Thing to do
Tra Que Vegetable Village
A centuries-old vegetable and herb growing village about 2.5 km north of the old town, where visitors can try traditional farming and cook with the harvest.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village
A 16th-century pottery village 3 km south-west of the old town, where craftsmen still shape clay by hand and visitors can try the wheel themselves.
At a glance
- Type
- Traditional craft village
- Area
- Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Vietnam
- Official site
- hoianworldheritage.org.vn
Good to know
- Pottery demonstrations
- Try making your own pottery
- Entrance ticket supports the village
Why we recommend it
Thanh Ha Pottery Village lies in the Nam Dieu area of Thanh Ha, about 3 km south-west of Hoi An's Ancient Town. Pottery has been made here since the 16th century, and the village grew alongside Hoi An's trading port. The heritage centre describes it as a living museum, because potters still work with traditional methods rather than in factories.
Master craftsmen shape the pottery by hand, following traditional techniques. The range of products is wider than many visitors expect: everyday household pottery, decorative pieces for buildings, fine art works and small souvenirs. Watching a potter turn a lump of clay into a finished vessel is the core of the visit, and you can also try making a piece yourself and take it home as a keepsake.
The craft has strong official recognition. In December 2014 Thanh Ha pottery was recognised as a traditional occupation and the village received the matching traditional village designation, and in 2019 the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism listed Thanh Ha pottery as National Intangible Cultural Heritage. Besides the workshops, the village has two heritage buildings worth seeing: Xuan My communal house and the Nam Dieu temple, which is dedicated to the founders of the pottery craft. Visitors can also watch traditional art performances and pottery demonstrations.
Visitors are asked to buy an entrance ticket, and the proceeds help preserve the traditional occupation village. Information is available from the Hoi An Office of Tourist Services at 08 Hoang Dieu Street, which is listed as the contact on the heritage centre's page.
The village is an easy half-day trip by bicycle or taxi from the old town, and La Siesta Hoi An, at 132 Hung Vuong Street, is also in Thanh Ha. It combines well with a visit to Tra Que vegetable village or Kim Bong carpentry village, the other traditional craft villages promoted by the heritage centre, if you want to spend a day on Hoi An's rural crafts. The hands-on pottery session suits families with children and anyone who enjoys making things, and it makes a calm contrast with the busier streets of the Ancient Town.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village FAQs
Where is Thanh Ha Pottery Village?
In the Nam Dieu area of Thanh Ha, about 3 km south-west of the Ancient Town.
How old is the village?
Pottery has been made here since the 16th century.
Can you make your own pottery?
Yes, visitors can try making pottery and take a souvenir home.
Is there an entrance fee?
Yes, visitors are asked to buy an entrance ticket, which helps preserve the village.
Is Thanh Ha pottery officially recognised?
Yes, it was listed as National Intangible Cultural Heritage in 2019.
What else is there to see?
Xuan My communal house and the Nam Dieu temple dedicated to the pottery founders.
Who do you contact for information?
The Hoi An Office of Tourist Services at 08 Hoang Dieu Street, hotline 084 342 8888.