What is Saoban?
Saoban was started by PADETC, Lao NGO, as a fair trade social business that works with traditional handicraft artisans to preserve and promote Lao village crafts, create employment opportunities for villagers – mostly women – and reduce poverty. Saoban means ‘villager’ in the Lao language. Saoban represents a dynamic and promising new opportunity for preserving ancient crafts and techniques, an important cultural tradition among the diverse ethnic population of Laos.
Getting to know us
About us
Saoban works on both sides of production, improving product range and quality and securing domestic and foreign markets on behalf of rural artisan groups. Saoban follows fair trade principles to ensure that artisans receive a fair price for their products and benefits extend to the whole community. We work with villagers and operate under the principles of fair trade.
Akha Story
Akha women are easily recognizable because of their home-made costume. Black clothes are decorated with colorful embroidery, coins, pompoms and all kinds of trifles.
Since they started to made embroideries for sale, the women have shown great motivation, a surprising work capacity and an overflowing creat.
Hmong indigo batik on hemp
High in the misty mountains of the Northern Laos the sounds of Hmong weaving can be heard. With the end of hemp harvest in October, the hemp yarn are prepared and weaving begin. Like all textile producers in Laos, the Hmong make items for the household like blankets and bags, for clothing, and for ceremonial purposes.
Lao indigo tie-dye
It is thought that the Ikat technique originates from the Malay speaking countries, such as Indonesia as “Kat” means “tie” in Malay language.
However, traditionally the Lao people, especially the Tai-Leu and Tai-Dam groups also use Tie-dye, called “Matmee” in Lao with their indigo woven cotton and silk. The Lao use Indigo “matmee” fabric are used to make into clothing, blankets, and cushion covers.
Saoban Interview
How to find us
Vientiane capital
- Saoban Handicrafts, Ban Sikay,
- Sikhottabong District, Vientiane Laos.
- Contact: +856 20 5444 4743.
Vang Vieng
Saoban
My “go-to” boutique for shopping in Vientiane, Saoban now has a permanent home in Vangvieng. you’ll find the new Saoban shop inside ViengTara VangVieng Resort.
Saoban is a social enterprise which operates on fair trade principles, working with Lao artisans in order to preserve and promote Lao traditional handicrafts. Working mainly with village women in order to create employment opportunities, When you are shopping at Saoban knowing that money spent goes directly back into the communities they support.
Shop at Saoban for beautiful handmade bags, scarves, homewares, jewellery and brightly-coloured Akha toys.
Open: 10am-6pm Daily
Location: Vangvieng 10030 Vang Vieng, Laos. (ViengTara VangVieng Resort is the Signature of Wooden Bridge and rice field)