Hue Handcraft Discovery: Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village (Thuỷ Xuân)

About incense sticks in Vietnamese culture

Incense sticks, also known as 'nhang,' have become an indispensable part of Vietnamese culture since ancient times. Incense not only plays a role in religious rituals but also symbolizes the sacredness and refinement in daily life. In religious ceremonies, burning incense is considered a way to communicate with the divine and express reverence. Additionally, burning incense is also seen as a method to purify the air and bring peace to living spaces. Incense is often used on important occasions such as the Lunar New Year or ancestral worship days, creating a solemn and sacred space for families. This reflects respect and gratitude towards ancestors and the cultural traditions of the Vietnamese people. 

About Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village (Thuỷ Xuân)

Thuy Xuan Incense Village (Thuỷ Xuân) is located in Thuy Xuan Ward, Hue City, on Huyen Tran Cong Chua Street, only a short 7 kilometres from the city centre. 
This area has been practising the ancient technique of producing incense for almost 700 years, dating back to the Nguyen Dynasty. This settlement was used to provide the royal court and the residents of the Thuan Hoa - Phu Xuan area with incense. Hue's Incense Village has survived numerous historical upheavals and has continued to grow and prosper.

The key component of incense goods is fragrant paste, which is made by Thuy Xuan villagers using only natural, non-toxic components to assure product quality. These include cardamom seeds, clove roots, pine buds, star anise pods, eucalyptus bark, and cinnamon bark. To intensify the scents, dried pomelo skin and flower powders are occasionally added to the mixture. All components are finely ground and thoroughly mixed with water, sawdust, and glue powder (produced from the bark of Indian laurel trees) to create a thick concoction. Making the incense paste is thought to be the most challenging process since using too much glue powder may cause the sticks to suddenly stop burning while using too much water will result in fractures on the sticks.

How to travel to Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village (Thuỷ Xuân) from Hue city centre?

To travel to Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village (Thuỷ Xuân) from Hue city centre, you have several options:

• Taxi or Ride-Hailing Service: You can hire a taxi or use a ride-hailing app like Grab to travel directly to Thuy Xuan Village. Simply provide the village name or address to the driver, and they will take you there. This is the most convenient option if you prefer door-to-door transportation.
• Motorbike or Bicycle: Renting a motorbike or bicycle is a popular choice for travellers who want more flexibility and independence. You can navigate the streets at your own pace and enjoy the scenic ride to Thuy Xuan Village. Be sure to have a map or GPS to guide you.
• Local Bus: You can also take a local bus from Hue city centre to Thuy Xuan Village. Check with locals or at the bus station for the appropriate bus route and schedule. Buses are usually an affordable option but may take longer due to multiple stops.
• Guided Tour: Joining a guided tour that includes a visit to Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village is another convenient option. Tour operators in Hue offer various packages that include transportation to and from the village, along with guided visits and insights into the incense-making process.

Choose the option that best suits your preferences in terms of convenience, budget, and desire for exploration. Thuy Xuan Village (Thuỷ Xuân) offers a unique cultural experience, and travelling there is relatively easy from Hue city centre.

Activities in Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village (Thuỷ Xuân)

Gorgeous backgrounds with vibrant incense bundles
The striking landscape of Hue's Incense Village is possibly the most alluring feature that draws visitors. Each bundle of incense unfolds in a riot of colour under the soft sunlight, resembling blossoming flowers. All of this combines to provide a breathtaking backdrop that lets guests strike any stance and take amazing pictures.

Workshop for creating incense
At this Hue incense-making village, in Vietnam, you can not only check in freely with a colourful background, but you can also make your own multicoloured incense sticks. The locals will provide you with considerate advice that will deepen your understanding of and appreciation for the distinctiveness of the goods produced in this historic land.
When you visit the Thuy Xuan incense hamlet, the residents will always show you how to create their incense by hand. You may also keep the incense you just made as a memento. Naturally, it's also a fantastic opportunity to learn more about daily living and the local way of life in Thuy Xuan village (Thuỷ Xuân).
The main tourist route in the area, Vong Canh Hill, Tu Hieu Buddhist Temple, and the Tu Duc Tomb remnants, is where Thuy Xuan incense village (Thuỷ Xuân) Hue is situated. Therefore, after taking in the Hue City Tour, this is also the perfect place for travellers to end a fantastic day.

Things to buy as souvenirs

In Thuy Xuan Incense Stick-making Village (Thuỷ Xuân), you'll find a variety of unique souvenirs that capture the essence of this traditional craft and the cultural heritage of Hue. Here are some suggestions:

• Handcrafted Incense Sticks: Purchase bundles of handcrafted incense sticks made by skilled artisans in the village. These incense sticks come in various scents, including traditional Vietnamese fragrances like agarwood, sandalwood, and lotus.
• Decorative Incense Holders: Browse through a selection of decorative incense holders crafted from ceramic, wood, or bamboo. These holders come in different shapes and designs, ranging from simple to intricately carved patterns, adding a touch of elegance to your home.
• Aromatherapy Products: Explore a range of aromatherapy products infused with fragrances inspired by Thuy Xuan Village's incense-making traditions. Choose from scented candles, essential oils, and room sprays to bring the soothing scents of Vietnam into your living space.
• Traditional Vietnamese Handicrafts: Discover other traditional Vietnamese handicrafts and artisanal products available in the village. Look for items such as lacquerware, silk scarves, embroidered textiles, and bamboo crafts, each reflecting the rich cultural heritage of the region.
• Local Delicacies: Sample and purchase local delicacies and speciality food products unique to the Hue region. Look for items such as sesame candy, ginger jam, lotus tea, and Hue-style imperial cuisine, packaged beautifully for gifting or personal enjoyment.
• Artisanal Gifts: Support local artisans and craftsmen by purchasing artisanal gifts and handmade crafts directly from their workshops or stores. Choose from a variety of one-of-a-kind items such as pottery, paintings, jewellery, and traditional musical instruments.

You can continue your Hue Vietnam tour to the nearby city of Hoi An after seeing the well-known sites in Hue. You will surely have incredible experiences and treasured memories of Vietnam from this location. For any help or to schedule an amazing Hue itinerary, get in touch with us. Please contact us so that we can tailor a trip to your preferences. Our crew is knowledgeable and dedicated. We will always respond within eight hours.
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