Phia Thap Incense Village: Discover Cao Bang's Traditional Craft & Culture

Planning a trip to Cao Bang to marvel at its breathtaking mountains, valleys, and waterfalls? Be sure to dive into the region’s rich cultural heritage by visiting Phia Thap Incense Village — a hidden treasure where tradition lives on through the hands of the Nung An ethnic group. This guide introduces you to a place where incense is made using age-old techniques, offering a meaningful look into local life and craftsmanship.

Step into Phia Thap Village: Where Incense Meets Culture

Overview of Phia Thap incense-making village surrounded by mountains

Nestled in the heart of Phuc Sen commune, Quang Hoa district, Phia Thap is one of seven officially recognized traditional craft villages in Cao Bang province. The village is known for preserving its centuries-old incense-making techniques, passed down through generations of the Nung An people.

1. Witness the Traditional Incense-Making Process

Nung An artisan preparing natural ingredients for incense production

Upon arrival, you’ll notice the peaceful atmosphere of a village surrounded by limestone peaks and dotted with yin-yang tiled stilt houses. Each family here plays a role in the incense-making tradition, using only natural, chemical-free ingredients.

The incense is made primarily from the leaves of the Bầu Hắt tree, which grows on nearby cliffs. These leaves are sun-dried, ground into fine powder, and combined with bamboo sticks known locally as cây mạy mười. The sticks are dipped in water, coated with Bầu Hắt powder, then rolled in sawdust. This layering process is repeated until the perfect thickness is achieved — all done by hand.

Freshly made incense sticks drying in the sun at Phia Thap village

Drying the incense takes about a day when the sun is out, while shaded drying areas are used in rainy weather. Each stilt house in the village is designed with space dedicated to this craft. Once ready, the incense is sold across Cao Bang and neighboring provinces like Bac Kan and Lang Son.

2. Explore the Daily Life of the Nung An Community

Nung An villagers engaging in daily chores and local crafts

Incorporating Phia Thap into your Cao Bang travel plan enriches your experience. Alongside the famed Ban Gioc Waterfall, this village offers deep insight into the Nung An ethnic culture. Take a stroll through the village, observe daily activities, chat with locals, and enjoy the warm hospitality of the community.

Visitors can also opt for a homestay experience to enjoy a truly immersive cultural adventure. You’ll get the chance to try incense-making yourself, sample delicious Nung cuisine, and appreciate life in a traditional stilt house.

3. How to Visit Phia Thap Incense Village

Located 325 km from Hanoi and only 25 km from Cao Bang city, Phia Thap is conveniently en route to Ban Gioc Waterfall. Here’s how you can get there:

By Car or Motorbike: Enjoy the freedom of exploring lush valleys and winding roads on your own. From Cao Bang, it’s a short and scenic 25 km journey.
By Organized Tour: Many Cao Bang tour packages include Phia Thap alongside other attractions such as Ba Be Lake and Ban Gioc Waterfall. These tours typically provide transport, a knowledgeable guide, and cultural insights for a stress-free experience.

Whether you’re a cultural enthusiast, a nature lover, or simply curious about authentic Vietnam, Phia Thap Incense Village is a soulful destination worth visiting.

Uncover the hidden treasures of Cao Bang with our curated travel experiences that showcase its majestic waterfalls, serene landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Explore our featured tours designed to help you make the most of this remarkable northern Vietnam destination:

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