Insightful Artisan Workshop Village Tour in Myanmar

Take some time out to explore the little-known village of Thaketa, located southeast of Yangon and made up of several independent, family-run craft workshops. On arriving to the outskirts of the village, passengers hop into a trishaw and enter Thaketa by pedal-power. This is your transportation for the day, adding to the authenticity of your experience. Thaketa rarely sees foreign visitors, so local families often use it as a chance to practice communicating with foreigners. Your guide will lead you through Thaketa’s narrow, maze-like streets to visit six hand-selected artisanal shops. Pragmatically, these are operated out of family homes.

Step into a jade carving workshop that specializes in ornate Buddha image statues. Next door, a local man and his brother carve striking wood statues and religious figures. A wooden harp workshop sits next to a gallery selling images depicting local life. The village also specializes in handmade pottery, allowing visitors see first-hand the transformation of local clay into beautiful earthenware. The morning ends with a brief trishaw ride back to the coach and a transfer back to the ship.

Please note: This tour includes a half-day of moderate walking or standing. There are some steps to negotiate and participants must be able to enter and exit the trishaw independently. Not advisable for guests with mobility limitations or stamina challenges. Restrooms are local-style squat toilets only – these are extremely basic. Local culture requires conservative attire with shoulders and knees completely covered; no shorts allowed.