Thanh Ha pottery village, a renowned cultural site with over 500 years of heritage, is located along the Thu Bon River in Thanh Ha Ward, approximately two kilometers west of Hoi An’s center. The village has sustained its pottery craft since the 16th century, producing items integral to daily life, including bowls, plates, jars, vases, and furnishing items.
The entrance to Thanh Ha Pottery Village in Hoi An City - Photos: Ngo Vinh Phu
Through centuries of historical challenges and transformations, Thanh Ha Village has kept its traditional kilns active. The increase in visitors to Hoi An, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, has not only provided local artisans with a sustainable livelihood but also reinforced the preservation of this ancient craft, allowing them to pass down these artisanal techniques to future generations.
A pottery product is handcrafted on a manually operated wooden wheel, with one artisan turning the wheel by foot while another shapes the clay
Additional stages of the pottery-making process
Pottery pieces are left to dry before being fired in traditional kilns
Finished pottery includes items for personal and household use
Tourists explore the village and participate in a pottery-making session, guided by skilled local artisans
By Ngo Vinh Phu
