Turn your device in landscape mode.
Select a destination

Select a date
Adults
*Height from 140cm
Children
*Height from 100cm-140cm *Height from 80cm-140cm
Elders *From 60 years old
Bau Truc Pottery Village

Bau Truc Pottery Village: A hub of timeless Cham culture

29/09/2024 217 views

Bau Truc Pottery Village is a living testament to the enduring craftsmanship and cultural heritage of the Cham people. It is famous for its unique pottery techniques that have been passed down through generations.

1. Where is Bau Truc Pottery Village of the Cham ethnic minority?

Bau Truc Pottery Village is about 10 kilometers south of Phan Rang – Thap Cham. More specifically, it is in the heart of Phuoc Dan Town, Ninh Phuoc District, Ninh Thuan Province. Known as one of the oldest surviving pottery villages in Southeast Asia, Bau Truc is a living museum of traditional Cham pottery-making and is recognized as a National Intangible Cultural Heritage Site.

When you visit Bau Truc, you will get to explore the rich cultural heritage of the Cham ethnic minority. The village offers a chance to experience traditional handicrafts, local delicacies, and unique products that showcase the beauty and craftsmanship of the Cham people. It is a must-see destination for anyone looking to immerse themselves in the cultural legacy of Vietnam.

Bau Truc Pottery Village

Explore the charm of Bau Truc Pottery Village of Cham (Source: Collected)

2. What is Bau Truc Pottery Village famous for?

The village is renowned for its rich history, unique pottery-making techniques, and the variety of distinctive products it produces. 

2.1. The long-established history

Bau Truc Pottery Village has a rich history that dates back nearly a thousand years. According to local legend, the village’s pottery-making tradition was founded by Po K’long Chank, a close friend and advisor to King Po K’long Giarai (1151–1205). It is believed that Po K’long Chank taught the villagers how to gather clay, shape it, and fire it into everyday household items.

Traditionally, pottery-making was a craft passed down through generations of women. Girls learned the craft from their mothers, ensuring that the art of pottery-making was preserved and handed down through the ages. Men took on tasks like digging for clay, firing the pottery, and transporting it to sell. To this day, the villagers honor Po K’long Chank as the founder of their craft, and they continue to keep his legacy alive.

Bau Truc Pottery Village is one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam

Bau Truc Pottery Village is one of the oldest pottery villages in Vietnam (Source: Collected)

2.2. The preservation of traditional pottery-making techniques

In 2022, the Cham people’s pottery-making art was recognized by UNESCO as an “intangible cultural heritage in need of urgent safeguarding.” Since then, the number of visitors to the village has steadily increased, drawn by the opportunity to witness these ancient techniques firsthand.

Bau Truc is unique among Vietnam’s pottery villages for its traditional techniques, where artisans rely solely on their skilled hands to create terracotta products. The artisans of Bau Truc can craft hundreds of different pottery items to meet market demand, using a distinctive method in which the potter moves backward while shaping the clay with their hands. The firing process remains traditional as well, with the pottery being fired in open-air kilns using wood, straw, and rice husk.

2.3. The variety of unique pottery products

The village offers an incredible array of pottery items, from vases and teapots to pots and jars. Among the most notable are the Cham towers and statues of deities like Brahma, Vishnu, Shiva, and the goddess Apsara. These pieces come in various sizes, from tiny figurines to large bas-reliefs for outdoor settings.

What makes Bau Truc pottery truly special is its artistic craftsmanship. Each item is handcrafted with intricate carvings that reflect Cham culture, and no two pieces are exactly the same. The pottery is known for its distinctive colors, including golden reds, pinkish reds, and earthy browns and blacks, which are achieved through traditional methods and natural materials.

In addition to the traditional colors, artisans can also achieve specific hues by using natural dyes from tree bark, completely avoiding industrial colorants. Locals often boast that Bau Truc pottery contains traces of gold. When a piece of bright red pottery is held up to the light, tiny, pale golden flecks can be seen shimmering within the clay. 

This occurs because the pottery is not made purely from clay; instead, the clay is mixed with fine sand collected from streams in the nearby mountains. This sand is rich in minerals, and during firing at temperatures of 600-800 degrees Celsius, other minerals burn away, leaving behind the faint golden particles that adhere to the pottery.

The variety of unique pottery products

The beautiful creations at Bau Truc Pottery Village of Cham ethnic minority (Source: Collected)

3. What to do to explore Bau Truc Pottery Village?

3.1. Visit the pottery makers’ houses

To truly experience Bau Truc Pottery Village, start by visiting the pottery makers’ homes. Unlike traditional workshops or stores, most pottery is made right in the artisans’ houses. With over 400 families in the village, about 80% are involved in pottery-making, and each home often doubles as a workshop and kiln.

Many families have set up small showrooms to display and sell their pottery. They are usually more than willing to give visitors a demonstration of their traditional techniques. Within minutes, you can watch a skilled potter transform a lump of clay into a beautifully crafted vase, showcasing the craftsmanship that makes Bau Truc pottery unique.

3.2. Try hands-on pottery-making experience

In Bau Truc, the local Cham people are happy to help visitors experience pottery-making firsthand. You can roll up your sleeves and create your own piece of pottery with their guidance.

While you are there, you can also have cultural exchanges. If you find some pottery you like, you can buy smaller pieces as souvenirs or gifts. For larger items, just provide your address, and they can arrange to have them delivered right to your home.

explore Bau Truc Pottery Village

Bau Truc Pottery Village’s craftsmanship is unique (Source: Collected)

3.3. Appreciate the traditional Cham dance

While visiting Bau Truc Pottery Village, you can also enjoy the graceful traditional Cham dances performed by local women. With the rhythmic beats of the Ghi Nang drums and the melodies of the Saranai flute, these dances bring to life the rich cultural heritage of the Cham people. You might hear traditional Cham songs like “Thay Mai” and “Daoh Dam Dara,” which add to the enchanting experience.

3.4. Enjoy distinctive Cham specialties

If you visit Bau Truc Pottery Village during a Cham festival or arrange your visit in advance, you can indulge in traditional Cham dishes. These meals often feature buffalo, goat, lamb, or chicken, prepared with unique local herbs and vegetables. 

You can also taste traditional Cham desserts like ginraong lay or sakaya, which were once considered royal treats. These culinary experiences offer a delicious way to connect with the rich culture of the Cham people.

4. When is the best time to visit?

Bau Truc Pottery Village is open to visitors year-round, but the best time to experience its vibrant culture is during the Katê Festival, usually held from late September to October.

During this festival, you can join in the colorful procession from the village house to the Po K’Long Chank Temple, about 2 kilometers away. Villagers dress in traditional attire and bring offerings for rituals like temple cleaning and statue bathing. Visiting during Katê offers a unique opportunity to fully immerse yourself in the Cham cultural traditions.

Ginraong lay

Consider visiting Bau Truc Pottery Village during the Katê Festival (Source: Collected)

Explore more: 17 famous festivals in Vietnam that culture enthusiasts should experience

Bau Truc Pottery Village is more than just a destination; it is a journey into the heart of Vietnam’s rich cultural tapestry. From its ancient pottery techniques to the vibrant traditions of the Cham people, the village offers an unforgettable experience for anyone seeking to connect with history, artistry, and heritage. Whether you are crafting your own pottery, enjoying traditional Cham dance, or simply exploring the village, Bau Truc leaves a lasting impression that resonates with the timeless beauty of its craftsmanship and culture.

After immersing yourself in the cultural richness of Bau Truc Pottery Village, why not continue your journey with a visit to the vibrant coastal city of Nha Trang? Known for its stunning beaches, Nha Trang offers endless opportunities for fun. Make sure to spend a day at VinWonders Nha Trang, an entertainment complex packed with thrilling rides and entertaining shows. For a more serene experience, explore Vinpearl Harbour Nha Trang, where you can shop and dine in luxury. And to complete your stay, indulge in the accommodations at Vinpearl Nha Trang, where world-class service awaits. Nha Trang is the perfect next stop for an unforgettable time in Vietnam.

VinWonders Nha Trang

VinWonders Nha Trang—an unmissable stop on your journey to Vietnam

 

Book VinWonders Nha Trang ticket now

 

Book rooms in Vinpearl Nha Trang in advance

Share news via:
  • Copy to clipboard

Related Posts

Tìm vé