make your best time in Hue, please plan and spend some time visiting the attractions below!
Thien Mu Pagoda
Located on the bank of the Huong River, Thien Mu Pagoda has been one of the most significant cultural and spiritual symbols of the ancient capital Hue. The pagoda was built in the early 17th century and stands out with the seven floors of Phuoc Duyen Tower, a familiar image reflected in poetry and the hearts of the people of Hue.
Thien Mu Pagoda
Vong Canh Hill
From the spot on Vong Canh Hill, visitors can capture the view of a soft curve of the Huong River, passing through dark green pine forests and fruit-laden orchards. This used to be a favourite stop for Nguyen Dynasty kings whenever they wanted to relax in nature. Vong Canh is neither high nor dangerous but has its own poetic and quiet beauty. Especially at sunset, when the red sun dyes the river and trees golden.
Vong Canh Hill
Tu Duc Tomb
Set amidst the pine forest and quiet lakes, Tu Duc Tomb is the resting place of King Tu Duc. Considered an artistic masterpiece, the tomb of Tu Duc is where the royal architecture blends perfectly with the natural landscape. Unlike other majestic tombs, Tu Duc Tomb has a gentle, romantic appearance, like the soul of the king who loved literature and valued tranquillity.
Tu Duc Tomb located in the middle of lush green trees and lakes
In conclusion, exploring Thuy Xuan Incense Village is a colourful journey to the traditional craft in Hue, but to a further extent, this is a cultural and historical exploration to be more proud of the home country. If you are planning to visit Hue, please note this attraction on your list! And let us be your companion in your adventure by contacting us; our gurus are willing to help at any time!
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