Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
Active
3h - 4h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Instant confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
As the sun sets over Luang Prabang, the real food scene starts to simmer. Street stalls fire up their grills, pestles pound out papaya salad, and the city’s boldest flavours come to life.
On this evening moveable feast , a local food guide will take you far beyond the tourist menus. We’ll graze our way through riverside eateries, local favourites, and back-alley markets.
Expect over 15 tastings - from sticky rice roasted over hot coals to herb-packed Lao sausage, sesame-spiked beef platter, grilled Mekong fish, and a steamy bowl of khao piak sen noodles, and much more. It’s everything you need to get a real taste of Laos, and off the tourist trail.
Available options
Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
What's included
Moveable feast with 6-7 stops around the old city
Max 8 exclusive guests, smallest group size in Laos (private tour or 9+ guests - contact us).
Led by professional foodie guides
15+ food tastings included, more than any other Luang Prabang food tour
Bottled water and local drinks (and a beer) included
Detailed itinerary
1
Our evening feasting tour of 15+ tastings invites guests on a culinary experience around the historical city of Luang Prabang. It's a carefully curated food adventure, led by our team of professional Laos food guides.
Before we get started, our tour reflects the local cuisine, & the limitations of street food vendors means we unfortunately cannot cater for every dietary restriction. Here's an honest appraisal for the tour, so no-one is disappointed:
✘ Unsuitable for vegetarian diets sorry, as there would be 4-5 less tastings. ✓ Suitable for mild gluten & lactose intolerances, but we advise against ✖️ celiac disease, as there are traces of gluten in 3-4 tastings with unavoidable soy sauce. ✔ Pork & beef is used at a couple of places where there's no alternatives, though the guest won't go hungry if either meat is their only restriction. ✖️ Unsuitable for severe allergies & halal, due to risk of traces & cross-contamination.
If you are feeling adventurous for a foodie journey, read on!
2
Meet our food-obsessed host, as we crunch into riverweed crackers and hmong mushroom dip, before an saffron orange-robed monk invites us for an open floor chat to discover about their unique lifestyle in Luang Prabang. After a short blessing, we'll hop foot to the Mekong, as sun sets over the riverside eateries, with plates of pun pa grilled fish served with a bundle of fresh herbs and vegetables.
3
As night falls over Luang Prabang, the true flavours of the city come alive. The air fills with the scent of sizzling charcoal-grilled meats and piquant papaya salads. Go it alone though and you'll merely scratch the surface of Laotian cuisine. On our nightly moveable feast, a local food guide will take you far beyond the tourist menus. We’ll graze our way by foot through family owned joints, local favourites, and back-alley markets.
Expect 15+ tastings - from steamed catfish in banana leaf, to herb-packed Lao sausage, beef platter and a cold beer Laos, and charcoal-fired khao piak sen noodles in pork broth, among many more surprises. It’s everything you need to get a real taste of Laos. This is the side of Luang Prabang that restaurants won’t show you. Come hungry.
4
A short tuk-tuk ride takes us a 60 year-old dessert shop, whose recipes are a closely guarded family secret, passed over generations. The tour ends close to the meeting point in central Luang Prabang. Enjoy local hospitality and meet new friends along the way, ,ending the tour armed with the knowledge you’ll need to continue eating local food across Laos and beyond.
What's not included
Other alcoholic drinks excluded
Pick up and drop off from hotel excluded. Easy-to-find meeting point for all guests.
Unsuitable for vegetarian diets sorry, due to limited alternatives with 4-5 less tastings
Unsuitable for severe allergies, halal & celiac disease, due to risk of traces & cross-contamination
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Viator
5.0
3 reviews
5★
3
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Tripadvisor
5.0
14 reviews
5★
14
4★
0
3★
0
2★
0
1★
0
Important information
Not recommended for pregnant travelers
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
See 'What to Expect' section and 'What's Included' for info on dietary restrictions
We recommend comfortable shoes. Bring rain gear, if rain looks likely. There's lot of tastings to try, come hungry!
Meeting point
The tour starts from outside the Khaiphaen Restaurant in the heart of the old city, across from a temple called Wat Choum Khong Sourin Tharame. Your guide will be wearing a black 'A Chef's Tour' polo shirt. It's centrally located in Luang Prabang and easy to reach from most hotels in the city.
Important notes
*Ticket:* The guide should have your name on the manifest, please check you have booked the right date and time. We don't need to scan the tickets.
*Telephone number:* Please kindly do not call the telephone number if your enquiry is regarding date changes, cancellations, dietary requests.etc. Please contact directly to A Chef's Tour customer support team or Viator. Email: info@achefstour.com or send a message on Viator with your name, for a prompt response. The telephone number stated is ONLY for emergencies and meeting point arrivals with the guide team on-the-ground. They won't be able to help with any booking-related questions.
*Meeting point:* The meeting point is marked on the tour page. Please aim to arrive 10 minutes before the tour start time, so we can begin punctually with the other guests. Please ensure you leave to reach the meeting point.
*Taxis:* We recommend downloading the ‘Loca’ app on your smartphone. This is a convenient taxi-hailing app, similar to Uber. You can safely input your desired location and the price is fixed. The payment can be made from your credit/debit card, or cash in the local currency.
*Route:* Advertised itineraries are subject to minor changes, in the rare case of an unexpected closure of a street food vendor.
*What to bring:*
- We recommend comfortable shoes as the tour involves walking. There is only a short tuk-tuk ride at the end of the tour.
- This tour operates come rain or shine. Most eating stops are sheltered, though please carry rain gear/umbrella if rain looks likely, for walking between stops and when visiting some streetside stalls.
- There's lot of tastings to try, come hungry!
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.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation
