Bát Tràng Ceramics Village

When my family asked me what are the destinations I wanted to focus on visiting on my Vietnam trip, without hesitation, the world-famous ceramics village of Bát Tràng was in my top 3 priority.

Established in the 14th century, Bát Tràng is the oldest craft village in Vietnam, and one of the few still standing. The original families built a ceramics trade around the clay-rich region located next to the Red River. To say that I was like a kid in the candy shop is an understatement. Bát Tràng’s stunningly crafted and hand-painted pieces do not need my hyperbole to speak for themselves.

Today, thanks to the region’s global popularity, the younger generations have the economic viability to carry on the long-standing ancient craft. But as the young lady who owns the shop from whence I purchased these adorable coffee phin explained with genuine enthusiasm as she lovingly packed each piece in layers of bubble wraps: “The money factor is a nice bonus, but for most of us in this village, we take pride in carrying on our ancestors’ traditions.”