Terracotta Park in Hoi An – Is It Worth the Stop?

When you think of Hoi An, you often imagine lanterns, the old town, or beaches. But sometimes you want to step off the beaten path. That’s exactly how I ended up at Terracotta Park, right next to the Thanh Ha potters’ village. Honestly, I wasn’t really sure what to expect. A park with terracotta sculptures, miniatures, a museum, workshops… okay, but is it really worth stopping by?

I’ll take you on a tour and clearly show you what’s worth the detour… and what could be improved.

Where is Terracotta Park Hoi An?

Terracotta Park is located right next to the Thanh Ha Pottery Village, about 10 minutes by scooter from the Old Town of Hoi An. It’s easy to get to: you can go by bike, scooter, or even on foot if you enjoy walking and don’t mind the heat.

The park is open daily, usually from 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM. The entrance fee is 50,000 VND per adult and 30,000 VND per child. But be aware: the pottery workshop is not included, it’s a separate fee of 40,000 VND.

What to See and Do Inside?

The park is well laid out, and you can explore it in about one hour, depending on your pace. Right from the entrance, you’ll come across a garden of terracotta sculptures, with statues, abstract shapes, and some modern installations.

The place is pleasant, but the outdoor gallery lacks explanations, which makes the experience feel a bit superficial — especially if you like to understand what you’re looking at.

The Miniature Garden

The miniature garden immediately catches the eye: famous monuments from around the world are recreated in terracotta. The idea is great, but most of the names are missing, and it ends up feeling like a guessing game. It’s a shame, because the concept deserved more. Still, it’s one of the highlights of Terracotta Hoi An.

Exhibition Space

The exhibition space (the building on your right as you enter Terracotta Park) definitely needs improvement. There are few pieces on display, minimal explanation, and no real storyline — you walk through it in just a few minutes without feeling the need to stop.

Unlike the ground floor, the second floor offers more information about the pottery villages of Vietnam. It adds value to that part of the museum, even if it doesn’t completely elevate the experience.

The top floor is dedicated to Sa Huynh-style sculptures.

Pottery Museum

The main building slightly raises the overall level of the visit. It contains more interesting content about local pottery, including a section near the café dedicated to famous potters from Thanh Ha village, with portraits and short anecdotes. It’s the most informative part of the park, even if it remains quite brief.

Upstairs, there’s a tiny museum that holds the most interesting displays in the park. But it’s too small to really change my overall opinion of Terracotta Park.

Pottery Workshop at Terracotta Park Hoi An

There’s a pottery workshop offered by the park, but it comes at an extra cost (40,000 VND). To be honest, I’d recommend doing it directly in the village of Thanh Ha instead. The workshops there are usually more authentic, livelier, and often cheaper.

Terracotta Park Hoi An – Pros & Cons

✅ What Works Well

• The setting is pleasant and quiet, away from the busy Old Town
• The park is well maintained and easy to walk around
• The idea of terracotta miniatures is creative and original
• The second-floor museum adds some useful context, especially with the section on famous potters from Thanh Ha village
• There’s an option to try a pottery workshop (though the ones in the village are better)

❌ What Could Be Improved

• Lack of explanations in the sculpture garden and near the miniatures
• The ground floor exhibition is poor, with very few items on display
• The pottery workshop is not included in the entrance fee
• Overall, the site sometimes gives an unfinished feel or the sense of unrealized potential

My Opinion

I don’t regret visiting, but I wouldn’t do it again. The setting is nice, and the concept of a terracotta park is interesting, but once you’re inside, it becomes clear that there’s a lack of depth and substance. There’s potential, for sure, but it’s not fully developed.

What I enjoyed the most was the peaceful atmosphere and the museum upstairs, which finally offers some real content. The rest? It’s nice to look at for five minutes, but that’s about it.

And honestly, if you want to try pottery, go to the Thanh Ha village just nearby. It’s more lively, more local, and overall a better experience.

In short, it’s a nice spot if you’re already nearby or have extra time, but I wouldn’t call it a must-see in Hoi An.