Lao Textile Museum

The museum was earlier a private collection belonging to the owners of Kanchana Boutique, a famous silk fabric shop. The place, which is set in a gorgeous, traditional Lao style building, has turned into a textile museum preserving the rich silk culture and history of the country. It is the first private museum in Laos. The history of silk weaving dates back to centuries before in Laos when it was their way of life. The people of the ethnic groups possessed exceptional local knowledge about making beautiful textiles, which was passed on to generations. After the commercialisation began, it led to businesses which overpowered the culture.

The museum was established to prevent the textile industry from facing an unfortunate end. In this museum, visitors will get to know the rich history of silk through the looms and antique textiles representing various ethnic groups, exhibited in the rooms. People can also sign up for courses in natural dyeing for about 20 to 30 USD. There is a lovely garden around this traditional wooden house.

The Laos Textile Museum is located in Ban Nongtha Tai, which is 4km from the city centre of Vientiane. You can get there by hiring a Tuk-Tuk for about 5 USD for a round trip that can be shared as well. Or you can rent a motorbike daily for about 8 USD per day that would also give you the flexibility to combine multiple attractions.