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LAOS

LAO013: CRAFT AND TEXTILE 6D5N

Day 01 - Arrive in Vientiane

 

Arrive in Vientiane, go through Immigration and Customs. For Laos visa, you will obtain it upon arrival with US$ 30 or US$42 each in cash (depends on your nationality), payable directly to the immigration officer at the airport. Please have two passport photos ready for your visa upon arrival.

 

Transfer (approx. 30mins) to your hotel for check-in. Evening free at leisure and enjoy the nice setting of the hotel.

Richard J.







Day 02 - Vientiane

 

Transfer north of Vientiane and visit the Lao Textile Museum, exhibits about 1,000 ancient silk fabrics from all ethnic groups of Laos. Continue with a visit a family line of traditional Lao weavers


Then, visit to the weaving home-studio of an American textiles expert, as part of a United Nations project to promote traditional weaving. The expert will personally escort you through her studio and explain the process of producing silk as well as sharing her life experiences and memories of living in Laos


Afterwards, visit to the contemporary Villa Cythere gallery, get to know more about the artists and their backgrounds by chatting with the director of the gallery who will be on-hand during your visit. 

Richard J.








Day 03 - Vientiane / Luang Prabang via flight

 

Today, visit the serene Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple in town. Continue to Wat Ho Phra Keo, the former home of the Emerald Buddha statue. Next stop is That Luang, considered to be the symbol of Laos and Patouxay, also known as the Arc de Triomphe, which was built in the 1960’s in commemoration of those who died during the wars of the past. Then, take the flight to Luang Prabang.


This evening, you may walk around a Night Market to see the local life. It’s a good place to take some souvenir home.

Richard J.








Day 04 - Luang Prabang

 

You have the option to wake up before dawn to witness and participate in offering alms to hundreds of saffron-robed monks - an awe-inspiring sight. 

 

Then, visit to the Royal Palace which is now a National Museum and houses the precious exhibits that used to be possessions of the former Laos Royal family. Continue with the exploration of Wat Xiengthong, a 16th century temple which epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture. Pay a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre where you are able to observe valuable artifacts and traditional clothing and implements from each of the 20 ethnic minority groups which inhabit the Luang Prabang area

 

Take the opportunity to interact with the monks at the Wat Mai temple before ending the day with a climb of 328 steps to the top of Phousi Hill. Where you can watch the sun set over Luang Prabang town and the two rivers and forested hills which form its natural borders.

Richard J.








Day 05 - Luang Prabang

 

After breakfast, drive to the nearby traditional Tai Lue weaving village Ban Phanom where is famed for its intricately woven textiles and special weaving techniques - in former times, it was the weaver colony of the Luang Prabang Royalty. Visit to Kop Noi workshop; (means “little frog”), a universal symbol for balance in the environment.


Also, visit the well-known silver's smith shop of a local artisan who worked as silver’s smith for Lao Kings for many generations. 


In mid-afternoon, drive to visit the riverside studio of Ok Pop Tok, where 2 young designers reinterpret traditional woven designs. The seminar takes 1.5 hours and is titled “The Silk Road: From Silkworms to Nagas” and you will be exposed to all elements of the Lao textile and weaving process.

Richard J.








Day 06 - Luang Prabang departure via flight


Check-out of your hotel no later than 12:00 noon and transfer (approx. 30mins) to the airport for your onward flight to next destination or returns your home.

Richard J.








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