Crimson Trails of Saigon: Inside the Oldest Incense Village in Le Minh Xuan

If you travel to the quiet suburban outskirts of Binh Chanh District in Ho Chi Minh City, the bustling concrete landscape gradually gives way to brilliant fields of vibrant crimson and gold. This is Le Minh Xuan, the oldest surviving traditional craft village in Ho Chi Minh City and one of the largest incense-making hubs in all of Southern Vietnam.

Officially recognized as a traditional craft village in 2014, Le Minh Xuan is not just a production site—it is a living, breathing testament to generations of spiritual culture and heritage.

A Centuries-Old Tradition Born in Old Saigon

According to historical archives, the art of incense making in Saigon traces its roots back to Chinese immigrants who settled in Đàng Trong. Historically, the most famous incense workshops were concentrated around the bustling markets of District 5 and District 6 (Cholon), featuring iconic historic brands like Lưu Hiệp Thành, Trương Kim Nhung, and Trung Kim Thành.

However, starting around 1980, urban development led these traditional workshops to relocate to the serene outer edges of the city. They settled in Le Minh Xuan Commune, where open spaces, fresh air, and ample sunlight allowed them to expand their production and dry their handcrafted incense sticks under the open sky.

Inside the Workshops: The Art of Making Incense

To truly understand how a simple stick of incense is born, you have to look closely at family workshops like Minh Phước—a long-standing local establishment that has preserved the traditional craft across multiple generations.

Making incense is a multi-step process that demands both patience and precision:

1. Selecting Raw Ingredients: Choosing natural aromatic powders, bamboo sticks, and natural binders.

2. Rolling the Sticks (Se Nhang): Coat the thin bamboo sticks with a balanced mixture of aromatic spice powders. While machines now assist in rolling to meet high demand, many artisans still maintain the delicate hand-rolling technique for specialized batches.

3. Drying under the Sun: Bunches of incense sticks are spread out like giant red and yellow bouquets across drying yards.

4. Finishing & Bundling: Once dried, the incense is carefully sorted, bundled, and packaged.

Conversations with Local Artisans

Sitting down with long-time artisans like Cô Thúy reveals the heart behind the craft. Through interviews with workshop owners who have devoted decades of their lives to the trade, you quickly realize this isn't just a business for them—it's a family legacy handed down from parents to children.

Peak production season hits right before Tet (Lunar New Year), when workers work overtime from dawn till dusk to supply aromatic sticks for millions of family altars across the country.

From Local Tradition to a Cultural Travel Destination

Today, Le Minh Xuan is far more than just an industrial supplier for Southern Vietnam's incense market. From small home setups to large-scale production yards, every family plays a role in preserving this unique cultural beauty.

It has also emerged as a promising cultural destination for travelers. Photography lovers, culture seekers, and curious adventurers flock here to witness the stunning visual contrast of thousands of incense sticks fanned out like vibrant flowers across the yards.

As late afternoon arrives, the setting sun paints the village in warm golden tones. Rows of neatly bundled incense sticks—glowing in deep shades of red and pink—are gathered up, ready to be shipped across Vietnam. They carry with them the distinct herbal aroma and deep pride of Le Minh Xuan to every household during family gatherings.

Experience Sacred Saigon with Saigon on Motorbike

Tired of the usual tourist spots in the city center? Hop on the back of our motorbikes and let us take you off the beaten path! Journey through winding local roads, breathe in the fragrance of natural spices, and meet the passionate artisans who keep Saigon's history alive.

See you on the next ride! 🛵💨