Celebrating 25 Years of Ock Pop Tok

Text by: Valérie Olla

Photos by: Loris Faedda and Phout Keolamsing

Overlooking the majestic Mekong River in Luang Prabang, a vibrant hub of creativity, community, and culture hums with life. This is the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, and this October, it celebrates a momentous milestone: its 25th anniversary. A quarter-century ago, two women, one a Lao master weaver and the other a British photographer, wove together a dream, creating a business that would become a beacon for artisan empowerment and cultural preservation in Laos.

Ock Pop Tok, which translates beautifully as “East Meets West” in Lao, was founded in 2000 by Veomanee “Veo” Douangdara and Joanna “Jo” Smith. Veo, with her deep understanding of traditional Lao weaving and its intricate stories, and Jo, with her experience in design and photography, saw an opportunity not just to sell beautiful textiles, but to build a business that honored the hands that created them. Their vision was simple yet profound: to create a platform where weavers and artisans could earn a sustainable income, and where the rich traditions of Lao textiles could be preserved for future generations.

The true heart of Ock Pop Tok lies in its powerful social and economic impact. Over the past 25 years, the social enterprise has provided employment and fair wages to hundreds of artisans, predominantly women from diverse ethnic groups across Laos. This isn’t just a transactional relationship; it’s a partnership. By working with Ock Pop Tok, these women have gained financial independence, allowing them to support their families, send their children to school, and become leaders in their communities. The social enterprise’s commitment to fair trade principles ensures that a significant portion of the profits returns directly to the artisans, fostering a virtuous cycle of prosperity and skill-building.

The Living Crafts Centre itself is a testament to this philosophy. It’s more than a workshop; it’s an open-air museum where visitors can witness the entire journey of a textile, from the cultivation of silk and cotton to the meticulous process of natural dyeing and weaving. The air is filled with the rhythmic click-clack of looms, and the colors, from the deep blue of the indigo vats to the vibrant reds of the sappan tree, tell a story of ancient knowledge passed down through generations. Ock Pop Tok’s dedication to using natural dyes and sustainable practices is a core part of its mission, ensuring that its beautiful creations are as gentle on the environment as they are on the people who make them.

As Ock Pop Tok looks back on 25 years, it can celebrate not only its success as a social enterprise but its enduring legacy as a cultural institution. It has helped preserve traditional techniques, fostered a community of talented artisans, and introduced the world to the breathtaking beauty and rich narratives of Lao textiles. The threads woven here are more than just fabric; they are a connection to history, a commitment to community, and a vibrant promise for the future. As Jo puts it, “every thread tells a story.”

When you visit Luang Prabang, Ock Pop Tok is a must-stop. You can take a class with expert artisans, which is sure to enlighten you on the work that goes into handmade textiles, or you can eat a delicious fusion of East and West cuisines at the Silk Road Kitchen. You could even stay in one of the beautifully decorated rooms at the Mekong Villa. But you must at least take their signature pink electric tuk-tuk from the town centre and explore what their Living Crafts Centre has to offer, and witness the magic of Lao textiles for yourself. 

Twenty-five years is certainly an important birthday to celebrate, so why not be part of it?

For more information,

visit ockpoptok.com.

Getting there:

Lao Airlines flies to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Pakse, Hanoi, Bangkok, Siem Reap, and Chiang Mai.