Discover Tho Ha and Phu Lang: Vietnam’s Timeless Pottery Villages

Nestled along the poetic Cau River in Northern Vietnam lie two ancient ceramic villages that have quietly preserved their artistry for centuries—Tho Ha in Bac Giang and Phu Lang in Bac Ninh. While modern life bustles just a few kilometers away, time seems to slow down here. Stepping into these villages is like opening a door to Vietnam’s artistic soul, where earth and fire blend to form beautiful works of craftsmanship.

If you’re seeking an off-the-beaten-path journey through culture, history, and hands-on creativity, a visit to Tho Ha and Phu Langwill captivate your spirit.

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1. Tho Ha Village – A Red Brick Tale of Resilience

Location & Getting There
Tho Ha is located in Vân Hà Commune, Việt Yên District, Bac Giang Province, about 50 km northeast of Hanoi. To get here, travelers can take a scenic drive along National Highway 1A, then hop on a ferry crossing the gentle Cầu River. This short boat ride already feels like an invitation into a quieter, more authentic world.

A ferry to Tho Ha village

A Glorious Past in Pottery
Dating back to the 12th century, Tho Ha was once a renowned ceramics hub alongside Bat Trang and Phu Lang. While Bat Trang leaned towards delicate household ceramics and Phu Lang focused on large jars, Tho Ha specialized in —big jars, basins, bowls, and vases used widely across the northern delta.

Pottery wall still remains in Tho Ha

What set Tho Ha apart was its use of local clay without glaze, relying on high-temperature wood-firing techniques to achieve a natural brownish-red sheen. Over time, these products became symbols of Northern Vietnamese household culture.

Unfortunately, due to modernization and the rise of industrial ceramics, the traditional pottery trade faded around the 1960s. But instead of letting their village vanish, locals turned to making rice paper and vermicelli, which are now iconic images of Tho Ha’s daily life.

Drying rice paper in Tho Ha

Wandering the Ancient Alleys
Tho Ha is a walking village—no cars, no honking, just timeworn charm. The entire village is built on an artificial mound of broken ceramic shards. Yes, the very ground you walk on is made from recycled pottery fragments!

Interesting walking along an alley in Tho Ha village

The alleyways are narrow, paved with baked tiles, and flanked by red brick houses with ancient facades. These walls, sometimes repaired with broken pottery, create an incredibly photogenic and nostalgic atmosphere.

Don’t miss:
•    Tho Ha Communal House: Built in the late Lê Dynasty (16th century), this is one of the most beautiful communal houses in Northern Vietnam. With intricately carved wooden beams and a prime location by the river, it often hosts local festivals and spiritual events.
•    Tho Ha Pagoda and Temple Complex: Featuring ancient statues and inscriptions, these spiritual sites reflect the Buddhist roots of the community.

Tho Ha communal house

Cultural Festivals and Local Life
If you're lucky enough to visit during the Tho Ha Village Festival (early Lunar January), you’ll witness vibrant processions, traditional games, Quan Ho folk singing, and a joyous community spirit.
Equally fascinating is simply observing daily life: women sun-drying rice paper on bamboo racks, children playing along ceramic walls, and elders sharing stories in front of their centuries-old homes.

A festival in Tho Ha village

2. Phu Lang Village – Earthy Elegance and the Glaze of Time

Location & How to Get There
Phu Langlies about 60 km east of Hanoi, in Phu Lang Commune, Que Vo District, Bac Ninh Province. A popular route is via Highway 18 through Bac Ninh City and Pha Lai city. The journey is easy, but the destination feels like an artistic hideaway.

A road in Phu Lang village

History and Artistic Roots
Phu Langhas been shaping clay for over 700 years, with its origin traced back to the Trần Dynasty (13th century). The village’s pottery heritage is believed to have been introduced by Luu Phong Tu, who studied ceramics in China and brought the knowledge home.

Unlike Tho Ha’s glaze-free approach, Phu Langpottery is known for its unique glaze—called “da lươn” or “eel skin” glaze—with colors ranging from brown and yellow to moss green. These glazes are earthy, rustic, and deeply expressive, embodying a raw aesthetic that feels both ancient and modern. Traditional Techniques Still Alive

Inside a pottery kiln in Phu Lang village

What makes Phu Lang so special is its commitment to traditional pottery methods:
•    Clay from the Cầu River is processed manually
•    Glazing is done with natural minerals
•    Products are wood-fired in massive kilns that take days to heat and cool
The entire process is labor-intensive, yet the result is ceramic art with soul—no two pieces are ever the same.

What to See and Do in Phu Lang
•    Visit pottery workshops: Many family-run kilns open their doors to visitors. You can watch artisans at work and even try your hand at shaping clay on a potter’s wheel.
•    Admire the village walls: Just like Tho Ha, Phu Langalso builds its alleys and fences with broken ceramics, creating a colorful patchwork of fired clay.
•    Explore the ceramic garden: This open-air display of pots, statues, and architectural ceramics gives insight into the village’s evolving artistic expression.

An artisan is making pottery by hand in Phu Lang

A Modern Twist on Tradition
Today, Phu Lang artisans are finding new markets by blending tradition with modern design. From garden vases and home décor to sculptural installations, their work is being recognized in art exhibitions across Vietnam and abroad.
Some workshops also create customized gifts or teach pottery-making classes, offering interactive cultural experiences for curious travelers and families.

3. Travel Tips for Visiting Both Villages

•    Best Time to Visit: From October to April, when the weather is cool and dry.
•    What to Wear: Comfortable shoes for walking on uneven village paths. Light clothes and hats for sunny days.
•    Try Local Food: In Tho Ha, don’t miss fresh rice paper rolls and vermicelli. In Phu Lang, some households offer rustic countryside meals upon request.
•    Support the Artisans: Buying a handcrafted souvenir helps sustain these traditional crafts. Look for items with clear artisan signatures or family stamps.

Tho Ha rice pancakes

4. Why Ama Journey Recommends This Trip

At Ama Journey, we believe the most memorable travel experiences are the ones that connect you with culture on a human level. Tho Ha and Phu Lang offer just that—a beautiful escape from tourist crowds and a meaningful journey into Vietnam’s heritage.

Whether you're an art lover, a cultural explorer, professional photographer or simply someone who enjoys slow travel, a day trip or weekend getaway to these villages is an invitation to slow down, create, and connect.

Grilling rice pancake will be great for photo shooting

Let us help you craft a customized itinerary that includes transport, a guided tour with local experts, and even hands-on workshops. Get in touch to plan your authentic pottery village experience!
 
Ready to get your hands dirty—in the best way? Or for the best photo shooting? Book your Tho Ha and Phu Lang tour  with Ama Journey today. Discover the earthy soul of Vietnam and get the incredible photos