Thanh Ha Pottery Village: A Living Craft Tradition Near Hoi An
Thanh Ha Pottery Village (Lang Gom Thanh Ha) stands as a remarkable living museum of traditional Vietnamese craftsmanship. Located approximately 3 kilometers west of Hoi An Ancient Town along the peaceful Thu Bon River, this charming village offers a tranquil escape from the bustling city. It provides a unique opportunity for visitors to observe a pottery-making tradition that dates back over five centuries, and even allows them to try their hand at the craft.
I. History and Cultural Significance
The village originated in the 16th century when artisans from Thanh Hoa province migrated to the Quang Nam region, bringing their pottery expertise.
A Golden Era: The craft flourished during the 16th and 17th centuries, when Thanh Ha products supplied the local markets, the Hoi An trading port, and even the royal court. Local potters became renowned for their durability and distinctive non-glazed, red-yellow terracotta color, producing household items, tiles, and bricks that helped shape the architecture of the nearby Ancient Town.
Preserved Techniques: Thanh Ha artisans still utilize entirely traditional methods. They shape the clay by hand on a simple, manually-operated potter’s wheel, avoiding industrial molds. This commitment to heritage ensures every piece possesses a unique, human touch.
II. Must-Do Activities and Attractions
Visitors engage in several enriching activities within the village.
Observe the Artisans: Walk through the narrow lanes and watch the skilled craftsmen and women at their open-air workshops. They meticulously transform raw yellow clay, sourced from the riverbanks, into various finished products before firing them in traditional kilns.
Make Your Own Pottery: The entry ticket typically includes a hands-on experience where a local artisan teaches you how to mold your own clay souvenir on the pottery wheel. This activity is perfect for families and provides a memorable keepsake.
Visit the Terracotta Park: This separate attraction showcases the incredible versatility of Thanh Ha ceramics. The park features miniature replicas of iconic global architectural wonders—such as the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the Sydney Opera House—all constructed entirely from terracotta. It is an ideal location for unique photographs.
Ancestral Temple: Visit the Nam Dieu Communal House (Dinh Nam Dieu), which serves as a spiritual hub where villagers hold ceremonies to honor the craft’s founders, especially on the 10th day of the 7th lunar month.
III. Essential Visitor Information
Use this information to plan your trip effectively.
Location: Pham Phan Street (Duong Pham Phan), Thanh Ha Ward, Hoi An City, Quang Nam Province.
Getting There: The short distance encourages travelers to hire a taxi, Grab, or rent a bicycle or motorbike from Hoi An Ancient Town (10–15 minutes).
Operating Hours: The village is typically open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:30 PM.
Entrance Fee: Tourists generally pay an admission fee of around 35,000 VND for adults to enter the village. This fee includes access to the workshops, the pottery-making experience, and a small clay souvenir like a whistle. Note that the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park (Cong Vien Dat Nung) requires a separate admission ticket, often around 50,000 VND.
Contact: For group booking or current information, you can contact a local tour operator or check with your hotel.
