What is Bau Truc Pottery Village?
Location & Setting
Bau Truc Pottery Village is located in Phuoc Dan Town, Ninh Phuoc District, about 10 kilometers south of Phan Rang. It is a small, local village rather than a polished attraction, but it holds an important place in the cultural identity of the region. Bau Truc is recognized as one of the oldest pottery villages in Southeast Asia, where traditional techniques have been kept alive despite modern changes.
Cham people & Pottery tradition
The village is home to the Cham people, an ethnic community with a long history in central and southern Vietnam. Pottery here is more than just craftwork—it has been part of daily Cham life for centuries. Women traditionally played the leading role in shaping clay, passing their skills down through generations.
What makes Bau Truc different from most other pottery villages is the entirely handmade process: artisans do not use a potter’s wheel. Instead, they rely on their hands, bamboo tools, shells, and simple household items to shape the clay. This gives each piece its own irregular charm, with no two products ever completely alike.
History & Heritage recognition
According to local stories, pottery in Bau Truc was first taught by Po Klong Chank, a cultural figure connected to the Cham kings. The techniques he introduced have been preserved for hundreds of years and remain central to the identity of the village today.
In 2022, UNESCO officially recognized the “Art of pottery-making of Cham people” as an Intangible Cultural Heritage in Need of Urgent Safeguarding, bringing international attention to the craft. This recognition reflects not only the historical value of Bau Truc pottery but also the challenges it faces in surviving in a modern economy.
Things to Do and See in Bau Truc Pottery Village
Bau Truc is a small craft village, not a full-day destination, but it can be a rewarding stop if you are interested in culture and handicrafts. A visit usually takes one to two hours, depending on whether you join a workshop or simply explore the shops. Here are the main things you can expect to do and see:
1. Watch artisans at work
The highlight of Bau Truc is seeing artisans shape pottery entirely by hand. Clay is molded, decorated with simple tools, and fired in the open air rather than in kilns.
Watching this process feels more like a living tradition than a staged performance, and it’s fascinating to see how every piece comes out slightly different. Some designs remain traditional with Cham motifs, while others are adapted to modern tastes.
2. Try a pottery workshop
If you want more than just observing, you can try making your own pottery. Local artisans are usually happy to guide visitors through shaping a small pot, vase, or decorative item. The experience is hands-on and fun, though communication can be limited as most villagers don’t speak English. Workshops are inexpensive, and you can take your creation home as a personal souvenir.
3. Explore Cham culture
Besides pottery, Bau Truc is also a gateway to Cham culture. At times, you might come across traditional dances or music, especially during festivals or special events. Food is less of a focus here, but you can sometimes taste Cham dishes such as goat or buffalo meat in the wider region. For a deeper dive into Cham heritage, it’s easy to connect a visit here with the nearby Po Klong Garai Towers.
4. Buy pottery products
Shops around the village sell a wide range of products, from everyday household items like jars and bowls to decorative pieces such as vases, lamps, and statues.
Prices are affordable for smaller items, while larger and more detailed works can exceed 1 million VND. Because every item is handmade, no two pieces are exactly alike—making them a distinctive souvenir from Ninh Thuan.
5. Combine with My Nghiep Brocade Weaving Village
Just a few kilometers from Bau Truc is My Nghiep, another Cham village known for brocade weaving. Combining both visits gives you a broader picture of Cham craftsmanship in the region and makes for a richer half-day cultural trip from Phan Rang.
Location & Getting there
Where is Bau Truc Pottery Village?
Bau Truc Pottery Village lies along National Road 1A in Phuoc Dan Town, about 10 kilometers south of Phan Rang – Thap Cham. The location is straightforward and easy to reach, making it suitable for a short side trip rather than a long excursion.
Best base city
The best place to base yourself is Phan Rang – Thap Cham, the provincial capital of Ninh Thuan. Most travelers reach Phan Rang by train on the north–south railway, by long-distance bus from cities like Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang, or by flying into Cam Ranh Airport (about 60 km away) and continuing by taxi or transfer. From the city, Bau Truc is only a 15–25 minute drive.
Taxi or Ride-Hailing Apps
The simplest way to get there is by taxi or using a ride-hailing app such as Grab. The distance is short, and the cost is usually reasonable. Drivers are familiar with the village, so finding it is rarely a problem.
Private car with driver
If you want more flexibility, consider hiring a private car and driver. This makes sense if you plan to combine Bau Truc with other Cham cultural sites, vineyards, or a trip to the weaving village in My Nghiep. It’s also the easiest option if you want to be picked up from your hotel or continue directly to another destination afterward.
Driving by motorbike
For adventurous travelers, renting a motorbike is a fun way to reach the village. The road is short and generally easy, and riding gives you the freedom to explore the countryside and coastal scenery around Phan Rang. Officially, foreign travelers need a Vietnamese license with an International Driving Permit to drive legally. While many visitors rent without one, keep in mind that insurance may not cover you in case of accidents.
Practical visiting information & Travel tips
Best time of day to visit
If you want to see Bau Truc at its most active, aim to arrive in the morning. This is when many artisans are at work shaping and firing clay. Around midday, workshops often slow down or close for lunch, so it’s better to avoid visiting then.
Workshops & Tours
You can usually walk into the village and explore freely, but if you want a more structured workshop, it’s best to arrange it in advance through a local agency or guide. English is not widely spoken, so be prepared for some communication challenges—gestures, translation apps, and patience go a long way.
Customs & Etiquette
Always ask before taking photos or filming artisans, especially if you are entering their homes or workshops. The Cham people are welcoming, but it’s important to be respectful of their traditions and community. Dress modestly and approach interactions with sensitivity, as this is a working village rather than a staged attraction.
Facilities & Reality check
Bau Truc is not a polished tourist site. Facilities are basic, with a few small shops and local workshops scattered around. Prices for pottery are affordable compared to mass-produced ceramics, but don’t expect English-speaking sales staff or large, curated displays. The charm lies in its authenticity rather than comfort or convenience.
Nearby attractions to combine
A short trip to Bau Truc can easily be combined with other local highlights. The My Nghiep Brocade Weaving Village is just 3 km away, making for a natural cultural pairing. Cham towers such as Po Klong Garai or Po Rome offer further insight into Cham history and architecture. For something different, Phan Rang’s vineyards are also close by and provide a taste of the region’s unique wine-making tradition.
Is Bau Truc Pottery Village worth visiting?
Bau Truc Pottery Village is worth visiting if you’re already in Phan Rang and want to add a cultural experience alongside the region’s beaches and vineyards. It’s an interesting stop for travelers who enjoy handicrafts, traditional culture, and seeing how ancient techniques are still practiced today. The workshops and chance to meet Cham artisans give it a personal and authentic feel.
On the other hand, if you’re expecting a polished tourist attraction with English-speaking guides, organized tours, or dramatic sights, you may find it underwhelming. This is a small working village with simple facilities, and the appeal lies in its authenticity rather than presentation. Given its location about 30 minutes from most beach resorts, Bau Truc works best as a half-day cultural add-on rather than a main destination in itself.
