Day 1: Threads of Tradition – Arrival in Luang Prabang
Welcome to Luang Prabang, the former royal capital and spiritual heart of Laos. After your arrival and hotel check-in, take the afternoon to immerse yourself in the city’s rich textile heritage.
Visit Ban Phanom, a nearby weaving village where traditional looms hum softly as skilled women craft silk and cotton textiles using patterns passed down through generations. Learn how motifs carry deep symbolic meaning in Lao culture and try weaving a few lines yourself—a truly grounding experience.
This evening, stroll through the lively Night Market, lit by soft lantern glow and filled with a kaleidoscope of local crafts, from handwoven scarves to handmade silver jewelry. This is the perfect introduction to the artisanal soul of Luang Prabang.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 2: Paper & Prayer – Mulberry Craft and Sacred Art
Start your day with a hands-on workshop in Saa paper-making, a delicate art that transforms mulberry bark into soft yet sturdy handmade paper. Discover how different textures and inclusions—like flower petals or bamboo—are used to create unique designs and take home your own hand-crafted sheets.
In the afternoon, delve into Luang Prabang’s spiritual legacy with visits to its most revered Buddhist temples. Admire the intricate wood carvings, gilded details, and symbolic architecture at Wat Xieng Thong, and learn how artistic expression is deeply entwined with religious practice in Laos.
As the sun sets, you may choose to join a Baci Ceremony, a traditional Lao blessing meant to unify body and spirit. Participating in this heartfelt ritual offers rare insight into the cultural values of community, harmony, and spiritual grounding.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 3: Colours of the Earth – Natural Dyes & Village Craftsmanship
Today, deepen your connection with Laos’s textile heritage. Spend the morning at the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Center, where you’ll join a natural dyeing workshop. Under the guidance of expert artisans, extract vibrant hues from local plants like indigo, turmeric, or lemongrass, and learn how each dye bath must be treated with care and respect.
In the afternoon, visit Ban Xang Khong, a tranquil village on the banks of the Mekong, famed for its silk weaving and Saa paper art. Walk through small family-run studios where artisans deftly operate foot looms and produce rich, tactile fabrics. You may also see the art of stencil-cutting for temple decorations.
Overnight in Luang Prabang.
Day 4: Into the Highlands – Journey to Luang Namtha & Ethnic Art
Depart Luang Prabang aboard a scenic high-speed train bound for Luang Namtha, a remote northern province rich in ethnic diversity. This region is home to more than 20 ethnic groups, each preserving their unique art forms and craft traditions.
Upon arrival and hotel check-in, visit the Luang Namtha Museum for a curated introduction to the history, clothing, and craftsmanship of groups like the Khmu, Lanten, and Akha. From textiles and jewelry to farming tools and ritual objects, you’ll see how creativity is woven into everyday life. In the evening, browse the local night market, where authentic ethnic crafts await discovery.
Overnight in Luang Namtha.
Day 5: Hands of the Hills – Khmu & Lanten Artisan Villages
Venture deeper into the countryside today as you explore villages of the Khmu and Lanten ethnic minorities.
Begin in Vieng Phoukha District, where Khmu women create woven shoulder bags, baskets, and garments using age-old bamboo and textile techniques. Engage with artisans and learn how they gather natural materials and use storytelling through motif and pattern.
Later, visit a Lanten village, where women dressed in indigo-dyed garments craft traditional bamboo paper and ornate silver jewelry. You may witness a live demonstration and have the chance to purchase directly from the makers—supporting sustainable, community-based tourism.
Overnight in Luang Namtha.
Day 6: A Crossroads of Craft – From Laos to Cambodia
This morning, take in the colors, sounds, and aromas of the Luang Namtha Morning Market, where locals barter over hill tribe textiles, forest herbs, and handwoven goods.
Then begin your journey south: return to Luang Prabang and board a flight to Siem Reap, Cambodia. Upon arrival, meet your local guide who will provide an orientation as you transfer to your hotel.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 7: Sacred Stones & Sunset Skies – Angkor Heritage Tour
Rise before dawn to witness the awe-inspiring sunrise at Angkor Wat—a serene, unforgettable moment as the first light washes over ancient stones.
After breakfast, explore the majesty of Angkor Thom, with its enigmatic Bayon Temple and intricate carvings at the Terrace of the Elephants. Continue to Preah Khan, once a vibrant monastic university complex, and marvel at its vast halls and jungle-wrapped corridors.
In the afternoon, visit iconic Ta Prohm, embraced by giant trees and tangled roots—a stunning example of nature and heritage intertwined. Conclude your day with sunset views atop Phnom Bakheng, gazing out across the Angkor plains.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 8: Clay & Community – Pottery & Village Arts
Today begins with a Khmer pottery class, where local artisans guide you through traditional wheel-throwing techniques. Get your hands dirty, shape your own piece, and gain a new appreciation for this ancient craft.
In the afternoon, drive to Peak Sneng village, where you’ll visit a local school and walk with students through their village. Discover how Cambodia’s national palm-leaf hats are woven and how lotus flowers are intricately folded into symbolic art. This heartwarming visit fosters a deeper connection to the everyday lives behind Cambodian crafts.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 9: Petals & Precision – Lotus Silk & Temple Carvings
Embark on a journey to Banteay Srei, the “Citadel of Women,” famed for its pink sandstone and intricate carvings of Hindu deities. En route, stop in Preah Dak village to see the extraction of palm sugar and other local treats.
In the afternoon, visit a lotus silk farm for a serene walk through fields of blooming lotus. Learn how fine threads are meticulously extracted from lotus stems and transformed into eco-friendly silk scarves using traditional methods. Conclude with a relaxing lotus flower tea and homemade snacks in a tranquil garden setting.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 10: From Thread to Treasure – Silk Farm & Artisan Revival
Hop aboard a tuk tuk to Pouk District and explore a working silk farm, where you’ll see every step of the process—from silkworm breeding to dyeing and weaving. Witness how Khmer patterns are carefully designed and preserved through generations.
In the afternoon, visit Artisans d’Angkor, a social enterprise training young Cambodians in traditional stone carving, woodwork, gilding, and lacquerware. Their onsite workshops and boutique offer some of the finest contemporary Khmer crafts in the country—perfect for meaningful souvenirs.
Overnight in Siem Reap.
Day 11: A Creative Goodbye – Departure from Siem Reap
Enjoy a relaxed breakfast at your hotel. Depending on your flight time, you may squeeze in some last-minute shopping or simply soak up the final moments of your artistic adventure before your transfer to the airport.
