This is a very unique experience and a good way to learn about Karen culture from a different angle. Karen women are proud of their traditional Karen weaving techniques and they present a huge part of Karen culture. Their weaving patterns and colors are what distinguishes them from other tribes at a first glance. In this respect, weaving is central to the Karen culture as a whole, and by taking a two day Karen weaving class, you can immerse yourself in this culture while also learning a new and unique skill!
Trip Summary
Day 1 – We pick you up in the morning 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.
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 Spicy Villa where your driver is ready to take you back to Chiang Mai.
Trip Summary
Day 1 – We pick you up in the morning 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.
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 Spicy Villa where your driver is ready to take you back to Chiang Mai.
4 pers $120 pp | 3 pers $140 pp | 2 pers $170 pp | 1 per $250
Optional activities on the way back: Elephants, rafting and tubing.