Myinkaba Lacquerware Workshops
Discover the intricate art of Burmese lacquerware with live demonstrations and a wide selection of handcrafted pieces.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See demonstrations
Myinkaba Lacquerware Workshops
Best Time
See demonstrations
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the intricate art of Burmese lacquerware with live demonstrations and a wide selection of handcrafted pieces.
"The lacquerware are quite nice and not expensive. The demonstration is very comprehensive. "
Compare Prices
Check prices at multiple workshops to ensure you're getting good value.
Polite Negotiation
Friendly bargaining is often expected, especially for larger items.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Lacquerware Demonstration
Witness the intricate process of creating traditional Burmese lacquerware, from shaping to intricate painting.
Artisan Craftsmanship
Explore a wide array of beautifully crafted lacquerware pieces, from small bowls to large decorative items.
Rare Pieces
Venture into the back rooms for unique and potentially more valuable, one-of-a-kind lacquerware creations.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Authenticity Check
Bargaining & Value
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Compare Prices
Check prices at multiple workshops to ensure you're getting good value.
Polite Negotiation
Friendly bargaining is often expected, especially for larger items.
Look Beyond the Demo
The back rooms often hold more authentic and unique pieces.
Understand the Process
The demonstration offers insight into the artistry involved.
Tips
from all over the internet
Compare Prices
Check prices at multiple workshops to ensure you're getting good value.
Polite Negotiation
Friendly bargaining is often expected, especially for larger items.
Look Beyond the Demo
The back rooms often hold more authentic and unique pieces.
Understand the Process
The demonstration offers insight into the artistry involved.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors often find the lacquerware demonstrations informative and the products beautiful, with many appreciating the opportunity to purchase unique art pieces. However, some caution that prices can be inflated for tourists and that demonstrations may be staged. Bargaining is generally expected and can lead to reasonable prices for quality items.
"For tourists. But the lacquerware are quite nice and not expensive. The demonstration is very comprehensive."
Thomas Tj
"One of the top 3 Lacquerware stores in Bagan with a wide variety to choose from. The back room have more rare pieces worth checking out."
Hkun Seng
"fake demonstration intended for tourists. The shop sells exactly the same quality that you find in the market. But 5 times more expensive. to avoid absolutely"
888helico
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The workshops are located in Myinkaba village, south of Old Bagan. You can easily reach them by e-bike, taxi, or tuk-tuk from anywhere in Bagan. Many tours include a stop here.
Yes, they are well-known and signposted in Myinkaba village. Your driver will likely know exactly where to go.
Parking for e-bikes and tuk-tuks is readily available outside the workshops.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, entry to the workshops and to watch the demonstrations is typically free. You only pay if you decide to purchase items.
Most workshops are open daily from morning until late afternoon, generally from around 8 AM to 6 PM. It's best to visit during daylight hours.
The demonstration is usually included with your visit and is free of charge.
🎫 🎨 Onsite Experience
You'll see artisans at work, showcasing the multi-step process of creating lacquerware, from applying layers of lacquer to intricate painting and polishing.
Some visitors suggest the demonstrations can be staged for tourists, while others find them comprehensive. It's good to keep an open mind and observe the craftsmanship.
Yes, purchasing is a primary reason people visit. You'll find a wide variety of items for sale.
Yes, prices are often negotiable. Be polite and respectful when discussing prices.
You can find bowls, plates, vases, boxes, trays, and decorative panels, often featuring traditional Burmese motifs.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed, especially during demonstrations. However, it's always polite to ask permission before taking close-up shots of artisans or specific items.
While not usually strict, avoid intrusive photography that might disrupt the artisans or other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
Souvenir Hunters
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Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Art of Burmese Lacquerware
Following the lacquering, the pieces are often decorated using various techniques, including incising (htwé-gyan), inlaying with gold or colored glass (shwe-za), and painting with vibrant pigments. Traditional motifs often depict scenes from Buddhist Jataka tales, nature, or geometric patterns. The resulting pieces are durable, waterproof, and possess a unique, lustrous sheen.
Visitors to the Myinkaba workshops can witness these stages firsthand. While some demonstrations might be streamlined for tourist appeal, they offer a valuable glimpse into the dedication and artistry involved in creating these beautiful objects.
Navigating Purchases and Value
However, a recurring theme in reviews is the caution against inflated prices. Some believe that the 'demonstrations' are primarily sales pitches and that the same quality can be found in local markets for a fraction of the cost. It's advisable to have a general idea of lacquerware prices in Bagan and to compare offerings across different workshops before committing to a purchase.
Look for intricate details, smooth finishes, and consistent application of lacquer. The 'rare pieces' mentioned in some reviews might be worth investigating in the back rooms, as they could represent more unique or older creations. Ultimately, the value is subjective, but informed comparison and polite negotiation can lead to a satisfying purchase.
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