Bat Trang tourism is an interesting journey with the opportunity to learn about the history and tradition of pottery making. You can also admire the ancient, moss-covered craft village and make beautiful handicraft products yourself.
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is an ideal suggestion for a trip to the suburbs of Hanoi. A trip to Bat Trang will leave you with many unforgettable impressions of the traditional craft village. Which is located along the Red River, hundreds of years old. Let’s explore this ancient craft village with Origin Vietnam.
1. Where is Bat Trang Ceramic Village?
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is located in Bat Trang Ward, Gia Lam District, Hanoi City, Vietnam. It is located along the Red River, about 14 km from the center of Hanoi. And about 38 km southeast of Noi Bai International Airport. With geographical location:
- The East borders Da Ton commune.
- The West borders Linh Nam ward, Hoang Mai district (the boundary is the Red River).
- The South borders Kim Lan commune and Xuan Quan commune, Van Giang district, Hung Yen province.
- The North borders Dong Du commune.
2. How is Bat Trang Ceramic Village unique?
Bat Trang tourism is always one of the most interesting experiences for tourists. For every time you have the opportunity to visit the capital Hanoi. As a traditional craft village with an age of more than 500 years. Bat Trang Ceramic Village still retains its cultural beauty from the time of its ancestors.
Not only known as a long-standing traditional craft village. This place also has 2 revolutionary resistance relics. 9 historical, cultural, architectural relics, 16 family temples and 23 ancient houses. Among them, 23 ancient houses are places that preserve the traditional cultural values of ancient Bat Trang.
Through many historical events and ups and downs. Bat Trang Ceramic Village has become a symbol of Hanoi’s traditional craft culture and the pride of Hanoians. From the skillful hands of artisans, lifeless pieces of soil have become unique cultural and artistic works. And it attracts millions of visitors every year.
When traveling to Bat Trang, you can shop, visit and admire the diverse beauty of construction ceramics, fine art ceramics, household ceramics, worship items, … And many other decorative ceramic products. Besides, you can also learn about the stages of making a complete ceramic product through the introduction of artisans. Or experience making a ceramic product yourself under the guidance of artisans.
3. History of the formation of Bat Trang Ceramic Village
According to “Dai Viet su ky toan thu” and “Du dia chi” by Nguyen Trai. Bat Trang Ceramic Village was formed during the Ly dynasty. It is located on the left bank of the Red River, now in Gia Lam district, Hanoi city.
According to historical records, when the Ly dynasty moved the capital from Hoa Lu to Thang Long, Bat Trang people migrated. When they got close to the capital, they saw the fertile alluvial land along the Red River. So they decided to settle there and together created the pottery making profession.
During its more than 500 years of history, Bat Trang Ceramic Village has gone through many ups and downs. However, thanks to the perseverance and diligence of the people and artisans here. The pottery village still exists and develops to this day. It has become a cultural symbol and an indispensable part of Hanoi’s cultural heritage.
Today, it has become a professional ceramic production center. With many large companies established alongside small family-based production units. However, the village still retains its valuable traditional culture and the artistic value placed in each product.
4. How to get to Bat Trang Ceramic Village?
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is only about 14 km from the center of Hanoi. In order to travel to Bat Trang, you can choose the following means of transportation:
- Bus to Bat Trang: Choosing to go to Bat Trang by bus helps you save significantly on travel costs. You can go to Long Bien bus station and take bus route 47A to Bat Trang Ceramic Village.
- Motorbike/car: You will have a proactive and comfortable journey when traveling to Bat Trang by motorbike or car. From the center of Hanoi, you can follow the routes to Chuong Duong bridge (or Vinh Tuy bridge). You continue going along the Red River dike to reach the pottery village.
- By river: If you want to have unique experiences for your journey, you can choose to go by river through the Red River Bat Trang tours of Origin Vietnam travel company.
5. Entrance fee to Bat Trang Ceramic Village
- Adults, children 1m or taller: 50,000 VND/person/trip.
- Children under 1m tall: free.
- Electric car tour (45 – 60 minutes): 360,000 VND/car/12 guests.
6. Discovering the beauty of Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Bat Trang Ceramic Village always leaves a strong impression on visitors through its long-standing cultural beauty and many unique works. Below are some of the most attractive destinations for your Bat Trang tour that you should not miss:
6.1 Bat Trang ancient village
Bat Trang ancient village is over 700 years old and will bring you a memorable tour. When you come here, you will have the opportunity to admire the ancient architecture with old houses. Mossy stone walls and walk on the small, simple streets.
The ancient village also has many impressive works and destinations. You can visit and learn about the lifestyle of the ancient Bat Trang people. Such as:
- Van Van ancient house: marked with an age of more than 200 years. This house is considered a masterpiece of art, with impressive ceramic motifs, dragon vases, blue-glazed teapots, ceramic stamping molds, etc. All of which make visitors admire it from the first time they see it.
- Bat Trang communal house: a place to worship Thanh Hoang. Here, major festivals are often held throughout the year.
6.2 Bat Trang ceramic museum
As soon as you set foot in Bat Trang ceramic museum, you will surely be overwhelmed by the massive construction that was uniquely built. The museum’s design features 7 giant spiral-shaped rotating blocks, representing 7 hands rotating ceramic claws.
Inside is a space to display and preserve sophisticated Bat Trang ceramic products of high artistic and historical value. The museum also regularly organizes many interesting experiences for visitors.
Unique experiences at Bat Trang Ceramic Museum:
- Checking in with super cool backgrounds.
- Observing ceramic products and learning about the outstanding ceramic units and artisans in Bat Trang.
- Participating in making ceramics and painting statues.
6.3 Bat Trang Ceramic Market
Bat Trang Ceramic Market is not only a place to sell sophisticated ceramic products. But also a destination for you to learn about the ceramic making process from talented artisans. When coming to the market, you can choose to buy many quality, beautiful ceramic products. Such as: bowls, plates, cups, decorative art, worship items, etc.
In the market, there is also a small ceramic yard for visitors to observe and record the skillful ceramic kneading process of famous artisans.
6.4 Large pottery workshops in Bat Trang village
Vietnam has many famous pottery villages stretching from North to South. But Bat Trang pottery products have their own unique features, helping to affirm the name and brand here. In order to better understand the production process as well as the unique features of Bat Trang pottery, visit some large workshops in Bat Trang commune. Such as:
- Dai Viet workshop in village 3.
- Hung Lan workshop in village 5.
- Van An Loc workshop in village 3.
- Ly Mau workshop in village 3.
- Mai Linh workshop in village 3.
- Minh Quang workshop in village 5.
7. Activities and experiences in Bat Trang Ceramic Village
7.1 Admiring the only remaining ancient gourd kiln in Bat Trang
One of the experiences you should not miss when coming to Bat Trang tourist area is admiring the only remaining ancient gourd kiln here. This ancient gourd kiln has 5 pots that are nearly 100 years old. In the past, gourd kilns were used to manually fire pottery. However, today, Bat Trang people have used more modern firing techniques to protect the environment. The gourd kilns are kept for visitors to visit.
When coming to Bat Trang, you can go inside the gourd kilns to see the arrangement of the firing pots. Which is simulated like the arrangement of the kilns in the past. In addition, inside the gourd kilns, there is also a layer of bricks covered with a beautiful glaze.
7.2 Super interesting experience of making pottery yourself
When traveling to Bat Trang for a day, you can freely “live virtual” at famous places. Such as Van Van ancient house, the center of Vietnamese Craft Village Essence, Bat Trang communal house, … In addition, you can also experience making a complete ceramic product by themselves, starting from the kneading stage to shaping on the turntable.
After that, the product is dried. Next, you proceed to decorate it according to your preferences. Finally, you can ask the artisans to complete the final stages such as firing and glazing.
7.3 Shopping for ceramic products at Bat Trang ceramic market
Although the area is not too large, Bat Trang ceramic market sells a variety of ceramic products. Such as decorative items, daily necessities, worship items, etc. Bat Trang ceramic products are highly appreciated for their quality, so they are very popular in domestic and foreign markets. The prices of the items here are quite reasonable and diverse. Therefore, you can buy ceramic products here as gifts for relatives, friends. Or display in your home when traveling to Bat Trang.
7.4 Participating in Bat Trang Festival
The Bat Trang Village Festival takes place over 3 days, from the 14th to the 16th of the second lunar month. When participating in the festival, you can witness many unique rituals. Such as the water-giving ceremony, water procession; bathing ceremony; offering the three-life ceremony. And especially the procession of the Holy palanquin through the main roads of the village. After that, people return to the communal house to perform the ceremony. In addition, the clans in the village offer offerings, thanksgiving ceremonies, etc., which are quite interesting.
8. Specialties when visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village
Bat Trang Ceramic Village is not only famous for its beautiful ceramic products. But also attracts visitors with delicious and unique dishes in Hanoi. Such as grilled cassava cakes, hot rice cakes, wolf flower seed tea, Dong Du guava, etc.
However, one of the dishes that cannot be missed when coming here is squid bamboo shoot soup. Bamboo shoot and squid soup is a harmonious combination of golden bamboo shoots, sweet broth, and the chewy taste of bamboo shoots and squid. It creates a unique flavor that you can hardly resist.
9. Accommodation when visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village
In Gia Lam district, near Bat Trang Ceramic Village, most of them are private motels. There are no resorts, high-class hotels and only a few hotels or apartments. You can refer to some of the following addresses:
- Parosand Hanoi Hotel & Apartment. Address: 537 Lac Long Quan Street, Xuan La, Tay Ho, Hanoi.
- Garco Dragon Hotel. Address: 765A Nguyen Van Linh Street, Long Bien, Hanoi.
- The First Stay Hotel. Address: Aqua Bay, Ecopark Central Lake 1, Hanoi city.
- Super OYO 276 Bh Hotel. Address: Lane 75 Cau Dat Street, Hoan Kiem, Hanoi.
- Luxury Hotel Ecopark Van Giang. Address: Ecopark Urban Area, Van Giang, Hung Yen.
- May Homestay Solforest Ecopark. Address: Ecopark Township, Van Giang, Hung Yen.
10. Some important notes when visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village
If this is your first time visiting Bat Trang, please note and refer to the following experiences. In order to have the most convenient and complete trip:
- Tickets to visit Bat Trang Pottery Museum can be purchased directly at the gate counter.
- According to my experience of traveling to Bat Trang Ceramic Village. Early spring Tet is the ideal time for you to visit this famous craft village. To experience the warm atmosphere and participate in many exciting festival activities.
- Prioritize wearing comfortable shoes for easy movement when visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village.
- When shopping at the pottery market or stalls in the village, ask for the price first and can bargain. And look carefully at the products to avoid buying defective goods.
- Walk gently, carefully and always keep an eye on children during the entire tour and shopping process. To avoid collisions and breakage of ceramic products.
- When bringing ceramics home, wrap them in multiple layers and move them carefully.
- Enjoy many delicious local dishes at outdoor stalls near the market gate.
- Make sure to keep clean and dispose of trash properly during your tour in Bat Trang.
- If you want to travel to Bat Trang Ceramic Village by cruise, please make an appointment about 1-2 weeks in advance to avoid running out of space.
- The space of Bat Trang Ceramic Village is quite large. If you go in a large group, especially with the elderly and children, you should travel back and forth by electric car.
It is worthy visiting Bat Trang Ceramic Village
After tiring and stressful working days, you can travel to Bat Trang with your family and friends to put all your worries aside. The impressive landscape and exciting experiences here will definitely make your vacation more memorable.
Hopefully, with the updated and detailed information that Origin Vietnam – a professional tour operator, has shared in the article above. You have more experience in traveling, eating, and having fun, so plan your upcoming tour Vietnam to Bat Trang Ceramic Village.
