Hmong Indigo dye Workshop 

(Half day)

Hmong Indigo Dye Workshop in Sapa – Half-Day Hands-On Experience

“Indigo doesn’t just colour fabric, it stains memory, culture and alive.”
— unknown
Close-up of Hmong artisan hands stained with indigo dye while working on fabric in Sapa, Vietnam

Duration: Half Day

Workshop times:

  • Morning session: 10.00am to 12.30pm

  • Afternoon session: 1.00pm to 3.30pm

    Maximum: 5 people

Discover the Ancient Art of Indigo Dyeing with Hmong Artisans

Hands-on cultural workshop exploring heritage, creativity, and natural dye traditions in Sapa

Step into the quiet rhythm of traditional craft with our half-day Hmong indigo dyeing workshop. Guided by skilled Hmong artisans, you’ll discover the ancient techniques behind this deep blue dye that has coloured clothes and culture for generations. Working with organic cotton and natural indigo, you’ll learn how to design and fold your own patterns before dipping into a living indigo vat, tended and nurtured like a member of the family.

This experience invites you to slow down and connect with the process. As the dye deepens with each dip and your design begins to emerge, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for the patience, precision and cultural significance behind every indigo piece.

Workshops are held in a peaceful indoor outdoor space at the ETHOS Community Centre in Sapa. They’re calm and hands on, making them ideal for families, travellers and anyone curious about textiles. Each participant can choose to create either a scarf or a decorative fabric square, no previous experience is needed. Instruction is in English, and the session is suitable for guests aged eight and above.

You’ll leave with a handcrafted indigo dyed piece of your own and a story that is coloured by tradition, community and care.

Create your own naturally dyed indigo piece in this hands on Hmong workshop, a calm, cultural experience led by expert artisans in the heart of Sapa.

Fresh green indigo plant leaves used for traditional dyeing at a Hmong workshop in Sapa, Vietnam

Included:

  • Introduction.

  • Cotton fabric

  • Indigo dye equipment

  • Information brochures

Prices - Hmong indigo Workshop half Day experience

$32 per person

Community based tourism (CBT) is a form of tourism where local communities are directly involved in developing, managing, and benefiting from tourism activities within their area. It emphasises community ownership, cultural preservation, and sustainable practices, offering visitors authentic experiences and fostering economic opportunities for residents. 

“When you wear natural indigo, you wear the earth, the rain and the rhythm of tradition.”
— Unknown
Scenic view of lush green terraced rice fields with mountains in the background and a partly cloudy sky, overlaid with the text 'Terms and Conditions'.

Please travel with respect. Dress modestly, support local crafts, protect nature, be patient, and stay safe. Connect, learn, and contribute positively during your ETHOS journey. Please refer to our terms for booking conditions for all ETHOS experiences.

Group of ethnic minority people wearing traditional and colourful clothing in Vietnam, posing for a photo.

To learn more about Hmong culture and other ethnic minority communities in Northern Vietnam, please click here

Young woman wearing a vibrant, traditional, embroidered hmong garment with beaded and pointed embellishments, smiling, against a black background.

To learn more about Hmong clothing, please click here

Icons with text representing values: liking, investing locally, saving energy and water, protecting wildlife, respecting culture, and the ethos of the spirit of the community.
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec
These images showcase the traditional Hmong art of indigo dyeing. They capture the vibrant process of preparing natural dyes, immersing fabrics, and revealing the deep blue hues that symbolise both skill and heritage. Hands stained with indigo reflec