Traditional Market Tour and Private Laotian Cooking Class with a Local

Luang Prabang , Laos

Traditional Market Tour and Private Laotian Cooking Class with a Local

Active

(12 reviews)

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Manual confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Learn about food, culture and everyday Laotian living as you share a food experience with this former monk and his family.

Si will pick you up from your hotel and take you to Luang Prabang's largest fresh market, Phosy Market. Together with his wife Nee discover local fruits and vegetables that you might not have seen before. With a few market fresh ingredients in hand, drive to Si and Nee's home to learn to cook an everyday Laotian meal.

Learn to cook traditional Laotian cuisine from Nee, Si's wife who learned to cook watching her grandmother cook traditional Laotian family favorites. You will chop, stir and cook on wood fire as you learn to cook three dishes from scratch. After cooking, enjoy the Laotian meal you helped prepare at the family's indoor or outdoor dining table (weather dependent). Your meal includes authentic homemade dishes such as charcoal-grilled whole fish, bamboo shoot soup and stir-fried pumpkin with pork eaten with sticky rice.

Available options

MCTA RTT with Si (Lunch)

MCTA RTT with Si (Dinner)

What's included

Alcoholic beverages

Bottled water

Home-cooked meal

Alcoholic Beverages

Private market tour and cooking class with your host Si

Lunch

Local host

Gratuities

Hotel pick-up and drop-off

What's not included

Pickup and drop-off from hotels outside of Luang Prabang

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 4.9

10 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required

Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking

Since our hosts prepare for your experience up to two days in advance, for a full refund, cancel at least 48 hours in advance of the start date of your experience

Meeting point

Please meet your host at Phosy Market, Luang Prabang's largest fresh market. Exact address and contact details can be found in your ticket upon booking confirmation.

Important notes

Local contact information: If you need assistance, please contact your host Si at +856 205 587 0725 or via email at sikps.bkk14@gmail.com

Meeting Instructions: Meet your host at the lobby of your hotel at 9am. You will be dropped off at your hotel at the end of your experience.
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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.

We hope you have a meaningful experience and look forward to hearing about it!

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.