From the Village, For the Village
Ma Té Sai means “where is it from?” in Lao language. We select and co-create beautiful gifts, textiles and homewares handmade by people from villages across Laos. Some of our artisans are from remote and rural Laos, making traditional handicraft; some are farmers growing local produce; and some are disadvantaged, working in city centres, where they are developing new skills and a better life.
All are proud and happy to share their skills and traditions with you. we want you to share this connection with our artisans as much as we want to ensure them a fair and sustainable income.
Christmas Decorations from Bintan
Yati and her family are in Panglong Village, a fishing village on Bintan Island, Indonesia. Although the big hotels are only a couple of hours away, income from tourism doesn't reach this village and the fisherman are subject to low wages from the larger companies. They make these decorations as supplementary income and because Yati likes to be creative. Only available in Singapore @thegreencollectivesg. We will be working more with Yati and her mother Ana Rohana to introduce more creations from Bintan.
Ban Lue Homestay - Promotion
Get out of town for a truly authentic experience. Stay overnight in a Taileu house, be looked after by your excellent English-speaking host, meet the locals by making with them and eat deliciously healthy local fare. The village is approx. 3 hours from Luang Prabang, now $95/person for 1 night including all meals, workshops, transport. You can go onto Nongkhiaw, only half an hour away if you want to combine with a stay there.
Visiting Luang Prabang?
- For authentic touring and Mekong splendour go with our sister company www.bananaboatlaos.com
- The best maps available for the area are on www.hobomaps.com
- Want to donate items? We always take readers (reading glasses) to our communities of weavers, embroiderers, to help with their eyesight. Grades from 1.5 -2.5 are welcome. If you are coming in the cooler months, Nov-Jan, and have some used winter clothes in good condition you can donate, leave them with us and we can take them to the Red Cross.