Bat Trang Ceramics Village Tour with Factory Visit & Pottery Class

Summary

Hands-On Bat Trang Pottery Experience from Hanoi Old Quarter

You’ll get to see real Bat Trang ceramics made up close—visit working factories, step inside an ancient kiln, wander hidden village lanes, and try your hand at pottery with local artisans guiding you every step of the way.

What’s the experience like?

The morning air was cool when we met at 62 Hang Hom in Hanoi’s old quarter. Our guide greeted us with a quick smile and a bottle of water—always handy for the drive out to Bat Trang. It’s only about 40 minutes, but you’ll notice the city noise fades fast as you cross the Red River. By the time we reached the village, I could smell clay and wood smoke drifting from workshops.

First stop: the Glaze Factory. Inside, workers moved quietly between shelves stacked with half-finished bowls and vases. Our guide explained each step—how they shape raw clay, let it dry just enough, then fire it before glazing. I got to run my fingers over a piece before and after glazing; it’s surprisingly different. The firing process is loud and hot—there’s this deep thud when they close the kiln door that sticks with you.

Next up was the old wood-fired kiln, LÒ BẦU CỔ. It’s over 200 years old, and stepping inside felt like walking into a cave. You can still see soot on the bricks from countless firings. Our guide told us stories about how families used to gather here during big production runs—sometimes working through the night if rain threatened their drying pots outside.

Lunch came just in time—simple Vietnamese dishes at a small spot in the village (the fried tofu was crisp and perfect). Afterward, we wandered into Bat Trang’s quieter lanes. Away from tourist crowds, these narrow alleys twist past old houses where locals still chat on stoops or sell sweet rice cakes from tiny carts. Without our guide, I’d have gotten lost for sure.

The last stop was my favorite: a hand-made ceramics workshop where everything is shaped and painted by hand. We tried throwing clay on a wheel—messy but fun—and painted our own little cups to take home (mine’s lopsided but I love it). The staff were patient even when I nearly dropped my piece twice! By late afternoon, we were back in Hanoi with clay under our nails and new stories to tell.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Bat Trang Ceramics Village Tour

• Pick up at Hanoi old quarter shop
• Transfer to Bat Trang village
• Visit Glaze Factory and learn ceramic process
• Visit oldest kiln (Lò Bầu Cổ)
• Lunch with traditional Vietnamese food
• Explore Bat Trang ancient village
• Visit Hand Made and Hand Painted Factory and pottery class
• Return to Hanoi old quarter shop
• Pottery class at Hanoi old quarter shop

Top questions

Is this tour suitable for kids or older travelers?

Absolutely! The route is easygoing and wheelchair accessible. Kids love the pottery class too—it gets messy in a good way.

Can I keep what I make during the pottery class?

Yes! You’ll take home your own handmade ceramic piece as a keepsake from Bat Trang.

What should I wear or bring?

Wear comfy clothes you don’t mind getting a bit dirty (pottery can be messy), and maybe bring sunscreen if it’s sunny out.

Is lunch included? What kind of food is served?

A traditional Vietnamese lunch is included—usually simple dishes like tofu, veggies, rice, sometimes grilled pork or chicken depending on what’s fresh that day.

What’s included

Your tour covers round-trip transport from Hanoi Old Quarter, all entrance fees, bottled water throughout the day, an English-speaking local guide who knows Bat Trang inside out, your own hands-on pottery class (with materials), plus lunch in the village. Everything’s arranged so you can just enjoy exploring and creating!