Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre — Attraction in Luang Prabang

📍A Captivating Experience at Ock Pop Tok Luang Prabang: Where Art, Food, and Nature Unite

Prepare to be enchanted by the delightful fusion of Asian and Lao cuisine at Ock Pop Tok. Not only is the food incredibly delicious, but it is also presented in a way that is visually stunning. Each dish is a work of art, pleasing both the eyes and the taste buds.

As you explore the premises, you'll have the opportunity to witness the intricate process of weaving, a true testament to the creativity and craftsmanship of the artisans. The handmade clothing, crafted with a traditional Lao style, showcases the rich cultural heritage of the region. It's a feast for the senses, as you immerse yourself in the vibrant colors and patterns that adorn the fabrics.

For a unique dining experience, make your way to the tree house. Nestled amidst the lush surroundings, it offers a serene and picturesque setting to enjoy your coffee or meal. As you sip your beverage or savor your food, the breathtaking view of the Mekong River adds an extra touch of magic to your lunchtime experience.

To make your visit even more convenient, Ock Pop Tok provides a complimentary shuttle service from the city to their store. This thoughtful gesture ensures that your journey to this extraordinary place is hassle-free and adds to the overall amazing experience.

In conclusion, Ock Pop Tok is a haven where art, food, and nature seamlessly blend together. From the delectable fusion cuisine to the captivating weaving demonstrations, every aspect of this establishment is a testament to the beauty and creativity of Lao culture. So, hop on the shuttle, indulge in the culinary delights, and immerse yourself in the stunning views - a truly unforgettable experience awaits you at...

Nice views, very disappointing experience.

I paid $150 for the weaving workshop, so I obviously had high expectations.

The first morning feels like a complete waste of time. We started late, at around 9.30, and were done dyeing by 10.45. There was nothing else planned for the morning, so I just waited around until lunch and didn’t touch a thread until 1.30pm. Honestly, tie-dye is something that any child in the world has tried or seen at some point, so this felt like an excuse to make the workshop more expensive without any real value.

Then, the looms are all set up when you start weaving, so you don’t really understand or get any explanations about how the patterns or the looms work. I asked the workshop manager (yes, the guide) for more details and she said it was just too complicated. I asked about it several times, so I don’t think it was a misunderstanding. But haven’t we signed up for that? Basically, I just paid $150 to spend a few hours moving threads from right to left, without any explanations about weaving techniques, the loom I’m using, the cultures that weave, the traditional groups that still do it, etc.

Also, for that price I would expect to have had some nice meals, but we weren’t given a choice even though they serve it at the restaurant where the menu is quite extensive. I was asked on the first day if there was something I didn’t eat and I said meat, but I eat fish, eggs and everything else. Well, my meals were basically green leaves both days. A lot of lettuce, a pakchoi or bamboo soup, some seaweed and rice. I paid $150 and I get green leaves for lunch? It was really disappointing.

I would have paid max. $50 for that workshop. It felt extremely overpriced for...

I took a silk weaving workshop (Half day). It was an amazing experience that I will not forget for a long time! They can pick you up from the centre or the post office, after which you will be welcomed by your translator and go to your craft area.

The master weaver and your translator explain the process to you and you can choose from two patterns (I chose the Nagi one) and many colours of silk. You then try spinning the silk onto smaller spools that you later use in weaving.

The weaving itself is both easy and complicated. It's not hard to understand the process and what you're supposed to do, but I still cannot wrap my head around the way the pattern is set by master weavers! It must take ages to set up and really makes you appreciate the time and effort that goes into every piece of hand-made fabric.

The workshop was very fun and I appreciated my translator a lot. It was really interesting to talk with her (but I also appreciated she wasn't forcing conversation so I could focus on the work when I needed to) about the project, but also her life and the experiences of women in Laos - and how projects like Ock Pop Tok can ensure women have an income, especially if they come from remote tribes.

It is definitely a worthwhile activity to do if you're in Luang Prabang and want to try something different. The gifts hop is also very nice with lovely staff. They have a lot of really beautiful and intricate wall hangings - once you do the weaving workshop you really understand just how insanely complicated these pieces are - but also scarves, clothes, and smaller gifts of all kinds.

Highly recommended! I hope to come back and do one of the multi...