Market Tour and Cambodian Cooking Class in Siem Reap with Private Transfers
Active
5h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Manual confirmation
Mobile or paper ticket accepted
About this experience
Your host Sela will pick you up from the hotel and accompany you to the market, only a five minute walk from his home. It is a local open market where Sela will show you various fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs, spices and meat. You will buy a few fresh ingredients needed for your cooking class and even learn to bargain Cambodian style!
After the market tour, you will join Sela and his wife in their outdoor restaurant to cook popular local Khmer dishes. The cooking class is set up outside next to the garden, making it very convenient to pick fresh herbs like mint and basil for your meal. This is a hands-on class. With the help of Sela you will make four Khmer dishes from scratch and enjoy the meal together once it's done.
You will love this unique opportunity to learn about Cambodian food, culture, agriculture and way of life from locals in Siem Reap!
Available options
Market + cooking + lunch
Pickup included
What's included
All taxes, fees and handling charges
Alcoholic Beverages
Lunch
Pick- up and drop-off from your central Siem Riep hotel
Private market tour, cooking class + meal with your host Sela
Gratuities
Beverages
What you'll see
Sela has two passions - adventure treks off the beaten path and cooking. He has been serving traditional Muskovy Duck Soup (the dish that gave the place its name) to the locals every evening at his restaurant. His secret to cooking a scrumptious meal is using the freshest, best quality ingredients. Running his restaurant has not only helped him improve his cooking skills but also made him realize how much he enjoys meeting new people and sharing meals together. His loving family – his wife, four children and his business partner Michal are often part of the experience that takes place outdoors in his restaurant, adjacent to his home. He has a beautiful garden with many herbs and vegetables that he grows himself.
During this experience, you will be eating a typical Cambodian meal you won't be able to find in restaurants. A few of the dishes that you may try are somlor kakor (smoked rice, mixed vegetables, pork and fish), fish salad with banana, prahok ktiss (spicy pork dip) and Cambodian beef jerky.
Come join Sela and experience Cambodia from a local's perspective!
What's not included
Any additional purchases at the market
Available languages
Guide guide
EN
Reviews breakdown
Tripadvisor
5.0
1 reviews
5★
1
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0
Important information
Menu may vary depending on the season
If any travelers in your party have any allergies, dietary restrictions or cooking preferences please advise at time of booking
Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
Private, personalized experience
Please note, this is not a commercial cooking class, rather this experience is a visit into a Cambodian home to meet a local who is an expert cook, and share local culture and cuisine together.
Please note, families with young children are welcome, but they may not fully participate in the cooking class for safety reasons.
Please note, pick up and drop-off from your central Siem Reap hotel is included in the price of your booking. Transport will be either by tuk tuk or car depending on the availability. Please write your hotel name and address when creating your booking.
Important notes
Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Sela at + 855 17 976 098 (mobile) or 81 976 098 (smart), or by email at sela@eco-trails.asia
Address: Group 9th, Tropiengses Village, Gork-jork Commune, Derm Kralanh Market , Siem Reap
Meeting Instructions: Sela will meet you at the concierge desk of your central Siem Reap hotel.
We hope you are looking forward to your in-home culinary experience with a local in Siem Reap!
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Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
--
Traveling Spoon is a supplier of Viator and TripAdvisor. We offer travelers authentic food experiences with locals, in their homes. Founded by two travelers and food lovers, Traveling Spoon helps others make meaningful cultural connections through food. Contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com if you have general questions about our services. For specific questions related to your booking please contact your host directly with the contact information provided above.
We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!
About Siem Reap
Siem Reap is the vibrant gateway to the ancient Angkor temples, a UNESCO World Heritage site. This charming city offers a blend of rich history, vibrant markets, and lush landscapes, making it a must-visit destination in Cambodia.
Top Attractions
Angkor Wat
Angkor Wat is the largest religious monument in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This iconic temple complex is a masterpiece of Khmer architecture and a symbol of Cambodia.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Angkor Thom
Angkor Thom is a walled city and the last capital of the Khmer Empire. It features several impressive temples, including the Bayon Temple with its famous smiling faces.
Historical
Half to full day
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Ta Prohm
Ta Prohm is a temple complex overgrown by jungle, featuring a unique blend of nature and architecture. It was famously used as a filming location for the movie 'Tomb Raider'.
Historical
1-2 hours
USD 37 for 3-day pass
Pub Street
Pub Street is the heart of Siem Reap's nightlife, offering a vibrant mix of bars, restaurants, and street food vendors. It's a great place to experience the city's lively atmosphere.
Entertainment
Evening
Free to explore, budget for food and drinks
Siem Reap Night Market
The Siem Reap Night Market is a bustling market offering a variety of local crafts, souvenirs, and street food. It's a great place to shop for unique gifts and experience local culture.
Shopping
1-2 hours
Budget to moderate
Must-Try Local Dishes
Amok
A creamy, coconut-based curry with fish, chicken, or tofu, steamed in banana leaves. It's a traditional Khmer dish with a unique flavor.
Main dish
Vegetarian options available
Nom Banh Chok
A popular breakfast dish consisting of rice noodles topped with a fish-based green curry gravy and fresh vegetables.
Breakfast
Vegetarian options available
Bai Sach Chrouk
Grilled pork served with broken rice and pickled vegetables. It's a popular breakfast dish in Cambodia.
Breakfast
Contains meat
Lok Lak
A stir-fried beef dish with a tangy lime and pepper sauce, served with rice and fresh vegetables.
Main dish
Contains meat
Popular Activities
Hiking in the Angkor Archaeological Park
Exploring the bamboo train in Battambang
Visiting spas and wellness centers
Enjoying a traditional Khmer massage
Exploring temples and historical sites
Attending traditional dance performances
Boat tours on Tonlé Sap Lake
Swimming in waterfalls
Best Time to Visit
November to February
The best time to visit Siem Reap is during the dry season when the weather is pleasant and ideal for exploring the temples. The cooler temperatures make it comfortable for long days of sightseeing.
20-30°C
68-86°F
Practical Information
Language
- Official: Khmer
- Widely spoken: English
- English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas
Currency
Cambodian Riel (KHR)
Time Zone
Indochina Time (ICT), GMT+7
Electricity
230VV, 50HzHz
Safety Information
Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe
Siem Reap is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution and be aware of your surroundings.
Important Precautions:
- • Be cautious of scams and overcharging.
- • Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas.
- • Use reputable tour operators and transportation services.
Getting there
By air
- Siem Reap International Airport • 5 km from city center
By bus
Siem Reap Virak Buntham Express Terminal, Siem Reap Giant Ibis Bus Terminal
Getting around
Public transport
Tuk-tuks are the most popular and affordable mode of transport in Siem Reap. They are widely available and can be negotiated for short or long trips.
Taxis
Available • Apps: PassApp, Grab
Rentals
Car, Bike, Scooter
Neighborhoods
Wat Bo
Wat Damnak
Sivatha
Day trips
Battambang
150 km from Siem Reap • Full day
Battambang is a charming colonial town known for its well-preserved French architecture, bamboo train, and nearby temples. It's a great destination for a day trip from Siem Reap.
Kampong Phluk
16 km from Siem Reap • Half day
Kampong Phluk is a floating village on the edge of the Tonlé Sap Lake. It offers a unique glimpse into the lives of the local community and the stunning natural beauty of the area.
Kbal Spean
25 km from Siem Reap • Half day
Kbal Spean is a remote archaeological site featuring ancient carvings and a beautiful river setting. It's a great destination for those looking to explore off-the-beaten-path attractions.
Festivals
Khmer New Year (Choul Chnam Thmey) • April 13-15 (dates vary)
Bon Om Touk (Water Festival) • November (dates vary)
Angkor Photo Festival • December (dates vary)
Pro tips
- Hire a local guide for the Angkor Archaeological Park to gain a deeper understanding of the temples' history and significance.
- Visit the temples early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat.
- Try local street food like nom banh chok and bai sach chrouk for an authentic culinary experience.
- Bargain for better prices at markets and street stalls, but do so respectfully and with a smile.
- Use a map app like Google Maps for navigation, as street signs can be limited and confusing.
From $25
per person
Price varies by option
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
