Bát Tràng Ceramic Market is not only an interesting tourist destination in Hanoi but also a window into the traditional art and culture of the Vietnamese people. Here, you have the opportunity to learn about the process of handmade ceramic production, admire unique artistic creations, and enjoy the serene atmosphere of the pottery village. In today’s article, CeramicsVietNam will share with you knowledge and experiences when visiting this location.
Bát Tràng pottery village in Vietnam
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market – A must-visit tourist destination in Hanoi
According to historical records, the formation of Bát Tràng pottery village is estimated to be around the 14th-15th centuries.
Nguyễn Trãi’s geographical records mention, “Bát Tràng village produces bowls and dishes,” and “Bát Tràng belongs to Gia Lâm district, while Huê Cầu belongs to Văn Giang district. Both villages supplied tribute items to China, including 70 sets of bowls and plates and 200 pieces of dark fabric.”
According to folk stories passed down through generations, Bát Tràng’s history predates written records. It is said that three Vietnamese Confucian scholars, while on a mission to Northern Song, learned pottery techniques from the locals here and later passed them on to our people.
Many family genealogies in Bát Tràng also record historical milestones in the formation of the craft village, documenting the appearance of ceramic products in the daily lives of the people, featuring various decorative patterns and enamel colors. Modern archaeologists have confirmed this through traces of clay layers and pottery fragments found in regions such as Thanh Hóa and Ninh Bình.
In the 15th and 16th centuries, the Mac dynasty implemented an open governance policy, leading to the development of trade, and Bát Tràng ceramic products had the opportunity to circulate widely throughout the country. The main users were still the aristocracy, royalty, spread across the Northern and North Central regions.
Moving into the 16th and 17th centuries, the influx of Western European countries into Asia further intensified economic and trade activities. The establishment of the Ming dynasty (China) and its prohibition of private foreign trade increased the export activities of Bát Tràng ceramics to countries like Japan, enriching the lives of the local people.
The 15th to 17th centuries marked the most robust period in the history of Bát Tràng pottery village and the country’s ceramic export industry, with Bát Tràng playing a crucial role. Its strategic location along the Red River, between Thăng Long and Hiến Phố, positioned it as a significant trade gateway. Through trade routes with China, Japan, Southeast Asian countries, and Western European countries, Vietnamese ceramics from Bát Tràng reached many corners of the world.
The Decline of Ceramic Products During the Qing Dynasty, the abandonment of restrictions on foreign trade led to limited access of Vietnamese ceramic products to Southeast Asian markets. In the Japanese market, after implementing policies to protect their domestic resources, the economy flourished, and they no longer needed to import from abroad.
Around the 18th to 19th centuries, the Trịnh Nguyễn dynasty imposed restrictive trade policies, further diminishing trade relations between Vietnam and many other countries. Consequently, ceramic products were no longer exported to the global market.
In the 1960s, during the period when the state was establishing cooperatives, the Bát Tràng Ceramic Cooperative was founded in the Bát Tràng pottery village. Workers in this cooperative practiced and innovated in the ceramic craft, giving rise to a generation of skilled ceramic artisans, such as Đào Văn Can, Nguyễn Văn Khiếu, Lê Văn Vấn, Lê Văn Cam.
As Vietnam transitioned into a market economy, there were significant changes in the pottery village. Cooperatives were dissolved, replaced by companies specializing in this trade, alongside small family producers. This transformation contributed to making Bát Tràng a renowned ceramic village in Vietnam.
We can see that the history of the formation of the Bát Tràng craft village dates back hundreds of years. Despite the historical ups and downs, periods of prosperity and decline, Bát Tràng has remained resilient, proudly holding the title of the oldest and largest ceramic craft village in Vietnam.
Currently, Bát Tràng ceramic products have become increasingly diverse. In addition to traditional items, Bát Tràng produces new products to meet domestic consumption needs, such as teapots, bowls, plates, flower vases, etc., along with products for export based on orders. Consequently, Bát Tràng ceramic products are now present in the markets of many European and Asian countries. Some artisans have successfully restored traditional ceramic items with styles and glazes from the periods of the Lý, Trần, Lê, and Mạc dynasties…
Brief introduction about Bat Trang Pottery Market
Where is Bat Trang ceramic market located?
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market – A must-visit tourist destination in Hanoi
Address: Bát Tràng Commune, Gia Lâm District, Hanoi City.
If you want to learn about the traditional ceramic craft of Vietnam, don’t hesitate to pack your bags and visit Bát Tràng Ceramic Market – an attractive tourist spot in Hanoi. It is the focal point of ceramic production in the ancient village of Bát Tràng, a village with a rich history dating back to the 15th century. Here, you can admire and purchase a variety of unique ceramic products, such as plates, flower vases, cups, decorative trays, and ceremonial items.
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market covers an area of 6000m2 and features around 300 stalls. This place is an ideal destination for those who love ceramics and wish to decorate their homes with ceramic items. Bát Tràng ceramic products not only boast high quality and durability but also reflect the rich culture and artistry of the Vietnamese people.
The long history of the ancient market
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market is an ancient and renowned craft village in Vietnam, with origins dating back to the 14th-15th centuries. Situated along the banks of the Red River, this market is conveniently positioned for trade with both domestic and international partners. The ceramic products from Bát Tràng Ceramic Market are highly praised for their quality, glazes, and patterns, reflecting the cultural and artistic characteristics of the Vietnamese people. Despite experiencing various ups and downs throughout history, this place has maintained its brand and reputation, standing proudly as a symbol of Vietnam’s ceramic craft industry.
When should you come here to explore?
Opening hours:
- Summer: 07:30 – 17:30
- Winter: 08:30 – 17:30
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market has flexible opening hours depending on the season. You can explore the market at any time according to your preference. However, based on shared experiences, it is advisable to consider visiting towards the end of your trip. This way, it will be more convenient for sightseeing, shopping, and bringing back ceramic products as gifts for friends and family.
Instructions for moving to the ceramic market
If you are an adventurous and independent individual, you can rent a bicycle or motorbike from the center of Hanoi and ride to Bát Tràng Ceramic Market. This will give you the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the suburban area and the surrounding landscape. You can also stop anywhere and take souvenir photos. On the other hand, the bus is a cost-effective means of transportation, suitable for students and budget-conscious travelers. You can catch bus number 47 from Long Biên to Bát Tràng Ceramic Market.
Explore the long-standing famous ceramic market in Hanoi
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market – A must-visit tourist destination in Hanoi
Visit and shop for handmade ceramic products
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market is the place where you can admire and purchase a wide range of ceramic artworks, from classical to modern, from ordinary to precious, each with various price ranges. The market consists of hundreds of stalls displaying a diverse collection of ceramics in different patterns and sizes. Here, the friendly vendors will introduce you to the production process, patterns, glazes, and the coordination of their products. Don’t hesitate to negotiate for the best prices. This ancient market is undoubtedly a must-visit destination in Hanoi, offering a unique and enriching experience.
Visit and shop for handmade ceramic products
The Bát Tràng Ceramic Craft Village is a precious cultural heritage of Vietnam, formed and developed over hundreds of years. To preserve and promote this traditional craft village, it requires not only the attention and support of government agencies but also the contribution and dissemination by each individual. Therefore, the presence of Bát Tràng Ceramic Market serves as an image for you to share and promote the value of this craft village through various media and online communities. Through this, more people can become aware of and appreciate the ceramic products of Vietnam.
Unique cultural events
Bát Tràng is not only a famous ceramic village but also a place with many distinctive cultural and traditional activities. If you visit at the right time, after exploring the craft village and shopping at Bát Tràng Ceramic Market, you can participate in or enjoy unique festivals such as the Dong Ho Temple Festival, the Xoan singing festival, and the Drum Procession festival. These festivals not only express the faith and gratitude of the people towards deities but also reflect the unity and creativity of the community in the craft village. The unique spirit and cultural characteristics of Bát Tràng ceramic village are vividly conveyed through these traditional cultural activities.
What to eat when going to the market?
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market is an enticing tourist destination with many activities to explore the traditional art of pottery. Additionally, around this market, there are many delicious and distinctive dishes that you shouldn’t miss:
- Grilled Cassava Cake (Bánh Sắn Nướng): This is a simple cake made from cassava, sugar, coconut, and butter. The cake has a sweet, chewy, fragrant, and crispy taste, perfectly complementing the cool atmosphere of Bát Tràng. You can buy grilled cassava cakes at stalls near the ceramic market for around 10,000 VND each.
- Hot Sesame Seed Cake (Bánh Tẻ Nóng): A traditional dish of the people in Bát Tràng, made from glutinous rice flour, beef, and fish sauce. The cake has a sweet, soft, and chewy taste, eaten hot with spicy fish sauce. It is sold for about 15,000 VND at stalls near the ceramic market.
- Sesame Seed Tea (Chè Hạt Hoa Sói): This is a special type of tea with a refreshing taste that doesn’t cause insomnia. You can enjoy sesame seed tea at tea shops in Bát Tràng for around 20,000 VND per cup.
- Dong Du Loquats (Ổi Đông Dư): These loquats are grown in the Dong Du village, about 2 km from Bát Tràng. Priced at around 30,000 VND per kilogram, they are quite affordable for you to buy and savor.
- Cuttlefish Bamboo Shoot Soup (Canh Măng Mực): A characteristic soup that cannot be missed in the meals of the ceramic village residents. Cuttlefish bamboo shoot soup has a rich, delicious, and appealing flavor, providing many nutrients for the body at a cost of approximately 50,000 VND.
Some places to stay when visiting the pottery market
If you want to visit Bát Tràng Ceramic Market, you may consider choosing accommodations in the central area of Hanoi. The journey to Bát Tràng is quite far, but in return, the accommodations will be more convenient and comfortable. It might be challenging to find suitable guesthouses around the ceramic market, so staying in the central area is the most suitable choice for your trip to the beautiful capital city.
- SOJO Ga Hanoi: 115 Tran Hung Dao, Cua Nam, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Reference Price: 1,000,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND/night
- The Ann Hanoi: 38A Hang Chuoi, Pham Dinh Ho, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi.
Reference Price: 1,000,000 VND – 2,000,000 VND/night
- O’gallery Premier Hotel & Spa: 122 Hang Bong, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
Reference Price: 1,000,000 VND – 3,000,000 VND/night
Some experiences visiting Bat Trang Pottery Market
Bát Tràng Ceramic Market – A must-visit tourist destination in Hanoi
- The ideal time to visit Bát Tràng Ceramic Market is on weekends or during holidays. During these times, the market is much more crowded and lively. It’s advisable to go early to avoid traffic and the heat, and consider spending about 3-4 hours for sightseeing and shopping.
- When shopping for ceramic items at Bát Tràng Market, choose reputable stalls with labels and complete documentation. Examine the quality, glaze, patterns, and size of the products to avoid buying poor-quality or unsuitable items. You can also negotiate with vendors, but don’t expect significant discounts, as the ceramic products here are already reasonably priced considering their quality and craftsmanship.
- In addition to shopping for ceramic items, try your hand at making ceramics at the pottery workshops in Bát Tràng. You will be guided through the steps of creating ceramics, from clay preparation to glazing and firing. This is also an opportunity for you to personally create ceramic products according to your preferences and take them home as memorable souvenirs. This is sure to be an exciting and unforgettable experience at Bát Tràng Ceramic Market
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