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Guests laughing and posing with raised hands during a Hanoi cultural workshop, seated at a table with greenery
Wooden shelves in a Hanoi agarwood shop display carved figurines, bottles and curiosities for the rare agarwood tour experience
Carved agarwood detail resting in a display case on a wooden tray during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Hanoi workshop scene: a guide tends to a participant’s leg while preparing rare agarwood pieces, with other guests watching closely
Hand pouring amber tea into cups during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, with a wooden table and tasting session atmosphere
Agarwood wood pieces arranged beside an incense burner on a workshop table during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
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Guests laughing and posing with raised hands during a Hanoi cultural workshop, seated at a table with greenery
Wooden shelves in a Hanoi agarwood shop display carved figurines, bottles and curiosities for the rare agarwood tour experience
Carved agarwood detail resting in a display case on a wooden tray during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Guests laughing and posing with raised hands during a Hanoi cultural workshop, seated at a table with greenery
Wooden shelves in a Hanoi agarwood shop display carved figurines, bottles and curiosities for the rare agarwood tour experience
Carved agarwood detail resting in a display case on a wooden tray during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Hanoi workshop scene: a guide tends to a participant’s leg while preparing rare agarwood pieces, with other guests watching closely
Hand pouring amber tea into cups during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, with a wooden table and tasting session atmosphere
Agarwood wood pieces arranged beside an incense burner on a workshop table during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
A guide explains rare agarwood properties to visitors in front of a glass display case during the Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Two workshop guides smiling while holding small agarwood samples over a counter with display shelves in Hanoi’s rare tour
Rare agarwood tour in Hanoi: bottles of agarwood samples with blue caps arranged in arched glass holders
Participant in an apron measures and pours liquid from a glass vessel into small bottles during the Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Glass cabinet showcasing layered agarwood wood pieces on stands inside a Hanoi shop for the Rare Agarwood Tour
Visitors viewing carved agarwood samples inside a Hanoi shop during the Rare Agarwood Tour, looking at illuminated display shelves
Group working around a table with agarwood chunks and cutting tools during the hands-on Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Herb and spice platters with teacups and small pots arranged on a wooden table for a Hanoi rare agarwood tour
Agarwood samples on display tables with glass cases and plants inside an atelier during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Hands preparing tea in small cups beside covered pots and ingredient bowls during a Hanoi rare agarwood tour
Long wooden tables set with teacups, pots and small jars in a bamboo-lit Hanoi workshop for a rare agarwood tour
Visitors chatting with a local guide in an agarwood shop and gallery during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Two guests seated in a Hanoi agarwood workshop, smiling beside carved agarwood pieces on a wooden table
Beaded necklaces and tassel pendants hanging in a glass-front display case in a Hanoi agarwood shop on the rare tour
Rare agarwood tour in Hanoi: hands presenting an agarwood beaded bracelet inside a clear display box
Rare agarwood tour in Hanoi: palms holding a carved agarwood bead bracelet while workshop jars sit blurred in back
Hands carving and preparing agarwood on a mat in a Hanoi workshop, with small wood pieces laid out nearby
Glass jars on a wooden table filled with beaded rare agarwood necklaces, arranged for tasting and browsing in Hanoi
Close-up of rough vertical agarwood wood samples on a shop display during a Rare Agarwood Tour in Hanoi
Agarwood workshop interior in Hanoi with glass display counters, carved keepsakes, and framed maps under a wooden ceiling
Rare agarwood tour in Hanoi: hands arranging beaded bracelets and small glass containers on a workshop table
Rare agarwood tour in Hanoi: hands holding a glass bowl of agarwood samples and labelled dried pieces
Tasting workshop in Hanoi where guests sit at long tables, sampling drinks and sharing plates in a bright communal room
Travellers seated in a Hanoi workshop tasting room during a rare agarwood tour, with cups and snacks on the table
Group gathered at a wooden counter in a Hanoi workshop during a rare agarwood tour, where staff pour samples into cups
Agarwood workshop display in a Hanoi shop, with two people seated beside carved wood pieces and tools for scent preparation
Hands pouring dark tea from a small pot into cups on a wooden table in Hanoi during a rare agarwood tour
Hand pouring tea or coffee into small cups at a Hanoi tasting table, with a mug of caramel-coloured drink and beans
Close-up of hands pouring hot liquid into a paper coffee dripper at a Hanoi café workshop table, with cups nearby
Hand holding a rough, aromatic chunk of agarwood in a Hanoi workshop during a rare agarwood tour session
Close-up of a white plate of brown agarwood pieces on a wooden table in a Hanoi tasting room during the tour
In a Hanoi coffee workshop, a young server pours from a kettle into a cup, with cups and bottles arranged on the counter
Small group listening at a Hanoi scent workshop counter, with bottles and tools behind them, learning about agarwood
Man bringing a small cup close to his nose while guests watch during a rare agarwood tour tasting in Hanoi
A guide pours dark tea from a small pot for a group during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, seated at wooden tables
Smiling guests gathered around a tabletop during a Hanoi agarwood tour, with small cups and tools for tasting scent notes
Group gathered around a wooden counter with small tea cups during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, learning together
Smelling rare agarwood during a Hanoi hands-on tour, a guest holds fragrant pieces close near a wooden worktable with Up Travel Vietnam
Group posing at a stone building entrance in Hanoi during an agarwood tour, smiling together in a quiet courtyard with incense craft
Smiling travellers holding warm cups together during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, sharing a relaxing tasting moment

Rare Agarwood Tour | The Scent More Valuable than Gold

Learn about the fascinating world of agarwood!
5.0
|45 Reviews
Group size
Up to 24 guests
DURATION
5 hours
Booking type
Private trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 24 guests
  • Experience highlights
  • Itinerary
  • Inclusions
  • Availability
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  • Reviews
Discover a hidden side of Hanoi through the world’s most expensive scent
Agarwood is one of the most expensive materials on Earth - worth more than gold by weight, it's highly prized for its scent and is traditionally burned as incense in Buddhist temples. But it’s also one of the most endangered, due to overharvesting and unsustainable practices driven by high demand.Just outside Hanoi, Buddhists at a quiet temple are doing something remarkable: they’re reviving ancient, nature-based techniques to extract agarwood oil in a way that’s sustainable and ethical. This private experience gives you rare behind-the-scenes access to their sanctuary, where you’ll learn how Buddhist beliefs have shaped a more conscious way of working with agarwood, one that respects nature.You’ll see how the resin is naturally formed, learn how traditional vs. chemical extraction methods differ, and try trimming agarwood by hand - a surprisingly delicate task. You’ll also get to smell different grades (some worth thousands of dollars), participate in a zen tea ceremony or sip agarwood coffee using leaves grown beneath the trees, and share a wholesome vegan lunch with the temple staff.If you’re the kind of traveller who wants to go beyond sightseeing and truly connect with Vietnam’s culture and values - this quiet, thoughtful experience will stay with you long after you’ve left Hanoi.What to ExpectHotel pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and a 26km scenic drive to the agarwood centreGuided presentation on the cultural significance and uses of agarwood across the worldLearn the differences between natural, chemical, and sustainable oil extraction techniquesHands-on trimming activity to appreciate the delicate labour behind agarwood productsSee and smell different grades of agarwood and understand their valueVegan lunch with the local community - a chance to chat, learn, and connectPeaceful tea tasting with agarwood leaf tea and agarwood coffeeGood to KnowThis is a private experience, so you won’t be in a big group - it’s quiet, relaxed and personalYou won’t visit a factory or plantation despite what some descriptions may say - it’s all based from a central Buddhist retreat spaceThe experience is led by a translator-guide who speaks English fluently, so nothing gets lost in translationBring extra cash if you'd like to try the agarwood coffee or milk tea (they’re optional and worth it!)No heavy walking required - it’s mostly seated or indoors, great for any fitness levelProfits from agarwood sales go towards free community meals and local aid — so your visit supports a good causeIf you’re vegetarian or vegan, you’ll love the lunch here – all plant-based, all localCorporate Social ResponsibilityYour Seek Sophie host believes in giving back to the local community, so with every booking, $1 goes towards providing meals for pediatric patients in central Hanoi hospitals.

Experience highlights

Travellers seated in a Hanoi workshop tasting room during a rare agarwood tour, with cups and snacks on the table
Visit Vietnam's rare agarwood sanctuary
Guests laughing and posing with raised hands during a Hanoi cultural workshop, seated at a table with greenery
More expensive than gold
Agarwood workshop display in a Hanoi shop, with two people seated beside carved wood pieces and tools for scent preparation
Seriously cool Hanoi experience
A guide pours dark tea from a small pot for a group during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, seated at wooden tables
Learn about Buddhism + agarwood
Rare agarwood tour in Hanoi: hands arranging beaded bracelets and small glass containers on a workshop table
See $26K agarwood bracelets up close
Hand pouring amber tea into cups during a rare agarwood tour in Hanoi, with a wooden table and tasting session atmosphere
Taste rare tea from agarwood leaves
Close-up of a white plate of brown agarwood pieces on a wooden table in a Hanoi tasting room during the tour
Brew coffee from trees under agarwood
Smelling rare agarwood during a Hanoi hands-on tour, a guest holds fragrant pieces close near a wooden worktable with Up Travel Vietnam
See an incense workshop only locals know
Tasting workshop in Hanoi where guests sit at long tables, sampling drinks and sharing plates in a bright communal room
Wholesome vegan lunch prepared by locals

What You’ll be Doing

Agarwood learning tour: Retreat visit, extraction demo, vegetarian lunch.
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What’s Included

Round-trip transfer
English-speaking tour guide
Vegetarian Lunch
Herbal Tea
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Who you’re supporting

community_based

Community Champion

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Next Available Dates

Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 08 Jun 2026
Additional Information

Where we'll meet

Start Point

Free pick-up from Your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter(Old Quarter, Vietnam)
  • 09:00am

End Point

  • End at Start Point(s)

Start & Ends

Daily
09:00AM - 02:30PM

Suitability / Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Pet-Friendly
  • Vegetarian food available
  • Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)

Cancellation & other policies

  • Cancellation

    Cancel 24 hours before activity for a full refund
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Meet your host

Cherry is a thoughtful and engaging host who introduces travelers to Hanoi through hands-on experiences rooted in daily life. Whether guiding a crafted workshop, a cooking class or a neighborhood walk, she creates a warm environment where guests feel comfortable learning and participating. She shares stories about food, craft, and tradition in a way that is natural and inviting, helping guests understand the meaning behind each technique or practice. Known for her calm presence and genuine hospitality, Cherry connects travelers with the people behind the experiences—local artisans, home cooks, and community storytellers. With her, you won’t just observe Hanoi’s culture; you’ll take part in it, one conversation and one shared moment at a time.
Experience: 11 years
Speaks: Fluent English
Acceptance rate: 100%
Top Rated Host
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5.0 (37)
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4.5 hrs
|Up to 8 guests
Vespa Ride To Hanoi Countryside Villages & Ancient Mythical Citadel
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