LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
Textile Printing, Natural Dyeing, Embroidery + Weaving
with Arounna Khounnoraj + Lao Artisans
October 25 - November 2, 2024
Join Arounna Khounnoraj in her home country of Laos for a very special textile discovery journey. Arounna is excited to share this beautiful country with you as together you explore various forms of textile printing such as block printing and painting on fabric with with resists and modifiers, natural dyeing using local plants and different techniques of fabric embroidery. Arounna will help guide you to bring all of these processes together to create a final textile project.
You will also work with local artisans from Ock Pop Tok and Passa Paa learning about silk types, natural dyeing and indigo, how to weave on a large floor looms, and Hmong style batik wax resist printing and embroidery.
Luang Prabang is the best place in Laos to find the country’s remarkable textile treasures. Laos textiles are considered by collectors and connoisseurs to be amongst the finest in the world. This town slows your pulse and awakens your imagination with its combination of world-class comfort and spiritual nourishment. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city sits at the sacred confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), that almost surround the city, and beneath a temple-topped hill, Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture. Golden-roofed wats, decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha, sit under the gaze of wrap-around teak balconies and 19th century shuttered windows. All of this is set against a backdrop of verdant greenery and rugged mountains.
This workshop is open to all ability levels from beginner to experienced. Trip Itinerary, Details + Important Trip Notes below.
DATES
October 25 - November 2, 2024 ∙ 9 Days, 8 Nights
PRICE
Twin Shared Room $3695 USD
Private Room $4395 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
ROOM AVAILABILITY:
PRIVATE ROOMS ARE AVAILABLE
SHARED ROOMS ARE CURRENTLY FULL
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS INCLUDE
Textile Printing + Embroidery Workshops with Arounna Khounnoraj
Traditional Loom Weaving + Natural Dyeing workshops with Ock Pop Tok
Hmong Batik Wax Resist Printing + Embroidery Workshop with Passa Paa
Guided walking tour of Luang Prabang plus a visit to a Paper making + weaving village
Transportation to and from included activities
Learning with Lao Artisans
During our time in Luang Prabang you will be working closely with local artisans to get a better understanding of Hmong style batik printing + embroidery and traditional large loom weaving. For generations weaving + embroidery has been an integral part of many villagers lives. Aware that their weaving was something to be appreciated, the Lao did not write down the stories of their history over the years. Instead, they wove it, with brightly coloured fabrics decorated in unique designs inspired by Lao legends. In the last decade, rural Laotian traditional textile art is now making a comeback. Younger weavers are becoming master artisans and entrepreneurs, making waves in the arts market, and creating a new livelihood strategy from centuries-old traditions.
Ock Pop Tok was founded on principles of fair trade and sustainable business practices, and was pioneering social business and ethical fashion before these terms were even a part of our cultural lexicon.
Founders Veo and Jo realised early on that in order for hand loomed textiles to survive and thrive as a craft, they had to create economic value for the textiles. Weaving, which is done primarily by village women, is often considered domestic work that is not representative of progress or economic advancement. By operating on fair trade principles – specifically by providing competitive wages, opportunities for continued learning and professional development – OPT gave village weavers, most of whom are women, the ability to earn a sustainable livelihood for their families and communities.
Passa Paa - which means language of cloth in Lao- is known for their contemporary take on Hmong patterns, hand crafted from in their family run studio.
Indigo dyeing, batik, appliqué, embroidery, and cross stitching have a major role in Passa Paa because of their high cultural value and because of their beautiful results they produce. All these techniques began centuries ago and have passed from generation to generation to evolve in time to what they use daily at their studio in Luang Prabang.
Travel + Learn with Arounna Khounnoraj
Arounna Khounnoraj is a Canadian artist and maker working in Toronto where she immigrated with her family from Laos at the age of four. While her education includes a master’s degree in fine arts in sculpture and ceramics, it was through subsequent residencies that she found her current focus in fibre arts. In 2002 she started bookhou, a multi-disciplinary studio with her husband John Booth, where Arounna explores screen printing and a variety of textile techniques such as embroidery and punch needle. She creates objects such as bags, home goods and textile art.
In addition, Arounna’s passion for creating and belief in the importance of the handmade has allowed her to become one of Canada’s most sought-after mentors and educators working with colleges, workshops and social media projects.
Arounna has written and published five books with a focus on Textile design and processes, such as newly released Contemporary Patchwork: Techniques in Color, Surface Design & Sewing and Winter Celebrations, A modern guide to a handmade Christmas. Learn more about Arounna at bookhou.com, her books and follow her on Instagram for inspiration at @bookhou.
Day by Day Itinerary
Day 1
Welcome to Luang Prabang!
Arrive at Luang Prabang Airport and transfer to hotel this morning or afternoon.
Please note: Airport Pick-up is for Arrival Day only. Should you plan to arrive earlier and stay at another hotel you will be responsible for your own transfer arrangements to our hotel.
This evening we have a welcome dinner in the garden.
Day 2
We start this morning with a walking tour of Luang Prabang, an introduction to the the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures, we’ll learn about the history of the town and so much more. We’ll stop by one of our favorite restaurants in town for lunch.
This afternoon we make our way to the Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center for a workshop all about Natural Dyeing. Gain hands-on experience with natural dye preparation and create 3 natural dyes using plants directly from their onsite home-grown garden (just like the Lao have done for hundreds of years!) You’ll customize your own product and resist patterns and learn the process of dyeing.
Group Dinner at a casual restaurant in town
Day 3
Today is a full day workshop with Arounna. Our morning begins with Arounna introducing to the different projects that will be completed during the week ahead. We will start by creating paintings on cloth with mordants and modifiers (like alum, iron and soy milk) creating mark making imagery that we will later dye with natural dyes. We will also create patterns using resist methods like clay and will be over-dyeing with indigo dye.
This afternoon, we will take our painted fabric and dye them in different batches of natural dye and see how our images come to life with the change of colour. We will begin the design process for our lino blocks and time permitting, we begin to print them on cloth.
Day 4
This morning we head back to our workshop space and you will continue your workshop with Arounna. Today you will be working on block printing your cloth and learning about the magic of indigo dye. Your block printed cloth will be over dyed using local indigo vats.
The afternoon and evening are free time to relax and recharge or head out and explore Luang Prabang.
Day 5
Today we make our way to the rural studio of Passa Paa where they will guide the group through hands on Hmong style batik wax resist printing and embroidery techniques.
You will work with locally made hemp fabric using beeswax to create your personal motif resists. After dyeing the fabric and revealing the pattern you will work with learn simple Hmong embroidery techniques to edge your printed piece. Embroidery in Hmong culture is used to tell stories, folktales and historical accounts of traditional Hmong life and culture.
Day 6
Today is a full day workshop with Arounna. You will work with the printed, painted and dyed cloth to create a final piece today. It will be finished with batting and Arounna will show you how to emphasize details using embroidery stitches like running, back and french knots.
Day 7
Today you have a full day large loom weaving workshop with the artisans of Ock Pop Tok. You will discuss traditional materials and weaving techniques. Each guest will select their colours and with the support of a master weaver, you will be shown to your floor loom and start learning how to weave. By the end of the day you will have completed your loom piece and shown how to hand stitch the final touches.
Day 8
Our morning begins with a visit to a small rural weaving village. We discover several weavers workshops producing fine, authentic Lao textiles. Another specialty of the village is handwoven silk and saa paper, which is paper made from fast-growing mulberry bark naturally shed by the tree. The afternoon is free time to relax and recharge or head out and explore Luang Prabang.
This evening we gather for a final group dinner to celebrate our week together.
Day 9
Departure day: After breakfast, we say our final goodbyes and head on our way. Our hotel can help you book airport transfers.
Thank you for joining us in Laos!
Nota Bene: this is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, new opportunities, and the desires of the group.
Where We’re Staying
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang Village, our boutique zen-like hotel is well situated to explore all of the city’s major sites. The traditional Laotian building features stylishly furnished rooms that face an inviting central courtyard and swimming pool. Guests can enjoy Thai, Lao and western cuisines all day in the hotel restaurant. The hotel operates a complimentary shuttle to the main street, which houses an array of restaurant and bar choices, you may also borrow a bicycle to get around town.
ROOMING OPTIONS
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the booking page
Group Size: Minimum 8 guests and maximum 12 guests. All Prices are in USD.
OPTION 1 - TWIN SHARED ROOM PRICE
Room Notes: Shared rooms have two individual beds. You will share a room + bathroom with one other guest for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
The fee for this trip is $3695 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1895
Final Payment due June 26, 2024: $1800
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM PRICE
Room Notes: You will have a private room for the duration of the trip. The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
The fee for this trip is $4395 per person, paid in two separate instalments.
Deposit due immediately to secure your place on the trip: $1895
Final Payment due June 26, 2024: $2500
Important Trip Notes + Details
CULINARY NOTES
While we will do our best to manage specific dietary allergies with prior knowledge, during certain meals, some dishes may be served family style and will not be possible to change. Dishes are often prepared with garlic, onions, and peppers. Onions, garlic, peppers, gluten, eggs and dairy will be included in some set meals.
We cannot accommodate any dietary allergies if you do not advise us when you register.
Please contact us before registering if you have any questions.
WHO IS THIS TRIP FOR?
This trip is for the calm, open minded traveler who is eager to learn and work hands-on with a local community of skilled artisans and curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a group.
THIS ACE CAMP INCLUDES
Eight nights at boutique inn in Luang Prabang; transport during workshop and tours; exclusive hands-on textile printing and embroidery workshop with Arounna Khounnoraj; Artisan led local craft workshops; guided tour of Luang Prabang; workshop supplies; eight breakfasts, six lunches and three dinners.
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
International roundtrip airfare; Personal Travel Insurance: We require all participants to have personal travel insurance that at minimum covers medical emergencies and cancellations; Alcoholic Drinks; activities not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including room service, expenses during free time; laundry service and hotel bar tabs; food and beverages not included in itinerary.
TRAVEL ARRANGEMENTS
Ace Camps will email you when it is time to make your travel arrangements. This email will be sent 90 days or more before your trip departs unless you book within 90 prior to the camp. We will also be sending you an Ace Camps Travel preparation document prior to your trip. It will include a detailed itinerary, arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information and more.
ACE CAMPS TOUR MANAGER
An Ace Camps Tour Manager is a part of your group and is there to look out for your safety, to help resolve issues, and to make sure you get what you want from your trip. Your Tour Manager is not a local guide but will work with all local vendors and partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration.
WORKSHOP SUPPLIES
The majority of workshop supplies will be provided on site in Laos however you will need to bring a couple of small personal items that will be easy to travel with.
COVID DISCLAIMER
While we strive to deliver all aspects of the included itinerary and specific accommodation, due to challenges some vendors may be facing, certain aspects of your Ace Camp may be changed according to the situation beyond our control. In the small chance this does occur, we will work to offer comparable accommodations and/or activities when possible. Thank you for your understanding.
Ace Camps Inc. will not be responsible for refunding any lost trip funds if you have to miss your scheduled trip as you cannot meet the requirements determined by Ace Camps Inc. and the country you are visiting.
Please read our full COVID-19 Policies + FAQ’s HERE
ACCESSIBILITY
Please note this tour includes some walking tours where the ground may be uneven, you may be on your feet for a couple of hours at a time. You should be comfortable walking or standing for long periods.
Our hotel and workshop space have several sets of stairs.
WEATHER
October is a great time of year to travel to Laos. The rainy season has not yet started so we should see mostly dry weather during this time. Daytime temperatures average around 28°C (85°F) with evenings around 18°C. Afternoon sun can see the mercury top out into the mid 30's C (95°F).
WHERE DOES THIS TRIP START + FINISH?
This trip starts and finishes in Luang Prabang, Laos.
The closest airport is Luang Prabang International Airport - code LPQ - is located only 4 kms from the city center and makes arrival very convenient.
For those arriving on October 25, 2024 we can arrange an airport pick up for you.
BOOKING TERMS + CANCELLATION POLICY
You may cancel on or before June 26, 2024 and receive a full refund minus a $1000 USD per-person admin fee. If you cancel on or after June 27, 2024 there is a 100% cancellation fee and all funds paid are non-refundable.
Once a trip has a confirmed number of guests, deposit invoices are sent and due to be paid within 48 hours.
Please ensure you read through our full Booking Terms + Cancellation Policy.
QUESTIONS + FAQ’S
If you have any further questions about this Ace Camp please feel free to contact us.
You can also read more FAQ’s here.