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This study investigated the effect of substituting cement with incense ash on material properties and hydration of cement-based composite materials. Test specimens with incense ash replacing up to 30% (volume) of cement were produced and cured at 25 °C and 75 °C for up to 120 days. The researchers of this study observed the effect on setting time, heat conduction, compressive strength, and water absorption, and conducted a microanalysis to observe the structural change of hydration products. The results indicated that by substituting cement with incense ash, the hydration reaction was hastened, and the setting time shortened. When 5% of cement was replaced, incense ash had the effect of filling the voids between particles. At a higher curing temperature, the frequency of particle collisions increased, expediting the hydration reaction and improving the strength of the specimens. At a longer curing time, voids in the specimens were gradually filled by colloids, and pozzolanic reaction caused the amount of Ca(OH)₂ to diminish and C–S–H gel to increase, which in turn improved the structural cohesion, reduced the water absorption, and increased the strength and thermal conductivity of the specimens.