Hanoi: Bat Trang Ceramic Village Jeep Tour & Pottery Class

Summary

Pottery wheels spinning, Red River breezes, laughter in Bat Trang

You’ll ride out from Hanoi by Russian jeep, catch glimpses of daily life along the Red River, then get your hands messy making pottery in Bat Trang village with help from local artisans. Lunch is included — simple but real Vietnamese flavors — plus time to wander or just watch life go by before heading back.

What’s the experience like?

We were already bouncing along the edge of Hoan Kiem Lake when I realized how loud those old Russian jeeps really are — not in a bad way, more like you can feel every bit of Hanoi humming under your feet. Our guide, Minh, grinned at my surprise and pointed out the tangled morning traffic as we zipped past. The city faded quick; suddenly it was guava trees and rows of green vegetables flashing by, the air smelling sharper than back in town. I kept thinking how close Bat Trang is to Hanoi (maybe 30 minutes?) but it felt like a whole different world.

When we rolled into Bat Trang village, Minh waved at a woman selling sweet rice cakes by the gate — he knew her name, which made me smile. The houses here look older, paint peeling in soft blues and yellows. There’s this steady clink of ceramic somewhere behind every wall. We ducked into one workshop where an old man was shaping clay with these practiced hands — he let us try too. My bowl came out wobbly (Li laughed when I tried to say “bát” properly), but honestly? Getting my fingers all muddy felt good after so much city noise.

Lunch was simple: rice, pork with lemongrass, something pickled that woke me up again. The tea tasted smoky and strong — Minh poured it for us without asking. I still think about that view from the workshop’s upstairs window: roofs stacked with drying pots, Red River glinting beyond them. We didn’t rush back; there was time to just sit and watch a kid chase his dog between stacks of vases. So yeah, if you’re looking for a day trip from Hanoi that’s not just ticking boxes… this one lingers.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Bat Trang Ceramic Village

• Drive around Hoan Kiem Lake
• Pass guava gardens and plantations
• Visit 700-year-old Bat Trang village
• Learn traditional Vietnamese culture
• Make your own ceramic item

Top questions

How far is Bat Trang village from Hanoi?

Bat Trang is about 13 kilometers from central Hanoi, roughly a 30-minute drive depending on traffic.

Is lunch included on this tour?

Yes, lunch is included during the visit to Bat Trang ceramic village.

Can I make my own pottery during the tour?

Yes, you’ll have the chance to make your own ceramic item and take it home with you.

Is pickup available for this day trip?

The tour includes pickup options; public transportation is also available nearby.

Are infant seats available?

Specialized infant seats are available upon request for this tour.

Is this suitable for travelers with health issues?

This tour isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries or poor cardiovascular health.

What language does the guide speak?

The guide speaks Vietnamese and English during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup in Hanoi by Russian jeep, all pottery workshop fees so you can make your own piece to keep, a traditional Vietnamese lunch in Bat Trang village, plus guidance throughout from a local who knows everyone in town before returning to Hanoi in the afternoon.