Bat Trang Ceramic Village

“I wish I could marry you

I will buy Bat Trang bricks to build our house”

Are the beautiful folk words honoring Bat Trang ceramic & pottery quality, the pride of northern Vietnam.

Bat Trang Ceramic Village is located on the banks of the Red River, in Gia Lam district, about 14km from the centre of Hanoi. This is the oldest and most famous pottery village in Vietnam, attracting the attention of many domestic and foreign tourists.

What to see?

Bat Trang pottery village is said to be established in 14th or 15th century in several documents. However, according to the villagers, the village perhaps appeared earlier. There are always two stories concerning the village origin. One of these tells that under Ly dynasty, in 1100, when the nation was in its independence and initial growth period, there were 3 scholars who came back from their mission trip to China bringing the ceramic craft industry learned there back to Vietnam and taught the people of Bat Trang. In the other story, in the village history dates back to the 10th century, when King Ly Cong Uan relocated the capital in Thang Long. With the establishment and development of the capital, many businessmen, crafters from many areas come to settle down here to work and trade. In Bat Trang pottery village, there was a lot of white clay, so that many potters, among whom was Nguyen Ninh Trang family, came and built the kilns here. Accordingly, Bat Trang has gradually changed from a normal ceramic and pottery village into a famous ceramic and pottery centre until now.

As time went by, the village’s products have developed and become well known for the best quality, style and glaze, both inside and outside of the nation. Many of these are now customized for aristocratic families and religious needs. Its popular foreign markets are Japan (under the brand “Kochi (Giao Chi) ware”), the Netherlands, Britain, Portugal, Southeast Asia, etc.,

Besides many ceramic stores along the road in the village, tourists should visit Bat Trang Porcelain and Pottery Market where they can directly make pottery products by themselves. Many youngsters and foreign tourists are interested in in this pottery- making experience, and spend a whole day in the market to make a gift for family or friends.

Some tips for you?

Visiting Bat Trang Pottery Village, you can come at any time of the year. However, if you go by waterway to Bat Trang, you should go on 8-13 February every year. By this time you can combine to visit Van Phuc communal house and join the festival here. And don’t forget to check the weather forecast for a complete trip.

Moreover, Bat Trang pottery market near Bat Trang Ceramic Village is home to hundreds of shops selling ceramics close together. Here, you can find souvenirs or lovely items made entirely of ceramic, both unique and cheap.

The stalls at the pottery market sell a variety of items, a variety of types of colors sizes. From souvenirs, dishes, jars, teapots, cups, art decorations, worship items worship, flower vase … meticulously designed, extremely beautiful.

At Bat Trang, there are many shops where you feel free to discover the extent of local production. There are jars and vases of all sizes, bowls, plates, dishes, spoons, cups, tea sets, boxes, etc. If you have less time, you can even order tailor-made goods for a workshop with shapes, designs, and patterns to your favorite.

Namely that many artisans sell unsatisfied with minor defects at prices despite competition. Buying Bat Trang ceramics is an excellent souvenir of Vietnam to bring back for yourself or your loved ones. And it’s a great way to encourage and support traditional ancestral crafts. 

What To Eat In Bat Trang Ceramic Village?

When you are tired, you can stop at the market’s shops to enjoy some snacks. Bat Trang Market probably only has pottery, which is the most special “dish” so the food is not very special. However, there are also many dishes. When resting, you can choose to sip a pair of Te cake and drink a glass of soft cane juice.

• Te cake
• Cassava cake
• Potato cakes
• Squid and bamboo shoot soup
• The area has many delicious restaurants

How To Go There?

Located in a convenient location, not far from the city center. When going to Bat Trang pottery village, you will have diversity in choosing means of transportation as follows:

• Bus

The most chosen vehicle for tourists is the bus. Safe and fast without worrying about sunshine and rain. Especially with an extremely cheap price, suitable for students, only 7000 vnd/ ticket.

From the city, you can take the bus to the Long Bien transit point. At the beginning of Tran Nhat Duat, there is bus 47A moving from Long Bien bus station to the village of Bat Trang.

• Motorbike or other road vehicles (taxi, car …)

The second means of choice for you is the motorbike. For young people who have a passion for backpacking, they will choose this vehicle.