Thanh Ha Pottery Festival 2025

Thanh Ha Pottery Festival is a cherished cultural and traditional event held annually in Vietnam, drawing in thousands of locals and tourists alike. This vibrant festival honors the ancestral craft of pottery and encourages the younger generations to preserve and promote this unique heritage. It's also a fantastic opportunity to showcase Thanh Ha Village’s reputation to both domestic and international visitors.

Introducing Thanh Ha Pottery Village

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is known as one of the oldest traditional craft villages in Hoi An, with a history of formation and development spanning over 500 years.

A history of over 500 years

Originally founded in Thanh Chiem in 1516, the pottery village later moved to Nam Dieu, and then is Thanh Ha Ward (now known as Hoi An Tay Ward, Da Nang). The most glorious period of Thanh Ha pottery village was around the 16th to 17th centuries. At that time, the village's products were dubbed "national specialties" and were used as tributes to the king. All of these products were handmade by the locals using clay sourced from the end of the Thu Bon River.
After many generations, Thanh Ha pottery craft seemed to have faded into obscurity. However, both the pottery profession in general and the craft in Thanh Ha village, in particular, have been revitalized and developed by passionate artisans up to the present day. It has been recognized as a national intangible cultural heritage.

Thanh Ha Pottery Village is over 500 years old

The peaceful beauty of Thanh Ha Village

Nestled beside the poetic Thu Bon River, Thanh Ha Pottery Village is a peaceful, rustic retreat amid the bustling energy of Hoi An. With many years of cultural legacy, the village charms visitors with its quiet, nostalgic atmosphere and timeless architecture.
As you stroll through the tree-lined paths, moss-covered tiled roofs, and see terracotta jars stacked along the roadsides. At this time, you’ll feel transported into a world where time seems to stand still.
One of the highlights of the village is the Thanh Ha Terracotta Park, spanning over 6,000 square meters. This is the largest pottery park in Vietnam. It showcases countless ceramic masterpieces, from delicate vases and flower pots to decorative statues and cultural artworks.
Especially, Thanh Ha pottery products have transcended the borders of Vietnam, reaching international markets. Tourists from all over the world visiting Hoi An always seek out the pottery village to admire, shop, and experience the unique pottery-making process. This is a testament to the vibrant life and irresistible charm of this traditional craft village.

Thanh Ha Village is located right next to the Thu Bon River

A brief of Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival

According to legend, during the 17th and 18th centuries, the port town of Hoi An thrived. As a result, the demand for pottery increased, leading to the flourishing development of Thanh Ha pottery. Thanks to the abundant clay resources along the Thu Bon River and the creativity and skill of the locals, Thanh Ha pottery products became famous far and wide.
Thanh Ha Pottery Village Festival is held annually on the 9th and 10th days of the 7th lunar month. It is a traditional cultural event that carries deep historical significance and reflects the spirit of the local people. This festival is an occasion for the villagers to express their profound gratitude to their ancestors who painstakingly passed down the pottery craft. It also serves to remind future generations of their responsibility to preserve and promote this unique cultural heritage. Additionally, it serves as an opportunity for the villagers to showcase their pottery products to tourists, contributing to the positive image and promotion of Hoi An tourism.

The festival aims to honor the contributions of the ancestors who established the pottery craft

Unique features of Thanh Ha Pottery Festival

The festival is divided into two main parts: solemn rituals and lively cultural activities.

The ceremony with reverent rituals

Right from the early morning of the 9th day of the 7th lunar month, local households meticulously prepare everything. They gather at the Nam Dieu Temple to offer ceremonies to their ancestors in a lively atmosphere. During the main ceremony to honor the ancestors and carry the deity, the villagers parade through all the streets. The procession is led by a lion and dragon dance troupe. It features musical instruments, ceremonial staffs, and various altars. The procession transports the pottery craft’s ancestral tablet from the Lum Ba Dang Temple to the Nam Dieu Craft Ancestral Temple.
A highlight of the procession is the beautifully decorated and dignified altar for the pottery craft, carried by strong young men from the village. Along the route, local residents set up offering trays with fruits and sweets to wish for good luck and peace.
After the procession returns to the Nam Dieu ancestral temple, the ceremonial rites are conducted solemnly. The offerings are presented to the pottery ancestors, reflecting the villagers' deep respect and gratitude towards those who pioneered and preserved the traditional pottery craft.

The grand procession at Thanh Ha Pottery Festival

Additionally, the festival features the activity of "offering the first batch of potter". Local potters bring their most beautiful creations, made by their own hands, to present to the craft ancestors. This ritual symbolizes a wish for a new year of favorable weather, bountiful harvests, and prosperous pottery craftsmanship.
Moreover, the Ancestor Worship Ceremony holds immense and special significance. It is an occasion for the descendants of the pottery village to express their profound gratitude to the predecessors who played a significant role in preserving and developing the traditional craft.
The ceremony follows a solemn and respectful order, demonstrating reverence and appreciation for the ancestors. From cleaning and decorating the shrine to preparing offerings and conducting the rituals, every detail is carried out meticulously and carefully.

The Ancestor Worship Ceremony holds immense and special significance

The vibrant and engaging festival activities

When visiting the Thanh Ha Pottery Festival, tourists can immerse themselves in a joyful and lively atmosphere filled with traditional folk games. Some highlights include:

Traditional games and cultural performances

The festival features a variety of engaging activities, such as cooking rice in clay pots, blindfolded drumming, pot breaking, tug of war, and singing Bai Choi and Hat Boi, which showcase the rich local culture. These games provide moments of relaxation and entertainment and offer visitors a chance to interact with the community. One of the most captivating events is the lively boat racing competition held on the Thu Bon River, attracting a large number of locals and tourists alike.
Additionally, the festival includes unique folk games exclusive to the pottery village, such as throwing clay bowls, dart throwing, and creating art from clay fragments. This is a perfect opportunity for guests to unleash their creativity and craft unique art pieces while creating unforgettable memories at the festival.

This festival is a perfect chance for visitors to unleash unique folk games

Pottery making experience

The festival offers a wonderful opportunity to experience the unique art of pottery making firsthand. Visitors can create their own pottery pieces under the careful guidance of skilled artisans. The artisans are always ready to guide you step by step, from kneading the clay and shaping the products to painting and finishing touches. With their meticulous instruction, you will uncover the secrets to crafting exquisite pottery items that reflect your personal touch. This will undoubtedly be a memorable and exceptional experience that you must try when visiting the Thanh Ha pottery village.

Witnessing artisan craftsmanship

Participating in the Thanh Ha Pottery Festival allows visitors to witness firsthand the intricate process of creating exquisite pottery pieces. This process is carried out by the meticulous and skilled hands of artisans. Each pottery item undergoes several detailed stages, from selecting raw materials to shaping, decorating, and firing in the kiln. Through the dexterity and creativity of the Thanh Ha potters, lifeless clay transforms into unique works of art that embody the rich local culture.

Each pottery piece embodies the passion and dedication of the artisan

Thanh Ha Pottery Festival is a unique cultural gem celebrating centuries of tradition, craftsmanship, and community spirit. This lively and heartfelt event invites visitors to dive into the rich history of Vietnamese ceramics, engage in creative experiences. Plan your trip to Vietnam to experience this extraordinary festival and many other vibrant traditional events!