A day in Bat Trang ceramic village

Are you in Hanoi? Make sure not to miss out on visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village! A day in Bat Trang ceramic village

Situated in Gia Lam District, on the outskirts of Hanoi, Bat Trang ceramic village is a must-visit destination. When you’re in Hanoi, this place should be on your itinerary. Bat Trang is renowned for its traditional, high-quality pottery, which includes bowls, dishes, pots, cups, wine pots, large flower vases, leg lamps, lime pots, big-bellied jars, and various glazes like ancient pearl blaze, crackle glaze, dark glaze, indigo-blue flower glaze, grey flower glaze, and melt glaze.

How to get there?

Vietnamese ceramics A day in Bat Trang ceramic village

To get to Bat Trang Pottery Village, you have several transportation options:

• By Bus:
• • From your accommodation, you can take a taxi, bus, or motorbike taxi to Long Bien bus station.
  • From Long Bien bus station, board bus No. 47, which will take you directly to Bat Trang Village. The final stop is Bat Trang Village.
  • The bus ticket to Bat Trang costs only 9,000 VND (~$0.5), making it the most economical way to reach the village.
  • The journey takes approximately 1 hour. However, be aware that during peak hours, the bus may get crowded, and you might have to stand. To avoid this, consider visiting Bat Trang on weekdays when the bus is less crowded.
• Other Means of Transportation:
• • Motorbike taxi, taxi, or private transportation are also available, but they will cost more than the bus option.
  • If you choose to travel independently, you can use Google Maps on your cell phone or computer to find the best route. From your address, navigate towards Chuong Duong Bridge, Vinh Tuy Bridge, or Thanh Tri Bridge, and then turn right to follow the path along the Red River dike.
  • Continue until you see the signboard “Bat Trang Pottery Village,” which will indicate that you have arrived at your destination.

Enjoy exploring this fascinating and traditional village!

Activity

Vietnamese ceramics A day in Bat Trang ceramic village

During your journey to the market, you’ll encounter numerous pottery families, giving you the freedom to choose any of them to interact with. Engage with the locals, and you’ll gain insightful knowledge about ceramics and the village’s rich history. One of the most captivating aspects is witnessing the mesmerizing process of manual pottery-making by these skilled artisans.

While these families primarily sell ceramic products in bulk rather than retail quantities, fear not, as you can find everything you desire at the bustling Bat Trang market.

The market offers a vast array of pottery items, neatly organized into various stalls: daily household use, decorative pieces, items for worship, and souvenirs. Most of the products are reasonably priced, and if you have the opportunity to visit with a Vietnamese companion, you might even score some savings.

Now, let me share the most captivating aspect of visiting the pottery families. Many of them offer a unique service, allowing tourists to try their hand at making pottery themselves. This pottery-making experience has captured the interest of numerous youngsters and foreign tourists who spend an entire day at the market, crafting heartfelt gifts for their loved ones. With a lump of wet clay, a basin of water, and a turn-table, you’re all set to begin your creative journey.

However, let me warn you, pottery-making is no easy task. Some people invest up to 5 hours in creating a vase or bowl, only to find that one small mistake can ruin their masterpiece. Yet, despite the challenges, it’s an incredibly rewarding experience. You have the freedom to mold the clay into anything your heart desires, from simple pots and bowls to intricately shaped vases or even whimsical clay animals like cats, mice, buffaloes, or beloved cartoon characters.

Once you finish shaping your pottery, it will be fired in the kiln for 15-30 minutes. Afterward, you can indulge your artistic side by painting and decorating your creations. The prices for your handcrafted masterpieces range from 30,000 to 100,000 VND, making them not just priceless mementos but also a cherished part of your Bat Trang experience.

If you prefer not to engage in the pottery-making experience, no worries, there’s another easier option available for you. You can choose to decorate pre-made pottery instead. Simply pick from a variety of pre-crafted pieces and personalize them with your artistic touch. These beautifully adorned items are available at reasonable prices, ranging from 30,000 to 50,000 VND.

Here are some essential tips to keep in mind while exploring the Bat Trang market:

• Bargain Smartly: Like many markets in Vietnam, haggling is a common practice at Bat Trang. Don’t hesitate to negotiate the prices to ensure you get the best deal for your purchases.
• Inspect Product Quality: Before finalizing any purchase, carefully check the product’s quality, including the drawing lines, colors, and overall condition. This way, you can avoid ending up with any faulty or subpar items.
• Walk with Care: As you stroll through the market, be mindful of your surroundings, as many vendors display their delicate products outside. These items can be fragile, and if you accidentally break any, you may be required to pay for them.
• Plan Your Shopping: Bat Trang market offers a wide array of captivating items to explore. To avoid carrying heavy bags or accidentally damaging your purchases, consider leaving your shopping until the end of your trip. This way, you can leisurely explore the village’s offerings and make well-considered choices without any worries.

After a fulfilling day of immersing yourself in the art of pottery-making and exploring the vibrant market, don’t forget to visit the Bat Trang Pottery Museum to deepen your understanding of this ancient craft. The museum showcases a fascinating collection of historical and cultural artifacts related to pottery, offering a glimpse into the rich heritage of Bat Trang ceramic village.

Vietnamese ceramics A day in Bat Trang ceramic village

As you step inside the museum, you’ll be captivated by the exquisite displays of intricately crafted pottery, each piece bearing the hallmark of the artisans’ skill and creativity. The exhibits highlight the evolution of pottery techniques over the centuries, shedding light on the village’s significant contribution to Vietnam’s cultural heritage.

Besides the museum, another highlight of your Bat Trang experience should undoubtedly be capturing memorable moments with a photo session at the village. The picturesque scenery, traditional houses, and rows of stunning pottery make for an ideal backdrop for your check-in photos. Share your journey with friends and family as you pose amidst the vibrant colors and artistic charm of Bat Trang.

As your day draws to a close, take a moment to savor the magic of the village. The memories of your interactions with the warm-hearted locals, the hands-on pottery-making experience, and the delightful flavors of Vietnamese cuisine will undoubtedly stay with you for a lifetime. Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or a first-time visitor to Vietnam, Bat Trang Pottery Village promises an enchanting encounter with art, culture, and heritage that will leave an indelible mark on your heart.

Food

Vietnamese ceramics A day in Bat Trang ceramic village

Absolutely, Bat Trang Pottery Village not only offers a captivating cultural experience but also treats visitors to delightful Vietnamese cuisine. While pottery is the main attraction, you can still savor some traditional and local dishes that are sure to tantalize your taste buds.

As with many places in Vietnam, you’ll easily come across restaurants serving popular dishes like “Bún Chả” and “Phở.” These iconic Vietnamese meals are a must-try. A steaming bowl of “Bún Chả” or “Phở” can be found for a reasonable price, typically ranging from 25,000 to 35,000 VND ($1 – $1.5) per serving.

Besides the well-known dishes, don’t miss the opportunity to sample some lesser-known local delicacies. For instance, “Bánh tẻ thơm” is a treat worth trying, available at approximately 6,000 VND ($0.4) for a pair. Another option is “Bánh sắn,” a savory fried cake priced at around 5,000 VND ($0.3).

Indulging in the local cuisine of     is a delightful way to complement your pottery exploration and add a delicious culinary dimension to your experience. So, make sure to satisfy your taste buds with these delectable delights during your visit to the village.