Thailand is known for its silk and its silver. Apparently. I didn’t know that until we got here.

But, since visiting a silk factory has been on my “to do” list since Jonathan went to one (and China) without me in 2002, it was something I had to do while in Thailand.

First we went to the silk factory, where we learned about silk worms, and how to make silk.

We also learned that what makes Thai silk different is that the silk worm cocoons are a golden color, which makes the silk color richer once it’s been dyed.

It takes 50 cocoons to make one silk thread! And, each thread will be about 50 meters long (that’s ½ a football field).

Once the cocoons are turned to thread, they are then bundeled and dyed.

From there the threads are moved to a loom, and the super speedy women weavers work their magic and make gorgeous silk cloth.

Our next stop was a silver factory. You can watch as silversmiths make silver beads.

And then, a visit to the silver gallery.

I have to admit that I was a little disappointed with the silver factory stop. I expected more. But this one was basically just a silver store.

We did get to see these really amazing … vases. They’re about 3 feet tall and absolutely stunning. They’re also 50 years old. And, unfortunately, all the people who knew how to actually make these have died. So, what you see is what there is.

Anyone want to loan me $10,000 so I can buy one?