4.5 Hours
Join-in tour
Min 1 pax
Max 30 pax
Tour start:
Tour end:
Experience the charm of Bat Trang Ceramic Village on an exhilarating Jeep tour, where you’ll explore the picture countryside and witness the traditional pottery-making process firsthand.
Tour Options:
| Morning Tour | Afternoon Tour |
| 07:30 AM – 12:00 PM | 12:30 PM – 5:00 PM |
Notes:
For centuries, Bat Trang Pottery Village has been a cornerstone of Vietnamese culture. Yet, with its elaborate alleys, bustling workshops, and tons of activities to try out, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed when planning your visit.
That’s why we are here to walk you through the journey. Let’s jump in!
First of all, where is Bat Trang Pottery Village? This village is located about 13 kilometers southeast of Hanoi along the Red River. It’s by far one of Vietnam’s most renowned traditional craft villages, with a history spanning over 700 years.
The Bát Tràng Pottery Village itself dates back to the 14th century (during the Tran Dynasty), though some accounts trace its origins even earlier, to the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty.
It was founded by five major families — Nguyen, Tran, Vuong, Le, and Pham — who brought pottery-making techniques to the area. The name “Bat Trang” translates to “bowl-making village,” which reflects its original specialization in producing bowls and utensils.
Thanks to the village’s strategic location along the Red River, Bat Trang’s pottery traveled to different regions of Vietnam and beyond. By the 15th century, Bat Trang ceramics were a key export, favored in China, Japan, and Southeast Asia due to their durability and unique glaze techniques.
The 16th and 17th centuries marked the golden age of Bát Tràng ceramic village. During this period, the village became a significant supplier of ceramics for the Vietnamese royal court and wealthy families.
Bat Trang artisans were nationally recognized for their mastery of traditional techniques, particularly their skill in creating decorative patterns and unique glazes, including celadon, crackle glaze, and cobalt blue. Later on, the potters even developed more distinct methods of creating high-temperature stoneware and porcelain.
Bat Trang’s fortunes fluctuated during the colonial period and under successive wars, which disrupted traditional industries and diminished demand for handcrafted goods. However, the village managed to survive by adapting its techniques and designs to modern tastes.
It was not until the 1980s and 1990s (as Vietnam opened its economy to global trade) that Bat Trang experienced a revival. Increased tourism and demand for authentic Vietnamese crafts quickly brought attention back to the village. Pottery workshops and markets soon became major attractions, drawing visitors from all over the world eager to learn about the craft and try their hand at pottery-making.
Today, Bat Trang Ceramic Village Hanoi still retains its legacy of producing high-quality ceramics, including household items, decorative pieces, and custom orders for domestic and international markets.
Many workshops now combine traditional techniques with modern designs, which cater to contemporary tastes while preserving the village’s rich heritage. Better yet, visitors have the chance to witness artisans at work and learn about the history of pottery-making.
No matter where you come from, Bat Trang Pottery Village is easily accessible through four transportation options:
The most economical choice is to take Bus 47A from Long Bien Bus Interchange directly to Bat Trang. The journey lasts about 30-40 minutes, with tickets priced around 7,000 VND.
For a more adventurous route, consider riding a motorbike from Hanoi. Cross either Long Bien Bridge or Chuong Duong Bridge, then follow the Red River’s path until you reach Bat Trang. The trip typically takes 20-30 minutes.
Want added comfort? Hiring a taxi or renting a private car is your best bet! Travel times usually range from 20 to 30 minutes, depending on traffic, weather, and the taxi service you choose.
All things considered, joining a guided Bat Trang ceramic village tour is still the best and most convenient choice.
Local travel agencies and tour operators in Hanoi often offer half-day or full-day trips that include transportation, guided activities, and sometimes even pottery-making workshops! The tickets are also very affordable; for instance, a 4.5-hour Jeep tour to the village by Vietnam Backpacker Hostels only costs $50 per adult.
Here’s the great news: there is no entrance fee to explore the village! You can wander through its historic streets, observe artisans at work, and absorb the local culture without any cost.
Nevertheless, certain activities within the village may require a fee. For instance, participating in pottery workshops typically costs around 20,000 VND (approximately $1), with an additional fee of 35,000 to 50,000 VND ($1.50 to $2) if you wish to take your handmade item home.
Additionally, visiting the Bat Trang Pottery Museum involves an entrance fee of 30,000 VND (about $1.50). And don’t forget that purchasing ceramic products or enjoying local cuisine will also incur respective costs! You can check out the Bat Trang Pottery Village reviews from previous visitors for more information.
This famous pottery village is a ticket to your journey into Vietnamese culture and creativity. Savoring local delicacies, creating your own ceramic masterpiece, and other unforgettable cultural experiences are awaiting around the corner:
Several workshops throughout the village offer hands-on lessons where you can mold your own designs from wet clay. Take this chance to learn how to shape a bowl, vase, or plate; the process is both fun and challenging! You can even have your finished piece fired and take it home as a unique souvenir.
A casual stroll through Bat Trang is an excellent way to soak in the rural charm and rich cultural atmosphere. Narrow alleyways and historic streets lead to temples, open factories, and even the homes of local artisans. Many residents are welcoming and may even invite you in for tea so you can glimpse a little into their daily lives. The streets are lined with shops showcasing hundreds of ceramic designs, from traditional to modern, so there’s ALWAYS plenty to explore and admire!
As we all know, Bat Trang is a must-visit for anyone interested in Vietnamese ceramics!
The village is known for its elaborate, meaningful designs, many of which incorporate traditional symbols such as lotus flowers, dragons, and clouds to reflect Vietnamese culture. In some workshops, you may witness artisans demonstrating the techniques used to create these works of art, from start (shaping the clay) to finish (painting and glazing).
Of course, no visit to Bat Trang would be complete without bringing home a piece of its famous pottery!
The variety is astounding, from functional items (like plates, teapots, and bowls) to decorative pieces like vases and wall frames, not to mention an interesting mix of modern and traditional designs. Even better, many shops allow for bargaining, so you have plenty of chances to both save money and interact with the shopkeepers.
The people who create Bat Trang are just as important as the village’s pottery! We highly recommend engaging with the locals to gain unique insights into the village’s history and spirit.
Fortunately, many artisans are happy to demonstrate their craft or explain the significance of their designs. Some may even inspect and fine-tune your purchases to ensure you’re satisfied.
Lastly, Bat Trang is a feast for the eyes AND the stomach. The streets are filled with lovely aromas of local delicacies, such as grilled beef skewers and fried snacks. Street food vendors offer a variety of dishes that are both affordable and delightfully tasty, so don’t miss the opportunity to recharge yourself after an entire day of exploring!
Ready to capture stunning Bat Trang Pottery Village photos? Let Vietnam Backpacker Hostels guide you through the journey; book a spot on our jeep tour now!
Still have questions or need more details? Contact us here:
Pick-up and drop-off Service in Hanoi Old Quarter
Antique Soviet Era Gaz69 Jeep
Experienced driver
English speaking guide
Rain poncho
All food & drinks mentioned above
Entrance Fees
Local travel insurance, but we also recommend that you have your own
All drivers are licensed
Personal Expenses
Tips & Gratuity
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