Where is incense used?
Praying at home and ancestral worship
Incense holds a profound role in Vietnamese households, particularly on family altars where it is used to honor ancestors and invite their blessings. Families burn incense daily or during special occasions such as death anniversaries or Tet New Year. The ritual involves lighting the incense, clasping hands in prayer, and bowing to show respect. This act represents a deep connection with the spirits of loved ones and the continuation of cultural traditions.
Temples and pagodas
Incense plays a central role in temples and pagodas, symbolizing prayers for health, success, and peace. It is offered to deities and ancestors, creating a bridge between the physical and spiritual worlds. The rising smoke is believed to carry prayers to the heavens, fostering a serene and sacred atmosphere within these spiritual spaces.
Travel tip
You are welcome to participate in this meaningful ritual. Many temples sell incense on-site, allowing you to support the temple and take part in the tradition.
How to Pray: Light the incense stick, bow three times while focusing on your wishes, and place the incense in the holder. This simple act of respect and reverence offers a deeper connection to Vietnamese culture and spirituality.
How is incense made?
The process
The creation of incense involves a meticulous and traditional process:
- Preparation: Bamboo sticks and powders made from aromatic woods, herbs, or other natural ingredients are gathered.
- Mixing: These powders are blended with natural adhesives, such as tree resins, to create a malleable paste.
- Rolling: The paste is carefully applied to bamboo sticks or shaped into cones by hand.
- Drying: The incense is laid out under the sun to dry, which can take several days depending on the weather.
Materials used
- Sandalwood: A soothing, earthy scent popular in many traditional blends.
- Herbal Blends: Ingredients such as cinnamon, star anise, and local herbs are mixed for aromatic variety.
- Floral Scents: Jasmine and lotus are often incorporated to create light and refreshing fragrances.
- Agarwood: Known for its deep, rich, and woody aroma, agarwood is highly prized and used in premium incense.
Incense villages in Vietnam
Vietnam is home to numerous craft villages, each dedicated to preserving a unique traditional skill. These villages are not just centers of production but also living museums of Vietnam’s cultural heritage. Among these, incense villages are particularly fascinating, with entire communities devoted to crafting incense—a product deeply woven into Vietnamese spiritual and cultural life.
For travelers, visiting an incense village is an opportunity to see how this important cultural product is made, from rolling the incense paste to drying the sticks in vibrant displays. While these villages offer a window into Vietnamese traditions, they have also gained popularity as Instagram hotspots, thanks to their photogenic arrangements of colorful incense sticks.
1. Quang Phu Cau Incense Village (Hanoi)
Just 35 km from Hanoi, Quang Phu Cau is renowned for its brightly colored incense sticks, often arranged in eye-catching patterns. Visitors can explore the village to see the entire production process, from rolling the incense paste to drying it under the sun. The fields of red and pink incense sticks are both mesmerizing and symbolic of Vietnam’s dedication to this craft.
2 Thuy Xuan Incense Village (Hue)
Near Hue, Thuy Xuan is known for its decorative incense sticks, displayed in vivid colors that resemble blooming flowers. This village offers an interactive experience, allowing visitors to try making their own incense. It’s also a fantastic place to buy beautifully packaged incense as souvenirs, which highlight both artistic and cultural significance.
3. Phia Thap Incense Village (Cao Bang)
In Cao Bang province, Phia Thap provides a more rustic and authentic experience for those seeking a deeper cultural connection. The village uses local herbs and materials, ensuring that the incense retains a natural, earthy aroma. Off the beaten path, Phia Thap is ideal for travelers looking to explore traditional Vietnam in its purest form.
Where to buy Vietnamese incense as souvenirs
Incense makes for a meaningful and unique souvenir from Vietnam, perfect for bringing a piece of its culture home or gifting to loved ones. With its deep spiritual significance and beautiful packaging, Vietnamese incense offers both practicality and cultural charm. From specialty shops to local markets, there are plenty of places to find the perfect set.
Specialty shops
In areas like Hanoi’s Old Quarter, specialty shops offer a variety of high-quality incense packaged in elegant designs. These decorative options are ideal for gifting and often include unique scents like agarwood or floral blends.
Local markets
For budget-friendly choices, head to bustling markets like Dong Xuan Market in Hanoi or Binh Tay Market in Ho Chi Minh City. These markets provide a wide range of incense, from everyday varieties to more ornate selections, at affordable prices.
Praying supply shops
Located near temples, these shops cater to worshippers by selling incense alongside joss paper—symbolic offerings burned for ancestors. These are great spots to find incense tied to Vietnamese spiritual practices.
Prices
Basic incense sticks cost between 20,000–50,000 VND, while premium or decorative options can go up to 150,000 VND or more, depending on the quality and packaging. Whether you’re looking for a cultural keepsake or a practical souvenir, there’s an option for every budget.
