A respectable community in Northern Vietnam known for its handicrafts is Bat Trang Pottery community. It is among the top tourist destinations in Indochina Tour Packages. One of the most notable names among the numerous villages with centuries-long traditions of producing handicrafts on the outskirts of Hanoi, Vietnam, is Bat Trang Pottery Village. Everything you need to know about Bat Trang will be covered in this post so you can get ready for your impending trip to Hanoi.
Bat Trang Pottery Village Location
In Hanoi’s Gia Lam District, Bat Trang Pottery Village is situated on the Red River’s bank. You can take private or public transit to go to the village because it is only 14 kilometers from Hanoi’s city center.
Bat Trang Ceramics Village History
In Vietnam, Bat Trang is regarded as the oldest village that produces ceramics. Bat Trang Pottery Village is how old? Although the hamlet is thought to have existed even earlier, historical documents of the Bat Trang Ceramic hamlet in Hanoi claim that it was founded in the 14th or 15th century.
Upon the decision of Emperor Ly Thai To, the first ruler of the Ly Dynasty, to relocate the capital to Dai La, or modern-day Hanoi, many artisans relocated and established their enterprises in the new city. Because Bat Trang was adjacent to the Red River and offered easy access to water transportation, five large families that made ceramics picked this area. There was also a lot of white clay in this area.
The history of Bat Trang Pottery Village has seen many ups and downs. Still, the peasants do a good job of upholding the customs of their forefathers. In Vietnam and Asia today, Bat Trang is a leading brand for ceramic goods. Vietnamese pottery from Bat Trang is among the most well-known.
Bat Trang Pottery Village Entrance Fee
When visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village, there is no admission charge. Paying is only necessary if you wish to participate in a pottery class or browse the area. The cost of a ceramic-making session is merely approximately 20,000 VND. You will have to pay an additional 35,000 – 50,000 VND/item to take your handmade item home.
You can sample the delights of Bat Trang Vietnam food by visiting a local restaurant here if you are not taking a tour of Bat Trang Village. For six persons, a dinner consisting of six to eight unique items can run you between 1,200,000 and 1,500,000 VND.
Best Things to See in Bat Trang Pottery Village Tours
Any tour focusing on great art and culture in Hanoi must include a stop at Bat Trang Pottery Village. This location offers a plethora of engaging activities in addition to assisting visitors in becoming acquainted with Vietnamese handicraft traditions. When planning a trip to this historic ceramic hamlet, don’t forget to take in the following sights:
The Ancient Village
With its vintage architecture and nostalgic atmosphere, the historic village of Bat Trang effortlessly wins over visitors’ hearts. A buffalo wagon tour allows you to see the community from the inside out.
Participating in a pottery class and creating your ceramics is another experience that visitors to Bat Trang Pottery Village must have. While creating a finished ceramic piece is a difficult game, playing with clay is enjoyable. You can make your things with a spinning table and a large clump of clay. Additionally, you can take them home as mementos.
The Pottery Market
There is a market where ready-made goods are sold in Bat Trang Pottery Village, just like in other traditional craft villages. This 6,000-square-meter market is made up of various stalls selling a wide range of high-quality ceramic products. These include ornaments, ceramic portraits, household items (such as cups and dishes), and objects for worship. The prices and designs of the products in the village are unmatched, notwithstanding the ease with which one can locate a Bat Trang product in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or other ceramic shops in the city center.
Bat Trang Pottery Museum
The Bat Trang Pottery Museum is a desirable destination for admirers of fine arts. Beautiful pottery is on show on six levels of the museum, which are divided into collections featuring various types.
The ceramic goods from Bat Trang Pottery Village are on show on the first floor. Young folks can also snap amazing shots against this backdrop of vibrant buildings and amazing lighting. Detailed information regarding the village’s development and history may be found on the second level.
The Contemporary Art Center is located on the third floor and features exquisite examples of contemporary art. Visitors can take in the Red River vista and coffee on the fourth floor. The fifth floor features tea and light art.
Furthermore, the ground floor has a creative zone where you may create your ceramic goods.
Best Things to Do in Bat Trang Ceramics Village Tours
Bat Trang provides a window into the complex craft of ceramics-making with its quaint alleyways lining workshops and kilns. To make the most of your trip to this well-known pottery village in Hanoi, try these must-do activities:
Explore historic pottery kilns
Enjoy a stroll through the village and explore its well-known historic pottery kilns. The renowned “Lo Bau” and other ancient kilns provide witness to the village’s rich ceramic history. This historic kiln, which dates to the late 1800s, is the oldest and biggest of its kind in Bat Trang. It is a century-old relic.
Engage in hands-on pottery workshops
Try taking part in the expertly guided workshops at Bat Trang Village, where you may mold and form clay to create your unique ceramic works of art. Through this comprehensive experience, you may understand the skill and commitment needed to make exquisite pottery.
Delight in the flavors of Bat Trang Pottery Village
Savor the varied gastronomic selection at Bat Trang Pottery Village, which includes delicious local specialties like “banh san nuong” and “banh te” that are priced quite reasonably (around 6,000 VND each). Remember to indulge in the delectable “canh mang muc,” a specialty meal that is only found in Bat Trang, Vietnam, and will delight your senses.
For generations, Bat Trang Pottery hamlet has been the top hamlet in Vietnam when it comes to handicrafts. In addition to providing you with a wealth of knowledge about the Vietnamese ceramics industry, a visit to Bat Trang Ceramic Village will leave you with enchanted recollections of your time in Hanoi. You won’t be disappointed by the adventures this place has to offer, so don’t hesitate to arrange your trip there.
