Local residents have not only preserved traditional craftsmanship but also created innovative products and developed community-based tourism.

The village, one of the oldest of its kind in Southeast Asia, maintains entirely handcrafted production methods without using pottery wheels. With clay and tools made from bamboo, seashells, and plant-based dyes, skilled Cham ethnic artisans shape soulful objects through kneading, turning, and moulding. The traditional open-air firing process gives the pottery its distinctive coloration with yellow-red, pink-red, gray-black, and brown hues.

Along with items for the Cham religious practices and popular household items like jars, pots, and stoves, Bau Truc artisans have combined cultural elements and techniques to improve designs and quality, and diversify their products to include vases, water bottles and lamps that feature Cham cultural symbols. Products range from tens of thousands to millions of Vietnam dong depending on size and intricacy.

According to Director of the Bau Truc Cham Pottery Cooperative Phu Huu Minh Thuan, with nearly 50 members, the cooperative has worked to enhance the value of pottery products. Currently, the pottery is not limited to the Cham culture but it incorporates other Vietnamese elements and western ones to improve the product quality for broader appeal. Besides, the cooperative has improved service quality, renovated product displays, and build new experience programmes for visitors.

With tourists increasingly interested in craft village tourism, Bau Truc pottery village has become a standout destination in Ninh Thuan province, receiving throngs of visitors over the recent past, he said, adding the UNESCO recognition has become an impetus for the cooperative to branch out its production.

Here, along with observing artisans demonstrating sophisticated and artistic pottery-shaping techniques, tourists have opportunities to create simple items and try the firing process like genuine potters.

Bat Trang pottery village recognized as tourist site

VOV.VN - Bat Trang commune, Gia Lam district, on the outskirts of Hanoi was recently recognized officially as a key tourist destination.