Bat Trang Ceramic Village is the ideal option if you're looking for an interesting tourist spot close to Hanoi. A tranquil day trip packed with archaic Vietnamese cultural traditions and hands-on ceramic experiences may be achieved in this centuries-old pottery town. Immerse yourself in Bat Trang's archaic cultural heritage and craft a singular ceramic item for your loved ones! This is all the information you need to plan a memorable trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village.

The Secrets of Bat Trang's Ceramic Art: Kaolin Clay

Bat Trang Ceramic Village's history dates back to the Lý dynasty (1009–1225), when five potter families—Trần, Vương, Nguyễn, Lê, and Phạm—settled in the area. They selected this location for its abundance of white clay, namely Kaolin, which is crucial for producing ceramics of superior quality. Kaolin clay's excellent fire resistance ensures that pottery pieces remain stable during high-temperature firing, making it an ideal material for ceramics.

Over more than 500 years, Bat Trang Ceramic Village has preserved its traditional charm and remains Vietnam's oldest and most renowned ceramic hamlet.

Commuting Options to Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Located along the banks of the Red River in the Gia Lam district, Bat Trang Ceramic Village is about 15 kilometers from Hanoi's center. Here are several ways to reach the village:

Taxi or limousine: The most convenient option is to take a taxi or hire a car with a driver from Hanoi. This option provides the most flexibility and comfort, with the journey typically taking 30 to 45 minutes, depending on traffic.

By bus: From inner Hanoi, you can take a bus to the Long Bien transfer station. From there, bus number 47 will take you directly to Bat Trang Pottery Village for 7,000 VND for one trip. Bus 47A operates daily from 5:00 AM to 9:00 PM, with trips every 10 minutes. Apps like Moovit or BusMap Hanoi can help you navigate the routes.

Organized excursions: Many travel agencies, such as Vietnam Original Travel, offer day tours to Bat Trang Ceramic Village from Hanoi. These tours usually include round-trip transportation by bus or minivan and a guided tour of the village and its pottery workshops.

Must-See Attractions in Bat Trang Village

The Old Village of Bat Trang

Bat Trang Ceramic Village's old village is a major draw with its unique architecture. Key sites include:

The Van Van Ancestral House

This 200-year-old house is a masterpiece adorned with intricate ceramic motifs, dragon pots, enamel teapots, and pottery molds.

Bat Trang Village Temple

Erected in 1720, this temple is more than a place of worship; it’s the spiritual heart of the village, hosting traditional festivities from the 13th to the 15th of the second lunar month each year.

Bat Trang Pottery Market

A visit to the Bat Trang Pottery Market is a must for anyone looking to purchase exquisite ceramic items as gifts. Situated approximately 100 meters from the bus stop, the market provides an extensive assortment of reasonably priced ceramic products, such as plates, bowls, cups, decorations, and religious utensils. Additionally, visitors can watch artisans as they meticulously walk visitors through the process of creating pottery.

Bat Trang Pottery Museum

The Bat Trang Pottery Museum is an architectural marvel, designed as an elegant spiral that echoes the traditional pottery village. This modern structure consists of seven intertwining spirals and uses locally baked bricks, blending cultural heritage with architectural innovation. The museum features exhibitions, a cafeteria, and pottery workshops, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in Vietnamese art and culture.

Entrance fees:

General Admission: 50,000 VND per person

Clay Modeling Experience: 70,000 VND per adult, 50,000 VND per child

Tea tasting at Thiền Trà Hương Sa Art House: 40,000 VND per person

Traditional Custom Rental: 100,000 VND per session

Combo packages range from 189,000 to 249,000 VND per person

Become An "Amateur Craftsman" at the Pottery Workshop

One of the highlights of visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village is the hands-on experience of creating your own ceramic piece. Guided by expert craftsmen, visitors learn how to handle clay and use the potter's wheel. Once finished, your piece will be fired and ready to take home, providing a meaningful memento of your visit.

The Last Traditional Kiln of Bat Trang: Preserving Ceramic Heritage

Historically, Bat Trang Ceramic Village had over twenty traditional wood-fired kilns. With the advent of gas kilns, these traditional kilns have mostly disappeared. Today, only one remains: the Song Hong B kiln, also known as "Lo Bau." This kiln, belonging to Mrs. Ngan Ha, hasn't been used since 1990 but stands as a living museum preserving the village's ceramic heritage. It offers visitors a glimpse into the traditional pottery-making process, maintaining a link to Bat Trang Historic Village's storied past.

Local Gastronomy to Explore

A trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village wouldn't be wholesome without sampling the local cuisine. Some outstanding specialties include:

Canh măng xào mực, or bamboo and squid soup, is a Hanoi specialty cooked with fresh bamboo, squid, and flavors enhanced by fish sauce, salt, pepper, and coriander. This meal provides a delightful and original eating experience.

Su hào xào mực (sautéed kohlrabi with squid), a Vietnamese delicacy, combines crisp kohlrabi with soft squid, sautéed with oil, garlic, onion, and spices.

Vietnamese traditional wine known as "Bạch Nhật" consists of herbs and plants. It possesses a distinct flavor and an intense aroma, making it ideal for special occasions and holidays.

A popular traditional Vietnamese beverage, Chlorantus Tea (Trà Hoa Sói) is served close to the Bat Trang Ceramics Museum. Made from fresh chloranthus, it inscribes a unique and noticeable taste and aroma in tourists’ impressions.

Indulge in the delightful flavors of sticky rice with sweet soup (Xôi Chè), a traditional North Vietnamese dish. This wholesome meal features sticky rice and green beans immersed in a delectably sweet broth, offering a satisfying and nourishing culinary experience.

One-Day Itinerary for Visiting Bat Trang Village

Here's a suggested itinerary for a day trip to Bat Trang Ceramic Village:

7:45 AM–8:30 AM: Depart for Bat Trang Pottery Village

9:00 AM: Pottery-making experience at a workshop

11:30 AM: Lunch at a local restaurant

1:30 PM: Shopping at Bat Trang Market and visiting Bat Trang Temple

4:00 PM: Return to central Hanoi

Practical Tips for a Successful Visit Bat Trang Ceramic Village

Wear Comfortable Sneakers: When exploring the area, opt for comfortable sneakers. They’ll make it easier to move around and explore without discomfort.

Handle Fragile Ceramic Items With Care: Since the area sells many delicate ceramic items, exercise caution when moving around. Be mindful of your surroundings to avoid accidentally bumping into or knocking over any fragile pieces.

Consider Electrical Vehicles for Large Groups: If you’re traveling with a large group, especially if there are elderly individuals or young children, consider using electric vehicles for convenience. They provide a comfortable way to get around without excessive walking.

Inspect Ceramic Items before Purchasing: Before buying any ceramic items, take a close look at them. Inspect for any chips, cracks, or imperfections. This way, you can avoid purchasing damaged pieces.

Conclusion

Bat Trang Ceramic Village is more than just a tourist destination; it is a vibrant center of creativity and culture, deeply rooted in a thousand-year-old tradition of Vietnamese ceramics. Walking through its narrow streets, visiting its workshops, and creating your own pottery piece offers an authentic, enriching, and unforgettable experience. Bat Trang Pottery Village is a place where art and tradition converge, allowing visitors to connect with Vietnam's living heritage.

Check out our excursion around Hanoi.

=> A Day Tour To Traditional Handicraft From Hanoi