Pottery Class in Hanoi Old Quarter: Make on Electric Wheel

Throw clay on your own wheel and walk out with a piece you made

A 3-hour pottery class in Hanoi's Old Quarter where you work on an individual electric wheel, guided by a professional potter from Bat Trang ceramics village. You make as many pieces as you want, choose one to glaze in your preferred color, and pick it up the next day or two after firing. The class runs mornings (8:30–11:30) or afternoons (14:00–17:00) at a studio in the heart of the Old Quarter, steps from Ho Guom Lake and local coffee shops.

The Experience

You arrive at the studio on Hang Gai in the Old Quarter and get your own electric pottery wheel. A potter trained in Bat Trang—Vietnam's oldest ceramics village, 15km outside the city—teaches you the basics and then steps back while you work. The wheel does the heavy lifting; you focus on shaping. Three hours is enough to throw several pieces if you want to, or spend longer on one. There's no quota and no rush.

Between throws, the guide walks you through Bat Trang pottery history and technique. The studio has an AC fan and a bathroom, so you're not sweating through the afternoon. Once you've made what you want, you pick one piece to keep. You choose the enamel color—the studio fires and glazes it over the next 2–3 days. If you're leaving Hanoi sooner, they can fire it in white glaze in 1–2 days, or ship it later (shipping costs extra). You pick up your finished piece before you go, or arrange to have it sent.

The location means you can walk to Ho Guom Lake after class, grab Vietnamese coffee at one of the Old Quarter cafes, or just wander the narrow streets. No need to travel 15km out to the village itself—the experience comes to you.

What’s included

• All fees and taxes.
• 3-hour pottery class on an individual electric wheel.
• instruction from a professional potter trained in Bat Trang ceramics.
• one glazed ceramic piece of your choice to take home.
• AC fan and bathroom access during class.

Good to know

Easy physical levelPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Authentic Bat Trang

Is this one for you?Book the morning slot if you want the class done early and the rest of the day free to explore the Old Quarter and Ho Guom Lake. The afternoon session works if you sleep in or prefer to spend your morning elsewhere in Hanoi. Either way, plan to return 2–3 days later to pick up your finished, glazed piece—or arrange white-glaze firing in 1–2 days if you're leaving sooner.

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Top questions

Can I make more than one piece during the 3-hour class?

Yes. There's no limit on how many pieces and designs you can make during the 3 hours. You choose which one to glaze and take home as your souvenir.

What happens to the pieces I make—when do I get them back?

After class, you pick one piece to keep. The studio fires and glazes it in your choice of enamel color over 2–3 days. You pick it up before you leave Hanoi, or they can fire it in white glaze in 1–2 days if you're on a tighter schedule. If you're leaving sooner, they offer free items from the shop or can ship your piece later (shipping fee applies).

Do I need pottery experience to join?

No. The class teaches you the basics of Bat Trang pottery from the start. A professional guide walks you through it step by step on the electric wheel.

What time does the class run, and how long is it?

The pottery class is 3 hours. Morning slots run 8:30–11:30, and afternoon slots run 14:00–17:00. Book at least 30 minutes ahead.

Is the Old Quarter location close to anything else I might visit?

The studio is at 115 Hang Gai in the heart of the Old Quarter, a short walk from Ho Guom Lake. You can visit the lake, try Vietnamese coffee and food, or explore the neighborhood after class without traveling outside the city center.