Luang Prabang Private Cultural Cooking Tour and Monk Blessing

Luang Prabang , Laos

Luang Prabang Private Cultural Cooking Tour and Monk Blessing

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About this experience

Immerse yourself in the rich traditions of Laos with a private cultural experience that combines local cooking and a meaningful monk blessing. Start your journey at Phosy market alongside a welcoming host family, selecting fresh ingredients for a traditional Laotian feast. In their home, learn to prepare dishes such as sticky rice and bamboo shoot soup, all while engaging with the vibrant culture. After cooking, participate in a sacred ceremony as you offer the meal to monks at a nearby temple and receive a blessing. Conclude with a communal lunch, savoring your culinary creations in good company.

- Experience the significant Buddhist tradition of merit-making.
- Visit a local market with a host family to shop for fresh ingredients.
- Learn to cook a full menu of traditional Laotian dishes in a local home.
- Participate in the sacred ceremony of offering food to monks at a temple.
- Receive a blessing from the monks and enjoy a communal lunch with the host family.

Available options

Luang Prabang Private Cultural Cooking Tour and Monk Blessing

Pickup included

What's included

Water

Lunch

Hotel Pickup and Drop off

English Speaking Tour Guide

Detailed itinerary

Our Tour Guide will pick you up from your hotel then head out to the market for Shop for some fresh and organic ingredients such as fish, vegetables, and fruits.

Shop for some fresh and organic ingredients such as fish,
vegetables, and fruits. After getting all the ingredients, we will head to your local host’s house to start cooking those typical dishes, which Laos people always prepare to make merit to the monks.

Enjoy making khao niew (sticky rice), bamboo shoot soup (Keang nor Mai), steamed fish in banana leaves (Mok Pa), Luang Prabang stew (Ork Lam), and eggplant sauce (Jeo Mak Kheua) with the host family. Once the cooking is done, we will proceed with the dishes to the nearby Buddhist temple to offer to the novices and monks.

Your local host and our tour guide will guide you
through the whole ceremony of offering merit, receiving a blessing from highly respected monks at the temple. By the end of the offering ceremony, bid farewell to all the monks as we walk back to the local host’s house and enjoy
lunch together.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

To show respect for the local culture when visiting temples, kindly ensure that you wear attire that covers the knees, such as a long dress or trousers.

Requirement: Passport copied

About Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its well-preserved traditional Laos architecture and serene natural beauty. Nestled at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, it offers a unique blend of historic temples, French colonial buildings, and lush landscapes.

Top Attractions

Wat Xieng Thong

One of the most important temples in Laos, known for its beautiful architecture and intricate mosaics.

Religious 1-2 hours 5 USD

Mount Phousi

A small mountain in the center of Luang Prabang offering panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside.

Nature 1-2 hours 5 USD

Kuang Si Falls

A stunning series of waterfalls and turquoise pools, perfect for swimming and picnicking.

Nature Half day 10 USD

Must-Try Local Dishes

Larb

A spicy minced meat salad with herbs, spices, and lime juice.

Main Dish Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu.

Tam Mak Hoong

Green papaya salad with tomatoes, chilies, and lime juice.

Main Dish Vegetarian if made without fish sauce.

Khao Soi

A Northern Lao noodle dish with a coconut curry broth.

Main Dish Contains meat, can be made vegetarian.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the surrounding mountains Kayaking on the Mekong River Visiting spas and wellness centers Sunset watching at Mount Phousi Attending a traditional Lao dance performance Participating in a cooking class Swimming at Kuang Si Falls Boat tours on the Mekong River

Best Time to Visit

November to February

This is the cool and dry season, perfect for exploring the city and its surroundings. The weather is pleasant, and it's the peak tourist season.

15-30°C 59-86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Lao
Widely spoken: English, French
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited elsewhere

Currency

Lao Kip (LAK)

Time Zone

Indochina Time (ICT), UTC+7

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Luang Prabang is generally safe for travelers, but petty crime and scams can occur. Be cautious with your belongings and use common sense.

Important Precautions:

• Keep valuables secure
• Use reputable tour operators
• Be cautious when using ATMs

Getting there

By air

Luang Prabang International Airport • 3 km from city center

By bus

Northern Bus Station, Southern Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

The most common and affordable mode of transport. Negotiate fares before starting your journey.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Limited app-based services

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Old Town Ban Phou Khoune

Day trips

Pak Ou Caves

25 km north of Luang Prabang • Half day

A complex of caves filled with thousands of Buddha images, dating back to the 16th century.

Living Land Farm

15 km from Luang Prabang • Half day

A working farm offering insights into traditional Lao farming practices and sustainable agriculture.

Festivals

Lao New Year (Pi Mai) • April 13-15 Boun Ok Phansa • October (date varies)

Pro tips

Visit Kuang Si Falls early in the morning to avoid crowds and enjoy the cool weather.
Attend the alms-giving ceremony (Tak Bat) for a unique cultural experience, but be respectful and follow the rules.
Explore the city on foot or by bicycle to discover hidden gems and local life.
Try local Lao coffee and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere at the many cafes in town.
Bargain politely when shopping at markets, as prices are often inflated for tourists.