Three Villages, Three Living Crafts

You choose. Because the tour is private, the half day can start at any hour between 8:00am and 2:00pm — just pick your pick-up time when you book. The full day needs an earlier departure to fit three villages plus lunch, so it starts at 8:00, 8:30 or 9:00am.

Yes. The car, the driver and the guide are yours alone — no other travellers are added to your booking. That is also why you can change the pace on the day: linger longer in the incense yards, skip a stop, or ask for an extra photo detour.

At your hotel, both ways. We collect you from the lobby and return you to the same door at the end. If your hotel is outside central Hanoi, message us on WhatsApp first and we will confirm whether we can reach you.

Included, and properly. You sit at a trackside cafe with a drink and wait for a train to pass — your guide checks the day’s timetable so the timing works. Afterwards we drive you back to your hotel, or leave you in the Old Quarter if you would rather stay out. Note that train times are set by the railway and can shift; if no train is due, your guide will tell you honestly rather than have you wait for nothing.

Absolutely. A solo traveller is charged at 1.8× the per-person rate, because the private car, driver and guide cost the same whether one or four people are in the back. The booking form applies it automatically so there are no surprises.

Yes. The conical hat you paint is yours on both options, and on the full day the lacquer piece you decorate is yours too. Hats are light but bulky — if you are flying onward the same week, just ask your guide for help packing it.

The full day always includes a home-cooked meal at a local artisan’s house. On the half day it is optional — tick the lunch box when you book and it is $15 per person. Either way the dishes can be tailored to you (vegetarian, no pork, allergies), provided you tell us at least 12 hours beforehand. Without lunch, eat before pick-up or bring a snack; the villages are rural and there is little on the road.

Yes to both. The walking is short and flat, and children love the painting. Tell us ages and any mobility needs in the notes and we will adapt the pace — and ask us on WhatsApp about child rates.

Comfortable shoes and clothes you do not mind getting a little paint on. Sun protection helps in the open drying yards. Bright colours photograph beautifully against the incense reds.

We adjust the day around it. The workshops are all under cover, so the tour still runs in light rain, and your guide will reorder the stops to keep you dry. One thing to know: the incense bundles are usually brought inside when it rains, so the famous red fans may not be out. If the forecast looks poor, message us on WhatsApp and we will move you to another day at no cost.

Nothing is charged to reserve. Send your booking, we confirm within 24 hours, and you settle on the day in cash or by transfer — whichever you prefer. Free cancellation up to 24 hours before pick-up.

Often, yes. Because it is private we can shift the shape of the day around another plan — message Lana on WhatsApp at +84 336 515 830 with what you have in mind and we will tell you honestly whether it fits.