Dream Weavers: Textiles & Craftsmen of Laos & Vietnam
17 Days

Art forms and traditions, a thousand years old, live on in the workshops and studios of Laos and Vietnam. The techniques and styles are handed down from generation to generation with traditional motifs incorporated into modern pottery, painting, puppetry, lacquerware, bronzecasting...
The intricately woven and embroidered textiles of Indochina are as diverse as the regions many cultures, and reflect the rich artistic heritage of their makers. From the exquisite weavings and embroideries of Laos to the rich, indigo-dyed hemp of Vietnam's Black Hmong every tradition tells a story.

Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, Luang Prabang is without a doubt the most charming of cities in Laos with a fascinating Buddhist heritage reflected in its superb architecture and a strong weaving tradition.

In Vientiane, Laos’ relaxed riverside capital explore the city's highlights and meet with an American textile expert and learn about the diversity of Laotian weaving motifs. Carol Cassidy has contributed enormously to the resurgence of interest in Lao weaving techniques - her workshop is fascinating, their products exquisite.

A walk through Hanoi's Old Quarter, a maze of street, each one traditionally devoted to a different product or industry is a definite highlight - and the array of silk, lacquerware and artworks to tempt you is simply dazzling. A day-trip takes you into Hanoi's surrounding villages where traditional crafts and trades are still practiced - musical instruments, silk, lacquer.

Thousands of islands rise dramatically from the waters of Halong Bay, the limestone karst formations are hollowed by intricate caves – have lunch on board your sailing junk, visit some of the islands and caves, perhaps a pre-dinner swim and a very peaceful night beneath the stars.

Vietnam's imperial capital, Hue, is surrounded by beautiful countryside, pagodas an the tombs of the emperors. Also visit the workshops of the bronze casting guild where they cast Buddhas and ceremonial wares for Hue's shrines and dine in a restored Royal home of a descendant of the Nguyen Emperor.

In Danang visit the famous Cham Museum - housing the best collection of architecture and sculpture from the 2nd-15th century Hindu influenced Champa civilization. Marble Mountain and China Beach played their role in the American War and are now a thriving center of stone and marble carving workshops. In Hoi An there are centuries old merchant houses, culinary delights, tailors and silks by the bale and the opportunity to interact with the local villagers and to try making a silk lantern on your own.

The Mekong Delta is home to small farmers and cottage industries - rice paper, cotton candy, fish sauce, fruit orchards, tofu, thatching, floor tiles and potters - many of their markets are aboard the boats which ply the canals and waterways - also the local transport.

Saigon is a city of incessant activity - frenetic traffic, fantastic markets, lovely temples and colonial architecture. Dinner at a typical Vietnamese restaurant introduces the tastes of the south and ends your tour.

Tour Costs
PRIVATE DEPARTURES
1 person - USD2990
2 people - USD1860 p/p
3 people - USD1670p/p
4 people - USD1530p/p
single supplement:
USD350

FLIGHT COST
USD 330 p/p
Luang Prabang-Vietntain / Vientiane-Hanoi / Hanoi-Hue /
Danang-Saigon