Museum of Trade Ceramics, Hoi An

Museum in Hoi An

CC BY-SA 4.0 / Steffen Schmitz

The Museum of Trade Ceramics serves as one of the top attractions in Hoi An for travellers interested in the town's maritime heritage and centuries-old commercial networks. Functioning as a gallery dedicated to the history of Hoi An Port, it offers visitors a vivid look into the city's important role in regional and international trade. Housed in a beautifully restored 19th-century building, the museum is often visited on walking tours of Hoi An as part of a deeper exploration of the Ancient Town.

Inside, the museum displays more than 450 ceramic artifacts originating from India, China, Japan, Thailand, and Vietnam. Spanning from the 9th to 19th century, the collection reflects the evolution of ceramic artistry as well as the vibrant trade routes that connected Hoi An to the world.

History and Significance of Museum of Trade Ceramics
Things to See and Do in Museum of Trade Ceramics
How to Get to Museum of Trade Ceramics
Practical Tips on Visiting Museum of Trade Ceramics
Where to Stay close to Museum of Trade Ceramics
Is Museum of Trade Ceramics Worth Visiting?
FAQs for Visiting Museum of Trade Ceramics
Nearby Attractions to Museum of Trade Ceramics

History and Significance of Museum of Trade Ceramics

The building itself is a significant part of the museum's story. Constructed in the 19th century using the architectural style characteristic of Hoi An's historic homes, it reflects both local design traditions and the multicultural influences shaped by centuries of trade. In 1994, the structure was carefully restored to preserve its historical integrity, and by 1995 it opened to the public as the Museum of Trade Ceramics.

The museum chronicles Hoi An's pivotal role as a bustling international port from the 9th century onwards. Through trade networks stretching across Asia, ceramic goods flowed into and out of the region, carrying with them artistic styles, cultural ideas, and economic wealth. The exhibits illuminate how Hoi An connected with India, China, Southeast Asia, and beyond, becoming a multicultural hub long before modern globalization.

Today, the museum stands as a testament to the town's maritime past, offering insight into the craftsmanship, traditions, and exchanges that shaped the cultural fabric of Hoi An.

Things to See and Do in Museum of Trade Ceramics

The museum’s layout guides visitors through collections arranged by origin and historical period. Chinese ceramics, particularly those from the Ming and Qing dynasties, are among the highlights. These pieces showcase refined craftsmanship, striking glazes, and classical decorative motifs that reflect centuries of technique and tradition.

Ceramics from Japan, Thailand, India, and Vietnam reveal the diversity of styles that passed through Hoi An's port. The displays include dishes, wine cups, teapots, vases, jars, and ceramic paintings, with some items dating back as far as 2000 years. Exploring these galleries is one of the things to do in Hoi An for travellers who enjoy cultural history expressed through material objects.

The museum also provides information on excavation sites, maritime trade routes, and archaeological discoveries from shipwrecks and riverbeds. Together, these exhibits paint a compelling picture of how ceramics shaped both everyday life and global commerce.

How to Get to Museum of Trade Ceramics

Travellers typically arrive in Hoi An via Da Nang International Airport, which lies around 45 minutes away from the Ancient Town and offers both international and domestic flights. For the best deals and a seamless booking experience, check out these flights to Hoi An on Booking.com.

If arriving by rail, Da Nang Railway Station is the nearest train hub, with frequent services from major Vietnamese cities. Visitors can easily continue to Hoi An by taxi, bus, or shuttle. Train schedules and bookings can be found on Omio.

Located on Tran Phu Street in the Ancient Town, the museum is accessible on foot or by bicycle. Visitors travelling by car must park in designated areas outside the pedestrianised streets of the heritage zone.

Practical Tips on Visiting Museum of Trade Ceramics

Suggested tips: Read the labels closely-many offer fascinating information on trade links and techniques.
Best time to visit: Morning hours provide quiet viewing and comfortable temperatures.
Price: Hoi An Old Town Ticket Required (120,000 VND)
Opening Hours: Typically 8:00–17:00
How long to spend: 30 to 45 minutes is enough to appreciate the full collection.
Accessibility: Some parts of the historic building have narrow doorways and steps.
Facilities: Limited facilities inside; nearby cafés and rest areas are easily accessible.
Photography tip: Use natural light near windows to capture ceramic details.
Guided tours: Many walking tours of Hoi An include a stop at the museum for added context.
Nearby food options: Tran Phu Street and surrounding lanes offer numerous Vietnamese eateries.

Where to Stay close to Museum of Trade Ceramics

Staying within the Ancient Town provides easy access to the museum and other heritage sites. Consider Vinh Hung Heritage Hotel for a traditional experience in a historic setting. Another excellent option is Allegro Hoi An, offering boutique comfort with cultural charm. For riverside views in a stylish environment, Little Riverside Hoi An is a popular choice.

Is Museum of Trade Ceramics Worth Visiting?

Yes, the Museum of Trade Ceramics is definitely worth visiting, especially for travellers interested in the history of trade, craftsmanship, and cross-cultural exchange. It provides a fascinating look into how ceramics helped shape Hoi An's identity as an international trading port and offers a calm, insightful experience in the midst of the Ancient Town.

What Other Travellers Say...

Reviews Summary

4.1 (1,115)

Thanh Hà Terracotta Park in Thanh Hà, Hội An showcases traditional Vietnamese terracotta pottery across a compact park with two main buildings—a museum and a café—and a courtyard filled with creative clay sculptures including miniature versions of famous buildings. Visitors note the site is larger than it looks, peaceful to wander for about an hour or two, and features historic pottery tools, old kilns, short museum videos, and a small workshop where friendly staff guide you to make your own piece for a modest fee; there’s also an on-site café where people enjoyed Vietnamese milk coffee.

Do Cuong

3 months ago

"If you're looking for a cool spot with unique architecture and fun stuff to do in Hoi An, you have to check out Thanh Ha Terracotta Park! It's almost6,000 square meters and has a really creative design inspired by traditional kilns. Once you're there, you can not only see a bunch of miniature world wonders made of clay, but you can also try making your own pottery. It's an awesome place to get into pottery and have some seriously memorable experiences...."

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Samantha Gutierrez

2 months ago

"This was a very pretty museum, we had a lovely time visiting! We also had a coffee and the Vietnamese Milk Coffee I ordered was amazing, I was sosurprised at how much I liked it. Also, big thank you to the staff who were very nice and helpful to me after I fell over and scraped my knee 💕 they were very nice about looking after our bags while Mum ran to help me and by bringing us stuff to clean my knee 💕..."

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John Winter

5 months ago

"This park is great for anyone curious about local culture, traditional crafts, and Vietnamese art. It’s larger than it looks at first glance, withplenty to explore, including historic pottery tools, old kilns, and creative clay sculptures that blend traditional and modern styles. One standout is a kiln that’s over 500 years old, still showcasing methods used for generations. There’s also a small pottery workshop where you can create your own clay piece for around 40,000 VND. The team there was friendly and explained the steps clearly, making it a fun and relaxed experience. Inside the main building, you’ll find short videos on the region’s ceramic heritage, plus a miniature exhibit of clay models based on famous sites. There’s even a café on-site if you want to unwind after exploring. Well worth a visit if you’re in the area. I even made a small vase, was quite impressed. Wednesday 8:30 am–5 pmnThursday 8:30 am–5 pmnFridayt 8:30 am–5 pmnSaturday 8:30 am–5 pmnSunday 8:30 am–5 pmnMondayt 8:30 am–5 pmnTuesdayt 8:30 am–5 pm..."

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FAQs for Visiting Museum of Trade Ceramics

Its extensive collection of ceramics from across Asia highlights Hoi An’s central role in historic trade networks.

Many date from the 9th to 19th century, with some pieces as old as 2000 years.

Yes, children often enjoy the colourful ceramics and varied displays.

Photography is usually allowed, but always check for signs near sensitive pieces.

Nearby Attractions to Museum of Trade Ceramics

Fujian Assembly Hall: A vibrant heritage site dedicated to Thien Hau with ornate design and colourful courtyards.
Cantonese Assembly Hall: A beautifully decorated hall honouring Quan Cong with striking sculptures and motifs.
Japanese Covered Bridge: Hoi An's iconic landmark representing the town's multicultural trading history.
Old House of Tan Ky: A historic merchant residence blending Vietnamese, Chinese, and Japanese architectural styles.
Hoi An Night Market: A lively riverside market filled with lanterns, street food, and local crafts.

The Museum of Trade Ceramics appears in our Complete Guide to Visiting Hoi An!

Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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