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VietnamDescription and Is It Worth Visiting
Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village (Thuy Xuan Incense-making Village) is not a classic attraction with historical monuments, but one of the most picturesque and photogenic locations in the vicinity of Hue. The main reason travelers come here is to see and capture the endless, incredibly bright rows of aromatic sticks that are dried and sold at family shops along the main road.
This village is located on the way to the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, and will be an excellent and logical stop on the route. The visit won't take much time – usually 5-10 minutes is enough to take a few shots and soak up the local color. The essence of this place is precisely in its visual image. Long bundles of incense sticks in all the colors of the rainbow – from soft pink and bright yellow to deep blue and purple – create a stunning, almost surreal picture. For many tourists, judging by the reviews we've seen on travel forums, this place has become one of the most memorable stops near Hue precisely because of its unusualness and brightness of colors.
For those who want not just to take a photo, but to create a whole photoshoot, some shops offer the service of renting traditional Vietnamese "ao dai" costumes. This is a popular option, especially among local tourists, so don't be surprised if you see people in bright outfits posing against the backdrop of equally bright incense sticks.
If you decide to buy something, the choice is huge: from classic thin sticks to thick spiral incense and aromatic sets. Prices are generally low, but you can and should bargain. In addition to aesthetic pleasure, the purchase will be a good souvenir that will remind you of the trip for a long time.
🕐 When to Visit
The village is an ordinary street with residential houses and shops, so there is no exact opening time. Shops are usually open during daylight hours, approximately from 8:00 to 17:00-18:00. It's best to come in the first half of the day when the light is good for photography.
💵 Visit Cost
Entry to the street and photography are free. Photoshoots on the territory of a specific shop start from 20,000 dong (0.76). The cost of renting a traditional "ao dai" costume for a photoshoot starts from 50,000 dong (1.9 USD).
🚶 How to Get There
The Thuy Xuan Incense Village is located on Huong Thuy Street, approximately 6-7 kilometers southwest of central Hue (view on map). It is right on the way to the Tomb of Tu Duc, just a few minutes before reaching it.
The most convenient way is to include a stop here on your trip to the Tomb of Tu Duc. You go along the same route, stop at the village, and then continue your journey. You can get there by rented motorbike, taxi (tell the driver "Thuy Xuan Incense Village" or show the map). Read more about all types of transport in our guide to Hue transport.