Bat Trang Pottery Village is a traditional craft village, located along the Red River to the southeast of Hanoi. You can explore a complex of traditional workshops, learn about pottery-making, and enjoy the rich history of Vietnamese creative practices.
Introduction To Bat Trang Pottery Village
Bat Trang Pottery Village is located on the banks of the Red River, about 13 km from the Old Quarter of Hanoi. With more than 500 years of history, the traditional village of Bat Trang is known for its beautiful ceramics, combining craftsmanship and fine art.
Visitors come primarily to see the potter’s handmade assortment of pottery, but also to enjoy the vibe of a village’s authenticity, participate in a clay workshop, and collect unique, made on-site, memorabilia. Bat Trang is an ideal destination for an art enthusiast, cultural explorer, or those just looking for a distinct day trip from Hanoi to gain a glimpse into Vietnam’s creative nature.
History Of Bat Trang Pottery Village
According to its history, Bat Trang Pottery Village began in the 14th-15th century (under the Ly and Tran dynasties). A self-contained group of talented potters at Bo Bat village (Ninh Binh Province today) traveled to the Gia Lam area and settled along the banks of the Red River. The diverse natural environment, particularly water and white clay, enabled them to build what became known as Bat Trang pottery, which quickly grew in quality and quantity until it became famous as a ceramic village.
Over the years, Bat Trang pottery developed, especially in the Le and Nguyen dynasties, when it was used at court for kings and royalty. It was a major commodity for trade. Pottery production in Bat Trang remains strong today, by mixing traditional techniques with modern designs while passing on the legacy of the craft to the next generation.
Top 5 Iconic Attractions in Bat Trang Pottery Village
Bat Trang Pottery Village, located on the left bank of the Red River about 10km from downtown Hanoi, is a traditional craft village whose origins date back over 700 years. Here are five highlights to see while visiting Bat Trang:
Bat Trang Ancient Village
Walking through Bat Trang Ancient Village is like stepping back in time. The narrow alleys, moss-covered walls, and lanes filled with ceramics exude a nostalgic impression of Vietnam’s craft heritage. Among the various artifacts is Van Van Ancient House, a preserved house from the 19th century that houses over 300 antique ceramic artifacts dating from the 15th to the 19th century. This area is the heart of the village, showcasing Bat Trang pottery’s quiet beauty and pride over the generations.
Bat Trang Ceramic Market
Bat Trang Market dominates the village of Bat Trang, covering more than 6,000 square meters of commercial space filled with over 100 stalls selling quality ceramic goods. It is the spot to shop when looking for items for keeping in your kitchen, vases, religious items, and handmade gift items. The market is a treasure trove for souvenir shoppers, but it is also an open classroom with many of the vendors having mini-gallery spaces.
Bat Trang Pottery Museum
Opened as a public museum in 2021, this architecturally unique museum mimics the swirling movement of clay on a potter’s wheel. Found in Hamlet 5, it offers a cultural and educational experience, exposing visitors to Bat Trang’s craft history through contemporary display methods. In addition to its exhibitions, the museum usually hosts craft workshops, cultural events, and, sometimes, art markets, making it a lively and contemporary balance to the awe-inspiring ancient village.
Van Van Ancient House
Nestled in a narrow side street in a corner near Bat Trang Market, Van Van Ancient House is a tranquil cultural treasure. Collected by Tran Ngoc Lam, the home has a large, rare, and extensive collection of Bat Trang ceramics collected between the 15th and 19th centuries.
The timber beams, tiled roof, and the numerous displays of ancient and rare Bat Trang pottery make it an excellent opportunity for visitors to experience an authentic setting and explore the art history of many of Vietnam’s ceramic artisans over time.
Contemporary Ceramic Art Spaces
Located in a small alleyway next to Bat Trang Market, Van Van Ancient House is a quiet cultural gem. Hand-curated by collector Tran Ngoc Lam, the house has a large, rare collection of Bat Trang ceramics dating from the 15th to 19th centuries. Visitors can easily imagine the lifestyle of Vietnam’s crafters and artisans with the wood beams, tiled roof, and displayed antiques.
7 Cultural Experiences You Shouldn’t Miss
Bat Trang is not only a venue, but also a living cultural resource. As you navigate the village, be sure to take the time to slow down and investigate, and experience those special cultural discoveries.
Admire The Last Traditional Dragon Kiln
One of the most interesting experiences in Bat Trang would be to see the village’s ancient dragon kiln, the last remaining of its kind. The kiln is made up of five chambers that are connected and has a history of almost 100 years. This kiln was once used for the traditional wood-fired baking of ceramics. Though many potters use electric or gas kilns to save the environment, this dragon kiln has been preserved so visitors can see this monument of culture. You can also go inside the arched kiln and see how the ceramic jars would have once been positioned during firing; the glazed brick interiors are also very beautiful and historic.
Join Pottery-Making Experience Workshops
An exciting part of the experience for many travelers to Hanoi is the chance to get their hands dirty with pottery-making classes. After being shown by artisans how to shape clay on the wheel and paint your designs, you learn how the ceramics are dried and fired. When finished, your pottery is fired in a kiln and is ready to take home. This is an excellent and personal souvenir.
Try Local Cuisine And Bat Trang Specialty Dishes
At day’s end, after a day of exploring and creating, you will want to experience sampled local foods from village stalls and restaurants. You will not want to miss some amazing Banh Te (steamed rice cakes), sweet corn or potato fritters, and fresh sugarcane juice. If you are a group traveler, a Bat Trang feast (mam co Bat Trang) will provide a fuller and authentic gastronomy experience.
Check In At Bat Trang Pottery Village
Design is influenced by nature and surroundings, and the Bat Trang Pottery Museum epitomizes this. The museum pays homage to the swirling patterns of the clay on the potter’s wheel and is a perfect place for those who appreciate architecture and art. As one of the Vietnamese Craft Village Essence Centers, the museum will be a sight to see as well as a center for culture.
You will experience ceramic exhibits, ceramic events, and even a rooftop scenic view of the village. This is a perfect stop for those of you wishing to ‘live their best lives’ on social media while learning about the artistic heritage of Bat Trang.
Experience The Historic Bat Trang Communal House
The Bat Trang Communal House dates back to the 1400s and hosts attributes of local village history and spirit. The communal house is both a sacred space to honor the local village founders and national heroes. It contains six deities, with reference to their honorifics. Like the ceramic architecture of Bat Trang, there are additional examples of artistry in the relics that reflect the artistic styles of the Le Dynasty over time. Including 44 royal edicts from multiple periods, and is one of the historically significant spots in the area.
Explore the Historic Van Van Ancient House
Located at the far end of the village, the Van Van Ancient House is nestled in the greenery, with a collection of rare ceramics ranging from the 15th to 19th centuries. The Van Van Ancient House is built to traditional Vietnamese standards and can be quite massive (over 400m2). There are three antique houses and a kiln-replica studio here. You can relish the peace here. History buffs will enjoy the experience, as well as the beautiful backdrops for their photos.
Participate In The Colorful Bat Trang Village Festival
The Bat Trang Village Festival is held every year from the 14th to the 16th of the second lunar month, and focuses on the spirit of tradition. The celebrations bring together some interesting rituals, including the water ceremony, le cap thuy (water procession), sacred bathing of the statues, or mộc dục, and colorful floats winding through the village. The Bat Trang Village Festival is a rare opportunity to experience local spirituality, live music and dance, and the sense of community.
Entrance Fee
Bat Trang Pottery Museum provides you with a great mix of cultural exposure, showcasing traditional ceramics and interactive creativity. There’s no entrance fee to enter Bat Trang village. However, you can find detailed pricing below for entry and experiences at the museum:
| Ticket Type | Price (VND/person) |
| Admission – Floors G, 1, 2 & 4 | 60,000 |
| Full‑access – All floors including 3 & 5 | 150,000 |
| Pottery‑making Workshop – Adults (>1.3 m) | 70,000 |
| Pottery‑making Workshop – Children (<1.3 m) | 50,000 |
| Pottery‑recycling Experience (second floor) | 50,000 |
Opening Hours
Bat Trang Pottery Village is open every day of the year from 6:30 AM to 6:00 PM, including weekends and public holidays, and Tet, too! For the best experience, come in cooler months (October – March), when it is nice and mild in Hanoi. The weather makes for a comfortable stroll around the village, to explore all the alleyways and the fun of the outdoor pottery workshops without the heat and humidity of summer.
How To Get To Bat Trang Pottery Village
Bat Trang Pottery Village is less than 13 km from central Hanoi and is a perfect day trip destination for those looking for a cultural day trip close to the city. There are several options for Bat Trang depending on your budget, time,…
By Bus
If you are traveling on a budget, getting to Bat Trang is easy by bus. From Long Bien Bus Station, in the Old Quarter, take Bus No. 47A toward Bat Trang. The bus runs every 15–20 minutes, from early morning to about 7 PM.
| Route | Duration | Ticket Price |
| Long Bien → Bat Trang | about 45 minutes | 7,000 VND/way |
By Motorbike
If you want to travel at your own pace and don’t mind taking a motorbike trip, it can be a great alternative to travel and explore the countryside of the Red River. In no time at all, you can be on Chuong Duong Bridge or Vinh Tuy Bridge from the center of Hanoi, just follow the signs along the Red River dyke and in about 30-40 minutes arrive at Bat Trang.
By Taxi Or Ride-hailing
If you prefer to travel more comfortably, you can take a taxi and don’t forget to download Grab and Be, which will also give you options to book a ride. The average one-way fare will be between 150,000-200,000 VND, based on your start point and the traffic (to the Old Quarter from the newer districts, it could be even higher).
| Route | Time | Estimated Fare |
| Hanoi Center → Bat Trang | about 30 minutes | 150,000 – 200,000 VND |
Things To Know Before Traveling To Bat Trang Pottery Village
Before visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village, one should prepare. This is a good way to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip. Here are some travel tips to remember for your Bat Trang Pottery Village experience:
- If you are considering taking a boat tour to Bat Trang, book as early as possible. Limited seating can fill up quickly, particularly on weekends.
- Try to visit on a weekday instead of a weekend. The crowds will be smaller, and there will be better access to pottery workshops.
- Wear comfortable clothing and bring an extra outfit if you want to participate in any pottery-creating activities!
- Dress modestly and be respectful in any of the ancient communal houses and temples you are going to visit.
- Bargain wisely, and take your time to check the ceramics before buying.
- Watch out for your items in populated areas.
Final Thoughts: Is Bat Trang Pottery Village Worth Visiting?
Absolutely! Bat Trang Pottery Village is a hidden jewel located just outside of Hanoi. You can make your pottery, meet with local artisans, take a wander in a busy ceramic market, or drink tea in a beautiful, old house. Let Seni World create a Hanoi journey that includes unique experiences and local flavor.
