CULTURE & CLASSES
CULTURE
The Living Crafts Centre
by OCK POP TOK
Discover Laos through Textiles. Master Silk Weavers work on intricate textiles in a tropical garden right on the Mekong. Take a free tour, book a class or workshop. The restaurant and gift shop is open from 8am to 8pm. This is a great spot for kids, families, groups or solo travellers. This is a project run by women for the women of Laos.
GARAVEK - Story Telling
If you want to learn more about Luang Prabang folk stories and legends, come visit this small theatre in the heart of the old town. One show daily 18h30 - 19h30. Ticket cost $6 /person. Buy at theatre after 18h00. +8562078938132
Tradiotional Arts & Ethnology Centre
A must to learn about Laos ethnic diversity. Engaging, culturally rich learning center located in the heart of Luang Prabang city. Since 2007, TAEC showcase and preserve the diverse ethnic cultures and peoples of Laos through professionally curated permanent and special exhibitions, events and crafts workshops. Entrance fee 35,000k
UXO - Visitor's Centre
Did you know that Laos is the most heavily bombed nation, per capita, in history? Between 1964-1973, Laos was hit by a B-52 bomb-load every 8 minutes. The US dropped more bombs on Laos than during WWII. Many of the ‘bombies’ that fell remain in the earth, unexploded, continuing the casualties and injuries. At the centre you can learn more about the Secret War. There are displays of bombies, compelling survivor stories, and a viewing room where you can watch a documentary about the dangerous de-mining work that is being undertaken.
EVENING PRAYERS Over at Wat Pa Phai opposite the French Cultural Centre you can stop by in the early evenings and hear the monks Buddhist chants. Sit at the back and privately meditate on your own. Dress properly. Here in Luang Prabang there’s a special silent and calm atmosphere, appropriate for meditation. It’s often said that Buddhism is a philosophy and not a religion. Particularly in Luang Prabang, it’s a way of life, a social rule, a standard for living and a religion. It gives a rhythm to the way of life. SUNSET BOAT CRUISES SengLao - Luxury boat cruise with cocktails and culture! Watch “The Ramayana-Nang Sida” on the river. Includes: Lao canapes & welcome drink , traditional Lao music and dance. 20usd/person. KhopFa - A new boat with lounge and terraces, sofas and armchairs, bar and tapas food service. Think Cafe del Mar on the Mekong. Includes: simple snacks. $20usd/person River Sun Lao - Sunset and dinner on a luxurious boat. $42usd/person.UXO LAO VISITOR CENTRE Did you know that Laos is the most heavily bombed nation, per capita, in history? Between 1964-1973, Laos was hit by a B-52 bomb-load every 8 minutes. The US dropped more bombs on Laos than during WWII. Many of the ‘bombies’ that fell remain in the earth, unexploded, continuing the casualties and injuries. At the centre you can learn more about the Secret War. There are displays of bombies, compelling survivor stories, and a viewing room where you can watch a documentary about the dangerous de-mining work that is being undertaken.
BAN NA NYANG HOMESTAY One of the most beautiful villages in Laos and you can stay there. Jo has been working in this village since 2001 and loves it. Stay at Mr Somdeth’s family house and take a class - learn natural dyes and organic cotton farming. The food is fantastic too. This is a once in a life time experience and the kids will love it too. One night is enough and then continue onto Nong Kiow and beyond. Let us know if you are keen and we can help with logistics. MORNING MARKET FOOD TOUR WITH CHEF SACK This market is one of our favourite places in Luang Prabang and Chef Sack opens the door to learning more with a 2 hours walk through. Sack is a Swiss Lao chef with 20+ years experience of sourcing food from markets in Luang Prabang. Max 3 adults. Roughly $85 per person. He even cooks in the market for you to try some food. Ask us to call him for availability. Sack also has a restaurant. www.facebook.com/4SACKy
CLASSES
LIVING CRAFTS CENTRE
A wide range of classes: silk weaving, natural dyes, batik drawing and bamboo weaving, a treasure hunt and more. From half day to 1, 2 or 3 day classes. Check the brochure for more information and prices. Great for kids, solo travellers and families. You take home everything you make.
LIVING LAND FARM
Learn the life of a Lao farmer, do the 13 steps of planting sticky rice and work with a buffalo. This unique half day activity is fun for all, we love it. The guides are really funny and the setting is beautiful.36$/pax without lunch 48$/pax with lunch. Kids under 6 are free, 6-16 years old get 50% off.
LAO POTTERY HOUSE
Thieng and his wife Khankeo run a pottery house in their village on the other side of the Mekong river. They offer half day classes am & pm with or without lunch - which is really good. It’s also a good way to see a local village as the class includes a village tour. By the way all our plates and bowls etc are made by them!
– TAK BAT –
ALMS GIVING CEREMONY
For hundreds of years this tradition has been practiced in Luang Prabang. Alms giving starts around 5:30am, you'll see monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls (bat). The locals, who wake up even earlier to prepare sticky rice, scoop it generously into the monks’ bowls as the line files past. The ceremony is conducted in complete silence, with neither the alms giver nor the monks speaking. The monks walk in meditation and the alms givers show respect by not disturbing their monks meditative pace. This beautiful tradition is being threatened by mass irresponsible tourism. If you would like to witness this tradition we suggest that you head towards Wat That Luang and watch quietly from a distance.
