Nestled along the poetic Thu Bon River, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a hidden gem for travelers seeking the authentic charm of Hoi An. While the ancient town is famed for its lantern-lit streets and timeless beauty, its traditional craft villages like Thanh Ha offer a deeper, more immersive cultural experience. Here, you can witness skilled artisans shaping clay into delicate pottery, try your hand at making your own ceramic piece, and soak in the peaceful rhythm of rural Vietnamese life. Join ExplorePrivateCar.com as we take you on a journey to discover the enduring artistry of Thanh Ha Village.
A Brief History of Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha Pottery Village, located just a few kilometers from the ancient town of Hoi An, has a long and rich history dating back to the 16th–17th centuries. Originally a small riverside community, Thanh Ha developed into a thriving village known for its traditional pottery and brick-making skills.
Historical records and royal documents from the Nguyen Dynasty mention Thanh Ha as an important village in Quang Nam province, home to many skilled craftsmen who contributed to royal construction projects in Hue and beyond. By the 18th and 19th centuries, the village had grown significantly, divided into several hamlets and home to numerous artisan families.
Over time, generations of potters have passed down their knowledge, preserving the unique techniques and cultural heritage of the village. Today, Thanh Ha continues to be a vibrant center of ceramic artistry, where visitors can learn about its fascinating past while experiencing the charm of hands-on pottery making.
Where is Thanh Ha Pottery Village?
Address of Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha Pottery Village is located just 3 kilometers west of Hoi An Ancient Town, along the peaceful Thu Bon River. It’s a perfect destination for those seeking to explore the cultural and historical charm of central Vietnam.
How to Get to Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Getting to Thanh Ha Village is quite easy. From the center of Hoi An, follow Hung Vuong Street toward Duy Tan Street. After about 500 meters, turn left at the intersection — you’ll soon arrive at the village. Along the way, you’ll find clear direction signs pointing to Thanh Ha Village.
Transportation Options
There are several transportation options to reach Thanh Ha Village, such as taxis, buses, or motorbike rentals. However, for the most authentic and scenic experience, many travelers recommend renting a bicycle. It’s a great way to enjoy the peaceful streets and beautiful surroundings of Hoi An.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable option or want to explore multiple places in one day, consider booking a private car in Hoi An with ExplorePrivateCar.com for a safe and flexible travel experience.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village Entrance Fee
The entrance fee to Thanh Ha Pottery Village is 35,000 VND for adults and 15,000 VND for children. This fee includes more than just admission — visitors can explore heritage sites like Xuan My Communal House and the Craft Ancestor Temple, watch pottery-making demonstrations, and even try shaping their own ceramic pieces.
Bonus experiences:
- Free admission for guests arriving by electric car.
- Free local guide for groups of 8 or more people.
- Hands-on pottery-making activities at no extra charge.
🕒 Opening hours: The village is open daily until 5:30 PM, so plan your visit accordingly — staying near Hoi An city center will help you save time on travel.
⚠️ On weekends and holidays, the village can get crowded, and you might have to wait in line for tickets. To avoid long waits, consider booking a Thanh Ha Pottery Village tour through a trusted travel agency.
Must-Do Activities When Visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village
Thanh Ha Pottery Village stands out from other pottery villages in Vietnam thanks to its unique handmade production process. If you visit, don’t miss these 5 exciting experiences:
Watch Skilled Artisans Shape Pottery
At Thanh Hà, you can see talented artisans expertly molding clay into beautiful pottery pieces. Their passion and craftsmanship bring life to every creation, turning simple clay into stunning works of art.
Make Your Own Pottery
Try your hand at pottery making! You’ll have the chance to create your own bowl, cup, or vase with guidance from the local artisans. It’s a fun and memorable experience for visitors of all ages.
Explore a 500-Year-Old Village
Thanh Ha is a historic pottery village with over 500 years of heritage. Join a guided tour to learn about its fascinating history and enjoy traditional festivals like the annual pottery god ceremony held on the 10th day of the first lunar month.
Discover the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park
This massive terracotta park, covering nearly 6,000 m², showcases hundreds of pottery sculptures and miniature famous landmarks like the Leaning Tower of Pisa and the One Pillar Pagoda. It’s the largest pottery park in Vietnam and a must-see for art lovers.
Buy Unique Souvenirs
Visitors are often gifted a small pottery souvenir as a thank you. You can also shop for beautiful handmade pottery and keepsakes to bring back home as gifts for your loved ones.
Tips for Exploring Thanh Ha Pottery Village, Hoi An
Best Time to Visit
The period from March to September, with its dry weather, offers the best experience for visiting the village. To avoid large crowds, consider not going during the summer months (June to August).
A truly special experience awaits if you visit during the Pottery Village Festival (9th-10th day of the 7th lunar month). This is when the village holds spiritual ceremonies along with many unique cultural activities celebrating the traditional craft.
Preparation Before Your Trip
- Cash: Essential for transactions at small workshops
- Light and respectful clothing: Especially important when visiting sacred areas
- Sun protection: Stay healthy and comfortable in the heat
- Camera or recording device: Capture your memorable moments
Local Advice
According to the artisans, early morning or late afternoon is the ideal time to explore the village. The gentle light creates a poetic atmosphere and makes the weather more pleasant.
When buying pottery products, gently tap the item to hear the sound. High-quality ceramics will produce a clear, steady ring — a little secret passed down through generations of potters.
Conclusion
With the detailed experience shared about visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An, we hope it helps you have a meaningful and enjoyable trip to this culturally rich destination. Thanh Ha Pottery Village not only preserves a long-standing ceramic craft tradition but also offers unique and memorable experiences. If you’ve fallen in love with the delicate pottery and warm-hearted artisans here, don’t hesitate to plan your visit soon to fully enjoy the cultural beauty of Hoi An.
