Mai Savanh Lao is a social fair trade enterprise based in Vientiane, its name meaning "the silk of paradise." Active since 2005, it combines Sacha Inchi food production with traditional Laotian textile craftsmanship, partnering with over 2,000 farming and artisan families across six provinces. Visiting its shop-workshop offers concrete insight into how fair trade operates in Laos.

Why visit Mai Savanh Lao

This destination's appeal extends well beyond souvenir shopping. Mai Savanh Lao is certified by the World Fair Trade Organization (WFTO) and operates as a non-profit organization: all profits are reinvested in the structure and its rural poverty reduction program.

The venue brings together two complementary activities. On one side, the processing of Sacha Inchi seeds, a plant of Peruvian origin that has adapted well to Laos, and the enterprise is the country's leading food producer of it. On the other, support for silk craftsmanship, weaving, and embroidery, with looms provided to partner villages.

For travelers, it's an opportunity to discover Laotian products with documented supply chains, from field to packaging, and to directly support the producing communities.

History and mission

The adventure began in 2005, when Philippe and Elisabeth Schmidt partnered with Michael Mattmuller and Samuel Herrmann to found the enterprise. From the outset, they chose to structure Mai Savanh Lao as a non-profit organization, so that all profits would be reinvested in business development and support for producers.

The project responds to several articulated objectives:

• develop food and textile products for export and local markets;
• train and equip a network of partner rural producers in low-income areas;
• increase income for these families and strengthen gender equality within cooperatives;
• contribute to combating malnutrition in Laos;
• prioritize environmentally-respectful agricultural practices.

Nearly twenty years after its founding, the enterprise operates across six provinces and works with over 2,000 local farming families.

What to see and do on site

The shop

The retail space brings together both product lines. On the food side, you'll find Sacha Inchi oil, roasted seeds, energy bars, and various derivatives. On the textile side, scarves, wraps, bags, and hand-woven silk and cotton pieces created by partner artisans.

Labels typically indicate the product's origin and the cooperative behind it, allowing you to connect your purchase to a specific village.

Understanding Sacha Inchi

Native to Peru, Sacha Inchi is a climbing plant that can reach over 6 meters in height and has adapted well to Laos's mountainous climate. Its seeds contain approximately 42% oil and 25% protein.

The extracted oil features a distinctive nutritional profile, composed of 92% polyunsaturated and monounsaturated fatty acids:

• 48% α-linolenic acid (Omega 3);
• 35% linoleic acid (Omega 6);
• 9% oleic acid (Omega 9).

Its vitamin E content reaches 240 mg per 100g, contributing to its stability. Processing follows a 100% vegan approach, free of gluten and GMOs.

Textile craftsmanship

The textile section showcases the expertise of Laotian weavers. Pieces are created by hand, most often on looms provided by the enterprise to partner families. Depending on the day, it's sometimes possible to observe demonstrations or finishing stages.

Practical information

• Type of visit: fair trade shop-workshop, open access.
• Duration: allow 30 minutes to 1 hour depending on your interest in product explanations.
• Hours: open during daytime Monday to Saturday, closing in late afternoon. Hours should be verified before visiting, particularly on Laotian public holidays.
• Admission: free entry. Products range from moderate to mid-range pricing for artisanal textiles.
• Payment: cash (kips) recommended, some cards accepted.

How to get there

Mai Savanh Lao is located in Vientiane, Laos's capital. From the city center, the address is accessible by tuk-tuk or taxi in around ten minutes depending on your starting point. If you're staying in the tourist area near the Mekong, a bicycle ride is also feasible.

Be sure to note the exact address in Lao or Thai to give to your driver, as signage can sometimes be discreet.

What to see nearby

The visit integrates easily into a day exploring Vientiane. Within reasonable distance:

• Pha That Luang, the golden stupa and national symbol;
• Patuxai monument, the Laotian arc of triumph;
• the Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan), roughly twenty kilometers southeast;
• the landscaped Mekong riverbanks, pleasant in late afternoon.

To further explore Laotian craftsmanship as part of a wider itinerary, the Ethnology and Traditional Arts (TAEC) center in Luang Prabang and the Luang Prabang night market round out the picture nicely.

Planning your Laos trip

Mai Savanh Lao fits into an itinerary combining Vientiane, Luang Prabang, the Nam Ou valley, and nature experiences like the Gibbon Experience. To craft a custom stay, consult our dedicated page for travel to Laos.