Hue is renowned not only for its majestic tombs and ancient pagodas but also for the rustic charm of its traditional craft villages. Phuoc Tich Pottery Village, a national relic situated on the banks of the poetic O Lau River, is a captivating destination for visitors due to its ancient, peaceful beauty and pottery products imbued with the marks of time. Let’s explore this special village with “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) and feel the slow-paced life, rich in the ancient culture of Hue.
Discovering the History of Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Phuoc Tich Pottery Village, a precious gem of Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province, is not just a traditional craft village but also a living part of Vietnamese history. Formed in the 15th century, around 1470 under the reign of King Le Thanh Tong, Phuoc Tich Pottery Village has experienced over 500 years of ups and downs, witnessing the changes of the country.
Throughout its history, Phuoc Tich has affirmed its position in pottery, especially during the reign of King Gia Long. The name “Phuoc Tich,” meaning good fortune accumulated, was bestowed by the king, expressing his hope for the development and prosperity of the craft village. Phuoc Tich pottery products became famous everywhere with the name “royal pottery,” specializing in providing high-class utensils for the royal court and nobility.
In the past, Phuoc Tich village was a bustling pottery production center with 12 kilns operating day and night. Phuoc Tich pottery was transported by boat along the O Lau River, going to provinces throughout the country, becoming a famous brand nationwide. However, in the late 20th century, the pottery village gradually declined, and the last pottery kiln went out in 1995.
But Phuoc Tich did not sink into oblivion. Since 2006, through the Hue Festivals and the “Huong xua lang co Phuoc Tich” (Ancient Fragrance of Phuoc Tich Ancient Village) festival, the craft village has been revived, attracting the attention of tourists. Conservation and development efforts have helped Phuoc Tich return to the tourist map, becoming an attractive cultural destination where visitors can explore history, experience traditional pottery making, and immerse themselves in the peaceful village space. Today, some pottery kilns have resumed operation, and Phuoc Tich pottery products are increasingly being improved, meeting market demand and contributing to preserving traditional cultural beauty.
History of Phuoc Tich Pottery Village formation
The Unique Location of Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Phuoc Tich Pottery Village is located in Phuoc Phu village, Phong Hoa commune, Phong Dien district, Thua Thien Hue province. The village’s location is quite special, situated between the two provinces of Thua Thien Hue and Quang Tri, about 40km north of Hue city center.
The geographical highlight of Phuoc Tich is the gentle O Lau River, which surrounds nearly 2/3 of the village’s area. Seen from above, Phuoc Tich resembles an ancient wine jar or a horseshoe, embracing the river. This river has nurtured the cultural and economic life of Phuoc Tich, serving as an important trade route in the history of pottery village development. Not only that, the O Lau River also brings poetic and lyrical beauty to Phuoc Tich, contributing to the special attraction of this ancient village.
Location of Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Directions to Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
To get to Phuoc Tich Pottery Village from the center of Hue city, visitors have many flexible and convenient transportation options.
Motorbike or Self-driving car: This is the ideal vehicle for those who love freedom and want to actively explore the beauty along the way. From Hue, follow National Highway 1A north for about 40km. Near My Chanh bridge (Hai Lang district, Quang Tri), turn right onto National Highway 49B and continue for about 1km across the bridge spanning the O Lau River to reach Phuoc Tich village.
Taxi: If you want to travel quickly and comfortably, a taxi is a suitable option. You can easily book a taxi at hotels, tourist areas in Hue, or through ride-hailing apps.
Tourist car rental: For large groups or families, renting a tourist car is the optimal solution. Travel companies in Hue provide package car rental services, picking you up and dropping you off, helping you have a complete trip without worrying about directions.
Whichever vehicle you choose, the journey to Phuoc Tich will bring interesting experiences as you admire the peaceful rural scenery, green fields, and the poetic O Lau River.
Directions to Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Phuoc Tich Pottery Village Entrance Fee
Good news for visitors is that Phuoc Tich Pottery Village is open for free visits. You are free to explore the ancient beauty of the village, stroll along the small paths, admire the traditional Ruong houses, and learn about the long-standing pottery craft without any cost.
However, if you want to experience more deeply by visiting and taking photos in the ancient garden houses, you can send a conservation support fee of VND 50,000/person to the homeowner. This is a way to show respect and contribute to maintaining the beauty of these ancient houses.
In addition, to facilitate village exploration, you can rent a bicycle for VND 20,000/bike. Bicycles will help you easily move between attractions, weave through small paths, and fully enjoy the fresh air of the countryside.
The Long-Standing Traditional Pottery Craft in Phuoc Tich
Phuoc Tich village is famous for its traditional pottery craft, which has existed for hundreds of years. Pottery making is not just a livelihood but also a part of culture, a source of pride for the people of Phuoc Tich. In natural conditions that are not very favorable for agriculture, the people here have chosen pottery as their main direction, creating a unique and culturally rich craft village.
Phuoc Tich pottery is made from local clay, undergoing many meticulous manual steps. From selecting clay, kneading, shaping, drying to firing, each step requires the skill, experience, and dedication of the craftsman. The traditional pottery firing method using wood-fired kilns helps Phuoc Tich pottery products have high durability, natural colors, and especially retain their characteristic flavor when used for cooking.
Phuoc Tich pottery products are diverse in types, from everyday household items such as pots, earthenware pots, kettles, cups, bowls to decorative and fine art products. Each product carries a rustic, simple beauty, imbued with countryside flavor, while also showing the sophistication and creativity of the artisan.
Phuoc Tich Pottery Village – Home to a long-standing traditional pottery craft
Unique Features of Phuoc Tich Pottery
Phuoc Tich pottery is not only a handicraft product but also contains deep cultural and historical values. The imprint of Phuoc Tich pottery village is reflected in 12 ancient pottery kilns and 12 water wharves, historical relics that remain to this day.
The distinctive feature of Phuoc Tich pottery lies in the special clay material and traditional firing technique. The clay is carefully selected and meticulously kneaded, creating plasticity and durability for the product. The pottery firing process is carried out in a wood-fired kiln, with meticulously controlled temperature, helping the pottery to be evenly fired, have natural colors, and superior durability.
Each Phuoc Tich pottery product has a unique beauty, unlike any other pottery line. From shape, patterns to colors, all show the creativity, sophistication, and skillful hands of the artisan. In particular, Phuoc Tich earthenware pots once used to cook rice for the king have become legendary, going into folk songs and proverbs: “Phuoc Tich pot, delicious rice for the emperor.” This affirms the position and special quality of Phuoc Tich pottery in Hue’s royal culinary culture.
Unique characteristics of pottery products in Phuoc Tich Village
Unique Experiences at Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Coming to Phuoc Tich Pottery Village, visitors not only admire the ancient beauty of a Vietnamese village but also have the opportunity to experience many interesting cultural and tourist activities.
Explore ancient Ruong houses: Phuoc Tich village is famous for its system of ancient Ruong houses, bearing the traditional Hue architecture. More than 30 Ruong houses with hundreds of years of age are invaluable cultural heritages, each house carrying its own historical story. Visitors can visit, learn about the unique architecture, admire the sophisticated carved patterns, and feel the ancient living space of Hue people.
Visit religious structures: Phuoc Tich also preserves many religious structures of historical and cultural value such as the ancient Cay Thi temple over 700 years old, where the Cham people’s goddess Ponagar is worshiped, Phuoc Buu pagoda, Doi temple, clan shrines… These are spiritual places where visitors can learn about the spiritual life and beliefs of local people.
Visit private pottery museum: The pottery museum of artisan Le Trong Dien is a place to display and preserve Phuoc Tich pottery products through development periods. Coming here, visitors will admire a unique pottery collection, from everyday items to sophisticated fine art pottery products, gaining a deeper understanding of the history and value of Phuoc Tich pottery craft.
Enjoy local cuisine: In addition to pottery, Phuoc Tich is also famous for its specialties imbued with countryside flavors. Visitors can enjoy traditional cakes such as Phu The cake, La Gai cake, purple sweet potato cake, especially Bong Cay cake, a unique royal cake.
Experience pottery making: An unmissable experience when coming to Phuoc Tich is to participate in the pottery making process with artisans. Visitors will be guided through the basic steps to create a simple pottery product, manually kneading clay, shaping, and decorating, bringing back unique souvenirs made by themselves.
Experiences at Phuoc Tich Pottery Village – a village with simple Vietnamese beauty
Must-Visit Destinations in Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Ancient Phuoc Tich village offers visitors many diverse and rich sightseeing options:
- Ancient Ruong houses: Explore the unique architecture, learn about the history and culture of ancient houses.
- Ancient pottery kilns: Witness the vestiges of a prosperous pottery era, learn about the traditional pottery production process.
- Cay Thi Temple: Admire the ancient banyan tree and learn about the belief in worshiping the goddess Ponagar.
- Le Trong Dien Pottery Museum: Explore the precious Phuoc Tich pottery collection, gain a deeper understanding of the history and value of the craft village.
- O Lau River: Take a boat trip on the river, admire the peaceful village scenery, and enjoy the fresh air.
- Phuoc Tich Country Market: Experience the traditional market space, shop for local specialties, and interact with local people.
Places to visit in Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Important Notes When Visiting Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
To make your visit to Phuoc Tich Pottery Village more complete and meaningful, visitors should note a few things:
- Rent a bicycle: Bicycle rental services in the village help you easily move around and explore every corner.
- Garden house entrance fee: Sending a support fee of VND 50,000/person when visiting a garden house is a way to show respect and support conservation efforts.
- Preparation: Bring drinking water, snacks, hats, sunscreen, and appropriate clothing for comfortable sightseeing.
- Camera: Don’t forget your camera or phone to capture beautiful moments in the pottery village.
- Weather: Check the weather forecast before going to prepare appropriate clothing.
- Experiences: Participate in experiential activities such as pottery making, enjoying local cuisine to better understand Phuoc Tich culture.
- Culture: Respect local culture and customs, maintain general hygiene, and avoid making noise that affects the peaceful atmosphere of the village.
Things to note when visiting Phuoc Tich Pottery Village
Conclusion
Phuoc Tich Pottery Village, a national relic recognized since 2009, is an ideal destination for those who want to return to the simple beauty of the Vietnamese countryside and explore unique traditional cultural values. With the revival of the pottery craft and tourism potential, Phuoc Tich promises to bring visitors memorable and profound experiences. “Du lịch khắp thế gian” (Travel Around The World) hopes that through this article, you have gained useful information to prepare for your journey to explore Phuoc Tich Pottery Village in Hue. Thank you for following this article!