If you’re planning a trip to Northeast Vietnam and want more than waterfalls and viewpoints, Phia Thap Incense Making Village is one of Cao Bang’s most rewarding cultural stops. This is not a staged “tourist craft show.” It’s a working village where families produce incense using traditional methods - often laying out bright bundles to dry under the sun, creating a scene that’s both authentic and incredibly photogenic. In this guide, you’ll learn where Phia Thap is, how to visit, the best time to go, what to do, what to buy, and how to visit respectfully.
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What is Phia Thap Incense Making Village?
Phia Thap Incense Making Village is a small craft village in Cao Bang Province, known for producing traditional incense (often bamboo-stick incense) as part of daily village life. Depending on the day and weather, you can see key steps of the process - preparing bamboo sticks, coating them with aromatic powder, shaping, and drying.
Travelers love Phia Thap for two reasons:
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Real local culture: You’re witnessing a genuine livelihood, not a performance.
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Iconic visuals: Rows and bundles of drying incense create a striking “red-and-gold” look that photographers adore.
Where is Phia Thap Village?
Phia Thap is located in Cao Bang Province, Northeast Vietnam, and it’s often visited as part of the broader route toward Trung Khanh / Ban Gioc Waterfall (depending on your exact itinerary and road choice).
Because it lies conveniently along popular Cao Bang travel corridors, Phia Thap is an easy stop whether you’re:
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based in Cao Bang City, or
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traveling toward the Ban Gioc area.
Tip: When searching on maps, try multiple keywords:
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“Phia Thap incense village”
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“Phia Thắp incense making village”
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“Incense village Cao Bang”
Best time to visit Phia Thap Incense Village
Best season
For the smoothest experience, visit during drier, cooler months (roughly autumn through spring). Roads are generally easier, and incense drying scenes are more likely when the weather is sunny and dry.
Best time of day
Morning is ideal:
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More households are actively working
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Lighting is softer and better for photos
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You can continue to other Cao Bang highlights afterward
If you visit on a rainy or very humid day, you may see fewer incense bundles laid out for drying.
How to visit Phia Thap Incense Making Village
Option 1: From Cao Bang City
Most travelers use Cao Bang City as a base. From there, you can reach Phia Thap by:
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Motorbike (flexible, scenic, great for photo stops)
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Private car/driver (most comfortable, best for families)
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Taxi/private transfer (easy point-to-point option)
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Day tour (simple, often combined with other stops)
Phia Thap works well as a half-day cultural trip if you’re not heading far.
Option 2: As a stop on the way to Ban Gioc Waterfall
If you’re planning Ban Gioc, Phia Thap is often included as a cultural stop along the route. This is one of the most efficient ways to experience culture + nature in a single day.
What to do in Phia Thap Village
Watch the incense-making process
Depending on the household and timing, you may observe steps such as:
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Preparing bamboo sticks (sorting, cutting, bundling)
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Mixing aromatic powder (the fragrance can vary by family recipe)
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Coating and shaping the incense paste onto sticks
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Drying the incense in bundles under sunlight
Because this is a working environment, it’s best to observe quietly and stay clear of drying areas and work zones.
Take photos - respectfully
Phia Thap is famous for its photo-friendly scenes, but it’s still a community. For a respectful visit:
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Ask permission before filming or photographing people up close
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Don’t touch or rearrange incense bundles for “a better shot”
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Avoid blocking pathways or working spaces
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Keep your voice low - many homes are also workshops
Best photo tip: Visit on a sunny day and shoot in the morning for soft light and richer colors.
Buy local incense as a meaningful souvenir
If you want to support the village, buying incense here is one of the best ways. Before purchasing, ask:
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What the scent profile is (woody, herbal, spicy)
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How long it burns
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How to store it (keep it dry; seal it during humid weather)
Practical note: Bring cash, ideally small bills, as card payments are unlikely in small village workshops.
How long should you spend in Phia Thap?
Most visitors spend 1–2 hours, which is enough to:
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Walk through the village
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Visit a few households/workshops
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Watch at least one key step of incense making
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Take photos and buy incense
If you’re a photographer or content creator, you may enjoy staying longer - especially if the weather is perfect for drying scenes.
Practical tips for visiting Phia Thap Incense Village
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Wear comfortable shoes: village paths can be dusty or uneven
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Be mindful of strong scents: incense aromas can be intense in some areas
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Respect the workspace: drying incense is a product-in-progress
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Don’t smoke near drying areas: it’s safer and more respectful
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Travel timing matters: visiting early increases the chance of seeing active production
Suggested itineraries
Half-day cultural stop (from Cao Bang City)
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Morning: Phia Thap village walk + incense workshops + shopping
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Lunch: local restaurant back toward the city
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Afternoon: return to Cao Bang City or add a nearby stop
Full-day “culture + nature” route
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Early morning: Phia Thap
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Midday/afternoon: continue to major Cao Bang nature highlights (depending on your route)
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Evening: return to Cao Bang City or stay near your next destination
FAQ
Is Phia Thap the same as “Phja Thap”?
Yes. You may see different spellings in travel posts and map listings. Try both when searching.
Do I need a ticket to enter the village?
Generally, no. You’re visiting a living community. Costs come from what you choose to purchase.
Can I film the process?
Often yes, but always ask first - especially when filming faces or inside a family workspace.
Final thoughts
If you want a cultural experience that feels real, Phia Thap Incense Making Village is one of Cao Bang’s best hidden gems. Go in the morning, visit respectfully, and plan 1–2 hours to enjoy the atmosphere, watch incense-making, and bring home a meaningful souvenir.
Ready to plan, get a price, or just ask questions?
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