TEXTILE DISCOVERY TOURS PRIVATE TOUR DEPARTURES

Transcription

1 TEXTILE DISCOVERY TOURS PRIVATE TOUR DEPARTURES Our unique private textile discovery tours have been designed to provide inspiration for textile artists and textile enthusiasts giving them an insight into the cultures, techniques and traditions of textile arts and crafts in the regions we travel to. The amazing scenery along with the beauty of cultural landmarks and sites such as World Heritage towns, stunning temples and vibrant ethnic markets and villages will provide creative inspiration for all that take the journey. Tours provide you with a mix of site seeing and cultural activities including hands-on lessons and home-stays with locals to support your immersion into the local cultures and promote a greater appreciation and understanding of local textile traditions. The itineraries on offer can be modified to focus on textiles or crafts that are of interest to you. You will travel with private English speaking guides using a combination of private air-con vehicles and flights on longer journeys. Travel can be arranged for solo travellers or groups of 2 or more, with pricing based on your destination and month of travel. Contact us for details on any of our itineraries or for more information on our regular small group textile tour departures. VIETNAM From the city of Hanoi with its textile museums & markets to remote mountain regions & World Heritage sites, you will a world of textile traditions ranging from villages still weaving and dyeing textiles using traditional methods to colourful ethnic minority groups creating unique beautiful textiles, embellished in rich embroideries and batik. LAOS With centuries old traditions, textiles play an important part in the lives of the Lao people. From the colourful hill tribes of the north to the tourist centres of Luang Prabang and Vientiane, beautiful silk and cotton textiles are produced using age old traditional weaving, dyeing and embroidery methods. CAMBODIA With a unique culture and a fascinating history Cambodia is one of the most interesting destinations of Asia. Experience the colour of its culture and its emerging textile industry. From the weaving provinces in the south to the tourist destination of Siem Reap traditional textile weaving and dyeing traditions are being revived. BHUTAN Explore the remote villages of Khoma (famous for the exquisite silk on silk Kushethara's), Radhi (known for its beautiful raw silk weaving), the Bumthang valley (known for its yathra wools) and Beling (a village where ancient nettle weaving is still practiced).

2 THREADS AND STITCHES OF NORTHERN VIETNAM HANOI--SAPA-HANOI 11 nights Highlights Old Quarter Hanoi; Hanoi fabric market; Ethnology ; Museum; CraftLink and 54 Traditions textile galleries; Van Phuc silk village; Red Dao village homestay, Bac Ha & Sapa markets;, Red Dao & embroidery lessons, learn about Black Hmong hemp fabrics and textile techniques Starting in exciting Hanoi, you will explore the fascinating 1,000 year old Old Quarter shopping precinct, bargain for fabric in the Hom market and visit the century s old silk weaving village of Van Phuc. You'll visit the famous Ethnology Museum showcasing the costumes and textiles of the 54 minority groups of Vietnam and stop in at the fabulous CraftLink and 54 Traditions galleries where you will find colourful textiles from Vietnam s minority groups. Leaving the city you'll travel by train to the remote mountain region of Sapa where you'll be inspired by the kaleidoscope of colourful Flower Hmong costumes at Bac Ha market and the lavishly embellished costumes of the Red Dao and Black Hmong. There's plenty of opportunity to bargain for textile pieces in Sapa town and take a lesson in Hmong batik. You'll also have the unique opportunity to learn the intricacies of traditional Dao embroidery when you spend time staying in a Red Dao village homestay learning about their unique culture and textile traditions. TRIBAL TEXTILE TRIALS OF VIETNAM HANOI-SAPA- MUONG HUM- SINHO MUONG TE- LAO CHAU MUONG KHOUNG BAC HA - HANOI 13 Highlights nights Old Quarter Hanoi; Hanoi fabric market; Ethnology Museum; CraftLink and 54 Traditions textile galleries; Van Phuc silk village; Red Dao embroidery lesson; ethnic village markets and villages including, Flower, Black, White and Red Hmong; Red, Black Dao; and Lu, Ha Nhi and Tai communities. Starting in the 1000 year old shopping precinct of Hanoi's Old Quarter, you will explore Hanoi's landmarks and textile haunts including the fabulous Hom fabric market, the amazing CraftLink and 54Traditions galleries and the centuries old Van Phu silk village. You'll make a visit to the Ethnology Museum for a glimpse of the unique and colourful textiles and cultures you visit on your journey. You'll leave the city behind and travel into the mountains of northern Vietnam, your first stop will be Sapa where you ll take a lesson in Red Dao emboridiery and spend a night in a tradtional family homestay. You ll visit remote Muong Hum and Moung Khoung markets where colourful Red Dao, Black Dao, Pa Di and Tu Di come to trade. You ll travel to remote Sinho and Moung Te where you will see many different ethnic groups including the Flower Hmong with their richly embellished hemp skirts and jackets, the unique White Hmong and Black Tai communities and the amazing 'big hair' women of the Red Hmong. On your drive through the mountains you'll stop at local morning markets where you will see a host of different ethnic groups including the Lu with their gorgeous tapestry weave skirts, the Black Dao with their huge black turbans and gorgeous embroidered trousers and several different Flower Hmong clans all with unique and colourful costumes. Your journey through the mountains finishes in Lao Cai before heading back to Hanoi by train. further information & booking enquiries arelle Grudgfield ngrudgfield@mtatravel.com.au ne: Website:

3 WARPS AND WEFTS OF LAOS VIENTIANE- LUANG PRABANG 8 nights Highlights Weaving school; Morning Market; Carol Cassidy textile Gallery, Luang Prabang ethnic craft markets; Arts & Ethnology Centre; weaving villages; Hmong embroidery, silk weaving & natural dyes classes Starting in Vientiane you will encounter your first insight into the vibrant world of textiles in beautiful Laos. You'll be inspired by the iconic gold stupa of Tat Luang and the centuries old temples steeped in history. You'll visit a unique weaving school and make a visit to the famous Carol Cassidy textile gallery. There's plenty of time to explore the morning markets with its aisles of beautiful silks and visit some of the craft and textile shops around town before you fly north to the enchanting World Heritage town of Luang Prabang. You will love the historic temples, museums, textile galleries and markets of beautiful Luang Prabang. The beauty and colour of Wat Xien will inspire you as will the ever present sea of orange robed monks as they wander though the laneways of this historic town. You'll take part in Hmong embroidery, silk weaving class and natural dyes classes. You'll also visit traditional silk weaving villages where beautiful pieces are still woven by hand using traditional floor looms. The nightly ethnic craft markets of Luang Prabang will amaze you with the colour and variety of textiles and crafts on offer every night. TRIBAL TRAILS OF LAOS VIENTIANE- LUANG NAMTHA-MUONG LA- NONG KIAU-LUANG PRABANG- PLAIN OF JARS-VIENTIANE 15 days Highlights Vientiane markets & textile galleries; ethnic minority villages including Tai Lue, Tai Dam, Akha & Kamhu; Mekong River trip; Luang Prabang craft markets; Hmong embroidery, silk weaving & natural dyes class; Plain of Jars Starting in the Vientiane with its beautiful temples, textile markets and galleries, this tour takes you on journey into some of the more remote areas of Laos where you can experience a number of different ethnic minority group villages, all with vibrant costumes and cultures. You'll fly from the city to the remote north-western town of Luang Namtha where you will visit the ethnic minority villages of the Akha, Tai Dam, and Hmong. You'll travel by road and by boat to the remote towns of Muong La and Nong Kiau where you will visit unique Kamhu and Tai Lue villages. You'll spend a day in a remote Tai Lue cotton weaving village where they still spin, dye and weave their vibrant cotton fabrics using traditional methods. Travelling south you will stay in beautiful Luang Prabang with its historical temples, textile galleries and amazing craft markets. The beauty and colour of Wat Xien will inspire you as will the ever present sea of orange robed monks as they wander though the laneways of this historic town. You'll take part in an Hmong embroidery class, a silk weaving class and natural dyes class and visit traditional silk weaving villages where beautiful pieces are still woven by hand using traditional floor looms. Leaving Luang Prabang it's a spectacular drive south to the amazing Plain of Jars where you'll explore the mysterious jars and visit local Hmong and Tai ethnic villages. You will end your inspiring trip with a flight back to the city of Vientiane.

4 LAOS CREATIVE RETREATS LUANG PRABANG 7 or 10 day tours Highlights Luang Prabang ethnic craft markets; Arts & Ethnology Centre; weaving villages; your choice of creative classes including Hmong embroidery, bamboo weaving, Hmong batik, silk weaving & natural dyes Immerse yourself in the creative calmness... and imagine yourself sitting quietly by the Mekong River with only the quiet click of your weaving shuttle to measure out your day. Wander the quiet laneways and discover quaint galleries and craft shops and be stunned by the colour of the nightly tribal craft markets. Be inspired by the stunning temples and heritage architecture that dot the landscape on every corner. Be reminded of the spiritual heart of this beautiful place by the ever present parade of orange robes as hundreds of monks weave their way through town. This unique tour has been designed for people who love textiles, craft and local culture and gives you the opportunity to experience the enchanting World Heritage town of Luang Prabang and try your hand at a variety of creative craft classes including Laos natural dyes, traditional silk weaving, Hmong appliqué, batik, bamboo weaving or an intensive 3 day ikat weaving workshop. TEXTILE TRAILS OF LAOS & VIETNAM LUANG PRABANG-HANOI--SAPA- HANOI-HOI AN 14 days Highlights Luang Prabang ethnic craft markets; Arts & Ethnology Centre; weaving villages; Hmong embroidery, silk weaving & natural dyes classes; Old Quarter Hanoi; Ethnology ; Museum; CraftLink and 54 Traditions textile galleries; Van Phuc silk village; Bac Ha & Sapa markets; Red Dao embroidery lessons, learn about traditional Black Hmong hemp fabrics. This tour will take you on a journey from Luang Prabang to the bustling city of Hanoi and onto the mountains of Mai Chau and Sapa where you will experience a culture that is ablaze in colour and textile traditions. Starting in the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang with its historical temples, textile galleries and amazing craft markets, you'll take part in lessons with the locals including Hmong embroidery, silk weaving and natural dyes, You will also get the opportunity to visit traditional silk and paper making villages in this enchanting town. You'll fly to Hanoi, Vietnam and explore the sites of the city including the textile galleries and fabric markets of the Old Quarter, the Ethnology museum showcasing the costumes and textiles of the 54 minority groups of Vietnam and the century's old silk weaving village of Van Phuc. You'll travel by train to the remote mountain town of Sapa where you'll visit the colourful Bac Ha market, take an embroidery lesson with Red Dao ladies in their homes and learn about Black Hmong traditional textiles. Your tour finishes in the beautiful World Heritage town of Hoi An. With its colourful Chinese shop houses and restored French colonial architecture along with its hundreds of tailors and art galleries your final stop will bring your inspiring journey to a colourful conclusion.

5 THE COLOURS OF CAMBODIA PHNOM PENH-TAKEO-KAMPONG CHAM-SIEM REAP 9 days Highlights Phnom Penh markets; Takeo weaving villages; Koh Dach island; Kampong Cham & Kampong Thom weaving projects; Temples of Angkor; Water hyacinth weaving class; Khmer silk farm This tour takes you from the bustling city sites and fabric markets of Phnom Penh to the weaving communities of Takeo, Koh Dach, Kampong Cham and Kampong Thom and onto Siem Reap, the gateway to the awe inspiring temples of Angkor where an emerging textiles industry of natural dyes & traditional weaving methods are being revived. You'll be inspired by the amazing temples of Angkor and the beauty of the Cambodian countryside as you travel overland from Phnom Penh to Siem Reap. Starting in the river city of Phnom Penh you'll explore the landmarks of the city along with its craft shops and fabric markets. You'll take a trip into the southern province of Takeo where most homes have a hand loom and produce some the country's finest silks and ikats. Travelling north you'll visit a silk weaving island along with a rural weaving project established to train young women in Khmer silk weaving and spend the afternoon at a project run by Buddhist monks. You'll continue north to Siem Reap, the tourist centre and gateway to the temples of Angkor. Here you will take a private tour of the inspiring temples of Angkor and explore the intricate carvings depicting textiles of the Angkor era. With an immerging textiles scene around Siem Reap you'll take a water hyacinth weaving class and visit a unique forest project set up to revive the natural vegetation and visit a silk farm established to train young people in the art of sericulture, natural dyes and traditional weaving. SILK TRAILS OF CAMBODIA & LAOS PHNOM PENH- SIEM REAP-LUANG PRABANG 13 days Highlights Temples of Angkor; Khmer silk farm; water hyacinth weaving class, Luang Prabang craft markets; Arts & Ethnology Centre; weaving villages; Hmong embroidery, silk weaving and natural dyes classes This tour takes you into the textile heartlands of Cambodia and Laos. Starting in the river city of Phnom Penh you'll explore the landmarks of the city along with its craft shops and fabric markets. You'll take a trip into the southern province of Takeo where most homes have a hand loom and produce some the country's finest silks and ikats. Travelling north you'll visit a silk weaving island along with a rural weaving project established to train young women in Khmer silk weaving and spend the afternoon at a project run by Buddhist monks. You'll drive north to Siem Reap, where you'll take private tour of the inspiring temples of Angkor and explore the intricate carvings depicting textiles of the Angkor era. While in Siem Reap you'll take a waterf hyacinth weaving class and visit a silk farm established to train young people in the art of sericulture, natural dyes and traditional weaving. You will fly to the World Heritage town of Luang Prabang with its historical temples, textile galleries and amazing craft markets, here you'll take part in lessons with the locals including Hmong embroidery, silk weaving and natural dyes, You will also get the opportunity to visit traditional silk and paper making villages in this enchanting town.

6 STICHES AND CRAFT OF INDOCHINA SIEM REAP-LUANG PRABANG-HANOI- SAPA - HOI AN 18 days Highlights Temples of Angkor; Khmer silk farm; water hyacinth weaving class, Luang Prabang craft markets; Arts & Ethnology Centre; weaving villages; Hmong & Red Dao embroidery classes; Lao silk weaving and natural dyes classes; Old Quarter Hanoi; Ethnology Museum; CraftLink and 54Traditions galleries; Van Phuc silk village; Bac Ha market; Sapa; Taphin village; Hoi An tailors and markets This tour is a textile lover's dream journey through the colourful centres of Cambodia, Laos and Vietnam. Starting in Siem Reap, the gateway to the awe inspiring temples of Angkor you'll discover an emerging textiles scene where natural dyes & traditional weaving methods are being revived. Here you'll take class at a unique floating workshop set where you ll try your hand at water hyacinth weaving and visit a unique Khmer silk farm. From Cambodia you will fly to Laos, and will love the historic temples, museums, textile galleries and markets you'll experience in beautiful Luang Prabang. The beauty and colour of Wat Xien will inspire you as will the ever present sea of orange robed monks as they wander though the laneways of this historic town. You'll take part in anhmong embroidery class, a silk weaving class and a natural dyes class. You'll also visit traditional silk weaving villages where beautiful pieces are still woven by hand using traditional floor looms. The nightly ethnic craft markets of Luang Prabang will amaze you with the colour and variety of textiles and crafts on offer every night. You'll fly to the 1000 year old city of Hanoi, exploring its textile galleries and fabric markets of the Old Quarter, the Ethnology museum showcasing the costumes and textiles of the 54 minority groups of Vietnam and the century's old silk weaving village of Van Phuc. From the city travel by train to the remote mountain town of Sapa where you'll visit the colourful Bac Ha ethnic minority market, take an embroidery lesson with Red Dao ladies in their homes and learn about hemp fibres from the Black Hmong. You'll end your journey in the colourful World Heritage town of Hoi An with its hundreds of tailors, shoe makers and art galleries. TEXTILE TRADITIONS OF BHUTAN BANGKOK-SAMDRUP JONGKHAR- TRASHIBANG-RADI- MONGAR-LHUNTSE-BUMTHANG-TRONGSA- PUNAKHA-THIMPU-PARO- BANGKOK 16 days Highlights Khaling National Handloom Centre, Radhi weaving village, Khoma weaving villages, Bumthang valley villages, Beling nettle weaving village, Thimpu National Textile Museum, Zorig Chusum National Arts Centre Starting in the textile heartland of eastern Bhutan this tour will take you through the beautiful valleys of Bumthang and across some of the most spectacular scenery in the world to the western valleys of Paro. Textiles have been a form of currency and tax in this remote land for centuries and remain a key feature of daily life where a government declared national dress for men and women still exists and where fabric lengths are given as prized gifts for all occasions. In a land where women weave and men sew - you will experience the majestic dzongs and history of this remote land and have the opportunity to meet with local artisans. Starting in the far east of the country you will travel overland across the mountains and valleys of this beautiful country. You'll visit the major art centre of Thimpu and explore the remote villages of Khoma (famous for the exquisite silk on silk Kushethara's), Radhi (known for its beautiful raw silk weaving), Bumthang valley (known for its unique yathra wools) and Beling (a village where ancient nettle weaving is still practiced.