A visit to Phu Lang Pottery Village offers a glimpse into the pottery-making heritage of northern Vietnam. Nestled in Bac Ninh Province, this village is known for its handmade pottery that has been preserved for generations.

1. Overview of Phu Lang Pottery Village

1.1. Location

Phu Lang Pottery Village is one of the most renowned pottery villages in northern Vietnam. Located along the poetic Cau River in Phu Lang Commune (formerly Que Vo Town), Bac Ninh Province, this charming village has preserved its pottery-making heritage for over 700 years.

Known for producing rustic yet robust pottery pieces, Phu Lang Pottery Village has been selected as one of three craft villages in Bac Ninh to be developed for OCOP (One Commune One Product) - a national rural development program.

1.2. History

The roots of Phu Lang's pottery-making craft trace back to the late Ly Dynasty. Legend has it that Luu Phong Tu, who was considered the village’s founding potter, learned ceramic techniques during diplomatic missions and later passed down the craft to local villagers.

While the trade faced periods of decline, the last decade has seen a strong revival. Blending art with experiential tourism, Phu Lang pottery has gained recognition across Vietnam and beyond.

Traditionally, people in Phu Lang Pottery Village crafted large jars, vases, and burial urns. Since 2000, younger artisans have introduced a wider range of artistic items, including murals, statues, decorative homeware, and religious objects. Today, more than 200 households are involved in pottery making, employing nearly 1,000 artisans. The village produces over one million ceramic pieces annually, many of which are exported.

In 2016, Phu Lang pottery was officially recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage.

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2. What makes Phu Lang pottery outstanding?

The ceramics from Phu Lang Pottery Village stand out for their diversity and craftsmanship. These products fall into three main categories:

Religious objects: Buddha statues, incense burners, etc.
Household items: Jars, pots, hookah pipes, vases, etc.
Decorative homeware: Vases, paintings, figurines, etc.

Phu Lang pottery boasts an impressive variety of product lines

What sets Phu Lang pottery in Bac Ninh apart is its handmade texture, the fact that artisans use no molds or machinery. Everything is shaped by hand, and the glaze is home-made using natural materials. Key steps include sculpting, building the form, and firing. The entire process for one piece can take up to two days.

Phu Lang ceramics undergo multiple stages of preparation

The clay comes from red alluvial soil found in Bac Giang and transported by river to Phu Lang Pottery Village. After multiple stages of filtering and kneading, the clay becomes soft and pliable, ready for shaping. Phu Lang pottery is known for its earthy look with strong forms. Pieces often feature double-layered carving.

The glazes are uniquely made from a mix of forest ash and river mud. When fired at 1,200°C, this natural glaze produces rich hues like brown, red, and ochre. Today, younger artisans have expanded the palette using natural ingredients such as leaves, minerals, and gemstone fragments.

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3. Things to do at Phu Lang Pottery Village, Bac Ninh

3.1. Explore the pottery-making process

A visit to Phu Lang is not complete without a tour of its traditional workshops. Visitors can observe each stage of pottery-making, from clay filtering and kneading to shaping, drying, decorating, and wood-firing. This is an opportunity to talk with skilled artisans and appreciate their dedication to the craft. You will also get to admire their beautiful finished pieces, each a work of art.

Things to do at Phu Lang Pottery Village, Bac Ninh

3.2. Experience hands-on pottery making

After learning about the process, visitors can try making their own ceramic piece under the guidance of the local artisans. Creating a good piece on your first try may be challenging, but the experience is both fun and rewarding. Many visitors find joy in shaping clay and bringing home a piece they crafted themselves - a perfect way to connect with the village’s artistic spirit.

3.3. Save the moment with photos

Phu Lang Pottery Village exudes the charm of a peaceful Vietnamese village. Mossy tile-roofed homes, rows of stacked firewood, kilns, and winding red-dirt pathways form a beautiful, nostalgic setting. Giant ceramic jars, pots, and basins line the alleys, making perfect photo backdrops for an artistic countryside vibe. The tranquil scenery along the Cau River adds to the village's rustic allure.

3.4. Buy pottery souvenirs

Phu Lang ceramics are both affordable and artistic, making them ideal souvenirs. Whether you are looking for a vase, a miniature figurine, a planter, or a ceremonial item, you will find something that suits your taste.

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4. Guide for tourists to Phu Lang Pottery Village

4.1. Best time to visit

You can visit Phu Lang at any time of year. The 12th lunar month is particularly lively as potters prepare for Tet by launching new designs. Local festivals in Bac Ninh offer a cultural bonus, including the Lim Festival (13th day - 1st lunar month), Dinh Bang Festival (14-16th days - 3rd lunar month), Dau Pagoda Festival (8-9th days - 4th lunar month), Ba Chua Kho Temple Festival (1st lunar month), or Phat Tich Pagoda Festival (3-5th days - 1st lunar month).

Guide for tourists to Phu Lang Pottery Village

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4.2. Transportation

Phu Lang is around 60 kilometers away from Hanoi, equivalent to a 1-hour-40-minute drive. To get to the village yourself, follow either Highway CT01 (for cars) or Nguyen Van Cu Street (for motorbikes) all the way to Bac Ninh, then turn right onto National Road 17 (QL17). Upon reaching Phu Lang Commune, you can either ask the locals or follow the signs to get to Phu Lang Pottery Village.

4.3. Extra tips

To make your trip to Phu Lang Pottery Village smooth, keep these tips in mind:

Be cautious around tall stacks of firewood - they can be unstable.
If traveling with children, supervise them closely to prevent accidents.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes for walking and hands-on activities.
Respect the artisans and their work - avoid touching unfired ceramics or disrupting the production process.
Always ask for prices in advance and feel free to politely bargain.
Call ahead to confirm workshop availability if you want a guided visit.

Phu Lang Pottery Village is a captivating attraction where tradition, craftsmanship, and culture come to life. From hands-on experiences to scenic countryside views, a visit here offers both artistry and tranquility. Phu Lang is truly a must-see for anyone exploring the cultural treasures of northern Vietnam.

For those seeking a blend of culture and luxury during their stay in Bac Ninh, Vinpearl Hotel Bac Ninh is a top-tier option. Centrally located, this hotel offers elegant rooms, a 5-star spa, an indoor pool, and panoramic city views - perfect for both business and leisure travelers.