For the most part the places along the Hang Bong shopping street have a lot of the same stuff. So it was a delight to find this little shop because it was quite different from anything else we had seen. It’s only a small space but there is a large selection of beautiful and distinctive bowls, mugs, tea sets, vases.

Busy bat trang ceramics shop in hanoi old quarter

The best part about this shop is that they don’t put the pressure on to buy. After being hounded in some shops and physically grabbed by market vendors, it was a delight to enjoy browsing here. The pottery is from Bat Trang, an historic village known for its tradition of ceramics and pottery.

I chose a set of 3 bowls and a vase which they spent a lot of time packaging up in thick cardboard and protective wrapping. A big thank you to Sony for taking such care with my purchases - there was no way they were going to get broken on the way home! Back home now and no buyer’s regret. In fact, I’m looking at my photos and wishing I had bought the other blue and white vase that I also fancied.

Feedback from Mairwen

Sydney, Australia