You’ve most likely heard of the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village one hour south of Hanoi in North Vietnam, which has gone viral all over Instagram and Tik Tok, but do you know there is also an incense field conveniently located in Ninh Binh that you can visit?
Here’s all you need to know about the Incense Village in Ninh Binh!
Where Is The Incense Village In Ninh Binh?
Just over a hundred metres from the entrance to Hang Mua Viewpoint in Ninh Binh is the incense field. This incense field is free to visit and is surprisingly quiet so you can get some lovely photos of the incense.
Here is the location on Google Maps – it is labelled as Tam Huong Duc Tai.
Is The Ninh Binh Incense Village Or Quang Phu Cau Better?
The Ninh Binh incense field is perfect to visit if you don’t have time to visit the famous Quang Phu Cau Incense Village. In fact, if I had to choose one or the other to visit, I would visit the Incense Village in Ninh Binh.
This is because there are plenty of sights in Ninh Binh to see at the same time, so you aren’t making a dedicated trip just to see the incense field.
My favourite site in Ninh Binh (which is often known as the best thing to do in Ninh Binh) is to climb the Hang Mua Viewpoint, which is just a couple of minutes walk from the incense field, so it’s in a convenient location.
The Quang Phu Cau Incense Village is often named as a bucket list destination in Asia, but many people feel that is actually a bit underwhelming once you visit.
This is especially seeing as you have to make the one hour journey each way (either by taxi or tour as public transport isn’t that convenient and takes a long time) just to see the incense field as it’s not near any other tourist sites.
The Incense Village at Quang Phu Cau is beautiful, but photos often give the impression that you’ll be surrounded by a sea of incense, with fields and fields of the colourful incense laid out – it is called an Incense Village after all.
But in reality, the incense village is not that big and you have to be strategic to get good photos. It’s a lovely place to visit if you’re keen to take some photos, but it’s good to not set your expectations too high so you won’t be disappointed.
How To Get Good Photos At The Incense Village In Ninh Binh
If you love taking colourful Instagrammable photos, you will enjoy the incense village.
Both at the Quang Phu Cau Incense Village and at Ninh Binh there are steps up to viewing platforms so you can get photos of the incense field from above, meaning no drone is required if you want to get some nice aerial views.
The drying incense is laid out in patterns – you’ll see the map of Vietnam as well as the flag.
You may prefer to sit or kneel down for your photos as the incense is low on the floor. A conical Vietnamese hat adds a nice touch to your photos too – there are some you can borrow!
I loved taking close up photos of the incense as well – they make for some really unique photographs.
Other Tourist Attractions in Ninh Binh:
1. Hang Múa (Múa Cave)
Just a couple of hundred metres from the incense field is Hang Mua Cave and Viewpoint. After climbing the 500 steps to the top of the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with spectacular views of rice fields, rivers, and the limestone karst mountains.
2. Trang An
Trang An is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its boat tours that go through a stunning karst landscape, caves, and temples.
3. Bai Dinh Pagoda
Bai Dinh Pagoda is the largest Buddhist complex in Vietnam, full of impressive architecture and statues.
4. Tam Coc-Bich Dong
Tam Coc is often referred to as “Halong Bay on land,” and from here you can take a scenic boat ride through caves and between limestone mountains.
Make sure to also see Bich Dong: a beautiful ancient pagoda set against a limestone mountain.
Caterina McGrail is a Travel Writer and ex-Flight Attendant based in Australia. She has visited 85 countries and lived in several – including Italy, Australia, United Arab Emirates and England. Her work has been featured in a variety of popular travel publications including Fodors, Escape, Australian Traveller and Bear Grylls, as well as several international aviation and travel companies. She only writes about places she has personally visited, and aims to give real, honest advice to help her readers.
