LAOS – Luang Prabang – Ancient Lao Pottery Making

Families in the village of Ban Chan have been specializing in pottery making by hand for over 400 years. Originally, pots were used to ferment fish and to store water, but today families produce a range of pottery, from beautifully decorated planters to terracotta roof tiles.

Theme

Art & Culture, Classic, Family, Honeymoon, Sustainable

Country - City

Laos - Luang Prabang

Market segment

Thematic Leisure

Price Level

$$

Max pax

12

Seasonality

All Year Round

Arrival city

Luang Prabang

Departure city

Luang Prabang

Description

Families in the village of Ban Chan have been specializing in pottery making by hand for over 400 years. Originally, pots were used for fish fermentation and to store water, but today families produce a range of pottery, from beautifully decorated planters to terracotta roof tiles. Upon reaching the village of Ban Chan, located across the Mekong River from Luang Prabang, travelers will have the opportunity to look behind-the-scenes and delve into some of ancient techniques used to make this pottery. Local pottery artisans will help the travelers get their hands wet with the clay and create their own personalized item. This experience ends with a traditional Lao meal made from fresh ingredients, prepared by a local family. 

Can be combined with

Thematic Leisure

Selling points

  • To have an opportunity to get a behind-the-scenes look at the ancient techniques used to make Lao pottery and to get hands-on with the clay.
  • To have a chance to experience a rural Lao village located just across the river from Luang Prabang.
  • To enjoy delicious local food served on traditional bamboo plates and low rattan tables.
  • Easy to combine half-day activity with lunch.

Level Of The Excursion

Medium – This activity offers tangible positive contributions to the local community, culture and/or environment

High – This activity strongly supports local communities and/or helps preserve the culture and environment

The Impact Of This Excursion

Social/cultural Impact

Cultural Conservation

Empowerment and education

Community welfare and health

Economic Impact

Local individual benefits

Community benefits

Time And Transportation

From To Km By Duration Road condition 
National Museum Main Boat Pier 0.3 Car 1 minute Good
Main Boat Pier Ban Chan Village 1 Boat 15 minutes Good

Duration

  • OPTION 1: Half Day morning (4 hours)
    • 08:45 Pick up at main boat pier- Boat trip to Ban Chan village
    • 09:00 -10:30: Tour village pottery center and our village while learning about traditional Lao life.
    • 10:30 -11:40: Private demonstration of Lao pottery techniques by local families followed by a hands-on opportunity for each guest.
    • 11:45: Enjoy an authentic Lao meal made from local ingredients
    • 13:00: Return to Luang Prabang
  • OPTION 2: Pottery Workshop only (1h 30min)

Min pax

1

Max pax

12

How to sell it

  • A half day morning tour including lunch.
  • Suitable for FIT maximum of 12 pax.
  • A good activity for families with children over 7+ wanting to get their hands dirty.
  • We can also arrange only the pottery workshop.

Why this activity

  • We promote this activity to help preserve this amazing handicraft as only six families still practice these pottery making techniques.
  • For guests staying in Luang Prabang that want to experience local life without venturing too far from the city. 
  • The local guide speaks very good English and the skilled pottery makers can assist the guests to create a very nice piece.
  • A laid-back experience for guests wanting to experience handicraft culture and local cottage industry. 
  • Developed to increase our offer of hands-on workshops and family activities in Luang Prabang.

Good to combine with

Do not combine with

  • Any other morning tour.

Market suggestion

AUSTRALIA

CANADA

FRANCE

ITALY

SPAIN

PORTUGAL

BENELUX

SCANDINAVIA

CEE

US

GERMANY

UK

BEST FOR FIT

Competitor comparison

  • Other DMCs may offer this activity. 

Pros

  • Showcases an endangered local handicraft. 
  • A superb half-day activity for the whole family.
  • Easy to book with supplier.

Cons

  • The pottery takes time to dry and set before collection. 

Information

  • The pottery takes 2 more days after the activity to dry (Day 1: pottery workshop activity / Day 2: sun drying / Day 3: fire heating). So the item made by the travelers can be sent to them on Day 3 at 18:00 – 19:00, directly sent to the hotel and with no extra fee.
  • However, if the travelers don’t do this activity on first day arrival in Luang Prabang, there will be no time for the pottery item to dry. The travelers can then take one ready item with them rather than the one they made themselves.
  • The local guide speaks good English, so Easia guide is not compulsory for English speaking travelers.

Alerts

  • The pottery takes 2 more days after the activity to dry (Day 1: pottery workshop activity / Day 2: sun drying / Day 3: fire heating). So the item made by the travelers can be sent to them on Day 3 at 18:00 – 19:00, directly sent to the hotel and with no extra fee.

Price range

$$

Quotation guideline

  • On ERP (3 options):
    • LAOS > Luang Prabang > Activity > Ancient Lao Pottery Making > Ancient Lao pottery making (HD, Lunch, no car transfer) / WPTF – (This is join-in and includes the boat trip, village tour, pottery making and food) 
    • LAOS > Luang Prabang > Activity > Ancient Lao Pottery Making > Ancient Lao pottery making (Workshop only, no car transfer) / WPM – (This is join-in and includes the boat trip and pottery making) 
  • These prices are for join-in tours. For private please add the privatization supplement:
    • LAOS > Luang Prabang > Activity > Ancient Lao Pottery Making > Supplement for privatization (maximum 12 pax)
  • 48-hour cancellation required to avoid charge.

Inclusion

  • Transfer (depending on the option chosen).
  • Lunch (depending on the option chosen).
  • Village Tour (depending on the option chosen).
  • English-speaking local guide.

Exclusion

  • Easia guide (required for non-English speaking clients).

Remark

  • If we have booking for groups of more than 12 pax (up to 15 pax), we can ask the supplier to divide the group in two halves. Subject to the availability of the second local guide, please check with operation before confirmation.
  • There are only six spots to make the pottery workshop, and normally we put 2 pax per spot, so we limit the activity to 12 pax, but we can arrange differently and propose to divide the group in 2 halves: one will do the workshop while the other visit the village, and then each group will change the role. For this to work we must book the Half Day option, rather than the 2 hours workshop only.

Important notes

  • Ask the supplier to manage the time accordingly to ensure that lunch is not served before 12:00.
  • If the group size is more than 12 pax please check that the correct HD option has been booked.

Special Guide notes

  • Local guide is English-speaking, Easia guide for non-English speaking clients. 

Different Choice

  • This is the only pottery activity in Luang Prabang. There is no alternative.

Contact

Special Information

  • Payment should be made 15 days after the tour by bank transfer ONLY. No payment onsite. 

Product Launch Package

  • Basic

Website/Travel Exchange

Video

English

Ancient Lao pottery making.
Today, you will reach Ban Chan by boat. It’s a village famous for the creation of Lao pottery. Here you will be given a private demonstration of the techniques that the local families have been using for over 400 years to make this handicraft. After this, prepare to get your hands dirty as you will be able to have a go at creating a pottery piece for yourself! After the workshop, you will travel back to Luang Prabang by boat.

Duration: Approximately 1h 30min
Note for the sales: Including pottery making workshop only. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Ancient Lao pottery making with lunch.
Today, you will reach Ban Chan by boat. It’s a village famous for the creation of Lao pottery. Here you will be given a private demonstration of the techniques that the local families have been using for over 400 years to make this handicraft. After this, prepare to get your hands dirty as you will be able to have a go at creating a pottery piece for yourself! Finish your experience with an authentic Lao meal made with locally sourced fresh ingredients. After your lunch, you will travel back to Luang Prabang by boat.

Duration: Approximately 2h 30min
Note for the sales: Including pottery making workshop only. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Ancient Lao pottery making with village tour and lunch
This morning, you will board a boat and travel across the Mekong River to Ban Chan, a village famous Lao pottery making. Enjoy a village tour with your local guide and experience how people live in a rural environment on the other side of the river. Later, you will be given a private demonstration of the techniques that the local families have been using for over 400 years to make Lao pottery. After this, prepare to get your hands dirty as you will be able to have a go at creating a pottery piece for yourself! Finish your experience with an authentic Lao meal made with locally sourced fresh ingredients. After your lunch, you will travel back to Luang Prabang by boat.

Duration: Approximately 3h 30min (half day morning + lunch)
Meals included: lunch
Note for the sales: Including village tour, pottery making and lunch. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

French

Atelier de poterie traditionnelle laotienne
Aujourd’hui, vous rejoindrez Ban Chan en bateau. C’est un village célèbre pour la création de poteries lao. Vous assisterez à une démonstration privée des techniques de poterie utilisées par les familles locales depuis plus de 400 ans. Ensuite, préparez-vous à vous salir les mains, car vous pourrez vous essayer à la création d’une pièce de poterie ! Après l’atelier, vous retournerez à Luang Prabang en bateau.

Durée de l’activité : Environ 1h 30min
Note for the sales: Including pottery making workshop only. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Atelier de poterie traditionnelle laotienne avec déjeuner
Aujourd’hui, vous rejoindrez Ban Chan en bateau. C’est un village célèbre pour la création de poteries lao. Vous assisterez à une démonstration privée des techniques de poterie utilisées par les familles locales depuis plus de 400 ans. Ensuite, préparez-vous à vous salir les mains, car vous pourrez vous essayer à la création d’une pièce de poterie ! Terminez votre expérience par un authentique repas laotien préparé avec des ingrédients frais d’origine locale. Après votre repas, vous retournerez à Luang Prabang en bateau.

Durée de l’activité : Environ 2h 30min
Note for the sales: Including pottery making workshop only. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Atelier de poterie traditionnelle laotienne avec visite du village et déjeuner
Ce matin, vous monterez à bord d’un bateau et traverserez le Mékong jusqu’à Ban Chan, un village réputé pour la fabrication de poteries lao. Profitez d’une visite du village avec votre guide local et découvrez comment les gens vivent dans un environnement rural de l’autre côté du fleuve. Plus tard, vous assisterez à une démonstration privée des techniques de poterie utilisées par les familles locales depuis plus de 400 ans. Après cela, préparez-vous à vous salir les mains, car vous pourrez vous essayer à la création d’une pièce de poterie ! Terminez votre expérience par un authentique repas lao préparé avec des ingrédients frais d’origine locale. Après votre repas, vous retournerez à Luang Prabang en bateau.

Durée de l’activité : Environ 3h 30min (demi-journée matin + déjeuner)
Repas inclus : déjeuner
Note for the sales: Including village tour, pottery making and lunch. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Spanish

El antiguo arte de la cerámica laosiana
Hoy viajará en barco a Ban Chan. Este pueblo es famoso por la creación de cerámica laosiana. Asistirá a una demostración privada de las técnicas de alfarería utilizadas por las familias locales desde hace más de 400 años. A continuación, podrá ensuciarse las manos y probar a crear una pieza de cerámica. Tras el taller, regresará a Luang Prabang en barco.

Duración de la actividad: Aproximadamente 1h 30min
Nota de venta: Sólo incluye el taller de alfarería. No incluye el traslado en coche hasta el embarcadero ni el traslado en barco hasta el pueblo. Hora de inicio flexible.

El antiguo arte de la cerámica laosiana con almuerzo
Hoy viajará en barco a Ban Chan. Este pueblo es famoso por la creación de cerámica Lao. Le harán una demostración privada de las técnicas de alfarería utilizadas por las familias locales desde hace más de 400 años. Después, podrá ensuciarse las manos y probar a crear una pieza de cerámica. Termine su experiencia con una auténtica comida laosiana preparada con ingredientes frescos de origen local. Tras la comida, regresará a Luang Prabang en barco.

Duración de la actividad: Aproximadamente 2h 30min
Nota para la venta: Sólo incluye el taller de fabricación de cerámica. No incluye el traslado en coche al embarcadero ni el traslado en barco al pueblo. Hora de inicio flexible.

El antiguo arte de la cerámica laosiana con visita a la aldea y almuerzo
Esta mañana, embarcará en un barco y cruzará el Mekong hasta Ban Chan, un pueblo famoso por su cerámica laosiana. Disfrute de un recorrido por el pueblo con su guía local y descubra cómo se vive en un entorno rural al otro lado del río. Más tarde, asistirá a una demostración privada de las técnicas de alfarería utilizadas por las familias locales desde hace más de 400 años. Después, ensúciese las manos y pruebe a crear una pieza de cerámica. Termine su experiencia con una auténtica comida laosiana preparada con ingredientes frescos de origen local. Tras la comida, regresará a Luang Prabang en barco.

Duración de la actividad: aproximadamente 3h 30min (media jornada por la mañana + almuerzo)
Comidas incluidas: almuerzo
Nota para la venta: Incluye visita al pueblo, fabricación de cerámica y almuerzo. No incluye el traslado en coche al embarcadero ni el traslado en barco a la aldea. Hora de inicio flexible.

Italian

Ceramiche antiche del Laos
Oggi vi recherete in barca a Ban Chan. Questo villaggio è famoso per la creazione di ceramiche laotiane. Vi sarà offerta una dimostrazione privata delle tecniche di ceramica utilizzate dalle famiglie locali da oltre 400 anni. Poi vi sporcherete le mani e proverete a creare un pezzo di ceramica! Dopo il laboratorio, tornerete a Luang Prabang in barca.

Durata dell’attività: circa 1h30min
Nota per le vendite: è incluso solo il laboratorio di creazione di ceramiche. Non sono inclusi il trasferimento in auto al molo e il trasferimento in barca al villaggio. Orario di inizio flessibile.

Ceramiche antiche del Laos con pranzo
Oggi vi recherete in barca a Ban Chan. Questo villaggio è famoso per la creazione di ceramiche Lao. Vi sarà data una dimostrazione privata delle tecniche di lavorazione della ceramica utilizzate dalle famiglie locali da oltre 400 anni. In seguito, vi sporcherete le mani e proverete a creare un pezzo di ceramica! Concludete la vostra esperienza con un autentico pasto laotiano preparato con ingredienti freschi e di provenienza locale. Dopo il pasto, tornerete a Luang Prabang in barca.

Durata dell’attività: circa 2h30min
Nota per le vendite: è incluso solo il laboratorio di fabbricazione della ceramica. Non sono inclusi il trasferimento in auto al molo e il trasferimento in barca al villaggio. Orario di inizio flessibile.

Ceramiche antiche del Laos con visita al villaggio e pranzo
Questa mattina salirete a bordo di una barca e attraverserete il Mekong fino a Ban Chan, un villaggio rinomato per le sue ceramiche Lao. Godetevi un tour del villaggio con la vostra guida locale e scoprite come si vive in un ambiente rurale sull’altra sponda del fiume. In seguito, potrete assistere a una dimostrazione privata delle tecniche di lavorazione della ceramica utilizzate dalle famiglie locali da oltre 400 anni. In seguito, vi sporcherete le mani e proverete a creare un pezzo di ceramica! Concludete la vostra esperienza con un autentico pasto laotiano preparato con ingredienti freschi e di provenienza locale. Dopo il pasto, tornerete a Luang Prabang in barca.

Durata dell’attività: circa 3h 30min (mezza giornata mattina + pranzo)
Pasti inclusi: pranzo
Nota per le vendite: è incluso il tour del villaggio, la lavorazione della ceramica e il pranzo. Non sono inclusi il trasferimento in auto al molo e il trasferimento in barca al villaggio. Orario di inizio flessibile.

German

Uralte Töpferei in Laos
Heute erreichen Sie Ban Chan mit dem Boot. Dieses Dorf ist berühmt für die Herstellung von laotischen Töpferwaren. Hier erhalten Sie eine private Vorführung der Techniken, die die einheimischen Familien seit über 400 Jahren zur Herstellung dieses Handwerks anwenden. Danach können Sie sich die Hände schmutzig machen und selbst ein Töpferstück herstellen! Nach dem Workshop fahren Sie mit dem Boot zurück nach Luang Prabang.

Dauer: Ungefähr 1 Stunde und 30 Minuten
Note for the sales: Including pottery making workshop only. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Uralte Töpferei in Laos mit Mittagessen
Heute werden Sie Ban Chan mit dem Boot erreichen. Das Dorf ist berühmt für die Herstellung von laotischen Töpferwaren. Hier erhalten Sie eine private Vorführung der Techniken, die die einheimischen Familien seit über 400 Jahren zur Herstellung dieses Handwerks anwenden. Danach können Sie sich die Hände schmutzig machen, indem Sie selbst ein Töpferstück herstellen! Beenden Sie Ihr Erlebnis mit einem authentischen laotischen Essen, das mit frischen Zutaten aus der Region zubereitet wird. Nach dem Mittagessen fahren Sie mit dem Boot zurück nach Luang Prabang.

Dauer der Tour: Ungefähr 2 Stunden und 30 Minuten
Note for the sales: Including pottery making workshop only. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.

Uralte Töpferei in Laos mit Dorfbesichtigung und Mittagessen
Heute Morgen gehen Sie an Bord eines Bootes und fahren über den Mekong nach Ban Chan, einem Dorf, das für seine Töpferkunst bekannt ist. Genießen Sie eine Dorfführung mit Ihrem örtlichen Reiseleiter und erfahren Sie, wie die Menschen auf der anderen Seite des Flusses in einer ländlichen Umgebung leben. Später erhalten Sie eine private Vorführung der Techniken, die die einheimischen Familien seit über 400 Jahren zur Herstellung laotischer Töpferwaren anwenden. Danach können Sie sich die Hände schmutzig machen, indem Sie selbst ein Töpferstück herstellen! Beenden Sie Ihr Erlebnis mit einer authentischen laotischen Mahlzeit, die mit frischen Zutaten aus der Region zubereitet wird. Nach dem Mittagessen fahren Sie mit dem Boot zurück nach Luang Prabang.

Dauer: Ungefähr 3 Stunden und 30 Minuten (halber Tag morgens + Mittagessen)
Inklusive Mahlzeiten: Mittagessen
Note for the sales: Including village tour, pottery making and lunch. Not including car transfer to the pier and boat transfer to the village. Starting time flexible.