Karen Weaving Class
Learn traditional Karen weaving which is one of the most important aspects of Karen tribe culture!
From 120 USD per person to 250 USD per person
Quick facts
Tour type: Private
Operated by: Next Step Thailand
Location: Mae Wang, Chiang Mai
Tour duration: 2 Days / 1 Night
Pickup: 10 AM in Chiang Mai
Drop off: Afternoon in Chiang Mai
- Authenticity
Traditional Karen weaving on a wooden loom is an important aspect of Karen culture and passed down from generation to generation. Karen women weave traditional colourful striped patterns which they wear as skirts, shirts, scarfs and bags.On this tour, you learn to weave on a wooden loom and finish a small item by yourself. You also have a cooking class and learn to prepare traditional Karen dishes and visit a Karen village to learn about the life in their community.
Pickup and drop off
Baan Kart market
Spicy Villa Eco-Lodges
Karen village
Tour highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
We pick you up at 10 AM from your accommodation in Chiang Mai and head to a local market in Mae Wang to get supplies for our stay in the countryside.
From there, we drive up a mountain to Spicy Villa Eco-Lodges. At the bungalows, you have some time to get settled in your jungle hut before lunch.
Your first Karen weaving class starts just after lunch. A Karen lady comes and starts teaching you the basic techniques of using traditional wooden hand loom. You use hand died cotton strings to make the distinguishing colourful stripe pattern. Today you start weaving your fabric item, which could be a scarf, small table cloth, or anything you set your mind at!
After the weaving class, you have a cooking class, which is yet another way to learn about Karen culture. You learn to cook some traditional dishes on open fire, just like the local hill tribe people do.
After a delicious dinner, you are free for the evening. You spend the night in your private jungle bungalow.
Meals included: Lunch and dinner
Accommodation: Private bungalow at Spicy Villa Eco-Lodges
Day 2
After breakfast it’s time for your second Karen weaving class. Today you will finish the item that you starter making yesterday and perfect your weaving skills even further.
After your very own Karen fabric item is finished, it’s time to stretch your legs and back. Sitting on the floor and working on the loom is not easy. We go for a hike and visit a nearby Karen tribe village. Your guide can tell you about traditional lifestyles of the villagers and you can see them working in the fields and in the village.
You have lunch with the villagers, then it’s time to say goodbye and we take you for a trek to a local waterfall in the jungle. You can go for a swim and relax before we head back to Chiang Mai.
Meals included: Breakfast and lunch
Tour options
This tour has several options for customization. Please let us know if you want to customize the tour when you make the booking.
Bamboo rafting
We can go bamboo rafting on first day if we start the tour early. If you choose this option, we will pick you up at 8 AM.
Additional price for bamboo rafting is 500 THB per person.
River tubing or canoeing
Same as bamboo rafting, but only available when there’s enough rain and river level is high.
Additional price for each activity is 500 THB per person.
More info
Pickup & drop off
Pick up and drop off in Chiang Mai city is included in the price for this trip. Pick up and drop off locations include accommodations in Chiang Mai city (15 km area around the old city centre), Chiang Mai airport, Chiang Mai train station and bus stations.
If you would like us to pick you up outside of Chiang Mai city, for instance in Mae Rim, Sankampaeng and similar, additional charges might apply, please enquire about options.
Meals
All meals are prepared with fresh ingredients by your guide or bought fresh at a local market. Each meal consists of several northern Thai dishes. For breakfast, we also prepare some western dishes, such as toast or pancakes for instance. Let us know if you would prefer to eat only Thai dishes.
If you have any kind of dietary restrictions, let us know in advance, and we will make sure to provide suitable meals for you. We can cater to most dietary restrictions and prepare vegetarian, vegan, gluten free, milk free meals and more.
Guides
Your private guide will be with you at all times, from pick up to drop off. He is local and speaks good English and will be able to tell you a lot about local plants, animals, culture and traditions.
How to pack
We have prepared a packing guide with instructions on how to pack for our tours. We hope you find it useful. You can also have a look at our article that covers how to dress for activities.
Insurance
In accordance with Tourism Authority of Thailand regulations, we provide accident insurance for every traveller for the duration of the booked trip.
Tour pricing
One guest
Private tour for one guest
USD
250
Per person
Two guests
Private tour for two guests
USD
170
Per person
Three guests
Private tour for three guests
USD
140
Per person
Four+ guests
Private tour for four or more guests
USD
120
Per person
Included
Prices include:
- Transportation – choice of JEEP (up to six passengers) or covered pickup with benches
- Private bungalow at Spicy Villa
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary
- Private guide
- Two Karen weaving classes
- All entrance fees
- Compulsory insurance
Excluded
Prices do not include:
- Drinking water
- Drinks
- Snacks
- Personal expenses
Questions and inquiries regarding Karen weaving class
If you have any questions or inquiries about this tour, please fill out the form below and we will get back to you in one working day.