Mulberries: Phonsavan’s Must-Visit Silk-farm Gem 🐛✨
Mulberries is a must-visit in Phonsavan — perfect for anyone adding an additional day or two to their Plain of Jars adventure.
This peaceful centre is all about keeping the ancient art of Lao silk production alive, and honestly, spending just an hour or two here is so interesting and great for taking photos. It's super warm and welcoming and the staff and students will walk you through the process, answer any questions you have, and will definitely share a few laughs!
Heads up: They prefer if you book your visit in advance, in order to ensure there's someone to take you around. Opening hours are 8:30–11:30 and 1:00–4:00 (they take a little break in the middle of the day for lunch, so plan around that).
The whole silk-making journey is so cool! 🌱🐛 It starts with mulberry trees, grown right onsite to feed the silkworms. After they spin their cocoons, those get carefully boiled and “unspun” to make super fine threads — it’s a slow, delicate process that honestly feels like magic. For the colors? They make natural dyes from plants, roots, and bark, so you get great colours that do not fade. The weaving rooms are amazing — wooden looms, click-clack rhythms, and detailed patterns that take real skill and patience. Watching the process makes you appreciate how much work and creativity goes into every single scarf.
Big bonus points: Mulberries isn’t just about tradition. It’s a hub for social good, offering training programs for disadvantaged women, giving them practical skills (plus real income opportunities). If you’re after an even deeper experience, ask about their homestays. You can stay right in the community, learn the whole silk-making process hands-on, and make way more local connections.
Before going, make sure you go to their on-site shop — the silk scarves and naturally-dyed textiles are to die for, and they also have mulberry-based treats like teas, soaps, and lotions. We loved the free tour, but buying a little something feels right, and there are plenty of options for any budget (treat yourself or grab some gifts!).
Hot tip: If you’re hanging around Phonsavan a bit longer, in addition to the Plain of Jars, check out the war-spoon workshops nearby for another round of local creativity (details in other posts).
Details you need:
Mulberries Traditional Silk Farm
Location📍F58G+FR Phonsavan, Xieng Khouang, Laos
Hours 🕝: 8:30–11:30 & 1:00–4:00, closed for lunch
Getting there: It is about 4KM from the downtown area. It is easiest to get there by your own transport. 🚗🛵
If going by tuk tuk 🛺, you may want to organise a return journey in advance as no tuk tuks wait there.
Tips: Call ahead to arrange your visit
Need somewhere to stay?
· Favanh Mai Hotel has great views from the upper floors
· Sipanya Guesthouse offers a free pickup and can help organise tours
#localcrafts #silk #mulberries #peacefulplaces