The Silk Road Safari

A day that showcases Laos traditional hand-made arts and crafts, fit for the most discerning of shoppers and artisans!

Lao weaving and handicrafts are renowned for their beauty and there are so many different ethnic designs and traditions to explore. Come with us on a journey through the artisanal traditions of Laos – from the loom to workshop to the boutique.

First we’ll visit the Lao Textile Museum where you can admire a range of different traditional, antique textiles created by different Lao ethnic groups. Learn more about these pieces and their uses, and try your hand on a traditional Lao loom. Then visit one of Vientiane’s premier weaving houses to see modern day weaving and textile production first hand. We’ll also visit the showroom to see the incredibly beautiful finished products.

Then  sneak a peek into the workshop of a family-run silversmith producing intricate traditional and modern pieces. See how these pieces are formed and how this traditional craft is being continued in the family. Then a break for lunch at a very popular French cafe providing delicious local and international dishes.

After lunch we visit an impressive privately owned collection of antique Lao textiles as well as seeing some products that provide a modern take on traditional Lao handicrafts. Then stop off for a peek at a shop that specialises in traditional indigo textile products, which also happens to be a co-operative for Lao weavers and artisans. To relax at the end of a hard day of handicrafting enjoy a delicious refreshing fruit shake at the most popular shake shop in town.

Details

You’ll need to bring sunscreen and a hat. Please wear comfortable clothes suitable for travelling in a tuk tuk.

Tour runs from 8.30am to approx 3pm. Pick up and drop off at your accommodation. Please be ready at the front of your hotel at 8.30am sharp for pick up.

The tour can be run any day from Monday to Saturday depending on availability. Tour does not run on Sundays. A minimum of one full days notice (24 hours) is required to set up this tour, due to the nature of the activities involved. Please provide as much notice as possible for your trip. This tour may be cancelled or altered up to one full day (24 hours) before departure time. Full payment will be required for any cancellation less than 24 hours before this time.

Pricing

$75 USD per adult.

$45 USD per child aged between 6 and 12 years.

Payment in either kip or USD is fine, but please note that we can only accept clean, new USD notes as banks in Laos do not accept old or dirty currency. We calculate the kip tour cost daily using the USD to LAK rate on https://www.xe.com/.

A minimum of two participants are required for the tour to run. Maximum 12 participants per tour. Larger groups can be accommodated upon early request.

The price includes all transport by tuk tuk, all activities, water, English speaking guide, and lunch. It does not include any additional drinks or food purchased and no unplanned stops are possible.