Bat Trang Pottery Village: Traditional Craftsmanship Near the City
If you’re looking for a cultural escape just a short drive from Hanoi, Bat Trang Pottery Village offers a perfect mix of tradition, artistry, and hands-on experience.
Located along the Red River in Gia Lam District, Bat Trang has been making ceramics for over 700 years. Today, it remains one of Vietnam’s most famous craft villages - known not only for its beautiful pottery but also for preserving the traditional methods passed down through generations.
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Whether you're an art lover, a souvenir hunter, or a curious traveler, Bat Trang is an ideal day trip from Hanoi that showcases Vietnam's rich cultural heritage.
1. Where is Bat Trang Pottery Village? How to get there?
- Address: Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi, Vietnam
- Opening Hours: 8:00 AM - 6:00 PM (daily)
- Entrance Fee: Free to enter village | Workshop & museum fees vary (~30,000-70,000 VND)
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Bat Trang Pottery Village is located on the bank of the Red River, in Gia Lam District, Hanoi. As the village is only 14 kilometers away from Hanoi city center, you can use either private or public transportation to get there.
- By bus
Public buses are undoubtedly the most popular means of transportation because it is both cheap and convenient. You will not have to worry about the weather, also. From where you stay, look up for the most convenient way to get to Long Bien Transit Point on Tran Nhat Duat Street. From this spot, get on bus no. 47A to go to Bat Trang Ceramic Village Hanoi. The bus will drop you at the village’s gate.
It takes about 30 - 40 minutes to get there by bus and only 7,000 VND/ticket.
- By motorbike
If you love exploring the streets, going by motorbike will be a better option. It takes only 20 - 30 minutes to go from Hanoi city center to Bat Trang Pottery Village by motorbike.
After passing Long Bien Bridge or Chuong Duong Bridge, follow the road along the Red River bank and you will easily get to Bat Trang Vietnam. You can search for the route on Google Maps or simply follow the signposts along the way.
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- By taxi
Another great way for your trip to Bat Trang Village is by taking a taxi. You can ask your hotel receptionist to book a taxi for you. Of course, you can book a ride by yourself.
- By shuttle bus of Bat Trang Village tours
If you book a Bat Trang Pottery Village tour with any tour operator or agency, you will no longer need to worry about transportation, as it is already included in the tour package. You will be picked up at your hotel.
2. History of Bat Trang Pottery Village
Bat Trang is considered the oldest ceramic making village in Vietnam. How old is Bat Trang Pottery Village? Although records of Bat Trang Ceramic Village in Hanoi history state that it was established during the 14th or 15th century, the village is believed to have appeared even earlier.
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When Emperor Ly Thai To (the first emperor of the Ly Dynasty) decided to move the capital to Dai La (Hanoi nowadays), a number of craftsmen followed him to settle and set up their businesses in the new capital. Five big pottery making families chose Bat Trang as this location was close to the Red River, so they could have easy access to water transportation. This area had a large amount of white clay, also.
Bat Trang Pottery Village has gone through several ups and downs of history. Still, the villagers still preserve their ancestors’ tradition well. Nowadays, Bat Trang is a top brand in Vietnam and Asia when it comes to ceramic products. Bat Trang ceramics are among the most renowned representatives of Vietnamese fine arts.
3. What Makes Bat Trang Pottery Village Special?
Bat Trang Pottery Village is a must-stop for any Hanoi culture and fine art tour. This place not only helps tourists get exposed to Vietnamese handicraft tradition but also provides lots of exciting activities.
If you are about to pay a visit to this traditional ceramic village, make sure not to miss out on the following attractions:
3.1 The ancient village
The ancient village of Bat Trang easily captures tourists’ hearts with its antique architecture and nostalgic vibe. You can even get on a buffalo wagon to explore the village inside out.
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Another must-try experience in Bat Trang Pottery Village is to join a pottery workshop to make ceramics yourself. Playing with clay is fun, but making a complete ceramic product is not an easy game. With a big clot of clay and a spinning table, you will be able to create your own items. You can bring them home as souvenirs, also.
3.2 The pottery market
Similar to other traditional craft villages, Bat Trang Pottery Village has a market that sells ready-made items. There are several stalls inside this 6,000-meter-square market that offer a variety of excellent ceramic products, including household items (cups, dishes, etc.), rockery miniatures, ornaments, ceramic pictures, and worship items. Although it is not hard to find a product from Bat Trang in the Old Quarter of Hanoi or other ceramic shops in the city center, the prices and designs of products at the village are definitely unbeatable.
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3.3 Bat Trang Pottery Museum
For fans of fine arts, Bat Trang pottery museum is an appealing place to visit. The museum consists of 6 floors displaying gorgeous pottery, categorized into collections of distinctive styles.
The first floor displays the ceramic products of Bat Trang Pottery Village. It also provides a wonderful background for young people to take photos with its colorful architecture and fantastic lighting. The second floor offers insightful information about the history and development of the village.
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Exquisite examples of contemporary art can be found at the Contemporary Art Center on the third floor. On the fourth floor, tourists can enjoy coffee and the view of the Red River. Tea and light art are featured on the fifth floor.
In addition, there is a creative space on the ground floor where you can make your own ceramic products.
Together with Van Phuc Silk Village in Ha Dong District, Bat Trang Pottery Village is one of the best Hanoi tourist attractions if tourists love to explore Vietnamese fine arts and handicraft tradition.
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4. Top things to do at Bat Trang Pottery Village
With its charming streets lined with workshops and kilns, Bat Trang offers visitors a glimpse into the intricate art of pottery making. Here are some top activities to make the most of your visit to this renowned ceramic village in Hanoi:
- Explore historic pottery kilns: Take a leisurely stroll through the village and discover its famous ancient pottery kilns. These time-honored kilns, like the iconic "Lo Bau" stand as a testament to the village's rich ceramic heritage. Dating back to the late 19th century, this ancient kiln is a century-old relic, the oldest and largest of its kind in Bat Trang.
- Engage in hands-on pottery workshops: At Bat Trang Village, you can try participating in workshops led by skilled artisans, where you can shape and mold clay into your very own ceramic masterpieces. This immersive experience allows you to appreciate the craftsmanship and dedication required to create beautiful pottery.
- Delight in the flavors of Bat Trang: Treat your taste buds to the diverse culinary offerings of Bat Trang Pottery Village with local delicacies such as the mouthwatering "banh san nuong" and "banh te" available at very low prices (around 6,000 VND/piece). Don't forget to savor the unique dish of "canh mang muc," a culinary specialty exclusive to Bat Trang Vietnam that will tantalize your senses.
5. Tips for Visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village
- Wear comfortable shoes for walking on cobblestone streets
- Bring cash - many shops don’t accept cards
- Be ready to bargain when buying souvenirs
- Visit early to avoid crowds (especially weekends)
- Combine with other Hanoi day trips like Bat Thap Pagoda or the Ceramic Road
Just a short ride from Hanoi, Bat Trang Pottery Village offers a window into Vietnam’s rich craft heritage. From shaping clay with your own hands to exploring centuries-old art, it’s a cultural experience that blends tradition, creativity, and fun.
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Whether you're looking for a meaningful souvenir, a family-friendly workshop, or simply a break from city life, Bat Trang delivers a truly memorable journey into the heart of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
After your day of exploring Bat Trang, unwind back in Hanoi’s Old Quarter with a stay at La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar. Located near Hoan Kiem Lake and famous food streets, it offers a relaxing retreat with modern comforts, perfect for travelers wanting a taste of both tradition and luxury.
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La Mejor Hotel & Sky Bar
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