Bat Trang Pottery Village

Bat Trang, traditional porcelain and pottery village with history of seven centuries, is an interesting attraction in Hanoi that tourists should put on their list.

Contents

History
Products
Things To Do
Location
Useful Information

History

Located in an area rich in clay, Bat Trang village benefits from high-quality materials ideal for fine ceramics. Positioned alongside the Red River, between Thang Long and Pho Hien, two key trade hubs in northern Vietnam during the 15th to 17th centuries, Bat Trang ceramics gained popularity not only locally but also internationally. These ceramics were favored by Japanese, Chinese, and Western trading vessels that frequented the region.

Photo: sodulich.hanoi.gov.vn

In the 18th and 19th centuries, the foreign trade restrictions imposed by the Trinh and Nguyen dynasties curtailed the exportation of Vietnamese pottery, leading to economic challenges for renowned pottery villages such as Bat Trang and Chu Dau in Hai Duong province. However, since the economic reforms of 1986, Bat Trang has experienced a resurgence, capturing global interest in Vietnamese porcelain through its high-quality ceramic products available for export.

Products

Bat Trang ceramics are created for a variety of purposes, including daily household items such as bowls, cups, plates, pots, and bottles, as well as for worship and decorative purposes. Contemporary pottery artists are innovating production techniques and infusing creativity into their designs, resulting in an array of new products that blend functionality with aesthetic appeal, transforming everyday items into works of art.

Photo: vietnamvisa-easy.com

Things To Do

While visiting Bat Trang, tourists can enjoy strolling through the village or participating in a unique pottery-making experience. Visitors are encouraged to explore the numerous ceramic shops lining the streets, but they should not miss the Bat Trang Porcelain and Pottery Market. Here, many young people and international visitors actively engage in pottery-making activities, often spending an entire day crafting personalized gifts for family and friends.

Photo by @thien2767

Location

Bat Trang is located in the Gia Lam district of Hanoi. Visitors can take bus 47 (Long Bien - Bat Trang), which stops just steps away from Dong Xuan Market. This bus runs every 20 minutes, making it an accessible option for travelers. Alternatively, one can ride a motorbike from central Hanoi to Bat Trang, which takes approximately 20 minutes. Motorbike rentals are available, or you can hire a Xe Om (motorbike taxi) to take you there!