Textile Retreat | Embroidery in Laos
Contemporary Embroidery, Cyanotype Printing + The Textiles of Laos with Han Cao
Luang Prabang, Laos | October 24 - November 2, 2026
Join contemporary embroidery artist Han Cao in Luang Prabang, Laos for an immersive, multi-day creative retreat. Celebrated for her playful sensibility and bold exploration of color, composition, and texture, Han will guide you through the foundations of contemporary embroidery, first starting on fabric, then onto paper. You’ll learn a variety of stitches, starting simple, then working up to textural, statement techniques. These stitches will serve as a foundation to help you identify how to create layers, texture, and depth into your artwork.
Han will also introduce the magic of cyanotype printing–a historic, sun-printing photographic process that uses UV light to create iconic, cyan-blue images. During your time with Han, you’ll have the opportunity to create and experiment with the blue prints, applying embroidery techniques on them for a bold, layered effect, as well as learn how to tint and tone them with natural materials.
Along the way you’ll also have the opportunity to learn from local, Lao artisans. At Ock Pop Tok you’ll work with master weavers learning to use a traditional silk weaving floor loom overlooking the Mekong river. At Passa Paa, you’ll gain hands-on insight into batik printing and applique style embroidery.
Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city unfolds as a graceful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden homes and subtle European architectural influences —all set against a lush landscape of verdant greenery and dramatic mountains. Luang Prabang is widely regarded as the finest place in Laos to discover the country’s extraordinary textile heritage. Lao textiles are celebrated by collectors and connoisseurs as among the most exquisite in the world. This enchanting town slows your pulse and sparks the imagination, blending refined comfort with deep spiritual resonance.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
October 24 - November 2, 2026
10 Days + 9 Nights
PRICING
Shared Twin Room* - $4,795 USD
Private Room - $5,795 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON
FEBRUARY 17, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
TEXTILE RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day contemporary embroidery workshop with Han learning the art of cyanotypes and a variety of embroidery techniques and embellishments for stitching on fabric and paper in order to build texture and depth on your pieces.
Traditional floor loom silk weaving workshop with Ock Pop Tok artisans
Guided Textile + Handicraft Shopping Experience with an expert in Lao crafts
Artisan led batik printing and applique embroidery workshop with Passa Paa
Guided Rural Weaving Village Walking Tour with Ock Pop Tok
Experience the magic of the Fire-boat Festival, Boun Lai Heua Fai
Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Transportation during included meals and activities
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Travel + Learn with Han Cao
Han Cao is a self-taught fiber artist specializing in hand-embroidery. Her love for flea markets, where she finds most of her vintage photographs and postcards, paved the way for her artistic endeavors. She currently lives in Dallas, TX and her artwork is held in private collections worldwide.
Han uses embroidery to create modern narratives for long-forgotten photographs and postcards, connecting the people of the past to those of the present. Han loves the unexpected texture created from needle and thread and how it makes people become more intimate with the work when they discover this subtle dimension. This sudden intimacy invites viewers to create their own dialogue with these distant strangers, as they engage with the artwork up close. The varied stories captured in her work reflect personal views on gender, relationships, and societal roles, explorations in connection in disconnection, and also her delightful sense of humor.
Learn more about Han at hanwriting.com or follow her @hanwriting on Instagram.
Learn with Lao Artisans
During our time in Luang Prabang, you will collaborate closely with local artisans to gain a deeper understanding of traditional large-loom weaving, appliqué embroidery, and batik printing. For generations, weaving and embroidery have been central to village life. Rather than recording their history in writing, the Lao people wove their stories into vividly colored textiles, adorned with distinctive patterns inspired by local legends and cultural beliefs.
In the past decade, traditional textile arts in rural Laos have experienced a vibrant revival. A new generation of weavers is emerging as master artisans and entrepreneurs, gaining recognition in the arts market while building sustainable livelihoods rooted in centuries-old traditions.
Ock Pop Tok was founded on the principles of fair trade and sustainable business practices, pioneering social enterprise and ethical fashion long before these concepts became part of the mainstream conversation. By adhering to fair trade values—offering competitive wages, along with opportunities for ongoing learning and professional development—OPT empowers village weavers, most of whom are women, to build sustainable livelihoods for themselves, their families, and their 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.
Day by Day Itinerary
Nota Bene: This is a prospective itinerary. It is subject to modest modifications, dependent on local weather, partner schedules, unexpected opportunities and the needs of the group.
Day 1
Saturday, October 24
Welcome to Luang Prabang, Laos!
Arrive at the Luang Prabang Airport where you will be picked up and driven to our boutique hotel. The drive from the airport is approximately 15 minutes, depending on traffic.
Tonight we’ll gather together for a welcome dinner in the garden of our hotel. After dinner, we’ll get started on the first step of our cyanotypes–applying a UV-sensitive iron salt solution to paper, a process that is best done with minimal or low light. When we’re done, we’ll store our sensitized paper in light-proof bags to prevent premature exposure, until we’re ready to use them later in the week.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Sunday, October 25
Our morning begins with a visit to the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC) for a guided exhibition tour of Lao crafts and textiles, led by their Director of Programming. This introduction will provide an insider’s perspective on Laos’ diverse ethnic cultures, traditions, and customs.
From here, we’ll head into town for a walking tour led by Khoun Soutthivilay, Co-Director of TAEC and an expert in Lao crafts, focusing on locally made textiles and traditional handicrafts.
Khoun has a trained eye for identifying the origin and quality of pieces from local villages and will help you learn about what is handmade locally and what various motifs represent. Through her trusted network, she will offer meaningful insight into the cultural heritage behind Laos’ craft traditions.
The rest of the afternoon and evening is free for you to relax, or for those who wish, your Tour Host can guide you to some of our favorite local shops + restaurants to explore in town.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 3
Monday, October 26
Today we’ll have our first full-day workshop with Han where she’ll begin the day sharing her journey to becoming an embroidery artist. Then, she’ll dive right in with an overview of various embroidery stitches, starting out with the simplest stitches and moving onto more complex, textural stitches as you become more and more comfortable with different approaches. Working on fabric, these stitches will serve as the foundation to our time together as you’ll be able to apply and adapt these learnings to different materials and projects throughout our workshops.
Later this afternoon, you’ll have a chance to experiment with different stitches on vintage fabrics, including adding embellishments.
This evening is free for you to explore a new dinner spot on your own or with others from the group. Consider a visit to the local night market which occupies a near mile long stretch of the main road through town. The market showcases a variety of handicrafts made by locals such as textiles, ceramics, antiques, paintings, coffee and tea and so much more.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Tuesday, October 27
Today is our second full-day workshop with Han. She’ll begin by sharing how she selects vintage postcards and photographs, including what draws her to certain images. You’ll get an inside look at her sketching and planning process, seeing how she visualizes and approaches each piece. Han will then demonstrate her tips, techniques, and best practices for working on paper versus fabric. You’ll have time to practice adapting the stitches you’ve learned on fabric to paper, and begin creating your own projects using vintage postcards or photographs.
This evening, we experience the Fire-Boat Festival, Boun Lai Heua Fai (ບຸນໄຫຼເຮື່ອໄຟ)—one of Luang Prabang’s most beautiful annual celebrations. The festival takes place immediately after Ork Phansa, marking the end of the three-month rainy season retreat observed by Buddhist monks.
For the town, it is a deeply meaningful ceremony honoring the guardian naga spirits. The illuminated fire boats, set afloat along the river, are believed to carry away misfortune and invite good luck for the year ahead.
Enjoy an early dinner at the hotel before we head into the town center for the festival, parade and river rituals.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Wednesday, October 28
Today, we’ll devote our workshop time to creating cyanotypes using foraged plants, found objects, and personal digital negatives. Cyanotype is one of the earliest photographic printing processes—a camera-less technique that produces distinctive cyan-blue images, often known as blueprints, through exposure to UV light.
Together, we’ll experiment with a variety of materials and techniques, experiencing the magic of watching your images slowly emerge in the sun. You’ll also have the opportunity to explore toning your prints with natural materials such as coffee and tea for unique, nuanced effects.
Dinner this evening is on your own, giving you the chance to explore the flavors of Luang Prabang. Your Tour Host will share a selection of recommended spots to enjoy.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Thursday, October 29
Today we venture beyond the main town to explore two rural villages renowned for their traditional crafts.
Our morning begins with a guided visit to the primary weaving village, home to Ock Pop Tok artisans. You’ll be welcomed into the community and have the opportunity to meet local weavers, who will share their techniques for creating exquisite silk textiles. You’ll also get a chance to dye a small silk piece and enjoy a cup of tea.
For lunch we will visit a small family-owned restaurant and sample a “farm style” lunch before we continue to the nearby paper-making village. Well known for silk and saa paper, this local craft uses bark naturally shed from fast-growing mulberry trees. Here, you’ll have the opportunity to make your own sheet of saa paper before browsing some excellent local textile and handmade paper shops.
We return to the hotel in the late afternoon, leaving the evening free to relax or explore the town on your own or with fellow travelers.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Friday, October 30
Today, enjoy a full-day large loom weaving workshop with the artisans of Ock Pop Tok. You’ll explore traditional materials and weaving techniques before selecting your own colors. With guidance from a master weaver, you’ll be introduced to your floor loom and begin learning the art of weaving.
By the end of the day, you’ll have completed your woven piece and learned how to hand-stitch the finishing touches. This evening, enjoy dinner on your own or with others from the group and discover the flavors of Luang Prabang. Your Tour Host will suggest a variety of excellent local spots to try.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 8
Saturday, October 31
Today, we visit the rural studio of Passa Paa, celebrated for its playful and colorful contemporary approach to Lao textile design. Their artisans will guide you through two hands-on textile workshops, each highlighting a different technique.
We’ll begin with a batik wax printing session. Using locally made hemp fabric, you’ll work with beeswax to create your own unique resist motifs.
After enjoying lunch at one of our favorite local restaurants, we’ll return to the studio to learn Passa Paa’s distinctive appliqué embroidery method, used to add depth, dimension, and vibrant color to their batik and screen-printed textiles. Dinner this evening is free time to explore on your own or with others from the group.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 9
Sunday, November 1
Today marks our final full-day workshop with Han. She’ll introduce a selection of specialty stitches before you spend the day focusing on your own creative projects. You may choose to embroider on your cyanotypes, vintage postcards, photographs, or vintage textiles.
Throughout the day, Han will work individually with each guest, offering guidance and sharing tips on how to thoughtfully finish your pieces for framing. We’ll conclude with a mini group exhibition, celebrating and showcasing the beautiful work created during our time together.
This evening, we gather for a special farewell dinner to celebrate our week as a group. Enjoy traditional Laotian dishes prepared from cherished recipes passed down through generations.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 10
Monday, November 2
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!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
A serene boutique hotel + spa where Lao heritage meets calm. Here you will find a sanctuary of balance, nature, and authentic Lao hospitality in the heart of UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. 100% locally owned, our hotel blend traditional Lao elegance with contemporary eco-conscious living, creating a peaceful space to slow down, restore, and reconnect.
Rooming Options
Please read below carefully and make your rooming selection on the Booking Request form.
The style and layout of every room is unique and may not be exactly as pictured.
Note: If you are two guests traveling together and would like to share one bed, please contact us for details about a shared bed option.
Group Size: Minimum 9 guests, Maximum 12 guests.
All prices are in USD.
BOOKING FOR THIS TRIP STARTS ON FEBRUARY 17, 2026 AT 1:00PM PST
OPTION 1 - SHARED ROOM*
with ensuite bathroom
$4,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
*Shared Rooms are available to book for two guests travelling together.
Shared rooms have two twin beds located very close to one another. You will share a room with one other guest for the duration of the trip.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due April 27, 2026: $2,300
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE ROOM
with ensuite bathroom
$5,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will have a private room and ensuite bathroom for the duration of the trip.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due April 27, 2026: $3,300
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate vegan, gluten-free, dairy- free, egg-free, garlic-free, soy-free or onion-free requirements, as well as some specific allergies on this trip.
This trip is best suited for those open and eager to enjoy and experience a variety of regional ingredients and flavors.
If you have any allergies or dietary restrictions, you will need to submit those on your booking request form. We cannot accommodate any allergies or dietary restrictions if you do not advise us when you submit your initial booking request.
Please contact us before booking if you have any questions.
Accessibility
Please note this trip includes several walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as cobblestones, trails, hills, and stairs. You may be on your feet for several of hours at a time and should be comfortable walking 2 - 5kms. Our hotel property and workshop spaces have several sets of stairs and no elevator.
Who is this Trip for?
This trip is for the open minded and patient traveler. You should be eager to learn and work hands-on during your workshop session and be curious about regional culture and cuisine.
This is an immersive adventure and best suited for those who enjoy traveling as a part of a small group.
Supplies
Essential supplies for your workshop will be provided. In addition to the supplies we provide, you’ll need to bring a few of your own things. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send more information about supplies you’ll want to bring with you.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Luang Prabang, Laos. The Luang Prabang International Airport is located about 15 minutes drive from our accommodation.
There are several main gateways to arrive in Luang Prabang via major airport hubs such as Bangkok, Thailand and Hanoi, Vietnam. While some carriers may offer you the option to buy a ticket through to Luang Prabang, you may find more resonably priced options to to book a ticket to Bangkok and then a separate ticket on the regional airlines to Luang Prabang.
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).
Included in this Trip
Multi-day contemporary embroidery workshop with Han learning the art of cyanotypes and a variety of embroidery techniques and embellishments for stitching on fabric and paper in order to build texture and depth on your pieces.
Traditional floor loom silk weaving workshop with Ock Pop Tok artisans
Guided Textile + Handicraft Shopping Experience with an expert in Lao crafts
Artisan led batik printing and applique embroidery workshop with Passa Paa
Guided Rural Weaving Village Walking Tour with Ock Pop Tok
Experience the magic of the Fire-boat Festival, Boun Lai Heua Fai
9 nights Boutique Hotel Accommodation
Transport during included meals and activities
9 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 3 dinners
Dedicated Ace Camps Travel Host, with you throughout your trip
Trip Prep call to meet fellow travelers and talk through schedules, recommendations, and questions
Ace Camps Travel Host
An Ace Camps Travel Host will be with you through your trip, dedicated to ensuring you have the best possible experience. Your Host is there for any questions or concerns, to look out for the health and safety of the group and to help resolve any issues that might arise. This Host is not a local guide but will work with our local partners to insure the right combination of pace, information, and duration. Our local partners are deeply knowledgable in the culture and customs of the area and will be there to share their knowledge and passion with the group.
Not Included in this Trip
International roundtrip airfare; required Travel Insurance; alcoholic drinks; activities and food and beverages not included in the trip itinerary; hotel incidentals including but not limited to room service, laundry service and hotel bar tabs; and all expenses during free time.
Travel Arrangements
Ace Camps Travel will send you detailed Trip Planning information when it’s time to make your travel arrangements. We usually send this information once we’ve reached the minimum number of guests required to run the trip. We’ll also send you an Ace Camps Travel “Preparing for your Journey” document prior to your trip, which will include arrival and departure information, a suggested packing list, useful country information, and more.
Travel Health
We recommend consulting a doctor, nurse, health care provider, or travel health clinic once we confirm your booking on this Ace Camps Travel trip so you know what may be required based on your individual circumstances and based on the locations you’ll be traveling to. If you have any health concerns, contact your health care provider for advice prior to booking this Ace Camps Travel trip.
Travel Insurance
As stated in our Terms and Conditions, we require all guests to have Travel Insurance that at minimum covers both medical emergencies and trip cancellations. Cancellations 180 days or fewer prior to the trip start date will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy which is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance.
For full details on our Travel Insurance requirements, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Health + Safety
Our goal is for each of our guests to enjoy the amazing trip we’ve put together. To ensure that happens, we put the health and safety of the group as our top priority. Individual guests are responsible for ensuring they meet all destination and layover country requirements and laws, including any Covid-19 related requirements, providing proof of vaccination, testing before or after entry, masking, etc.
During the trip, if you feel unwell, exhibit signs of, or test positive for an illness, you should be prepared to follow the advice of local health authorities as well as the Ace Camps Travel Host to ensure the health and safety of the entire group. Depending on the severity of your symptoms and/or viral nature of your illness the Ace Camps Travel Host may determine you need to mask, distance, self isolate, or depart the trip early. You are responsible for any expenses incurred from an illness, injury, or early departure including testing, treatment, isolation, accommodation, transportation, etc. and you will not be issued a refund for any unused portion of the trip. This is one of the many reasons we require all guests to have Travel Insurance, as outlined in our Terms and Conditions.
For full details on our Health and Safety Policies, visit our FAQ’s and review our Terms and Conditions.
Cancellation Policy
If you choose to cancel your trip for any reason, you must do so via email to hello@acecampstravel.com. If we receive written notice 181 or more days prior to the Trip start date, we will refund your initial payment, less a $1,000 cancellation fee. If we receive written notice 180 days or fewer prior to the Trip start date you will incur a cancellation fee equal to 100% of the price for the Trip. There are no exceptions to this cancellation policy, including for reasons related to weather, terrorism, civil strife, pandemics, illness, personal, family or medical emergencies, or any other circumstances beyond our control. For this and other reasons, we require you to purchase Travel Insurance.
Be sure to read our Terms and Conditions for full details on Booking and Payment, Cancellation by You and Trip Changes and Cancellations.
Questions + FAQs
If you have any questions about this Ace Camps travel Trip, please feel free to contact us.
You can also read our FAQs here.
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