When I first visited Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An, I felt like I had stepped into a different time. The gentle scent of clay filled the air, and the rhythmic sound of spinning pottery wheels surrounded me. This peaceful place has been keeping its traditional pottery craft alive for over 500 years.
Located just a few kilometers west of Hoi An Ancient Town, Thanh Ha is recognized as Vietnam’s national intangible cultural heritage since 2019. It’s not just a place to see pottery, it’s a living museum of Vietnamese craftsmanship, where artisans produce handmade ceramics using techniques passed down through generations.
What makes Thanh Ha special is the way tradition and creativity come together. You can walk through quiet lanes, chat with friendly locals, and even try shaping clay yourself. It’s an authentic experience that stays with you long after you leave.
Location, Opening Hours, and Entrance Fee
You’ll find Thanh Ha Pottery Village on Pham Phan Street, Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province. It’s about 3 km west of the Ancient Town, making it an easy and scenic ride.
- Opening hours: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM daily
- Ticket price: 35,000 VND per adult | 15,000 VND per child
I visited around 9 AM, and it was perfect, quiet enough to talk to artisans but lively with activity. Early mornings are ideal if you want to take photos or avoid the midday heat.
How to Get to Thanh Ha Pottery Village from Hoi An
Getting to Thanh Ha is easy, and each option offers a different experience.
- By bike or motorbike: The most enjoyable way for me. You ride along Thu Bon River, passing rice fields and local houses. Take Hung Vuong Street, continue onto Duy Tan Street, and then turn left onto Pham Phan Street.
- By taxi: A quick and comfortable ride, just 10 minutes from Hoi An Ancient Town.
- By boat: If you want something unique, take a 30-minute boat trip along the river. The views are stunning, especially around sunset.
If you plan to explore more around town, check out this useful travel guide for first-timers in Hoi An. It helps you plan your route efficiently.
History and Cultural Heritage of Thanh Ha Pottery Village
The Pottery Village has existed since the 16th–17th centuries, when artisans began crafting pottery for everyday life and trade. The pottery was used in Hoi An’s architecture and even in Hue’s royal buildings.
Locals say their ancestors once supplied bricks and tiles for temples and houses across central Vietnam. This craft shaped Hoi An’s distinct charm, with terracotta rooftops glowing warm under the sun.
Today, the village remains a symbol of heritage preservation. Each family still uses techniques passed down for centuries, ensuring this cultural legacy continues.
The Pottery-Making Process in Thanh Ha Village
Watching the pottery-making process was the highlight of my visit. It’s mesmerizing to see how simple clay turns into art. The steps are precise:
- Clay preparation: They use high-adhesive yellow clay from river fields. The clay is kneaded with water three times until it becomes soft and clean.
- Shaping: Artisans use a spinning wheel to mold the clay.
- Drying and refining: The pieces are sun-dried, shaped again for balance, and left to harden.
- Glazing: A mixture of copper, lead, hematite, and kaolin is used for tiles to give them a glossy coat.
- Firing: The pottery is baked in traditional kilns using 5–7 cubic meters of wood. Artisans know it’s ready when the smoke color changes, or the test pot turns the perfect shade of red-brown.
These steps might sound simple, but each requires years of experience. The process shows how artisans preserve traditional techniques while adapting to modern designs.
Types of Pottery Products in Thanh Ha Village
Thanh Ha offers an impressive range of pottery—over 40 types of products, from daily-use items to artistic and cultural pieces.
Traditional Pottery
Used for cooking and storage: jars, pots, pans, vases, and incense burners. Their signature shape includes flared mouths and rounded bases.
Art Pottery
These are decorative items such as statues, wall lamps, boxes, and ceramic masks. Some pieces feature Chinese characters or geometric patterns, while others have an eggshell coating.
Architectural Ceramics
This includes yin-and-yang roof tiles, brick tiles, and ceramic coffins used in local buildings.
Cultural Items
One of my favorites is the “con thổi” figure, a small whistle shaped like animals of the Vietnamese zodiac. There are also kitchen god statues, which locals place in homes for protection.
Each product tells a story, reflecting the village’s identity and connection to Vietnamese culture.
Top Things to Do at Thanh Ha Pottery Village
There’s more to do here than just looking at pottery. Here are my top picks:
- Explore artisan workshops: Walk through family-run studios and talk to the locals. They’re warm and proud of their work.
- Join a pottery-making session: You can sit at the wheel and try shaping your own bowl. I did, and though it came out uneven, it was so much fun!
- Buy souvenirs: Handmade ceramic vases, figurines, and terracotta art make lovely keepsakes.
- Attend local ceremonies: If you visit around the 10th day of the first or seventh lunar month, you’ll witness spring and autumn ceremonies at Nam Dieu Temple.
- Watch traditional performances: Locals perform boi singing, a form of folk opera, adding life to the village.
Every corner of Thanh Ha feels alive—with laughter, stories, and the earthy smell of clay.
Visit Thanh Ha Terracotta Park
Next to the village is the incredible Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, covering about 6,000 square meters. It’s one of the largest pottery parks in Vietnam.
Inside, you’ll find terracotta models of famous landmarks like the Eiffel Tower, Vietnam’s Imperial City of Hue, and Hoi An Ancient Town—all sculpted from clay. The park acts as both a museum and creative space, showcasing the evolution of Vietnamese pottery.
If you love art and architecture, this is a must-visit. It perfectly complements the experience of the pottery village.
Local Culture and Annual Ceremonies
Culture runs deep here. Every year, the village celebrates two big festivals:
- Spring Ceremony: 10th day of the 1st lunar month
- Autumn Ceremony: 10th day of the 7th lunar month
During these times, artisans open kilns, light incense, and pray for prosperity. I was lucky to see one ceremony—it was heartfelt and beautiful.
These traditions keep the community connected and remind everyone that pottery is not just a trade, but a way of life.
Practical Tips for Visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village
- Best time to visit: Morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat
- What to bring: Sunscreen, water, and a hat
- Dress comfortably: Lightweight clothes are ideal
- Be respectful: Ask before taking photos in workshops
- Support locals: Buy directly from artisans instead of resellers
Nearby, you can also explore Hoi An, enjoy a riverside coffee, or try local dishes like cao lau.
Why You Should Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An
I left the pottery village with clay still on my hands and a smile on my face. It’s more than just sightseeing—it’s about connection. Meeting artisans, shaping your own piece, and learning about their heritage is deeply personal.
If you’re visiting the Ancient town, don’t miss this peaceful, creative corner of Vietnam. It’s the kind of place that slows you down and reminds you why travel matters—to experience, to learn, and to feel.