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Luang Prabang cooking classes offer a delicious way to explore Laotian cuisine in the country’s culinary capital.
A UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang is renowned for its gastronomy, gilded Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture, and lush mountains.
To learn more about Laotian cuisine while exploring the traditional food, we took a cooking class in Luang Prabang.
The best Luang Prabang cooking classes feature traditional recipes and some offer local market visits and experiences.
While visiting this world heritage city, you don’t want to miss learning about Lao food in a cooking class.
Drawing from our own experience, here are the 7 best Luang Prabang cooking classes to take.
Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang To Choose From
| Luang Prabang cooking classes | Price ($USD) | Group Size | Start Time | Duration (hours) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bamboo Weaving and Cooking Class | $42 | Max 8 | 8:30 am and 4:00 pm | 4h | Best Overall |
| Bamboo Weaving and Cooking Class with Market Visit | $48 | Max 12 | 7:30 am | 5h | Market Visit |
| Cooking Class with Kuang Si Waterfalls visit | $56 | Max 8 | 8:30 am | 8h | Kuang Si Waterfalls Visit |
| Home-Cooked Dinner with Baci Ceremony | $51.29 | Max 8 | 4:00 pm | 3.5h | Baci Ceremony Experience |
| Tamarind Luang Prabang Cooking Class | $42 | Max 12 | 8:30 am and 4:30 pm | 4h | Best Value |
| Private Cooking Class with Market Tour | $92 | Private | 9:00 am and 4:30 pm | 5h | Private Experience |
| Sofitel Cooking Class With Breakfast | $51 | Max 8 | 8:00 am | 4h | Exquisite Sofitel Experience |
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Besides taking cooking classes, another delicious way to explore Laos cuisine is on a food tour with a local guide. This evening food tour on a tuk tuk takes you to several different eateries for samplings of traditional Laotian food and drinks. The fun-filled 3.5 hours you’ll spend with your local guide will fly by quickly as you enjoy Lao food at family-owned eateries.
Top Selection of Cooking Classes in Luang Prabang
1. Bamboo Weaving and Cooking Class
Learning about Laos food and Luang Prabang’s local culinary customs are combined in this immersive cooking class experience.
This 4-hour bamboo weaving and cooking class starts with learning how to weave bamboo mats using ancient techniques.
Bamboo weaving is an important part of traditional arts in Luang Prabang and a fun and unusual experience we enjoyed before taking our cooking class.
In the hands-on cooking class, you’ll learn to make at least four traditional Laos dishes made with local and fresh ingredients.
You’ll prepare bamboo soup, fish wrapped in banana leaves, stuffed bamboo shoots with pork, and more.
This cooking class in Luang Prabang takes place in a traditional Laos house next to a rice field. The location is outside the city, picturesque and relaxing.
Experiencing traditional arts and hands-on Lao cooking makes this one of the best Luang Prabang cooking classes to take.
This is a fun class offering memorable experiences with a taste of local culture.
Cost: $42 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 4 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am and 4:00 pm
Group Style: Small group class with a maximum of 8 people per class
2. Bamboo Weaving and Cooking Class with Market Visit
Visiting a traditional market in Luang Prabang Laos is a fantastic way to dive into the local culture.
This cooking class with a morning market visit is one of the best cooking classes that offers deeper insights into Lao cooking starting with the local ingredients.
Starting at a traditional morning market, you’ll learn about different fresh ingredients while picking up the ones you need for your cooking class.
At a traditional Lao house where the cooking class takes place, you’ll first start by learning about the importance of bamboo to Laos culture as you learn how to weave different products.
In this immersive Luang Prabang cooking class, you’ll learn how to make a variety of Laos dishes where the bamboo plant is the star ingredient.
The menu includes bamboo shoots steamed in banana leaf, bamboo shoot soup, bamboo shoot dip, and other delicious dishes.
Transportation is provided throughout this five-hour culinary experience making it a convenient way to explore different aspects of Laos culture.
Cost: $48 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 5 hours. Classes start at 7:30 am
Group Style: Group class with a maximum of 12 people per class
3. Bamboo Experience and Cooking Class with Kuang Si Waterfalls Visit
Explore nature and learn to cook traditional Lao dishes and weave bamboo on this full day excursion with transportation provided.
This cooking class with Kuang Si waterfalls visit takes beyond the kitchen to explore the natural beauty around Luang Prabang.
The first part of this full-day excursion begins with learning about the importance of the bamboo plant in Laos culture.
From food to household items and even musical instruments or fishing utensils, this plant plays a significant role in the Laotian lifestyle.
Next, you’ll dive into Lao cuisine by preparing traditional recipes alongside your local chef.
Some of the delicacies you’ll learn to make are ua no mai or stuffed bamboo shoots with minced pork.
Steamed fish in banana leaf known as mok pa is another traditional dish you’ll enjoy making as well as other traditional recipes.
After your delicious cooking class, you will travel to the impressive Kuang Si waterfalls, one of the most beautiful in the country.
After a relaxing swim in the turquoise pool, you’ll also have the chance to visit a bear sanctuary.
For a combination of cooking, bamboo culture, and waterfalls, this is one of the best cooking classes in Luang Prabang to take.
Cost: $56 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 8 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am
Group Style: Small group class with a maximum of 8 people per class
4. Home-Cooked Dinner with Baci Ceremony
This evening Luang Prabang cooking classes offers one of the most unique experiences combining food with a traditional blessing ceremony.
Taking place in a local’s home, you’ll make a traditional dinner and participate in a Baci or blessing ceremony.
For about 3.5 to 4 hours, you’ll discover Hmong culture and cuisine in Luang Prabang.
This versatile cooking class includes numerous activities. There’s a local market visit included, a weaving bamboo experience, and learning how to make a variety of traditional recipes.
You’ll learn to prepare dishes using the freshest ingredients like fish, salad, stir fry with coconut milk, marinated pork, and others.
One of the highlights of this Luang Prabang cooking class is participating in a Baci ceremony.
This is an important Lao tradition performed before significant events like weddings, childbirth, and the start of a new year to bring good luck.
Also included is a live Hmong musical performance, using a bamboo musical instrument called Hmong Khen while wearing traditional attire.
Offering a variety of food and cultural experiences, this is one of the best Luang Prabang cooking classes to take.
Cost: $51.29 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 3.5 hours. Classes start at 4:00 pm
Group Style: Small group class with a maximum of 8 people per class
5. Tamarind Luang Prabang Cooking Class With Market Visit
Get a taste of Lao cuisine in a Luang Prabang cooking class at a local Tamarind restaurant.
This 4-hour Tamarind Luang Prabang cooking class takes you on a fun culinary adventure from the local market to the Lao kitchen.
On your local market visit with a local chef, you’ll learn about the fresh ingredients and their significance in Laos cuisine.
Back at the restaurant and cooking school, you will be guided step by step as you prepare various Lao dishes.
The menu features seasonal vegetable soup, Lao spicy dipping sauces, or lemongrass stuffed with chicken and herbs.
The traditional Mok Pa or steamed fish in banana leaves and the Laap, the national dish, a minced meat and herb salad are also included.
In addition to leaving with a recipe book, you’ll learn the techniques to impress friends and family back home with your new Laotian cooking skills.
Focused on cooking and the local ingredients, this Luang Prabang cooking class offers comprehensive cooking and memorable experiences.
Cost: $42 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 4 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am and 4:30 pm
Group Style: Group class with a maximum of 12 people per class
6. Luang Prabang Private Cooking Class with Market Tour
Taking private cooking classes in Luang Prabang Laos is a wonderful way to dive deeper into Lao cooking in a personalized manner.
This 5-hour private cooking class with a market tour introduces you to the ingredients, family recipes, and cooking techniques in a local’s home.
You start at the city’s largest food market where you will meet with local producers and learn about the local products and seasonal ingredients.
As this is a private class, you’ll have the undivided attention of your local chef and guide as you tour the market and learn to make the traditional dishes.
Taking a hands-on approach, you’ll be guided as you make traditional dishes from family recipes.
While the dishes change by season, you can expect to make bamboo-based recipes, Laotian steamed or grilled fish, dipping sauces, sticky rice, and others.
At the end of your cooking class, you’ll enjoy your meal together and leave with a much deeper understanding of Laos cuisine and culinary culture.
This private cooking class with a market visit is a great choice for those seeking a cooking class in Luang Prabang conducted at your own pace.
Cost: $92 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 5 hours. Classes start at 9:00 am and 4:30 pm
Group Style: Private group tour
7. Sofitel Luang Prabang Cooking Class With Breakfast
Enjoy a Laos cooking class in the luxury Sofitel Hotel in Luang Prabang with the hotel’s head chef.
This 4-hour Sofitel Luang Prabang cooking class includes a local market tour and French breakfast before starting the immersive cooking class experience.
At the visit to the local market, you’ll explore the fresh ingredients and pick up what you need for the cooking class.
To fuel up before the class, you’ll savor a delicious French breakfast at the hotel’s Governor’s Grill restaurant.
In the kitchen with the hotel chef, you cook a variety of traditional Lao dishes from appetizers to desserts.
The menu includes fish in banana leaves, chicken salad, bamboo stuffed with pork, chicken soup with ginger and galangal, and other delightful dishes,
A traditional pumpkin tapioca with coconut milk for dessert will end your cooking class experience.
Sitting at the Governor’s Grill restaurant, you’ll savor your delicious meal at the exquisite Sofitel restaurant.
You will leave with a Sofitel certificate and a recipe book to recreate Laotian recipes at home.
This Luang Prabang cooking class in one of the best hotels in Laos is an engaging and exquisite experience to savor.
Cost: $51 per person
Time and Length of Class: Approximately 4 hours. Classes start at 8:00 am
Group Style: Small group class with a maximum of 8 people per class
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: While in Luang Prabang, consider a stay at the luxurious Sofitel Hotel, home of the former French governor. Enjoy rooms with Lao decor and modern amenities as well as local Laotian flavors at the restaurant. Unwind at the hotel spa and enjoy the refreshing swimming pool set in a botanical garden. Staying at Hotel Sofitel is a convenient way to enjoy a Luang Prabang cooking class with a fusion of Lao past and present traditions. Find out more about the Sofitel Hotel in Luang Prabang.
What to Consider For A Cooking Class in Luang Prabang
All these Luang Prabang cooking classes offer traditional Laotian cooking experiences. Although there might be some similarities, each Luang Prabang cooking class has a unique
As you plan for your Luang Prabang cooking classes, here are some things to consider.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.
What Kind of Cooking Class Experience Do You Want
From our experience in Laos, the cooking class experiences are intertwined with the strong local culture. As a result, the classes all offer a cooking experience and a unique cultural activity.
As you make your choices, consider the cultural aspect and your preferences and expectations.
Do you prefer morning or evening classes for your Luang Prabang cooking class experience?
Do you want a Luang Prabang market visit or bamboo experience included in your class? Or do you prefer to spend more time in the kitchen cooking?
How much time do you have in your schedule? These Luang Prabang cooking classes range from about 3.5 to 8 hours.
Based on your preferences and expectations, choose the class that best suits your tastes.
What is Your Budget for Your Luang Prabang Cooking Class
These Luang Prabang cooking classes all offer different experiences and price points.
The best Luang Prabang cooking classes range from about $42 to $92 USD.
All cooking classes have a free cancellation policy that allows you to opt out up to 24 hours in advance.
RELATED: 15 Must-Try Laos Food: Explore Authentic Flavors in Luang Prabang
Which of these Luang Prabang cooking classes you like to take? Please let us know in the comments below.
Savor the Adventure!
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Claire is co-founder of Authentic Food Quest and a lover of simple and exquisite cuisine. Since 2015, with her partner, Rosemary, she has been traveling the world as a digital nomad, creating content about local food experiences.
Her advice from visiting 45 countries and more than 240 food cities has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post. She has also co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
An ex-mechanical engineer, Claire is responsible for SEO, keeping the website running, and the fun food & travel videos on YouTube.
When Claire is not eating, she can be found running or cycling. Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
Très bon post. J’aime bien souvent votre blog
Merci beaucoup. Est ce que vous deja connais la cuisine Laos?
Sounds like you really had a great experience in the cooking classes and thanks for sharing everything with us. Trying new recipes is always fun and if I were near to this place I would love to join this class.
You are welcome Elizabeth and glad you enjoyed the article. Taking cooking classes, no matter where you are is an awesome way to go deeper into the local food culture.
OMG this is making me hungry! I’ve never tried Lao cuisine, but it sounds delicious! I think the rice cakes and pork rolls would be my favourites too but I want to try it all!
Lol…so many delicious local foods. Worth a trip to Laos, indeed!
I love taking cooking classes in new countries I visit. This is such a cool experience and all of the food you made looks amazing. I could eat mango sticky rice every day.
Cooking classes are truly a great way to discover the local culture. Glad you enjoyed the article.
Oooh, Butterfly Pea juice looks and sounds delicious! I love the concept of the sticky rice and rolling it into a ball and then dipping it into a sauce. The rice cakes that you made sounds like it came out so yummy! ?
Great surprising delights in Luang Prabang, Laos and a wonderful way to learn about the local food culture. Glad you enjoyed the article, Lisa.
I’m planning on going to Laos next year so this post comes just handy. Actually, I’ve never taken a cooking class – yet, so this will be something totally new to try during my travels. Thanx for all your inspiration!
Awesome and so glad you found this article inspirational. Not only will you enjoy Laos, and the cooking class will also introduce you to wonderful traditional Loas dishes. Feel free to reach out with any questions as you prepare for your trip.
I love hearing about your cooking classes and this one is so unique to have a dream catcher class incorporated. I have never had sticky rice cakes and it looks like it would be super good with the dipping sauce
Thanks Sherianne, this was a unique and fun experience. So glad you enjoyed the article.
I am now craving mango sticky rice… Fried rice cakes that are crispy on the outside and still moist on the inside sound amazing. I would love taking a cooking class in Lao, especially one that focuses on local culture and cuisine.
Taking cooking classes that focus on the local culture is a great way to taste the local destination. The rice cakes were incredible. Claire is still dreaming about them 🙂 Cheers.
This is going to be fun.. But i will prefer online class, really love cooking, haven’t seen or tried any lao cuisine but it wouldn’t be a bad idea to learn how to make them. You are really doing a great job. Keep it up.
I am sure a cooking class is a great way to learn about local cuisine. Sticky rice as the base for all meals for Lao cuisine might challenge me a bit. But the grilled cakes did sound tasty. Especially with such tasty dipping sauces. I loved the approach with tasting as you cooked. I think I might like the cabbage stuffed with pork best.
We are on the same page Linda, I loved the cabbage stuffed pork…however the rice cakes with the dipping sauce were incredible as well. Hope you get take this class in Laos someday.
We were in Vientiane in September of 2017. We loved the Laotian cuisine. I believe it is the French influence and it tasted much like Vietnamese cuisine!
There are similarities between Laos and Vietnamese food….though there are differences as well. Next time check out Luang Prabang, the culinary capital and see what you think. Cheers.
Laos is still on the bucket list, so the Lao food is also not that familiar to me. How great is that the whole cooking class was at the traditional Heuan Chan Heritage House! Wouldn’t know whether to explore it more or to attend the class after all. 🙂
Would love to try those rice cakes, it must be lovely to know how to make them. Congrats, sounds like a great experience.
Thanks Danijela, glad you enjoyed the article. When you do make it to Laos, we highly recommend this cooking class. Cheers.
I love food tours and cooking classes whenever I visit a new destination and this looks amazing. I love all these ingredients and the menu that was created and what a different way to structure a class one dish at a time, what fun!
Can’t go wrong with cooking classes 🙂 Where have you had your favorite cooking class? Cheers, Noel
Wow, I didn’t know about Lao cuisine until I read this post. Thanks for the introduction!
You are most welcome 🙂
This sounds like such a fabulous experience! I love traditional cooking and I love dreamcatchers – I have 4 in my home as well as a dreamcatcher tattoo. I’m actually considering booking a trip to Laos this year and reading this has been very inspiring for me. Thanks for sharing!
Rosie
Awesome Rosie, this sounds like the perfect experience for you. Can’t wait to hear how your adventures in Laos go 🙂
I am loving the sound of these dishes. I would love to try some of them one day.
This looks like a wonderful class. I love that it was located in an historic building and they gave you a tour while giving you information. The food looks so delicious. One of my really good friends is Lao, and she is an amazing cook (even the ramen noodles she made us in college were spectacular).
The combination of the heritage house and the authentic cooking class was excellent. Hope you get to Laos and experience the cuisine in the country soon 🙂
I love reading about culture of other places especially when it has to do with food, because I love food. So long as it has seafood and veg, I’m good.
Such a great post into Lao cuisine. The cooking class seems like a great way to learn more about the cuisine. And I couldn’t help loving the dreamcatchers!
Thanks, Kay. So glad you enjoyed the article 🙂
The sticky rice must be good to be eaten at almost every meal. I love that their culture cherishes family and they eat each meal together. Thanks for sharing this!
Thanks Jess