There are many famous handicraft villages surrounding Hanoi such as Van Phuc Silk Village, Dong Ho Painting Village, Dinh Cong Jewelry Village, Bat Trang Ceramic Village… But Bat Trang Ceramic Village (or also called Bat Trang Pottery Village) is the most interesting attraction that tourist do not ignore to visit.
Overview of Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is situated in a rich clay area in Gia Lam district, just 15 km southeast of Hanoi Old Quarter. It gains advantages of ingredients to create good and unique ceramics. It is said to be established in 14th to 15th century in some documents. However, villagers believe that it was found earlier in 11th century when 3 scholars came back from the trip to China. They learned ceramic craft industry from China and taught to local people of Bat Trang. Another story tells that due to rich clay, many potters from many areas came to there to build the kilns there, then developed pottery village. Until now, Bat Trang has been famous hundreds of year for its pottery and ceramics. There are many different functions from art ceramic products, worship items or even living supplies, etc.
Local people making ceramic products
Bat Trang now is not famous in Vietnam but also in other countries in the world. Many products have been exported to Japan, Korea, America, Netherlands, and Britain … and are well-known about the best quality, styles and art. Some Bat Trang products even are stored in the world museum such as Guimet Museum in France and Royal Museum of Fine Arts of Belgium. Therefore, Bat Trang pottery product reflects the spirituality of Vietnamese.
Apart from its products, it become touristic attraction both domestic and foreigners. Visitors come here for natural scenery, witness of process of making pottery, having a real experience to make pottery as well as buy souvenirs from old village.
How to get to Bat Trang Pottery Village
Because it is not too far to Hanoi Old Quarter, it is very easy to go to Bat Trang Ceramic Village. The public bus is the cheapest and convenient vehicle. You can take the bus number 47 from Long Bien station and go to Bat Trang village directly. You can take motorbike, bicyle or car crossing Chuong Duong Bridge or Vinh Tuy Bridge. And then you turn right along to Red River dike until see the Bat Trang Village. The most exciting way is to take a bike to visit Bat Trang from Hanoi. You have an opportunity to cycle across beautiful rice paddies and green gardens, fish ponds and pagodas along the way.
Shops in Bat Trang Ceramic Village
What should you do in Bat Trang Pottery Village
Passing Bat Trang gate, you will stop at the beginning of village and starting walking. You will first see ceramic market. There are a lot of usual vase, pottery, housewares and modern art ceramic pieces with different shapes and styles. Tourist can buy souvenirs like necklaces, bracelets, key chains, piggy banks with reasonable price.
Almost of family in Bat Trang make pottery. You can enjoy making pottery by yourself if you want. There are many family offers this service. A rotating table and a tray of clay will be provided to you and the owner will guide you how to create a ceramic product. Then, you can start shaping your own product which you want like vase, cup or even animal. Does not worry if you do not know how to make a perfect one, the owners always help you to make product like you want. Moreover, you can decorate them, dry them before take it to your home as your gifts to family or friends.
Ceramic worship product
Another thing tourist should try when visiting Bat Trang is using special vehicle of buffalo cart to visit around village. This is very interesting and unforgettable experience on your trip to enjoy peaceful landscape and daily life of pottery village.
Hanoi Tours include Bat Trang Ceramic Village: Hanoi City Tour
