A Comprehensive Guide to Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village in Hanoi

Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village is a familiar destination for families and tourists who have interests in exploring the cultural traits of Vietnam. In this article, you can expect a genuine overview of this special handicraft village and how to have the best experiences here.

Why You Should Visit Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village

Bat Trang lies beside the Red River and is located in Bat Trang Commune, Gia Lam District, Hanoi. It is about 10km southeast from the center of Hanoi and is very famous for its ceramic and pottery industry. Bat Trang’s products are not only commonly used in Vietnam but also exported to numerous foreign countries such as Japan, Korea, America, and some other European countries.

With its long-standing history, Bat Trang has made its name both inside and outside the nation for high-quality ceramic products

Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village is said to be established in the 14th century, but the villagers claim that it has appeared earlier. According to some family annals, the craftsmen from Bo Bat Commune, Ninh Binh Province migrated to Bat Trang and settled in this land under the Ly Dynasty. They took advantages of the enormous amount of white clay available to produce ceramic products. After King Ly Thai To relocated the capital to Thang Long, many businesspeople and artisans came here to settle and trade, making Bat Trang a bustling center for pottery.

Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village has changed from a normal handicraft village into a pottery center

A Guide to Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village in Hanoi

How to Go to Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village

If you are planning to visit this spectacular traditional village, there are many ways that you can take into consideration.

Buses

If you are on a budget, or simply do not want to spend a ton on transportation, buses are not a bad idea. Moreover, this means of transport can mostly keep you safe and protect you from the dust all along the road.

You can take the bus 47 at Long Bien Station with VND 7,000 for the bus ticket and get off near the pottery market

Motorbikes

There are many places around Hanoi Old Quarter and West Lake that offer bikes-for-rent service at the price of VND 80,000 – VND 100,000. From the center of Hanoi, drive pass Chuong Duong, Vinh Tuy or Thanh Tri Bridge, turn right and go along the Red River Dyke until you reach the village. It will normally take about 30 minutes to reach Bat Trang and you are advised to bring along identification document and some required papers in case the police pull you over to check on you.

Make sure to follow the Motorbike Riding Tips for your safety, especially if you're a first-time passenger.

To avoid being lost, you had better find ways to this village on Google Maps at home firstly

Read more about Can Tourists Drive in Vietnam?

What to Do at Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village

Go Sightseeing

Bat Trang is famous for its natural landscapes and a nostalgic vibe, which incredible for a calming sightseeing tour. You can rent a buffalo vehicle to explore the untouched beauty of Bat Trang village at the price of VND 150,000 to VND 200,000 for a maximum of 10 people.

Riding buffalo is an amusing transport in Bat Trang

You are not likely to explore Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village without having a stopover at Bat Trang Ancient Village, where a lot of old and unique architectures proudly stand.

Van Van is an over 200-year-old wooden house at which, a gallery of antiques from different periods is displayed

Bat Trang Family Village is the place to worship six courageous generals and also a place to hold festivals all year round

You can explore all the kiosks in the market and take photos with a variety of exceptional ceramic creatures

Making Hand-made Ceramic Products

You cannot finish your trip to the cradle of ceramics of Bat Trang without attempting to make your ceramic products. Do not worry if you cannot make them yourself! The owners are always there, ready to instruct you to shape and create the perfect ones.

It does not cost much to experience this one-of-a-kind activity. With about VND 10,000 – VND 20,000, you are able to execute all the steps by yourself, and if you want to bring your finished products home, you will have to pay an extra of VND 20,000 – VND 30,000.

It is requisite to try and make your own ceramic products in Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village

The owners are always hospitable and willing to help

Buying Souvenirs

There is a diverse variety of pottery and ceramic products in Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village, from pictures, accessories, keychains to household appliances, and statues. Therefore, it is always recommendable to buy some as souvenirs for your friends and family at home. You can easily purchase these products at the market or any stores along the way. Remember to carefully bargain and reduce the price to about 2/3 the given amount.

See more Tips to Avoid Annoying Scams in Vietnam

The ceramic products here fluctuate from VND 10,000 to VND 100,000

What to Eat and Drink in Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village

There are many local vendors near the pottery market that sell traditional Hanoi street food such as “banh san nuong” and “banh te” at about VND 6,000.

“Banh san nuong” is a popular Vietnamese street food made of manioc, sugar, coconut milk and a little bit of copra

The ingredients of “banh te” are plain food: rice, pork, wood ear mushrooms, onions and phrynium

You can also try a special Vietnam soup, which is “canh mang muc”, a famous traditional dish only in Bat Trang. “Canh mang muc” is a unique but savory combination of bamboo sprouts and cuttles, which will be a remarkable note in your trip.

This soup is usually eaten in special events, such as weddings and festivals

Summary on A Guide to Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village

If you do not have time for a 3-day journey exploring every corner in Hanoi, spending a day at Bat Trang Traditional Ceramics Village is not a bad idea. Visit this exceptional handicraft village, try to be a craftsman, and enjoy its traditional yet aesthetic values.

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