Bat Trang Village 2023: Vietnam’s Pottery Paradise

Have you ever wondered how a lump of clay can be transformed into a beautiful and useful object? If you have, then you should visit Bat Trang village, the oldest and most famous pottery village in Vietnam. Located on the banks of the Red River, just a short drive from Hanoi, Bat Trang village will amaze you with its rich history, diverse products and fun activities. You will see how the pottery artisans use their skills and creativity to produce stunning ceramics for daily use, worship or decoration. You will also have a chance to make your own pottery products and bring them home as souvenirs. In this paper, we will take you on a journey to discover the past, present and future of Bat Trang village, and show you why it is a cultural treasure of Vietnam.

1. How did Bat Trang village develop over the centuries?

The history of Bat Trang village can be traced back to the 10th century, when King Ly Cong Uan moved the capital to Thang Long (now Hanoi). According to some family annals, many craftsmen from other regions followed the king and settled in Bat Trang, which had abundant clay resources and a convenient location on the Red River. The village soon became famous for its pottery products, which were exported to many countries such as Japan, China and Western Europe. Bat Trang pottery was especially favored by the royal court and the aristocracy for its exquisite design and quality.

During the 15th-17th centuries, Bat Trang village reached its peak of prosperity, thanks to the flourishing trade between Thang Long and Pho Hien, two important commercial centers in northern Vietnam at that time. Bat Trang pottery was also influenced by the cultural exchange with foreign merchants and travelers, who brought new styles and techniques to the village. However, in the 18th-19th centuries, Bat Trang village faced many difficulties due to the restrictive foreign trade policy of the Trinh and Nguyen dynasties. Many pottery workshops had to close down or switch to other businesses.

In 1986, after the economic reforms and opening up of Vietnam, Bat Trang village regained its vitality and reputation. Many pottery workshops resumed their production and exported their products to various markets around the world. The village also attracted many tourists who wanted to learn about the traditional craft and culture of Vietnamese pottery. Bat Trang village became a symbol of the preservation and innovation of Vietnamese ceramics.

2. The main types of ceramics produced in Bat Trang village

Bat Trang village is a famous ceramic and pottery center in Vietnam that has been producing high-quality products for centuries . The village has a huge range of shapes, colors, designs and sizes of pottery, partly because each household has its own technique for making pottery. Some of the main types of ceramics produced in Bat Trang village are:

• Ash glaze ceramics: These are made from white clay, lime and rice husk ash. They have a white or light yellow color and a smooth surface. They are suitable for making tea sets, dishes and vases that have a simple and elegant look. Ash glaze ceramics are also durable and easy to clean.
• Brown glaze ceramics: These are made by adding iron oxide and manganese oxide to ash glaze. They have a brown or black color and a glossy surface. They are ideal for making ornaments, statues and lamps that have a rustic and antique feel. Brown glaze ceramics are also strong and resistant to heat and moisture.
• Crackle glaze ceramics: These are produced from lime, rice husk ash and light pink kaolin. They have a crackled pattern on the surface that resembles cracked ice. They are perfect for making bowls, plates and trays that have a unique and artistic appearance. Crackle glaze ceramics are also lightweight and delicate.
• Painted ceramics: These are decorated with hand-painted patterns in blue and white or other colors. Some of the common motifs are flowers, dragonflies, lotus and bamboo. They are great for making cups, mugs and pots that have a colorful and lively look. Painted ceramics are also expressive and creative.

The ceramics produced in Bat Trang village have various uses, such as:

• Tea sets: These are popular among domestic and foreign customers who appreciate the traditional style and quality of Bat Trang pottery. They include teapots, cups, saucers and spoons that can serve different types of tea, such as green tea, black tea or herbal tea. Tea sets can also be used as gifts or souvenirs for friends and family.
• Dishes: These are used for serving food and displaying fruits or snacks. They come in different shapes and sizes, such as plates, bowls, trays and platters . They can hold various kinds of dishes, such as rice, noodles, soup or salad. Dishes can also be used as decoration or collection items for the kitchen or dining room.
• Vases: These are used for holding flowers or decorating the house. They have different shapes and designs, such as cylindrical, spherical, hexagonal or octagonal . They can contain different kinds of flowers, such as roses, orchids or sunflowers. Vases can also be used as centerpieces or accent pieces for the living room or bedroom.
• Ornaments: These are used for adding beauty and charm to the living space. They include figurines, statues, lamps, candle holders and more . They can represent different themes, such as animals, people or landscapes. Ornaments can also be used as personal or cultural symbols or expressions.

3. Things to do when visiting Bat Trang pottery village

• Walk around the village: Tourists can explore the rural setting of Bat Trang village and see the traditional houses, temples, pagodas and workshops of the pottery makers. They can also admire the variety of pottery products displayed along the streets and in the shops.
• Make their own pottery: Tourists can join a pottery class and learn how to make their own pottery products with the guidance of a local craftsman. They can choose from different types of clay, glazes and shapes and use a pottery wheel or a mold to shape their creations. They can also paint and decorate their pottery with various patterns and colors.
• Visit a pottery factory: Tourists can visit a pottery factory and see how the pottery products are made on a large scale. They can witness the different stages of production, such as mixing clay, shaping pottery, drying pottery, glazing pottery and firing pottery in kilns. They can also learn about the history and culture of Bat Trang pottery village from the factory owners or workers.
• Buy souvenirs: Tourists can buy souvenirs from Bat Trang village and bring home some of the finest pottery products in Vietnam. They can choose from a wide range of products, such as tea sets, dishes, vases, ornaments and more. They can also bargain for a good price or order customized products according to their preferences.
• Visit the communal house: Tourists can visit the communal house of Bat Trang village and see the relics of communal houses, temples, pagodas and literature documents that reflect the history and culture of the village. They can also worship the tutelary gods of the village and learn about their stories and legends.
• Join the festival: Tourists can join the festival of Bat Trang village that takes place on January 15th of the lunar calendar every year. They can participate in various games, events and rituals that celebrate the craft and culture of Bat Trang pottery. They can also enjoy the food, music and atmosphere of the festival

4. How to get to Bat Trang village from Hanoi?

There are several ways to get to Bat Trang village from Hanoi, depending on your budget, preference and time. Here are some of the most common options:

• By bus: You can take bus No.47A from Long Bien transit point on Yen Phu Street, Tay Ho District, Hanoi and get off near the pottery market in Bat Trang village. The bus ticket costs 7,000 VND/person (0.3 USD) and the bus runs every 20 minutes from 5am to 8pm. This is a cheap and convenient way to travel, but it may take longer than other options due to traffic and stops.
• By motorbike: You can rent a motorbike from one of the many shops in Hanoi city center for about 150,000 VND/motorbike/day (6.5 USD) and drive to Bat Trang village by yourself. You can follow Google Maps or ask for directions from the locals. You need to cross one of the bridges over the Red River (Chuong Duong, Vinh Tuy or Thanh Tri) and turn right along the Red River Dyke until you reach the village. This is a fast and flexible way to travel, but you need to be careful of the traffic and have a valid driver's license and identification document.
• By taxi: You can take a taxi from Hanoi city center to Bat Trang village for about 200,000 VND/4-seater car (8.6 USD) and enjoy a comfortable and hassle-free ride. You can choose from one of the reputable taxi companies in Hanoi, such as Taxi Group, Taxi Xanh SM, Mai Linh Taxi, Tourist Taxi or ABC Taxi. This is a convenient and safe way to travel, but it may be more expensive than other options.

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Bat Trang village is a wonderful destination for anyone who loves pottery and wants to experience authentic Vietnamese culture. If you are interested in visiting Bat Trang village in 2023, you should book your trip with Threeland Travel. Don't hesitate to contact us today and start planning your dream trip to Bat Trang village in 2023. You won't regret it!
 

 

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