Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women
Learn traditional Lao fabric dyeing and weaving, empowering women through craft. Create unique souvenirs and support a vital social mission.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Freshest start to your day
Houey Hong Vocational Training Centre for Women
Best Time
Freshest start to your day
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Learn traditional Lao fabric dyeing and weaving, empowering women through craft. Create unique souvenirs and support a vital social mission.
"A wonderful, rewarding experience supporting disadvantaged women through traditional Lao arts."
Confirm Pricing & Transport
Double-check workshop fees and transport costs when booking to avoid misunderstandings. :moneybag:
Patience with Language
While staff are helpful, some language barriers may exist. Be patient and use gestures if needed. :speech_balloon:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.5 · 30 reviews
Address
Website
houeyhongvientiane.comHighlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Natural Fabric Dyeing Workshop
Dyeing workshop area
Learn to create vibrant colors using natural ingredients like onion peels. Take home your own beautifully dyed scarf!
Traditional Silk Weaving
Weaving workshop area
Master the art of weaving intricate patterns on a wooden loom. Create your own unique piece of Lao textile art.
Meet the Skilled Artisans
On-site weaving facility
Observe talented weavers crafting detailed designs. Witness the dedication and skill behind traditional Lao textiles.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Your Workshop in Advance
Support a Great Cause
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Confirm Pricing & Transport
Double-check workshop fees and transport costs when booking to avoid misunderstandings. :moneybag:
Patience with Language
While staff are helpful, some language barriers may exist. Be patient and use gestures if needed. :speech_balloon:
Wear Comfortable Clothes
You'll be working with dyes and looms, so wear something you don't mind getting a little messy. :tshirt:
Great for Souvenirs
Create a custom souvenir or purchase beautiful textiles directly from the artisans. 🎁
Tips
from all over the internet
Confirm Pricing & Transport
Double-check workshop fees and transport costs when booking to avoid misunderstandings. :moneybag:
Patience with Language
While staff are helpful, some language barriers may exist. Be patient and use gestures if needed. :speech_balloon:
Wear Comfortable Clothes
You'll be working with dyes and looms, so wear something you don't mind getting a little messy. :tshirt:
Great for Souvenirs
Create a custom souvenir or purchase beautiful textiles directly from the artisans. 🎁
Suitable for Most Ages
Younger kids might struggle with looms, but dyeing is fun for all. :child:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Houey Hong for its rewarding workshops in natural dyeing and traditional weaving, highlighting the opportunity to learn valuable skills and create unique souvenirs. The center's mission to empower disadvantaged women is a significant draw, making it a feel-good experience. While minor communication or pricing discrepancies have been noted, they are generally resolved amicably, and the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
"A great option for a day trip from Vientiane. Try your hand at fabric dyeing using all natural dyes made in the traditional Laos way. Learn to make your own natural dyes. Tour the small on-site weaving facility to watch the skilled weavers create intricate designs. Learn to weave a simple pattern in the specially designed weaving workshop area. Suitable for all ages, although younger children may not be able to operate the looms in the weaving workshop if they cannot reach the foot pedal. They will have a fantastic time doing the dyeing workshop though."
Renusha Parkin
"I took a half day course on dyeing and weaving and it was really worth it! I paid 400k kip and got to keep the dyed scarf and the piece of fabric that I managed to weave. The lady was patient and explained well. Highly recommend! Perfect also to get a custom souvenir while supporting this activity"
Maddalena Bin
"One of the best things to do in Vientiane, Laos is a 1/2 to 3 day workshop at this NGO where you are taught the ancient Laos traditional art for either or both dyeing with natural products e.g. onion peel or silk weaving on a wooden loom.
Such a wonderful, rewarding experience in a truly tranquil location just 7 km from the town. Houey Hong Center can arrange a private taxi service for a pick up from the centre of Vientiane.
This centre has trained more than 830 Laos women and girls from disadvantaged or rural backgrounds since 1998. They have been taught the art of dyeing, weaving and sewing from 1-6 months, both empowering and inspiring them to become great employees, leaders or successful business owners.
With their lovely welcoming, friendly and helpful staff. I wish to highly recommend the Houey Hong Center! 10 out of 10!"
Merinda Hewat-Cameron
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The center is located about 7 km from Vientiane. They can arrange a private taxi service for pickup from your Vientiane hotel, which is a convenient option. Confirm the cost of this transport when booking your workshop.
While not explicitly mentioned, private transport is common. If you are driving yourself, inquire about parking availability when you make your reservation.
Ride-sharing apps might be available in Vientiane, but pre-arranging transport with the center is often more reliable and can be bundled with your workshop fee.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Workshop prices can vary. One reviewer mentioned paying 400,000 kip for a half-day dyeing and weaving course, while another noted a quoted price of 220,000 kip for a weaving session. It's crucial to confirm the exact price when booking.
Yes, it is highly recommended to book your workshops in advance to secure your spot, especially for dyeing and weaving sessions. Making a reservation was easy for one visitor.
Typically, the fee includes the materials for your chosen craft and you get to keep what you create, such as a dyed scarf or a woven fabric piece.
Workshops are generally held during the day. It's best to inquire about specific timings when you book, as they can accommodate morning or afternoon sessions.
🎫 🛍️ Shopping & Support
Yes, you can purchase beautiful, intricately designed textiles directly from the center. It's a great way to get a unique souvenir and support the women's training.
Absolutely. Your participation in workshops and any purchases made directly contribute to the center's mission of empowering disadvantaged women through traditional Lao arts.
While not explicitly stated, given the nature of the center, custom orders for specific designs or items might be possible. It's worth inquiring directly about this possibility.
🎫 🎨 Craft Experience
In the dyeing workshop, you'll learn to create natural dyes from ingredients like onion peels and then apply them to fabric, often a scarf. It's a hands-on experience where you create your own colorful textile.
The weaving workshop teaches you the traditional Lao method of silk weaving on a wooden loom. You'll learn to create simple patterns and weave your own piece of fabric to take home.
While younger children can enjoy the dyeing workshop, they might find it difficult to operate the looms in the weaving workshop if they cannot reach the foot pedals.
Workshops can range from half-day sessions to longer courses of 1-3 days, depending on what you wish to learn and the depth of the craft you want to explore.
Social
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