"Some places, even after a single visit, leave us with unforgettable emotions—and for me, Bat Trang Pottery Village is one of them," Claudia shared after spending a day there. But Claudia isn't the only one—many tourists find themselves captivated by the charm of this ancient Vietnamese village. Let's discover the reasons why Bat Trang such an irresistible experience!

A Glimpse Into 700 Years Of Bat Trang Pottery Village

Nestled on the poetic banks of the Red River, Bat Trang—an ancient craft village—has been witness to countless historical ups and downs, from its humble beginnings to a glorious golden age. Bat Trang Pottery Village was founded between the 15th and 16th centuries, when skilled ceramic artisans from various regions gathered here, bringing their own techniques and secrets. Through the feudal dynasties, Bat Trang pottery flourished, reaching its peak in the 17th and 18th centuries.

However, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the village faced many challenges due to competition from imported ceramics. Thanks to the perseverance and creativity of its artisans, Bat Trang overcame these difficulties and continues to thrive today.

When people think of Vietnamese villages, they often picture green bamboo groves and vast rice fields. However, Bat Trang—the famous pottery village along the Red River—has neither. Located outside the dike, the village lacks arable land, so its residents have traditionally made a living through pottery and trading dried areca nuts and fish sauce.

There are no bamboo groves due to limited space; instead, the village is lined with sturdy Bat Trang brick walls. Thatched houses are absent too, as the firing process in pottery making poses a dangerous fire risk. Even burial grounds are borrowed from neighboring villages, and villagers visit ancestral graves on the 6th day of Lunar New Year instead of during the Thanh Minh Festival.

Because of these unique characteristics, Bat Trang is a truly special Vietnamese village.

From Curious Tourist To Clay “Artist”—An Unforgettable Experience In Bat Trang Pottery Village

How To Get To Bat Trang From Hanoi

If you're planning a day trip near Hanoi but aren't sure where to go, you might want to check out Bat Trang Pottery Village. Located just about 14 km from Hanoi’s downtown, it's easily accessible to take private or public transportation there. 

• By bus: The bus will be the primary choice for those who wish to reduce their travel expenses while maintaining safety. From the central area of Hanoi, you can take the bus to the transfer station in Long Bien. From there, you can continue on to Bat Trang pottery village by taking bus number 47, which costs 7,000 VND per journey.

• By motorbike: To reach Bat Trang by motorbike, follow the Red River from the Chuong Duong bridge (or Vinh Tuy bridge) and look for signs indicating the pottery village. Move in accordance with the signs to reach the destination.

• By taxi: Apps like Grab, Be, and Gojek let you call a ride to get to Bat Trang. If you want to TRY out the electric car, you can also use Xanh SM's app.

Organized excursions are also a good choice. Many travel agencies, such as Vietnam Original Travel, offer half-day JEEP tours to Bat Trang Village from Hanoi… The journey begins with a lovely ride along the charming Red River rural districts, past guava plantations and vegetable farms. before arriving at the famous Bat Trang pottery village. It promises to be refreshing and memorable, especially if you're still undecided about which mode of transportation to choose.

Hands-on Pottery Experience With Local Artisans

As soon as you arrive, you’ll be fascinated by the space filled with the atmosphere of a traditional craft village. Narrow brick-paved streets and stalls displaying all kinds of exquisite ceramics create a vibe that is both ancient and vibrant.

A standout experience in Bat Trang is the chance to engage directly with local artisans. Many of them come from families who have been making ceramics for generations, and they are always eager to share their stories and techniques with curious visitors. You can watch them skillfully mold clay on the wheel, paint intricate designs by hand, and explain the detailed processes behind each piece.

Beyond learning a new skill, working alongside the artisans gives you a deeper appreciation for their craft—the precision, patience, and creativity required to turn raw clay into functional art.

Try Making Your Own Pottery

“The first time I touched the soft clay, felt the rotation of the wheel, and personally molded an item of my own, I appreciated the meticulousness and creativity that a potter must possess,” Dylan said in a YouTube video after paying a visit to Bat Trang pottery village. Sometimes the ground cracks, and sometimes the shape doesn't turn out as expected. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect; those quirks are part of the charm. Some pottery-making workshops even offer the option to have your creation fired and glazed (for a small fee), allowing you to take home a personalized souvenir made with your own hands.

What Else To See And Do In Bat Trang

Visiting The Bat Trang Pottery Museum 

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum is a must-see for everyone who loves fine arts. There are six floors in the museum, and each one has beautiful ceramics arranged in separate collections. On the first level, visitors may look at the pottery from Bat Trang Pottery Village. The colorful buildings and good lighting make it a great place for young people to snap pictures. The second floor offers insightful information about the history and development of the village. The third floor features exquisite examples of contemporary art at the Contemporary Art Center. On the fourth floor, guests can enjoy coffee while taking in views of the Red River. The fifth floor is dedicated to tea and light art exhibits.

Visiting Pottery Shops—Humble Galleries Of Art

Bat Trang Pottery Village, like many traditional craft villages, features a market selling ready-made items. This market spans 6,000 square meters and includes numerous stalls offering a variety of high-quality Bat Trang ceramic products. These items include Home products such plates and cups, tiny rockeries, decorations, ceramic artwork, and religious objects.

Renowned for its long history, exquisite craftsmanship, and premium products, Bat Trang Pottery Village specializes in ceramics made from pure white clay and other top-quality materials. These items are fired at high temperatures, resulting in exceptional durability, hardness, and gloss. 

Bat Trang ceramic products are valued for their aesthetic appeal and long-lasting quality, reflecting the rich cultural heritage and traditional values of Vietnam. From everyday household items to artistic masterpieces, they are highly regarded both locally and internationally

What To Eat In Bat Trang

Bat Trang Pottery Village has a wide variety of delicious foods to choose from. Indulge in mouthwatering bánh sắn nướng and bánh tẻ, two local specialties, for a mere 6,000 VND per. Be sure to try canh măng mực, a unique and flavorful dish that embodies the local essence and tradition of Bat Trang. For an authentic dining experience, visit Ẩm thực Làng cổ Bát Tràng Hòa Thu, located in Làng cổ 1, Ngõ 72. This hidden gem not only serves traditional dishes prepared with care but also provides a stunning riverside view, making every meal feel like a peaceful escape. Whether you're just passing through or spending the day exploring, it's the perfect spot to relax, recharge, and savor the true flavors of Bat Trang

Travel Tips For Visitors

• Arrive Early: To avoid crowds, especially on weekends or during festivals, it's best to arrive early. If you visit around the Lunar New Year (Tet), which usually occurs in late January or early February, you can expect a colorful cultural experience; however, certain pottery production classes may be closed during this period. 

• Bring Cash: Most shops do not accept credit cards, so make sure to have cash on hand and be prepared to negotiate prices. 

• Wear Comfortable Shoes: Since you'll be walking around the village, wearing comfortable shoes is highly recommended. 

• Hire a reputable travel agent: To guarantee your vacation is worry-free and enjoyable, consider hiring a trustworthy travel agent to help you.

Conclusion

Bat Trang isn’t just a village—it’s vibrant work art museum of Vietnam’s ceramic artistry. Whether you're an art lover, a cultural explorer, or simply curious, this charming village promises an unforgettable experience. Ready to plan your visit? Check out our recommended day tours here to experience authentic pottery-making and local culture up close.