Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi, updated travel experience

Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi preserves the essence of artistic creativity and the beauty of traditional craftsmanship. This is undoubtedly a wonderful destination for you and your loved ones on your next trip. When it comes to long-standing traditional craft villages in Vietnam, the name Bát Tràng Pottery Village cannot be overlooked. Bát Tràng is not only a place that preserves the enduring cultural heritage of Hanoi but also one of the largest suppliers of ceramics in Vietnam. Despite the ups and downs of time, Bát Tràng Pottery Village today is a highly attractive tourist destination, drawing many people who want to learn about the art of pottery making and acquire the finest ceramic products. It is a place that captivates visitors with its rich cultural heritage, making it an ideal location to explore and bring home some of the finest ceramic pieces crafted here.

Bát Tràng Pottery Village introduction

Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi, updated travel experience

According to the “Đại Việt sử ký toàn thư” (Complete Annals of Đại Việt) and “Dư địa chí” by Nguyễn Trãi, Bát Tràng Pottery Village was established during the Lý Dynasty, located on the left bank of the Red River, now in Gia Lâm District, Hanoi.

With over 500 years of existence and development, Bát Tràng Pottery Village has evolved into a professional-scale ceramic production center, hosting numerous large companies alongside small family-run workshops. Despite this growth, the village still preserves its precious traditional cultural characteristics, and artistic values are embedded in each product.

In addition to items serving spiritual and ceremonial purposes in Vietnamese households, the pottery kilns in Bát Tràng also produce consumer goods, decorations, and display pieces with modern designs and materials. The exquisite ceramic masterpieces from Bát Tràng are now present throughout the Vietnamese market and are exported to various countries in Europe and Asia.

One of the most fascinating aspects of visiting Bát Tràng is witnessing the meticulous and intricate process of ceramic production carried out by skilled artisans. Moreover, visitors have the opportunity to experience hands-on pottery making, creating their own preferred ceramic products.

Where is Bát Tràng Pottery Village located?

Bát Tràng Pottery Village is located in Bát Tràng commune, encompassing Giang Cao hamlet and Bát Tràng hamlet, within Gia Lâm district, Hanoi city.

According to historical records, during the Lý Dynasty’s capital relocation from Hoa Lư to Thăng Long, the residents of Bát Tràng also migrated. When they approached the capital, noticing the fertile land along the Red River, they decided to settle there and collectively established the pottery craft.

Over more than 500 years of history, Bát Tràng Pottery Village has undergone various changes and fluctuations. However, thanks to the resilience and diligence of the local residents and artisans, the pottery village still exists and thrives to this day. It has become a cultural symbol and an integral part of Hanoi’s cultural heritage.

Guide on how to get to Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi

Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi, updated travel experience

Bát Tràng Pottery Village is only about 10km away from the city center of Hanoi, so you can easily reach it by car or public transportation.

For public transportation, the most convenient and cost-effective way to get to Bát Tràng is by bus, following these steps:

Take bus route 34 from Mỹ Đình to Gia Lâm and alight at the Trần Nhật Duật bus stop.
Transfer to bus routes 01 or 02 to reach the Long Biên interchange.
Board bus route 47 to reach Bát Tràng. The bus will stop at the entrance gate of the village.

If you are traveling by car or motorbike:

From Cầu Giấy district, consider taking the route over Long Biên Bridge or Chương Dương Bridge, as these routes offer a refreshing and shaded environment.
After crossing the bridge, turn right and continue along the riverbank on the dyke road until you reach the entrance gate of Bát Tràng village.

Reference for Bát Tràng Pottery Village tour tickets

Bát Tràng Pottery Village does not charge an entrance fee. You only need to pay if you make purchases, dine, or participate in activities within the pottery workshops. Don’t worry, you can comfortably have lunch in Bát Tràng Pottery Village, and the prices are typically around 25,000 – 30,000 VND per meal.

The cost to participate in activities within the pottery workshops is generally around 10,000 VND per person. If you decide to buy additional figurines for painting, the prices range from 5,000 to 15,000 VND per item.

Experience visiting Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi

Bát Tràng Pottery Village is like a vibrant living museum where you can explore cultural relics, antiques, ancient brick houses, as well as temples and shrines dating back to the 19th century. This allows you to gain a deeper understanding of the spiritual life, customs, and festivals of the villagers.

Particularly, during your visit to this craft village, you’ll have the opportunity to experience the various stages of shaping the ceramic products you admire. The artisans in Bát Tràng will provide guidance on different types of pottery, ceramics, glazes, and introduce both traditional and industrial products currently being crafted in the pottery kilns of Bát Tràng.

If this is your first time visiting the pottery village, you can refer to [link] for a worry-free experience without the need for extensive planning.

What activities does Bát Tràng Pottery Village offer?

Surely, you are eager to know what activities await you during a day in Bát Tràng Pottery Village. Don’t worry; the answers are right here:

Ancient Bát Tràng Village:
- Stroll around the ancient village, walk along the riverbank, or explore the narrow alleys. The pottery drying racks along the village streets, moss-covered walls, village gates, communal yards, and stone columns will undoubtedly provide a vintage backdrop for your photos.
Bát Tràng Pottery Market:

Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi, updated travel experience

- Whether you plan to shop or not, take a walk through the Bát Tràng Pottery Market. This extensive 6,000m2 market offers a wide range of ceramic products, from artistic decorations, souvenirs to daily-use items, ceremonial objects, and miniature landscapes. You can easily find a piece that suits your budget.
Pottery Making Experience:
- After exploring the market, head towards the market’s entrance and sign up for a pottery-making experience, costing around 10,000 VND per turn. With a pottery wheel and attentive guidance on shaping and modeling, you can try your hand at molding and unleashing your creativity. If you wish to fire your creation to make it a keepsake, it only costs an additional 40,000 – 60,000 VND.
Vạn Vân Ancient House:
- “Vạn Vân” means gathering of auspicious clouds. The Vạn Vân Ancient House preserves products from various craft villages, especially Bát Tràng ceramics. Located at the end of Bát Tràng village, this ancient house is an ideal place to rest, contemplate a collection of over 400 precious ceramic items with an age of approximately 500 years.
- Opening hours: Daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Bát Tràng Pottery Museum:
- Located in Thôn 5, Bát Tràng commune, the Bát Tràng Pottery Museum is a new check-in spot for young people. Impressively, seven giant intertwined spiral shells, based on the idea of a pottery wheel, with multiple curved surfaces, form a gracefully undulating architectural block. Additionally, the structure extensively utilizes local materials such as fired bricks and Bát Tràng tiles to honor the simplicity and charm of the traditional craft village.
- Besides being a place for cultural introduction and preservation, the museum also serves as a community space, providing a hands-on pottery experience for tourists and fostering cultural exchange.
- The museum is still under construction, so you can explore and take photos in the outside area.
Ancient Kilns:
- Today, Bát Tràng Village still boasts five ancient kilns that have been in existence for over 100 years, considered the last remnants of this pottery village. These traditional kilns were historically used for manually firing ceramics, making significant contributions to the traditional pottery production process.

Culinary delights in Bát Tràng Pottery Village

Bát Tràng is not only renowned for its distinctive pottery but also known for a unique dish called “canh măng mực” – a dish that perfectly combines bamboo shoots and squid, creating a delightful fusion of forest and sea flavors. This dish seems to be an indispensable part of the dining table for the people of Bát Tràng during festivals or Tet celebrations.

Additionally, you can indulge your taste buds with some incredibly enticing street snacks to satisfy your cravings.

Products of Bát Tràng Pottery Village

Bát Tràng Pottery Village in Hanoi, updated travel experience

Vietnam has numerous renowned pottery villages stretching from the North to the South, but what sets apart the products of Bát Tràng Pottery Village, solidifying the name and brand of this ancient craft village? To create a perfect Bát Tràng ceramic product, artisans go through two main stages: crafting the clay body and patterns, followed by glazing. The products of Bát Tràng always possess a distinctive quality, highlighted by a glossy glaze, sharp patterns, and exceptional durability, ensuring they withstand the test of time without the risk of damage or fading.

To delve deeper into the pottery-making process, you can explore a list of some prominent workshops in Bát Tràng village: