Phuoc Tich – The Imperial Pottery Village

Journey to Phuoc Tich Ancient Village

Discover Hue’s 500-Year-Old Heritage Gem

Depart Hue for a scenic 40 km (25 miles) drive north to Phuoc Tich Village, a charming riverside community that has stood for over five centuries. Nestled along the O Lau River, this national relic is home to more than 30 century-old wooden houses, offering a vivid glimpse into Vietnam’s architectural and cultural past.

According to historical records, during the Nguyen Dynasty, Phuoc Tich enjoyed a unique imperial privilege that no other village had. Each year, the villagers were required to submit around 400 clay rice pots (“om”) to the royal court for cooking rice for the emperor. The court strictly forbade villagers from keeping pots resembling these imperial ones for personal use — anyone who disobeyed faced severe punishment. This tradition highlights the village’s long-standing reputation for crafting pottery fit for the emperor, a legacy still visible in Phuoc Tich today.

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A Living Museum of Traditional Architecture

The village’s ancient houses are built in the distinctive “nha ruong” style — traditional wooden dwellings with intricately carved beams and pillars, assembled with wooden pegs for easy dismantling. Strolling through the tranquil lanes, you’ll visit a typical Hue-style garden house, harmoniously designed according to Feng Shui principles. Inside, discover antiques and centuries-old ceramic heirlooms that tell stories of generations past.

As the village was commissioned by the emperor for its pottery, Phuoc Tich’s ceramics became famous throughout Central Vietnam. As a result, the villagers were prosperous at the time and built spacious, well-crafted traditional wooden houses.

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Meet the Locals and Explore a Pottery Legacy

Enjoy an intimate conversation with a local family to learn about village life and the enduring customs that define rural Vietnam.

Once a thriving pottery village, Phuoc Tich still preserves this age-old craft — and you may witness artisans at work shaping clay into elegant, hand-crafted pieces.

Although the village is in Hue, it lies right on the border with Quang Tri, making it very convenient to visit together with a DMZ tour.

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NOTES:

• Suggested departure time: 09:00
• Tour duration: 04 hours
  
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