Top 14 Traditional Pottery Villages in Vietnam

Bát Tràng Village is located on the left bank of the Red River, in Bát Tràng Commune, Gia Lâm District, Hanoi, about 10 kilometers southeast of the city center. Historically, it was a high clay mound near the river, making it an ideal location for pottery production and trade. Over the centuries, Bát Tràng pottery has withstood many challenges, evolving into one of the most famous traditional pottery villages in Vietnam.

Founded during the Ly Dynasty, Bát Tràng has a rich history of over 500 years, surviving through various historical events. Today, Bát Tràng is renowned for its high-quality ceramic products, offering a variety of shapes, styles, and functions. These products include household ceramics, decorative pottery, construction materials, and religious offerings. Bát Tràng pottery can be found all across Vietnam and is even exported internationally. Bát Tràng Village not only holds national cultural significance but is also a popular tourist destination in Hanoi.

Bạch Liên Village, located in Yên Thành, Yên Mô, Ninh Bình, was once known as Bồ Bát Village. Historical records show that Bồ Bát pottery has been famous for thousands of years, with unique ceramic products. Evidence of this can still be found in the many layers of fired earth and scattered ceramic fragments in the region. After being forgotten for some time, the Bồ Bát pottery tradition was revived by artisan Phạm Văn Vang. While most pottery villages in Vietnam focus on household ceramics, Bồ Bát began by creating jewelry pieces and artistic ceramic murals. Watching young artisans work tirelessly to paint designs or mold clay, one can sense the revival of this village’s legacy. Despite numerous challenges, the passion of Phạm Văn Vang and the people of Bạch Liên has breathed life into the old pottery kilns that had been dormant for centuries, reviving the Bồ Bát pottery brand.

With strong support from the Ninh Bình Department of Industry and Trade, the Bồ Bát pottery brand is expected to expand even further. As Phạm Thị Hồng, a local official, stated, “In order to rebuild the traditional craft village and support the development of the Bồ Bát pottery business, we are working on a plan to re-establish the Bồ Bát brand to aid in the province's tourism development in the near future.”

Gia Thủy Pottery Village, located in Nho Quan District, Ninh Bình, has a history of around 50 years. The traditional craft was introduced by potters from Thanh Hóa due to the area's rich clay, perfect for pottery making. Over the years, Gia Thủy pottery has grown stronger and more popular, with products being sold across Vietnam and even exported abroad.

Creating a piece of pottery here involves several meticulous steps. The clay is carefully filtered before being left to dry, ensuring the right moisture level for crafting. Each step requires precision to avoid errors. Once the clay is dried to the right consistency, it’s softened and refined to enhance its texture. The clay used in Gia Thủy is known for its yellow color, which gives the finished pottery a beautiful shine and durability. Depending on the item being made, potters mold the clay into different shapes, often crafting items like jars, vases, and pots by rolling the clay into long, round strips that are easily joined together on the wheel.

The peak sales period is just before Tết Nguyên Đán, when local merchants buy the freshly made pottery directly from the village. These products are then distributed to provinces like Vĩnh Phúc, Hải Dương, and Thanh Hóa, ensuring that the potters of Gia Thủy are busy throughout the year.

Bàu Trúc Pottery Village, located in Phước Dân, Ninh Phước, Ninh Thuận, is the oldest pottery village in Southeast Asia. Famous for its handmade ceramics and unique firing techniques, Bàu Trúc pottery is celebrated for its distinctive Cham culture, making it unlike pottery from any other region. The artisans infuse their works with soul through intricate patterns, shapes, and designs. With around 400 households, 85% of which continue to practice pottery, the village remains deeply rooted in its traditional craft. The village features charming red-tiled houses and pottery workshops ready to welcome visitors. In the heart of the village stands a display area, showcasing a variety of ceramic pieces, including flower vases, pots, teapots, and particularly artistic sculptures of Apsara dancers. Visitors can also watch skilled artisans demonstrating their pottery-making techniques and even try their hand at crafting simple pieces, painting designs, or firing ceramics themselves, creating a truly immersive experience.

Bàu Trúc Village attracts not only with its unique ceramic products but also its rich cultural atmosphere. Visitors can tour pottery workshops, participate in the shaping process, and enjoy the art of traditional Cham ceramics. This experience provides a deeper understanding of the pottery-making art and Cham culture. Bàu Trúc Village was recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage of Vietnam in 2012, highlighting its significant role in preserving and promoting traditional Vietnamese pottery arts.

Chu Đậu Pottery Village is located in Thái Tân, Nam Sách, Hải Dương, about 70 kilometers east of Hanoi. This pottery tradition dates back to the 14th century, flourishing in the 15th and 16th centuries. However, the craft was lost during periods of war and turmoil. In 2001, efforts were made to revive the Chu Đậu pottery by researching and restoring its glazes, techniques, and forms. Since then, the village's pottery craft has gradually been revived and continues to thrive.

The key ingredient for Chu Đậu pottery is the white clay sourced from Trúc Thôn, Hải Dương. The clay is mixed with water, then filtered through a system of troughs and tanks. This filtration process creates two compounds: a liquid and a soft paste. After the clay is refined, it reaches the perfect consistency for crafting on the potter’s wheel. Chu Đậu pottery is made entirely by hand, with skilled artisans who pour their experience and craftsmanship into every piece. This meticulous process ensures that Chu Đậu pottery is distinguishable from other types of ceramics. One of the standout features of Chu Đậu pottery is the intricate patterns that reflect Vietnamese life, beliefs, philosophy, and soul, with motifs such as chrysanthemums, lotuses, and the Lạc Việt bird. These designs are often painted beneath the glaze, a distinctive technique of decoration.

Today, Chu Đậu pottery is still produced using traditional methods, with three main product categories: replicas of ancient pottery, household items, and export products. The most famous and popular pieces include blue-and-white ceramics and tỳ bà vases. Other notable creations include the Dragon wine pots, Five Elements cups, and the Hổ Phù jars, all of which have contributed to the fame of Chu Đậu pottery.

Located along the picturesque Thu Bồn River, Thanh Hà Pottery Village in Hội An, Quảng Nam has a history of nearly 500 years. The village is renowned for its durable, high-quality terracotta products, which were even included in the Nguyễn Dynasty's list of 'national specialties.' When the Nguyễn Dynasty moved its capital to Phú Xuân, many artisans from Thanh Hà were invited to Huế to join the skilled team that built the royal palace. Some were honored with titles such as Chánh Ca and Bát Luyện. At its peak in the 17th-18th centuries, as Hội An thrived, Thanh Hà's pottery was carried across the region, from rural villages to the royal capital of Thừa Thiên Huế. The village also produced red bricks and curved roof tiles that were used in the construction of ancient houses in Hội An and surrounding areas.

The reputation of Thanh Hà Pottery Village spread far and wide. Despite facing challenges and almost fading into obscurity, the village's pottery craft was revived through the dedication of artisans who devoted their lives to the craft. Especially after UNESCO recognized it as a 'World Cultural Heritage,' Thanh Hà has become a popular destination for both domestic and international visitors.

With a tradition dating back to the 17th century, Biên Hòa Pottery is renowned for its brown glazed earthenware. Famous for its porous pottery, Biên Hòa won gold medals at international ceramic exhibitions in Paris in 1990 and 1993. The unique style of Biên Hòa pottery blends Vietnamese, Chinese, and Limoges French influences. Located near the Đồng Nai River, along the Sài Gòn-Biên Hòa highway, the village is home to numerous pottery kilns that operate day and night, filling the air with smoke. What sets Biên Hòa pottery apart is its balance of artistic value and functional use. The most common items include flower pots, statues, and animal figurines, all decorated with modern, delicate designs and light, subtle glazes in shades of milk white and ivory. Many of the motifs feature traditional Chinese themes such as the Four Seasons, Four Sacred Animals, and Chinese poetry.

Biên Hòa Pottery is now exported worldwide, from Asia to Europe and the Americas, with annual export revenues steadily rising. With its strong development and global integration, Đồng Nai is a province with great potential for foreign investment, and its traditional craft sector, especially pottery, plays a crucial role in driving economic growth. Situated at the gateway to Ho Chi Minh City, with excellent transport links and a thriving import-export business, Đồng Nai's pottery industry, with its unique style and rich history, is well-positioned to expand its reach globally.

The pottery tradition of the Khmer Pottery Village is unique in that it is primarily carried out by older women with extensive experience. Pottery-making typically takes place during the off-season for farming. The clay used in this village is sourced from the banks of Nam Quy Mountain, a fine-grained, grayish clay mixed with sand. Unlike most other pottery-making villages, the Khmer potters do not use a wheel, but instead shape their creations on a small table in the garden.

This technique represents one of the most ancient methods of pottery production still practiced by a few ethnic communities in Vietnam. The process of shaping and finishing the pottery is done on a small table in the garden. The fired pottery is typically a light red or dark yellow color, with a low firing temperature. The traditional Khmer pottery of An Giang is a beautiful fusion of the Khmer people's spirit and the earth of Vietnam. Each pottery village in Vietnam, whether thriving or no longer active, leaves its mark by reflecting and spreading the unique cultural traits of the village and contributing to the beauty of Vietnamese culture.

The Lai Thieu – Tan Phuoc Khanh Pottery Village, located in Thuan An District, Binh Duong Province, Vietnam, is one of the oldest and most renowned traditional pottery villages in southern Vietnam. With over 300 years of history, it is regarded as the 'capital' of pottery in southern Vietnam.

Lai Thieu – Tan Phuoc Khanh pottery is known for its high-quality, unique ceramics. The local people have a long-standing tradition of pottery-making, and the techniques have been passed down through generations. What makes Lai Thieu – Tan Phuoc Khanh stand out is that every piece of pottery is handmade, from shaping to glazing, painting, and firing. The pottery here is characterized by its traditional style, distinctiveness, and intricate designs.

Lai Thieu – Tan Phuoc Khanh Pottery Village attracts visitors not only for its unique pottery but also for its traditional atmosphere and the artisanal pottery-making process. Tourists can visit the pottery workshops to learn about the production process and even try their hand at making pottery. Additionally, visitors can purchase pottery products at local shops and markets. This village is an ideal destination for those interested in pottery art and exploring the traditional culture of the local people. The unique pottery from this village also makes for an excellent souvenir or gift for loved ones.

Vinh Long Pottery Village is a well-known destination in Vinh Long Province, Vietnam, famous for its traditional pottery craftsmanship that has been passed down for centuries. The village serves as a hub for pottery production and trade, attracting visitors from all over who come to explore and purchase unique ceramic products. The artisans here have perfected the craft over generations, creating beautiful and distinctive pottery, including flower vases, bowls, plates, tea sets, as well as decorative items such as lamps and statues.

All pottery products in Vinh Long are handmade from clay, carefully decorated with intricate patterns and painted with vibrant colors. Each piece showcases the local culture and the rich traditions of the area. Visitors also have the chance to engage in the pottery-making process, from clay preparation and shaping to decorating and firing. This provides a fantastic experience to appreciate the skill and artistry of the local craftsmen. Vinh Long Pottery Village is not only a popular tourist attraction but also an important cultural landmark, preserving and promoting Vietnam's traditional pottery art, while providing income and employment opportunities for the local community.

Hương Canh Pottery Village is a renowned pottery village located in Binh Xuyen District, Vinh Phuc Province, Vietnam. Situated about 45 kilometers northwest of Hanoi, this village has a long-standing tradition in pottery making. The village dates back to the 17th century and is recognized as a prominent pottery production center in the region. The craft has been passed down through generations, and the village is particularly famous for its decorative ceramic products.

The artisans in Hương Canh use traditional handcraft techniques to create unique pottery pieces. These products often reflect the essence of Vietnamese folk culture and traditional design, ranging from vases and bowls to decorative items like lamps and figurines.

Hương Canh Pottery Village is not only known for its pottery production but also serves as a popular tourist destination. Visitors can enjoy the beauty of the unique pottery items and also take part in the traditional pottery-making process, including clay preparation, shaping, decorating, and firing. The village also organizes pottery art performances and offers guided tours to educate visitors about the pottery production process. This provides an engaging experience and a deeper understanding of traditional pottery and local culture. Combining natural beauty with cultural heritage, Hương Canh Pottery Village is a unique destination that attracts many tourists interested in art and traditional culture.

Located about 50km north of Hanoi, Thổ Hà Village in Viet Yen District, Bac Giang is renowned for its traditional pottery and historic architecture, showcasing the distinctive heritage of the Northern Vietnamese people. The village is uniquely situated, with three sides bordered by the Cầu River and one side adjacent to lush green hills. Visitors must take a boat to cross the river, which adds to the feeling of stepping into a tranquil, ancient world. Pottery production in Thổ Hà flourished since the 14th century, making it one of the three oldest pottery centers of the Vietnamese people, alongside Phù Lãng and Bát Tràng. According to local genealogies and archaeological findings, Thổ Hà is considered one of the cradle points of Vietnamese pottery. From the time the craft was established until the early 1990s, the entire village relied on pottery-making as its primary livelihood. Thổ Hà pottery is known for its unique characteristics: it is water-resistant, produces a bell-like sound when struck, and has a smooth reddish-brown glaze. The prosperity of pottery has significantly improved the villagers' quality of life and contributed to the construction of grand architectural structures such as temples, pagodas, and village gates.

The village's temples and pagodas exemplify the spiritual and cultural essence of the Vietnamese people, with large-scale architecture and exquisite carvings in the distinct style of the Lê Dynasty. The surrounding village roads and narrow alleys give Thổ Hà a timeless, moss-covered serenity. Walking through the narrow paths, one feels as though they are moving through a living oil painting, surrounded by the rich hues of long-standing brickwork and ancient architectural design.

Distinct from the pottery of Thổ Hà and the white clay from Bát Tràng, Phù Lãng Pottery Village is known for its unique pinkish-red clay sourced from the Thống Vát and Cung Khiêm regions in Bac Giang. Once the clay is collected, it is sun-dried, blended with other soil layers, and broken into small pieces. The clay is then soaked, kneaded, and processed until it reaches the desired smooth and pliable texture, at which point it is shaped by hand on a pottery wheel. After shaping, the items are allowed to dry slightly, becoming non-sticky. Once the clay has set, the artisans finalize the shapes and let them dry completely. Next, they refine the surface, apply a glaze, and add color. Phù Lãng pottery is covered in a distinctive glaze with creative names like “snake skin,” “loquat fruit,” and “stone crab.” The glaze is made from a mixture of forest ash, lime, crushed stone, and white river mud. After preparation, the materials are mixed and left to dry, then ground and mixed with water to form a thick, golden liquid, which is carefully brushed onto the pottery before it is left to dry again.

What truly sets Phù Lãng pottery apart, however, is the unique wood-firing technique. This process creates heat marks on the surface of the pottery that no other firing method can replicate. After glazing and drying, the pottery is fired in a kiln at 1,000°C for three consecutive days. The soft pink clay transforms into a rich, golden-brown color, commonly referred to as “snake skin glaze.” The best pieces will have a smooth golden-yellow or amber hue and produce a resonant sound when tapped. Traditional patterns, such as the Four Sacred Beasts and rural scenes, are often embossed onto the pottery. Phù Lãng pottery is typically produced in three main categories: ceremonial, household, and artistic items. Visiting Phù Lãng provides an opportunity to learn about the history of this distinctive pottery style and even try your hand at creating your own pottery pieces.

Phước Tích Village, located in Phong Hòa, Phong Điền, Thừa Thiên Huế, was established in 1470 and has long been renowned in the royal capital of Hue for its pottery. With a history spanning over 500 years, the pottery from Phước Tích has not only served as a royal offering but has also been a vital source of livelihood for generations of villagers. Once a prized specialty throughout central Vietnam, Phước Tích pottery was used in various household items such as pots, basins, jars, and bowls, as well as in the imperial court of the Nguyễn Dynasty, where many exquisite artifacts are now preserved at the Hue Royal Fine Arts Museum.

The primary material used for Phước Tích pottery is clay sourced from the Diên Khánh region. The process includes stages of soil preparation, shaping, cooling, and firing, all supported by traditional tools such as looms, wooden molds, and potter's wheels. The skilled artisans of Phước Tích have been producing pottery for centuries, with items like storage jars, cooking vessels, and ritual objects appearing in every Hue household. Some of their most notable pieces include the royal dishes used during the emperor’s banquets, which are a point of pride for the villagers of Cồn Dương. Today, even amid competition from mass-produced plastic goods, Phước Tích remains a cherished village, as handmade pottery continues to hold a special place in the hearts of many, evoking memories of the past.