Thanh Ha Pottery Village Hoi An: MUST GO Destination for Visitors

When travellers think of Hoi An, its lantern-lit streets and UNESCO-listed Ancient Town often come first to mind. Yet just nearby, Thanh Ha Pottery Village has preserved the art of ceramics for over 500 years. More than sightseeing, it offers a truly hands-on cultural experience.

If you’re planning your trip, this guide from La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa will help you uncover the history of Thanh Ha, why it’s worth visiting, how to get there, and even how you can try your hand at pottery-making yourself.

Basic Informations About Thanh Ha Pottery Village

• Location: Pham Phan, Thanh Ha, Hoi An, Quang Nam
• Ticket Price: $1.37 for adults, $0.58 for children
• Opening Hours: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily

The village is just 3 km west of Hoi An Ancient Town and over 5 minutes from La Siesta Hoi An Resort and Spa, making it an easy half-day trip for anyone staying at the resort and nearby.

How to Get to Thanh Ha Pottery Village?

There are several easy ways to reach the village:

• By Bicycle or Motorbike: Highly recommended if you enjoy scenic countryside rides.
• And if you choose to stay at La Siesta in Hoi An, it takes just over five minutes to reach the village, passing rice fields and quiet lanes. We provide complimentary bicycles for our guests, making it easy to cycle to Thanh Ha Pottery Village.
• By Taxi: A convenient choice for families, costing just a few dollars.
• Thu Bon River Tour: A more traditional and scenic option. Many boat tours stop at Thanh Ha, allowing you to arrive just as traders did centuries ago.

What Is The History of Thanh Ha Pottery Village?

Thanh Ha Pottery Village dates back to the 16th century, during Vietnam’s Le Dynasty. At that time, Hoi An was a flourishing international trading port, attracting merchants from China, Japan, and Europe. Thanh Ha became well-known for producing durable, functional ceramics that served both local families and trading vessels.

Unlike mass-produced pottery, the techniques here have been passed down through generations. Traditional kilns and clay-shaping skills are still used today, allowing visitors to witness living history in action. It’s a rare opportunity to see craftsmanship that has remained authentic for centuries.

Why Should You Visit Thanh Ha Pottery Village At Least Once?

So, what makes Thanh Ha pottery so special?

• First, it’s the heritage. Few places in Vietnam have such a long, unbroken history of craft-making.
• Second, it’s the technique: artisans here work with unique local clay, shaping it entirely by hand without modern machinery. Every pot, bowl, or sculpture carries a touch of individuality.

• Third, it’s the experience. Unlike browsing shops in the Ancient Town, Thanh Ha allows you to step into the world of the craftsmen – to smell the earthy clay, to feel its texture in your palms, and to create something of your own.
• For travellers seeking more than just sightseeing, this is one of the most authentic cultural encounters in Hoi An.

Can I Get Into Pottery At Thanh Ha Village?

Absolutely – and that’s the highlight of your visit. For a small additional fee, local artisans invite visitors to sit at the pottery wheel and try shaping clay under their guidance. Don’t worry if you’ve never touched clay before; the process is simple, fun, and suitable for all ages.

The joy of creating something with your own hands is unforgettable. Many visitors take their handmade bowls, cups, or figurines home as a souvenir crafted by themselves – a unique reminder of their journey in Hoi An.

How to Make Pottery As A Beginner?

Trying pottery at Thanh Ha Village is one of the most memorable activities in Hoi An. Don’t worry if you’re a complete beginner – the artisans will guide you through each stage. Here’s a simple step-by-step process to help you understand what to expect:

1. Prepare the Clay

Artisans provide soft, workable clay. You’ll learn how to knead and press it to remove air bubbles, making it smooth and ready to shape.

2. Place It on the Wheel

The clay is placed on a spinning pottery wheel, usually powered by the artisan’s skilled foot movement. This is where the fun begins!

3. Shape with Your Hands

Using your palms and fingers, you’ll gently press and guide the clay as it spins. The artisan helps steady your hands so the shape forms naturally. Most beginners start with a small bowl or cup.

4. Refine the Form

Once the shape is set, you’ll smooth the edges and refine the details. This is where you can get creative – pinch the rim, add curves, or keep it simple.

5. Let It Dry

After shaping, the pottery is left to air dry. Depending on the weather, this may take hours or days. At Thanh Ha, some workshops allow you to decorate the clay while it’s still damp.

6. Fire in the Kiln

The dried clay is placed into a traditional wood-fired kiln, where high heat transforms it from fragile clay to durable ceramic. This step is usually done by the artisans themselves.

7. Decorate & Finish

Finally, you can add simple colours or patterns. Some visitors paint their pottery as a keepsake. Whether polished or rustic, your creation becomes a one-of-a-kind souvenir.

Travel Tips for Visiting Thanh Ha Pottery Village

To make the most of your trip, keep these tips in mind:

• Visit in the morning when the weather is cooler and the village less crowded.
• Bring small cash for entrance tickets, pottery classes, and souvenirs.
• Don’t miss the hands-on pottery activity – it’s the highlight of the visit.
• Support local artisans by buying handmade souvenirs instead of mass-produced items.
• Be respectful with photos; always ask permission before taking portraits of villagers.

Where to Stay Near Thanh Ha Pottery Village?

For a perfect blend of comfort and culture, stay at La Siesta Hoi An Resort & Spa, just 1.4 km from the Ancient Town. Surrounded by lush gardens and rice fields, this green retreat offers 4 unique pools, handcrafted villas, and heartfelt Vietnamese hospitality. It’s the ideal base to explore Thanh Ha while enjoying refined comfort.

Whether you want to reconnect with culture, indulge in relaxation, or simply embrace the tranquillity of Hoi An, La Siesta provides the perfect sanctuary.

Let La Siesta welcome you home – book your unforgettable getaway today.

Our Thoughts

From La Siesta Hoi An Resort, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is more than a tourist attraction – it’s a living museum of Vietnamese heritage. By visiting, you’re not only exploring a craft village but also keeping alive a tradition that has lasted for centuries. From shaping clay with your own hands to taking home a piece of authentic pottery, every moment here tells a story.

If Hoi An is where history and culture meet, Thanh Ha is where you can truly touch history with your own hands. Don’t miss the chance to make it part of your journey.