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Rare Agarwood Tour | The Scent More Valuable than Gold
Learn about the fascinating world of agarwood!
5.0
|13 Reviews
DURATION
5 hours
Booking type
Private trip
MEET UP
Free pick-up
Group size
Up to 12 guests
- Experience Highlights
- Itinerary
- Inclusions
- Availability
- More Info
- Host
- 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. But it’s also one of the most endangered, due to overharvesting and unsustainable practices driven by high demand.Just outside Hanoi, monks at a quiet Buddhist retreat are doing something remarkable: they’re reviving ancient, nature-based techniques to extract agarwood oil in a way that’s sustainable, ethical, and deeply spiritual.This private experience gives you rare behind-the-scenes access to their sanctuary — not a factory, not a plantation — where you’ll learn how Buddhist beliefs have shaped a more conscious way of working with agarwood, one that respects the tree and the ecosystem it’s part of.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), sip agarwood tea or coffee grown beneath the trees, and share a wholesome vegan lunch with the monks.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 ceremony with agarwood leaf tea, led by a monkOptional: switch the tea for agarwood-infused coffee — beans grown right on the same land!Good 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 local
Experience highlights
Visit Vietnam's rare agarwood factory
Learn about a wood more pricey than gold
Seriously cool Hanoi experience
What You’ll be Doing
Agarwood learning tour: Plantation 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 Champion
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Next Available Dates
Prices shown in USD
Select Time for 12 May 2025
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
- Pet-Friendly
- Vegetarian food available
- Child Friendly (No Minimum Age)
Cancellation & other policies
- CancellationCancel 24 hours before activity for a full refund
From
883.647đ/person
5.0(13)
Show Prices
Meet your host
Lyon Ngo is the heart behind Up Travel Vietnam, a company that goes beyond typical tours to create meaningful experiences. Born and raised in Vietnam, Lyon started as a tour guide, sharing his love for his country’s culture, history, and especially its food. He believes the best way to connect with a place is through its people and flavours, which is why his tours focus on real, local experiences.
Beyond travel, Lyon and his team are committed to giving back—supporting artisans, small businesses, and even building homes for families in need. For him, Up Travel isn’t just about showing Vietnam to the world; it’s about fostering real connections and making a positive impact, one journey at a time.
Experience: 10 years
Speaks: Fluent English
Acceptance rate: 100%
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