The name “Bat Trang” means “The Big Yard.” This village is the oldest and most famous pottery village in Vietnam. If you are passionate about history and crafting, this is definitely the spot you must visit during your trip to Hanoi.
Bat Trang Pottery Village is renowned for producing many different kinds of fine ceramics (Source: Gomsubattrangonline)
This ancient village has been producing exquisite pottery for centuries. Wandering here for a day, you'll encounter stunning ceramics, from delicate teacups to intricately decorated vases. More than that, you can even try to create your own piece of pottery.
The vibrant atmosphere and the rich history here make this an unforgettable experience. Let’s find out more about this famous pottery village with Asia King Travel!
According to history, in 1010, King Ly Thai To moved the capital city from Hoa Lu (Ninh Binh Province) to Thang Long (Ha Noi). At that time, all 5 prominent families from the Bo Bat Pottery Village in Ninh Binh Province, including the Tran, Vuong, Le, Nguyen, and Pham, relocated to Thang Long to build their careers.
The capital city was so developed that many merchants and craftsmen migrated there. Moreover, this place is famous for white clay, a material used to produce pottery. Through many waves of migration, Bat Trang grew from a humble pottery village into a famous ceramics center in the 14th - 15th century.
Visitors can come to see the only remaining ancient kiln of Bat Trang (Source: Ha Noi Moi)
Another folk tale said that back in the past, three Vietnamese scholars went on a diplomatic mission to the Song Dynasty and stuck there due to a storm. While staying there, they learned pottery-making techniques from local artisans and brought them back to their homeland, laying the foundation for the village's pottery industry.
Bat Trang Pottery Village is located on the southeastern outskirts of Hanoi, in Gia Lam District, lying right on the bank of the Red River.
The village is located on the left bank of the Red River and borders Van Giang District in Hung Yen Province. (Source: DNTT Magazine)
The Pottery Village is not too far from the center of Hanoi (just about 10 kilometers), so you need to come to Hanoi first to reach this village.
If you travel from far away, the fastest way to reach Hanoi is by plane, landing at Noi Bai Airport. If you depart from a nearby location, you can choose to travel by shuttle bus, train, or rent a car or motorcycle to drive there yourself.
From the center of Hanoi, there are many means of transportation to choose from, such as:
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For now, Bat Trang Village is still a free tourist attraction with no entrance fee. Visitors only need to pay for other activities like eating, shopping, or participating in workshops.
You can visit the village at any time of the year. However, it is best if you come here on the 14th to 16th of the lunar calendar, when there is the Bat Trang Festival. This is a traditional event to honor the ancestors of the pottery craft. You can join the people here to celebrate and experience the local essence.
The Ruoc Nuoc ceremony is held on a ferry in the middle of the Red River (Source: Van hoa Nghe thuat Magazine)
Visitors will be amazed by the colossal 7-spiral architecture inspired by the pottery wheel with its soft and curved lines consisting of 6 floors displaying gorgeous pottery categorised into collections of distinctive styles.
The view of the Ceramic Museum from above (Source: Kinh Te Moi Truong)
The museum showcases pottery products from ancient times to the present day, traditional pottery tools, and restored everyday objects crafted by skilled artisans. Besides showcasing the products, the museum also gives you insightful information about the history and development of the village.
The museum is open daily from 8:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Admission is VND 50,000. For pottery-making experiences, the fee is VND 70,000 for adults and VND 50,000 for children under 4 ft2.
With a history of more than 700 years, this village still retains its traditional charm with the antique alleys that are just wide enough for one or two people walking side by side and time-worn houses with moss clinging to them, creating a dreamy yet mysterious vibe. Visitors will be transported back in time as they wander around here.
The ancient beauty of the antique alleys (Source: BDA Trip)
You cannot miss this fun activity just for the fee of VND 50,000 to VND 70,000. Professional potters will guide you through the basic techniques, and then you can create your own piece from scratch. After you've finished your piece, they will fire it and package it for you to take home.
Visitors making their own piece of pottery (Source: Traveloka)
With over 100 stalls spread across 6,000 square meters, Bat Trang Pottery Market is a ceramic lover's paradise. Not only can you discover a vast array of handmade pottery, from functional household items to exquisite decorative pieces, but you can also learn about the history and process of making these beautiful creations. At the end of the trip, you can buy something from the market as a souvenir to take home.
The vibrant color of the pottery on display in the market (Source: Vietjet Air)
Bat Trang Pottery Village is a must-visit for pottery enthusiasts and anyone interested in Hanoi's rich cultural heritage. Discover the history and traditions of this renowned pottery village. Contact Asia King Travel today to explore more fascinating destinations in Vietnam.
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