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With a history spanning over 100 years, the Mang Thit brick and pottery village along the Co Chien River is renowned for producing the most famous red bricks and pottery in the Mekong Delta region.
The century-old Mang Thit brick and pottery village
The brick and tile production industry emerged in Vinh Long in the early 19th century. The village is located south of the Co Chien River. By the mid-20th century, the province had 39 active brick and tile kilns, employing around 600-800 workers. In the early 21st century, the number of kilns surged to 2,284, with the Mang Thit brick and pottery village being the largest in Vinh Long province.
During its golden era in the 1980s, the village supplied large quantities of brick tiles, tube bricks, and flat bricks. The pottery, known for its distinctive red hue due to innovative clay firing techniques, was highly sought after. The uniquely shaped kilns were strategically located along the river for easy transportation. Products made from red bricks and pottery were not only sold domestically but also exported to countries like the USA, Australia, Taiwan, Hong Kong, South Korea, and Japan.
The Mang Thit brick and pottery village still uses traditional dome-shaped kilns. Each kiln stands 5-12 meters tall, shaped like a round tower, and uses rice husks as fuel for efficiency. The clay is sourced from canals and streams in Vinh Long and Tra Vinh. Each kiln can hold around 15,000 bricks, fired over 20 days. A typical brick kiln is 7-12 meters high, resembling a round tower. Once fired, the bricks undergo finishing processes before being ready for distribution.
Promoting tourism in the 'brick and pottery kingdom'
However, the traditional brick and pottery craft is gradually fading. Manual kilns cause environmental pollution, leading to a decline in brick production. Industrial continuous kilns have replaced them, turning traditional workshops into tourist attractions. Visitors can explore and experience pottery-making techniques and traditional village culture, while capturing photos in pottery-decorated spaces.
The most popular photo spots are areas with ancient brick kilns and brick-drying yards. The Mang Thit brick and pottery village is transforming into a fascinating heritage site. Tourists can also purchase unique pottery souvenirs, such as pots in various shapes and decorative ceramics, as memorable gifts from the 'brick and pottery kingdom' along the Co Chien River.
According to Mytour.vn
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Reference: Mytour.vn Travel Guide
Mytour.vnOctober 29, 2024
