Bat Trang: the Ceramic Village, Workshop and Market from Hanoi
Bat Trang is a potters' village on the east bank of the Red River, about fifteen kilometres from central Hanoi, known for its ceramics for several centuries. People come for the shops and workshops, the small ceramics market, the kilns and the chance to shape or paint a piece of their own. Allow half a day. Bus 47 (47A according to some sources) from Long Bien bus station takes 30 to 60 minutes for about 7,000 to 10,000 VND; a taxi or Grab from the Old Quarter costs 150,000 to 250,000 VND one way. See also: Long Bien Bridge, the Old Quarter and Dong Xuan Market.
Highlights
The shop street
The main street is lined with shops selling bowls, vases, teapots and dinner sets. Prices are often lower than in town, and haggling is possible. Compare before buying a large lot.
The painting and modelling workshops
Some workshops let visitors paint or shape their own piece; some fire it and deliver or ship it. Classes of one to three hours are also offered in the city.
The small ceramics market
A local market offers tableware and decorative pieces at low prices; the atmosphere is more authentic than in the shops.
The kilns and workshop visit
Some workshops show the kilns and the making process. Guided bike or scooter tours are offered from Hanoi.
Practical info
Tips
- Bring cash for small purchases. Fragile pieces get wrapped; ask for solid packing if you are flying, or for shipping. If you are short of time, a pottery class in the Old Quarter, given by a potter from the village, saves the trip. Shop and workshop hours are not official: plan on the daytime; check the bus route and stop with your maps app, as sources differ.
How to get there
Bat Trang village, Gia Lam district, Hanoi, about 13 km south-east of the centre. Bus 47 from Long Bien station (Tran Nhat Duat Street), with a stop at Bat Trang then about 10 minutes on foot; otherwise taxi, Grab or motorbike (30 to 45 minutes) via Chuong Duong Bridge.
Opening hours
Our guides that feature it
Nearby
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