QUANG PHU CAU, Vietnam: As Tet, the Vietnamese new year, approaches, the “incense village” of Quang Phu Cau sees a shift in its traditional craft. Dang Thi Hoa’s family, spanning three generations, has been dyeing incense sticks in vibrant colors like scarlet red and magenta pink. However, the lure of Instagram has prompted a modern twist – sticks in yellow, blue, and green to cater to tourists seeking picturesque moments.
In front of a village temple, bundles of multi-colored sticks, forming a giant Vietnamese map, are laid to dry in the sun. The village has become a tourist hotspot, with visitors paying $2 to capture Instagram-worthy shots amidst the colorful sticks that cost only 50 cents for a pack of 20.
Hoa, a craftsperson with three decades of experience, notes the positive impact on the village’s economy, as tourists flock to capture the vibrant scenes. Metal stairways are erected for aerial shots, and workshops accommodate the influx, providing assistance to visitors for the best photo angles.
Nguyen Huu Long, a workshop owner, shares his busy schedule ahead of Tet, with orders pouring in for incense sticks used in traditional rituals. Despite the peak season, he ensures staff guide visitors to capture the perfect shot without disrupting the stick-drying process.
Tourists express appreciation for the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of Quang Phu Cau, describing it as “Instagram-worthy.” The village, located on the outskirts of Hanoi, is part of Vietnam’s ancient incense stick trade, where families contribute to various stages of the craft, from whittling bamboo bark to dyeing the strips.
Hoa, proud of her family’s traditional craft, expresses joy at the village’s growing recognition and the economic benefits it brings. The evolving incense trade showcases a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, attracting both worshippers and tourists alike.
