Referring to traditional craft villages in Vietnam, it is impossible not to mention Bat Trang pottery village; a famous place with a history of more than 700 years, located peacefully on the banks of the romantic Red River. This place is known as the “ceramic capital” of Vietnam, famous in all four directions for its sophisticated ceramic products; imbued with Vietnamese cultural identity.
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Bat Trang pottery village was formed during the Ly Dynasty, around the 14th century; associated with the legend “Bat Trang bowls and dishes”. The 15th – 17th centuries were the strongest development period in the history of Bat Trang pottery village and Vietnam’s ceramic export industry, in which Bat Trang played the most important role. Bat Trang has a great advantage in that is located on the banks of the Red River between Thang Long Citadel and Hien Street, which is the gateway to trade with the outside. Through merchant ships from China, Japan, Southeast Asian countries, and Western European countries, Vietnamese ceramics were brought to many other countries around the world. Through many ups and downs of history, the people here still preserve and promote the tradition of pottery making, creating a unique craft village with skilled techniques and ceramic products bearing their imprint.
Bat Trang pottery is renowned for its exceptional quality, long-lasting durability, and exquisite aesthetics. Not only are Bat Trang ceramic products highly sought after within the domestic market, but they are also exported to numerous countries worldwide, thereby solidifying the prominence of Vietnamese ceramics on the global stage.
The diversity of Bat Trang ceramics is evident in their various types, intricate designs, and vibrant colors. Particularly noteworthy are the ceramic pieces adorned with brown glaze, cracked glaze, blue glaze, and celadon, each showcasing delicate patterns that reflect the essence of Vietnamese culture. Beyond their utilitarian function, Bat Trang ceramics transcend into unique works of art, possessing a profound aesthetic value.
Situated in a convenient location not far from the heart of Hanoi, there are numerous ways to reach Bat Trang Gia Lam Pottery Village. Below, Asianwaytravel has compiled a few methods for you:
When coming to Bat Trang Traditional ceramic village, the first place you should visit is Bat Trang Communal House. This is where the ancestors of Bat Trang craft village placed the first handfuls of land to create the traditional history of the craft village.
Bat Trang Communal House is one of the largest communal houses in the ancient Kinh Bac Land. This place is the place for cultural and spiritual activities and is the place to worship the ancestors of Bat Trang craft village.
The communal house was built under the reign of King Le Du Tong in 1720, built in Nhi style, inside is a harem with 3 rooms, and outside is Dai Bai court with 5 rooms and 2 wings. The communal house’s columns are made of many years old Lim wood. The side compartments are paved with wooden platforms along the steps for seating, and the pavilion faces the Nhi Ha River (also known as the Red River). Currently, the communal house still preserves more than 50 ordinations for the tutelary god during the reign of King Le Canh Hung, King Quang Trung, and King Canh Thinh.
Currently, Bat Trang Communal House does not charge any entrance fees, you can visit completely free of charge. However, because this is a place of spiritual cultural activities and worship, you should pay attention to how you dress and communicate appropriately.
Inspired by the pottery wheel, the ceramic museum is built with 7 giant spirals. Bat Trang Ceramic Museum is an attractive place for Bat Trang tourists recently because of its unique architecture.
This place is both a place to store and display craft village products. It is also a place to promote trade and sell genuine Bat Trang ceramic products.
The ceramic museum is open to visitors from 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on weekdays. The ticket price to check in on the 1st floor is 50,000 VND/person. If you want to experience the entire space, you have to pay about 120,000 VND to visit this entire place.
When visiting Bat Trang, it is highly recommended to try your hand at pottery making. You can experience the art of molding clay on a spinning wheel, painting beautiful designs on pottery, or even painting statues. For just 80,000 VND per person, you will have the opportunity to immerse yourself in a virtual world of creativity and craftsmanship. At the pottery playground, skilled artisans will guide you through the process of creating your ceramic masterpiece. Once finished, you can take your creation home as a special keepsake. This hands-on experience is not only enjoyable but also provides valuable insights into Vietnam’s traditional cultural heritage.
After visiting the places and experiencing Bat Trang tourism, you can stop by the Bat Trang ceramic market to buy ceramic souvenirs and learn about the products of the craft village.
Bat Trang Pottery Village holds great appeal for both local and international visitors. It not only serves as a custodian of Vietnam’s ceramic heritage but also stands as a testament to the Vietnamese people’s unwavering determination and innovative craftsmanship. Asianwaytravel currently provides a range of immersive tours for foreign tourists who wish to explore the wonders of Bat Trang. If you are eager to experience the charm of this village, feel free to get in touch with us without any hesitation.
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