Ban Xang Khong (Paper/Weaving Village)

Located a 10-minute drive from central Luang Prabang, this place is not so much a “village” as a stretch of dirt road lined with Laotian homes whose owners specialize in weaving and paper-making. In the best places, women work vats of water patting down paper (made primarily from tree bark) and setting the finished pieces out to dry. Or, in the weaving shops, you will see women of various ages bent over their looms, crafting colorful silks into the scarves, throws and pashminas (the small silk worm farm can be toured in the back). It’s a great little spot for gift-shopping: I particularly loved the paper embellished with small flowers, leaves and grasses. While you can ask your hotel to arrange for a car to take you to Ban Xang Khong, it’s better to go with a guide who can take you to the best places and explain the process of how these products are made.