Hands-on family experience · Mai Chau
Indigo & Batik Workshop in Mai ChauDraw with warm wax, dip in indigo, watch your design appear
Draw a pattern on white cloth with a small tool and warm beeswax, then dip it in a vat of indigo. When the wax comes off, your design shows up white on deep blue. A local artisan guides each step, and every maker takes their own cloth home.
Run by Paul, our local lead in Hanoi & the North4.9★ on GetYourGuidePhotos
Photos from this workshop
Who it suits
Is this workshop right for your family?
Everyone sits at the same table, from the littlest to the grandparents. Here is how it works for each age.
Under 6 Free
Free. Sits with a parent and helps dip the cloth.
6 to 10
Draws a simple pattern with the artisan close by (the wax is warm).
11 and up
Draws and dyes their own cloth.
Grandparents
Seated, steady hands welcome.
Step by step
What you'll do, step by step
A suggested flow. The artisan goes at your family's pace.
- Meet the artisan
A look at the indigo plants, the wax and the tools.
We send the exact place when you book. Pick-up from your stay in Mai Chau on request. - Draw with wax
Draw lines and dots on the cloth with a small tool dipped in warm beeswax.
- Dip in indigo
Dip the cloth into the dye a few times and watch it darken.
- Rinse and dry
The wax is removed and your pattern shows up white. Tea while it dries.
- Your cloth
Each maker takes their cloth home, wrapped for the trip.
Price
What's included & price
One simple price per person, materials included. Children under 6 join free.
Included
- Private session with a local artisan
- Cloth, beeswax and indigo for one piece per person (age 6+)
- Help in English from your guide
- Tea and water
Not included
- Larger cloths or scarves (ask on the day)
- Tips (optional)
- Hotel pick-up (on request, ask for a price)
Price for your family
Private for your family, up to 12 people. Bigger group? We quote it for you.
4 people × $12
$12 per person from age 6. Under 6: free, sitting with a parent. Grandparents can join in or just watch; tell us when you book.
Good to know
Questions before you book
Something else on your mind? Ask us. A local lead answers within 24 hours.
Ask on WhatsAppIs the batik workshop suitable for babies and toddlers?
Yes, babies are welcome. Children under 6 join free and help a parent dip the cloth. From age 6, children draw their own pattern, with the artisan close by because the wax is warm.
Will the indigo stain our hands?
A little blue on the fingers is normal and fades in a day or two. Gloves are available.
Is the dye natural?
Yes. Indigo is made from a local plant, as it has been for generations.
Is it easy for grandparents?
Yes. Everything is done sitting down, with no walking.
Where do we meet? Is there hotel pick-up?
You meet us at the workshop. The workshop is in the Mai Chau valley. We send the exact address and a map pin when you book. Hotel pick-up can be added on request; ask us for a price.
Book
Book this workshop
Message us on WhatsApp or by email with your date and who's coming. A local lead replies within 24 hours to confirm. Nothing to pay now.
Send us a message
Tell us the day you'd like, morning or afternoon, and how many are taking part. We check the workshop and confirm.
Let us help you write your message
Answer a few quick questions and we'll put your message together. Then send it on WhatsApp or by email, whichever you prefer.
Not sent yet. These buttons open WhatsApp or your email app with this message filled in. Please press Send there to reach us.
Every question is optional. Skip anything you're not sure about.