Mulberries Organic Silk Farm is one of the most unique cultural and eco-tourism attractions in Phonsavan, Xiangkhouang Province, offering visitors an immersive look into the traditional art of Lao silk production. Located in Ban Lee near Phonsavan and only a short distance from the famous Plain of Jars, the farm is dedicated to preserving Laos’ rich textile heritage while promoting sustainable rural development and fair-trade practices.

1. Overview of Mulberries Organic Silk Farm

Mulberries Organic Silk Farm (Photo: Collected)

Mulberries Organic Silk Farm founded in 1993 by renowned Lao textile expert Kommaly Chanthavong, the farm was established as a research and model silk farm to revive traditional Lao sericulture (silk farming), weaving, and natural dyeing techniques. The project provides training and income opportunities for local villagers while helping preserve centuries-old textile traditions.

Visitors can explore the entire silk-making process, from mulberry cultivation and silkworm rearing to cocoon harvesting, silk reeling, spinning, natural dye production, and hand weaving. Guided tours allow guests to observe skilled artisans working on traditional wooden looms and learn how natural materials such as indigo, jackfruit, tamarind, and other local plants are used to create vibrant colors without synthetic chemicals.

One of the farm’s most appealing aspects is its commitment to sustainability and fair trade. What was once land heavily affected by wartime bombing has been transformed into a productive organic farm surrounded by greenery. The farm also supports local women and rural communities through employment, training, and handicraft production.

These silkworm cocoons are used to weave fabric at Mulberries Organic Silk Farm (Photo: Collected)

In addition to free farm tours, visitors can participate in hands-on workshops covering silk reeling, weaving, and natural dye making. For those seeking a deeper experience, farm stays are available, allowing guests to enjoy traditional Lao hospitality while learning more about textile production and rural life.

The farm shop offers a beautiful selection of handmade silk scarves, textiles, clothing, home décor items, skincare products, teas, jams, and other locally produced goods. Every purchase helps support the preservation of traditional Lao craftsmanship and the livelihoods of village artisans.

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2. An interesting experience recounted by a tourist

Here’s an interesting story shared by a visitor who experienced Mulberries Organic Silk Farm:

“Mulberries is a fair trade silk farm that employs local women to work there, harvesting silk and weaving clothing and so on. They offer free tours to visitors where you can see every stage of the silk-making process.

I took a tour with one of the Mulberries staff members. Normally you don’t have to call ahead to book an appointment, but if you definitely want an English-speaking tour guide scheduled, maybe call the day before just to make sure they have one available.

Visitors have a delightful experience at Mulberries Organic Silk Farm (Photo: Collected)

When I went, the only available guide didn’t speak English– we figured it out and still had a good tour, though! Also, there are English-language info placards stationed around the farm, which helped.

The guide took me around the whole farm and showed me the silk fabric-making process.

It starts with the silk caterpillar hut, where different silk caterpillars grow and form cocoons. They use three different kinds of caterpillars at Mulberries, and each caterpillar creates a slightly different kind of silk. Some silk is stronger than other kinds, and creates different kinds of fabric.

Once the caterpillars form cocoons, they’re taken to the cocoon processing room. I was worried that this room would really smell from chemicals or something, but honestly it didn’t smell like anything in particular. Such a relief!

The workers put the silk worm cocoons in boiling water (with a chemical, maybe?) to kill the worm inside and loosen the silk threads. Then they pull the threads off the cocoon and then spin it into threads. They let me try pulling the silk off the cocoon; it was easy, but definitely time consuming!

One step in the silk weaving process at Mulberries Organic Silk Farm (Photo: Collected)

Once they have the silk thread, it gets taken to the dying station. Mulberries uses natural dyes made from plants and berries (hence the name!). They grow a lot of their own plants in a garden themselves, and then process them to make dyes. The silk thread is dipped into the dye and left to dry in the sun.

Some of the plants they use are: lac resin, mulberries, annato seed, hem vine, coffee, indigo, teak leaf, and the kabao fruit. Indigo-dyed fabric is a very popular souvenir in Laos, but the prettiest blue comes from mulberries.

After that, the now-dyed silk threads are taken to the weaving room. Here are weavers who use looms to turn the silk thread into amazing woven fabric, which then gets made into clothing, scarves, table runners, and other items.

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Some of the designs that they make are extremely detailed and complicated!

At the end of the tour we went to their shop, where you can buy those same items. I did in fact get some stuff because the prices are fantastic! I got two small scarves and a tiny bag for something like $18 USD total. They also ship merchandise out to several stores around the country, including one in Vientiane. If you can’t make it out to the farm in Phonsavan, you can still get some Mulberries silk products elsewhere.

The silkworm cocoons are beautifully displayed (Photo: Collected)

I really enjoyed my visit to the Mulberries Organic Silk Farm and recommend stopping by if you’re in Phonsavan. They also have a half-day class, a longer study tour and a homestay option as well.”

Today, Mulberries Organic Silk Farm is widely regarded as one of the best places in Laos to learn about authentic Lao silk production, making it a must-visit destination for travelers interested in culture, sustainability, handicrafts, and community-based tourism.