Hanoi’s Old Quarter: Make Your Own Pottery Experience

If you’re searching for a unique, culturally rich activity during your visit to Hanoi, the Make Your Own Pottery Experience at Canpus Ceramic Workshop might just be the perfect fit. It promises a blend of hands-on craftsmanship, local flavor, and memorable souvenirs—all wrapped into a friendly, three-hour class. Whether you’re an arts enthusiast or just looking for a fun break from sightseeing, this activity offers a practical way to connect with Vietnam’s artistic heritage.

What caught our attention? First, the interactive nature of wheel throwing and pottery painting—a perfect way to get your hands dirty and truly understand traditional Vietnamese ceramics. Second, the opportunity to taste premium Arabica coffee sourced directly from farms, which adds a delicious local twist to the experience. Lastly, the fact you get to take home your own pottery piece—a tangible memory of your trip that’s both meaningful and functional.

A possible consideration? The glazing and firing process takes 2-5 days, meaning you won’t leave with your finished piece immediately. Shipping costs are extra, so if you’re eager to have your creation sooner, plan accordingly.

This tour is ideal for families, couples, or solo travelers eager for an authentic, craft-focused activity that’s both fun and educational. It’s especially appealing if you love arts, cultural activities, or want a memorable souvenir that isn’t just a typical tourist trinket.

Key Points

• Hands-on pottery-making provides an authentic craft experience in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
• Create personalized pottery pieces through wheel throwing, hand-sculpting, and painting.
• Enjoy premium Arabica coffee, sourced directly from farms, included in the class.
• Flexible booking options with payment later and cancelation up to 24 hours in advance.
• Suitable for families, including children from age five, making it a family-friendly activity.
• Location is central, making it easy to combine with sightseeing around Hanoi’s iconic sights.

You can check availability for your dates here:

An In-Depth Look at the Making of Your Pottery Experience

Central Location in Hanoi’s Old Quarter

The workshop is conveniently situated in Hanoi’s bustling Old Quarter, a hub of activity and culture. Its proximity to landmarks like Hoan Kiem Lake and the Opera House means you can easily include this experience in your leisurely exploration of the city. After your class, you can walk around, soak in the vibrant street life, or enjoy a coffee at one of the many cafes nearby.

The Workshop: Canpus Ceramic Workshop (CCW)

Canpus Ceramic Workshop is described as a creative hub where traditional Vietnamese ceramics meet modern artistic expression. The space itself is designed to be welcoming and inspiring, with plenty of natural light and pottery tools at your disposal. The workshop’s atmosphere encourages creativity, whether you’re a complete beginner or someone with some pottery experience.

What the Class Covers

The class is billed as a comprehensive crash course that covers all stages of pottery making:

• Wheel throwing: You’ll learn the basics of shaping clay on a pottery wheel. The guides, who are experts, are fluent in both Vietnamese and English, making instructions clear and accessible. Reviewers note that the process is fun but requires patience, especially for first-timers.

• Hand-sculpting: For those who prefer a more tactile approach, hand-sculpting offers a chance to create detailed or textured pieces. This method is suitable for creating more intricate designs or accents on your pottery.

• Pottery painting: After shaping and sculpting, you’ll have the opportunity to paint and decorate your creation. Expect a variety of colors and techniques, allowing you to personalize your piece fully.

More Great Tours Nearby

Coffee Tasting and Local Drinks

One of the most appreciated aspects, based on visitor feedback, is the inclusion of premium Arabica coffee. Sourced directly from coffee farms, this coffee offers a rich, aromatic experience that complements the creative activity. You can enjoy a cup during the session or afterward, adding a relaxing element to your pottery-making journey. Some reviewers mention that the coffee is of exceptional quality, making the experience feel genuinely local.

The Souvenir: Your Own Pottery Creation

The main highlight is taking home your own handcrafted pottery piece. The process is designed to be accessible, and many guests manage to produce a piece they’re proud of, from simple mugs to decorative items. Reviewers often remark that it’s a rewarding experience to see your own design come to life, especially after a few hours of instruction. Keep in mind that the firing and glazing are done by Canpus Ceramic Workshop and will take 2-5 days, with your finished piece shipped to you afterward. Shipping fees apply, so budget accordingly.

Family-Friendly and Flexible

The class is suitable for families with children aged 5 and above, allowing everyone to participate in a creative activity. This makes it a versatile choice for families looking for an engaging experience that offers both fun and learning.

Pricing and Value

At $29 per person, the experience offers strong value, especially considering you get to create a tangible souvenir and enjoy premium coffee. The price covers all stages of pottery making, guidance from experts, music, and drinks—making it a well-rounded cultural activity. While the firing process requires additional wait time, the opportunity to have your own pottery piece ultimately makes the cost worthwhile for many.

Practical Considerations

• Transportation: The workshop is centrally located, so most visitors can easily walk there from their hotels or other sightseeing stops.
• Timing: The activity lasts around 3 hours, fitting comfortably into a morning or afternoon schedule.
• Booking Options: You can reserve your spot with flexible payment policies—pay later and cancel up to 24 hours in advance without penalty.
• Clothing: Wear comfortable clothes that can get dirty, and bring shoes suitable for standing and moving around comfortably.

Other Insights from Visitors

Many reviewers mention the lively, friendly atmosphere created by the guides, who are described as patient and knowledgeable. Guests appreciated the opportunity to learn new skills while having a few laughs, making it a relaxed environment for creativity. Several also noted the uniqueness of the experience compared to typical sightseeing tours, emphasizing its hands-on, authentic nature.

Who Would Love This Experience?

This pottery class in Hanoi’s Old Quarter suits travelers wanting an authentic, creative activity that’s both fun and memorable. It’s perfect for families, couples, or solo explorers who enjoy arts and crafts, local culture, or simply want a break from the hustle of sightseeing. The inclusion of coffee adds a delightful, local flavor, appealing to coffee lovers, while the opportunity to craft your own pottery makes it a meaningful souvenir option.

The Sum Up

This Make Your Own Pottery Experience offers a wonderful mix of hands-on learning, cultural insight, and personal creativity, all set in Hanoi’s lively Old Quarter. With accessible pricing, friendly guides, and the chance to take home your own handcrafted piece, it’s a practical activity that offers real value. Whether you’re a creative soul or just looking for a fun, authentic way to connect with Vietnam’s artistic traditions, this workshop provides a memorable, engaging experience.

It’s especially well-suited for those traveling with family, seeking a meaningful souvenir, or wanting to add a local craft element to their Hanoi adventure. The combination of skill-building, culture, and delicious coffee makes this a well-rounded choice for a balanced day of exploration.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is transportation provided to the workshop?
Transportation is not included, but the workshop is located centrally in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, making it easy to reach on foot from most nearby attractions.

Can children participate in the class?
Yes, children aged 5 and above are welcome, making this a family-friendly activity.

How long does the entire process take?
The class lasts around 3 hours, but the glazing and firing process takes 2-5 days, with your finished pottery shipped to you afterward.

What is included in the price?
All stages of pottery making—wheel throwing, hand-sculpting, and painting—guidance from an expert, music, and a cup of premium Arabica coffee or local drinks.

Are there options to cancel or modify my booking?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Payment can be made later, providing flexibility for your travel plans.

What should I wear during the class?
Comfortable, casual clothes that can get dirty, along with suitable shoes for standing and movement.

What if I don’t finish my pottery on the day?
Your piece will be glazed and fired by Canpus Ceramic Workshop, and shipped to your address, with applicable shipping fees.

Is this experience suitable for solo travelers?
Absolutely. The friendly, guided environment makes solo travelers feel welcome and engaged.

This pottery workshop in Hanoi blends culture, creativity, and practicality, making it a highly recommended activity for anyone eager to craft a tangible piece of Vietnam’s craftsmanship and enjoy a memorable day.

You can check availability for your dates here: