1. Overview of Phia Thap Village
Located in Phuc Sen commune, Quang Hoa district, Cao Bang, Phia Thap village is home to the Nung An ethnic group, famous for its centuries-old traditional incense-making craft.
2. What to do in Phia Thap Village
2.1. Discover the local incense-making process in Phia Thap Village
One of the highlights of visiting Phia Thap Incense Village is witnessing how the locals have preserved the art of incense making for hundreds of years. Strolling through this Cao Bang village, you will see incense sticks neatly arranged in bright red and golden bundles, drying in the sun.
2.2. Explore the scenic landscapes in Phia Thap village
Not only handicrafts, Phia Thap village also has the peaceful beauty of a traditional Cao Bang village. The landscape here is surrounded by limestone mountains and green rice fields, with unique tiled stilt houses for your Cao Bang tour. The pace of life here passes slowly; travelers can stroll along the small roads in the village, take beautiful photos with colorful incense sticks in the countryside, and enjoy the peaceful life of the local people. The combination of handicrafts and natural landscapes has created a Phia Thap village that is both picturesque and rich in cultural identity.2.3. Immerse in the Nung An Ethnic People Community-Based Tourism
Community tourism is thriving in Phia Thap village, allowing visitors to stay overnight with local families. Many homestays are built on traditional stilt houses, where travelers can sleep on simple mattresses under mosquito nets, enjoy meals made from fresh local ingredients, and learn about the customs of the Nung An people. Staying at a homestay allows you to experience this Cao Bang village not only as a tourist but also as part of the community. This also helps generate income for the families, ensuring that the Phia Thap incense village heritage continues to thrive.2.4. Support Local Handicrafts and Culture
Before leaving Phia Thap village, don’t miss the opportunity to buy incense sticks directly from the artisans. Prices are very reasonable, usually around 10,000 – 20,000 VND per bundle, and each bundle of incense supports the livelihoods of more than 50 households. Bringing incense from Phia Thap village home is not only a souvenir, but also a way to preserve a long-standing tradition and contribute to the sustainable development of this Cao Bang village.2.5. Combine with Nearby Attractions

3. How to Reach Phia Thap Incense Village?
Located 325 km from Hanoi and only 25 km from Cao Bang city. The journey to this traditional Cao Bang village is truly an adventure, with poetic mountain roads, rice fields, and limestone landscapes along the way.- From Hanoi to Cao Bang: Most travelers start their trip from Hanoi. You can take a limousine, which usually takes around 6 – 8 hours to reach Cao Bang City. You can depart from My Dinh or Gia Lam bus stations, making it a convenient and affordable option. For more comfort, private cars or organized tours are also available.
- From Cao Bang City to Phia Thap Village: From Cao Bang city, it takes about 1.5 hours to drive to Huong Phia Thap Village. You can rent a motorbike to be more proactive in your journey, or hire a taxi or private car for comfort. The road is generally quite good, passing through the countryside of Northern Vietnam. Along the way, you will encounter local markets, small villages and valleys.
- On the Way to Ban Gioc Waterfall: A visit to Phia Thap village can easily be combined with a trip to Ban Gioc Waterfall or Nguom Ngao Cave, as they are located on the same route. Many travelers choose to stop in the village for a few hours to experience incense making before continuing their journey to the iconic waterfall. This makes Phia Thap Incense Village not only a destination but also a meaningful cultural stop on the journey to discover the natural wonders of Cao Bang.
4. Tips for traveling to Phia Thap Village
Best time to visit: The best time to explore Phia Thap village is from September to November and from March to May, when Cao Bang’s weather is cool, dry, and pleasant for walking. Avoid the rainy season (June – August) as heavy rains can affect travel and outdoor activities.
CONCLUSION
Visiting Phia Thap Incense Village is not only a journey to explore the traditional villages of Cao Bang, but also an opportunity for you to go back in time, witness the centuries-old traditional incense-making craft, and connect with the Nung An people, who have preserved this heritage for generations. Strolling on the quiet village roads, inhaling the fragrant scent of freshly made incense, and trying your hand at rolling bamboo toothpicks are experiences that will leave unforgettable memories.