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Just a few kilometers west of Hoi An's old town lies the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, a peaceful but lively village where tradition and creativity meet. With a history dating back over five centuries, this small riverbank village in Quang Nam Province remains one of Vietnam's most authentic cultural treasures. It's not that people come here to admire ceramics, they come to see a living history crafted by the hands of countless generations of artisans.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Source: danangairportterminal)
Thanh Ha Village began producing pottery in the late 15th century under the Le Dynasty. The craftsmen initially migrated from northern Vietnam and introduced their skill to Hoi An, which was a prosperous international port at that time. With an increase in trade, demand for ceramic wares for domestic consumption and for exportation also rose. Thanh Ha was renowned for terracotta and clay items of superior quality, varying in color, shape, and durability.
At its peak during the 17th and 18th centuries, Thanh Ha pottery was shipped throughout Southeast Asia and overseas. Thanh Ha is unique among other ceramic towns in that it employs traditional, generation-old hand making techniques, along with native, iron based clay that gives the pottery its characteristic reddish hue.
History of Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Source: hiddenhoian)
Though industrialization and mass production reduced demand, the village has seen renewed prosperity in recent decades. Today it is both a living craft pottery community and a tourist destination, welcoming visitors who want to explore Vietnam's craft heritage.
The best time to visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village is in the dry season, from February to August. It is the ideal time to have good weather, minimal rain, and good conditions for outdoor exploration and hands-on experience with pottery. March and April are especially ideal, as the weather is warm but not scorching, and Hoi An is filled with festivals and culture.
For pleasant weather with less tourist crowds, go in early May or late August. Early morning is the most suitable time of day to visit. The village is quieter, artisans are occupied working, and the lighting is perfect for photography. Avoid visiting during noon if you are heat sensitive, especially during summer months.
Best time to visit (Source: hoiancreativecity)
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This is the village's crown gem, a special outdoor museum focused on clay and ceramic art. Thanh Ha Terracotta Park was opened in 2011 as both a teaching space and architectural wonder. It's shaped like a massive ceramic kiln and has model reproductions of well known structures all over the globe made entirely from terracotta. There is the Eiffel Tower, the Colosseum, and even Vietnam's One Pillar Pagoda made from clay.
Inside, there is a museum section where you can learn about the history of ceramics, different methods, and how the craft evolved in Vietnam. It's a suitable place to go for families and anyone who likes design and culture.
Thanh Ha Terracotta Park (Source: Traveloka)
The most interactive activity in Thanh Ha is trying your hand at pottery. Local artisans offer hands-on lessons where tourists can learn the basics of shaping clay on a foot-powered wheel, decoration, and learning about traditional firing methods. Most of the classes are relaxed, so you don't need to reserve in advance unless you're coming with a large group.
The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Even if you are not an expert, the craftsmen guide you through patiently. And yes, you can bring your artwork home as a memento. It's a personal and memorable experience to get close to Vietnamese culture.
Pottery making workshops (Source: Hoiantours)
The charm of Thanh Ha is its everyday life. Taking a stroll along the narrow lanes of the village, you can see clay pots, vases, figurines, and tiles dried in the sun under front yards. Many houses welcome guests in, displaying old and new works and even sharing their art stories.
Don't miss the opportunity to shop for handmade pottery directly from the makers. Prices are reasonable, and you’ll be supporting local artisans who are keeping centuries old traditions alive. Keep an eye out for traditional to he (small clay animals), tiles with ancient motifs, and functional wares like incense holders and plant pots.
Tourists are visiting the village and the handicraft houses (Source: hiddenhoian)
Hung Vuong Street in Hoi An (Source: tcdulichtphcm)
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is not just a tourist site, it's alive and part of Vietnam's heritage. Here, not just is clay molded, it tells stories of commerce, heritage, and craftsmanship that have existed for centuries. Want to make the most of your trip? Asia King Travel offers customized trips to Thanh Ha Pottery Village and other off the beaten path treasures in Vietnam.
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