TOUR SUMMARY:

Duration:                     8 hours 

Suggested Time:       08:30-17:00 approximately 

Location:                     Luang Prabang

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Experience Laos through textiles — alongside Master Weavers and experienced teachers you can try your own hand at traditional crafts. A wide range of classes including silk weaving, natural dyes, batik drawing you can try your own hand at traditional crafts before enjoying cocktails and canapes whilst watching the sun set along the Mekong River.

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DETAILED ITINERARY:

• You will be met at the lobby of your chosen hotel by your private guide and transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to Wat Xieng Thong temple which is one of the most beautiful in Laos.  Upon leaving Vat Xieng Thong we will take a walk through the streets of Luang Prabang observing the historical architecture of French colonial buildings and local life before paying a visit to the National Museum, the Former Royal palace which was built 1904-1909 by the French Architect and was gift from the French to our last king of Laos. Next is a visit to Vat Visoun temple commonly known as That Mak Mo (the water melon stupa) built in 1520 AD it is now a Buddhist temple Museum followed by a stop at Vat Aham and Vat Mai. Upon reaching the main street of Luang Prabang we will climb up to the top of Mt. Phousi for a 360 degree view of the city.

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• After lunch (not included) you will be transferred by private air conditioned vehicle to Ock Pop Tok.  Meaning 'East meets West' this traditional crafts centre was founded in 2000 Ock Pop Tok has grown from a small shop selling only a few designs, to becoming one of the most important textile and artisan institutions in all of Laos and South East Asia. 

• You will have the option of choosing one of the following workshops (must be booked in advance):

• Natural Dye Class - An introduction to silkworms and silk types, students have a hands-on experience with natural dye preparation and create 3 natural dyes using plants directly from a home-grown garden (just like the Lao have done for hundreds of years! At the end of class you will take home 2 dyed silk skeins or 2 cotton napkins and 1 Silk scarf you dyed yourself. 

• Weaving Class - Your class starts with an introduction to silks, dyeing and weaving techniques. Each student is assigned a loom — a guide and a weaver will help you learn the art of weaving. Upon completion of the class each student receives a 2-colour placemat with Lao motifs woven in class for you to take home as a souvenir.

• Hmong Batik Drawing (maximum of 3 persons) - Each student will create a wax resistant, Hmong-style design on hand-loomed hemp.  Upon completion of the class each student can take home their 30cm x 46cm hemp piece with wax resin design.

• Bamboo Weaving - Great for all ages! - Join the master bamboo weaver and learn about the many uses of bamboo in Laos.  Each student will learn how to weave a place mat or traditional fan to take home. 

• Following the class you will enjoy cocktails and canapes whilst watching the sun set from the river bank of the Mekong River. 

• Transfer back to your hotel by private vehicle.