Textile Retreat | Embroidery in Thailand
Traditional + Modern Stitching with Northern Thai Textile Artisans and Victoria Villasana
Chiang Mai, Thailand | November 9 - 16, 2026
Embark on a textile journey with artist Victoria Villasana to Chiang Mai, Thailand — a place where ancient tradition and vibrant creativity exist side by side. From the bold geometric embroidery of Hmong mountain villages to the intricate stitching traditions of the Pakayor people, you'll learn firsthand from the artisans whose hands and hearts are woven into every piece.
Known for her captivating cross-cultural textile imagery and her use of embroidery as a powerful language for female empowerment and human resilience, Victoria will lead three full-day workshops — guiding you in connecting with your own creativity, artistic voice and personal history in ways you may never have imagined.
As we immerse ourselves in the rich cultural landscape of Northern Thailand, we'll venture into mountain villages, wander bustling night markets, and explore a world-class textile archive. You'll witness the alchemy of natural dyeing and create our own embroidery pieces that blend the traditional and the modern into something uniquely yours.
Along the way, youll learn from remarkable artisans keeping time-honored traditions alive — gaining not only new skills with needle and thread, but a deeper appreciation for the histories, cultures and communities that make the Lanna region one of the most extraordinary textile destinations in the world.
This Ace Camps Travel trip is open to all skill levels. Trip Itinerary, Details and Important Notes below.
DATES
November 9 - 16, 2026
8 Days + 7 Nights
PRICING
Shared Room - $4,795 USD
Private Room - $5,795 USD
Deluxe Private Room - $6,295 USD
Full Rooming + Pricing Details Below
TEXTILE RETREAT HIGHLIGHTS
Multi-day workshop with Victoria Villasana focused on learning her techniques for intuitive embroidery, portraiture and storytelling through textiles, creating 2 original pieces of your own
Day trip to the Hmong village of Ban Mae Sa Noi, including a hands-on Hmong embroidery workshop, hemp and batik demonstrations and visit to their textile center
Hands-on, Karen style embroidery workshop, led by Pakayor artisan
Local artisan-led, hands-on workshop creating a traditional Yarm bag
Natural dyeing demonstration
Guided tour of Arts, Crafts and Cultural Center, including their Textile Archive or pieces from Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar
Guided food tour exploring the distinctive flavors of Northern Thai cuisine
Boutique, Lanna-style hotel in the historic center of Chiang Mai
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
Victoria Villasana
Victoria Villasana was born in Guadalajara, Mexico. After studying design at ITESO University in Mexico, she moved to London. There she worked as a florist and in the fashion industry.
She began making embroidery collages with pictures as a hobby and putting them up on the streets of London. After spending more than a decade in London, she became known in the street art community for her cross-culture textile imagery. The use of embroidery is her language to female empowerment. Through textile, patterns, and color she shares stories that express the resiliency of the human spirit.
Victoria is interested in history, social causes, culture and the human spirit. The dynamism in her work stems from the way the thread is left uncut, far below the frame, giving an unfinished aesthetic that reflects on our evolution, imperfection and the acceptance of change. For her it’s important to use creativity as an empowering tool for healing and building bridges.
Victoria has worked with: Nike, History Channel, Netflix, Hulu, Sephora, Times Magazine, New York Times, Harpers Bazar, Academy Awards, Rihanna, Fall Out Boy, Don Julio, Golden Goose etc.
Her work has been exhibited at: Saatchi Gallery, Philiph Museum, Headquarters ONU, Long Island Museum, Zona Maco, Museo de Arte Popular, Museo Diablos Rojos.
You can learn more about Victoria by following her on instagram here.
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
Monday, November 9
Welcome to Chiang Mai - one of Thailand's most captivating cities and your home for the next eight days!
Today you’ll arrive in Chiang Mai and make your way to our hotel. Have a rest, walk the city, head for a beverage, or explore the neighborhood. Please plan to arrive at our Chiang Mai hotel no later than 5pm so you have time to settle in before dinner.
This evening we’ll gather together, then head out for our welcome dinner where we’ll get to know Victoria and our fellow travelers.
Meals included: Dinner
Day 2
Tuesday, November 10
Today we start our journey of discovery with a tour of an Art, Craft and Cultural Center dedicated to empowering local artisans and their communities. Here we’ll have a guided visit to learn how they work with the community to support both traditional and contemporary art, fostering curiosity and appreciation for craftsmanship and culture.
We’ll spend time exploring their remarkable textile archive which celebrates pieces from various regions of Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar. This beautiful collection honors the rich stitching and weaving traditions found across many cultures of the region.
After a traditional Thai lunch, we’ll move into a hands-on workshop creating a Yarm or Thong bag. This versatile bag has been a practical companion for many people and is deeply intertwined with the Lanna communities. Traditionally, households wove their own fabric on strap looms, with each region or ethnic group showcasing distinct colors, stitching, techniques and designs unique to their cultural identity.
We’ll work with existing fabric to make our own bags, learning from a local craftswoman. She’ll share not only traditional stitching techniques but also some of the important cultural heritage tied to these practices.
We end the day with an evening food tour allowing us to sample a variety of the bold, aromatic dishes that give Northern Thai cuisine its own, special identity.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3
Wednesday, November 11
This morning we trade the city streets of Chiang Mai for mountain roads and sweeping views as we head into the hills to immerse ourselves in Hmong culture and their extraordinary textile traditions. The Hmong are one of Northern Thailand's hill tribe communities, known for their striking textile traditions — particularly their bold geometric embroidery and vividly decorated garments that are often passed down through generations.
We’ll visit the Hmong village of Ban Mae Sa Noi, connecting with community members as we learn about their culture, daily life and textiles. At their textile center, we'll learn about hemp cultivation and its transformation into textile, alongside their traditional batik artistry, gaining a deeper appreciation for the skill and patience these crafts demand.
After lunch, we’ll begin our hands-on workshop, exploring this renowned Hmong style embroidery. This labor-intensive art form is built on precise geometric shapes, vivid contrasting colors, and time-honored stitching traditions that tell the story of a community's identity and heritage. Learning directly from local Hmong artisans, you'll try your hand at this centuries-old stitching tradition, creating your own small sample.
We return to Chiang Mai this evening where we encourage you to grab one of your fellow travelers and explore more of the culinary delights of Chiang Mai.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 4
Thursday, November 12
Today we begin our full day workshop with Victoria, tapping into our inherent creativity while also learning techniques for embroidery on paper and cardstock. Using yarn and various textured threads you’ll dive into a vibrant exploration of materials, stitches, and approaches. Through guided group and individual activities, you’ll immerse yourself in colors and textures and allow the materials to inspire you.
Victoria will share her approach to her artwork and intuitive stitching, working without a pattern and instead responding to color, texture and the emotion of the piece and embracing the often unexpected results that emerge. She will lead us in a variety of exercises to get you out of your analytical mind and embrace the joy of play and experimentation, giving yourself permission to explore and create without the pressure of a perfect outcome.
This evening is yours to discovery more of Chiang Mai’s food scene and we'll happily send you off with a list of our favorite restaurants to guide your culinary adventures.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 5
Friday, November 13
This morning we venture just beyond the city limits to visit a remarkable community of women weavers, embroiderers and designers whose mission is to celebrate traditional techniques while empowering women in their villages who keep these traditions alive.
We’ll start our session with an introduction to Lao-Tai textiles, gaining insight into the rich diversity of styles and fascinating histories behind them. Next, we’ll gather for a natural dyeing demonstration - a specialty of this group - creating brilliant colors from leaves, seeds and woods, all harvested sustainably.
After lunch, we transition into our hands-on workshop learning about Karen style embroidery. Under the guidance of a skilled Pakayor artisan, we'll be invited into the stories behind the stitches — discovering the decorative techniques of the region and the history and meaning woven into its most treasured patterns and designs. With her guidance, you'll learn the traditional stitches firsthand and put them to practice, creating a small sample of your own.
For dinner, we’ll continue our exploration of Northern Thai cuisine together, sharing a meal that celebrates the bold, earthy flavors and time-honored recipes of the region.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6
Saturday, November 14
Today we explore the powerful language of emotion and personal history as we craft textile portraits of our younger selves.
One of Victoria’s specialties is her unique and deeply personal approach to portraiture—going beyond a simple likeness to capture the spirit, emotions and sense of self radiating from her subjects. For Victoria, color and texture are vital elements in conveying emotion in her pieces, bringing warmth and intimacy, strength and vulnerability to life through thread.
During our full-day workshop, Victoria will guide you in connecting with the emotions and essence of the person in your photograph, translating that self-reflection into a richly layered textile portrait. Guided by her insights and techniques in both group and one-on-one instruction, you’ll bring new dimension and power to your existing photograph.
This evening is free for independent culinary exploration - whether you wander through a night market, stumble upon a hidden gem, or revisit a favorite dish from earlier in the trip, Chiang Mai's vibrant food scene is yours to discover.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
Day 7
Sunday, November 15
Today is our final full-day workshop with Victoria, where she will take a deep dive into the art of storytelling expressed through textile art. Known for creating pieces that speak to the power, resilience and vulnerability of the human condition, Victoria uses embroidery as a profound way to connect with stories, histories and social causes.
Victoria will share her unique approach to layering thread and image as a method for visual storytelling - revealing how a single piece of textile can carry meaning, memory and message all at once.
With her guidance, you’ll tap into your own experiences, expression and voice to create a piece that is not only beautiful, but also carries a deeper message.
This final workshop is the culmination of everything we’ve experienced on our textile journey together. We’ll bring together the stories we’ve heard from local communities, the stitching techniques we’ve learned from local artisans and the creative methods we’ve explored with Victoria, creating a piece imbued with emotion and narrative.
On our final evening, we’ll gather for a special farewell dinner reflecting on the extraordinary cultures and traditions that have inspired us throughout our journey and celebrating our time together.
Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 8
Monday, November 16
This morning we pack our bags and prepare to say goodbye to the remarkable city of Chiang Mai.
Thank you for joining us on this incredible textile journey!
Meals included: Breakfast
Where We’re Staying
Nestled in the heart of historic Chiang Mai, we’ll stay in a sanctuary of tranquility and cultural charm. With a majestic, 200-year-old tamarind tree at its center, this boutique hotel offers a unique blend of modern comfort and traditional Lanna hospitality. You’ll relax in elegant Lanna-style rooms, adorned with handcrafted furnishings and local textiles. In your down time, you can unwind with a traditional Thai massage at the spa, enjoy a refreshing beverage by the pool or explore the vibrant city just steps away from our location.
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.
OPTION 1 - SHARED STANDARD ROOM*
with en suite bathroom
*Shared Rooms are available to book for two guests traveling together.
$4,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will share a room and en suite bathroom with one other guest, each guest will have a twin bed. The twin beds will be very close together and is best suited for two guests traveling together. The rooms draw on contemporary design infused with Lanna and hill tribe cultural influences, including hand-woven textiles and hand-carved wooden accents. The hotel is located on a historic property, and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due May 13, 2026: $2,300
OPTION 2 - PRIVATE STANDARD ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$5,795 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will have a private room + bathroom for the duration of the trip. The rooms draw on contemporary design infused with Lanna and hill tribe cultural influences, including hand-woven textiles and hand-carved wooden accents. The hotel is located on a historic property, and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms.
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due May 13, 2026: $3,300
OPTION 3 - DELUXE PRIVATE ROOM
with en suite bathroom
$6,295 per person, paid in two separate installments.
Rooming Details:
You will have a Deluxe private room + bathroom for the duration of the trip. This room is slightly more spacious than the standard room and has a small balcony or terrance to enjoy the courtyard view. The rooms draw on contemporary design infused with Lanna and hill tribe cultural influences, including hand-woven textiles and hand-carved wooden accents.The hotel is located on a historic property, and the room sizes may be smaller than typical North American rooms
Initial Payment due immediately: $2,495
Final Payment due May 13, 2026: $3,800
Important Trip Details
Culinary Notes
Northern Thai cuisine has a deeply flavorful, herb and spice-focused culinary culture, with an emphasis on grilled meats, fermented flavors, sticky rice, and fresh local vegetables. Often dishes that appear to be without meat or fish are flavored with fish sauce or shrimp paste.
Unfortunately we are unable to accommodate strict vegan, vegetarian, shrimp or fish-free diets, gluten-free diets or shrimp or fish 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 tour includes walking tours where the ground may be uneven such as dirt paths, trails, hills, stairs. We will be in workshops where you might be standing for extended time watching demonstrations. We may also be seated on the ground while learning from local groups. You should be comfortable sitting, standing and walking for several hours at a time.
Our property and workshop space do not have an elevator so you should be comfortable managing one or two flights of stairs at time.
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.
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.
Trip Start + End Locations
This trip starts and finishes in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
The Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) is about 4 kilometers southwest of Chiang Mai city center, a 10-15 minute drive depending on traffic.
Servicing both international and domestic flights, the airport is an easy hub for travel to other locations in Thailand and has several daily flights to and from Bangkok for even more options if you are traveling farther outside of the region.
Weather
November is an excellent time to visit Chiang Mai, as the temperatures start to cool and the rains ease up. It is still quite warm with daytime temperatures average in the high 80s°F (~30°C). Evenings can be refreshingly cool, dipping to around 66°F (19°C).
While rainfall is significantly reduced, it is likely to rain at some point during the trip. Be sure to pack layered clothes for your stay and a light jacket and umbrella to prepare for showers.
* Please note that should the weather prove challenging, some activities may be altered from the posted itinerary.
Included in this Trip
Multi-day workshop with Victoria Villasana focused on learning her techniques for intuitive embroidery, portraiture and storytelling through textiles, creating 2 original pieces of your own
Day trip to the Hmong village of Ban Mae Sa Noi, including a hands-on Hmong embroidery workshop, hemp and batik demonstrations and visit to their textile center
Hands-on, Karen style embroidery workshop, led by Pakayor artisan
Local artisan-led, hands-on workshop creating a traditional Yarm bag
Natural dyeing demonstration
Guided tour of Arts, Crafts and Cultural Center, including their Textile Archive or pieces from Thailand, Indonesia and Myanmar
Guided food tour exploring the bold and distinctive flavors of Northern Thai cuisine
7 nights accommodation in boutique, Lanna-style hotel in the historic center of Chiang Mai
Transport during included meals and activities
7 breakfasts, 6 lunches, 4 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.
Supplies
Essential supplies for your workshop will be provided but you will need to supply digital copies of your own photos in advance of the trip. These will be printed for your use during your workshops with Victoria. Closer to your departure date, we’ll send additional details on what you need to send us and what you need to bring with you.
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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