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Traditional Laotian Food and Culture in a Rural Farmhouse - Day Trip

Siem Riep
Traditional Laotian Food and Culture in a Rural Farmhouse - Day Trip
Siem Riep
Traveling Spoon
Vacation Offer ID 1315515
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Overview

Traveling Spoon

Si received his education and learned English as a monk. His parents, who were unable to read and write, wanted their son to be educated and sent Si to a temple far from their countryside home to study. Si was determined to use that opportunity and learned to read and write, taking extra English classes as a monk, and then starting work directly after high school. He now works in operations for a travel company in Luang Prabang. He is a friendly young man who warmly welcomes you into the house that he built for his family. Si is a member of the Tai Lue tribe, a people of the lowlands and one of three tribes in Luang Prabang. He lives in a modest, rural home along with his mother, Tailu, who was orphaned during the war, and his wife, Nee, who is from the Sang Hai village. Learn about food, culture and everyday Laotian living as you share a meal with this welcoming and relaxed family in their home. At the entrance to the home is Si's mother's loom, upon which she weaves traditional cloth that she sells in the local market. After a tour of their home, sit down together to enjoy a traditional home-cooked Laotian meal prepared by Nee. If you book a cooking experience, learn to cook traditional Laotian dishes with Nee. Note that Nee speaks limited English so Si will help to translate. Learn to cook a simple everyday meal that includes dishes such as peeng pa (charcoal-grilled fish) or jao nam poo (green chili sauce with crab), bamboo shoot soup (a rainy-season favorite cooked with pumpkin and green leafy vegetables), and khua mak fak (stir-fried pumpkin with pork) eaten with sticky rice. You will chop, stir and cook on a wood fire as you learn to cook three dishes from scratch. Some dishes may also be prepared using electric heat. The cooking class portion of the experience will last 2.5 hours. Please note that you will be cooking outdoors and the weather may be hot, so dress appopriately in warm-weather clothing. After cooking, enjoy the Laotian meal you helped prepare at the family's indoor or outdoor dining table (weather dependent). There is also an optional market tour conducted by Nee which can be done individually or combined with a meal or cooking lesson; during the tour you will visit Phosy Market, Luang Prabang's largest fresh market, and discover local fruits and vegetables. Please note that this is a modest, rural experience which gives you a wonderful glimpse of rural Laotian everyday life with a warm and welcoming family. 

Vacation Inclusions

  • Meal
  • Market Tour (optional)
  • Lunch (12-2pm Meal, 10am-2pm Cooking Lesson and Meal, 9am-2pm Market Tour, Cooking Lesson and Meal, 4-5pm Market Tour Only)
  • Vegetarian options available
  • Alcohol available
  • Transportation available

Featured Destinations

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the crown jewel of Laos and perhaps the best preserved traditional city in Southeast Asia. The ancient capital of the former Kingdom Lan Xang, it is nestled in the mountains at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, and is an enchanting and charming destination. The town is adorned with gilded temples on nearly every street corner and saffron robed monks strolling through the quiet city center, giving it a unique charm of bygone days and rich cultural heritage.
Destination Guide

Valid Date Ranges

May 2019
05/01/2019 12/31/2024 Call for pricing
Pricing is per person. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and children 4 and under are free. Please note number and ages of children at time of booking. Please note that all experiences are private and fully customizable. If your travelers have particular preferences or dietary restrictions please note this at the time of booking. Additional terms and conditions apply.
Note: This is a DAY TOUR with no hotel accommodations included. Advertised rate is meal only; additional tour options are available and can be combined. Price may vary by date of travel, currency rate fluctuations and tour option; please inquire for the best prices for your preferred travel dates. 1-4 guests.
The bathroom in Si's home does not have a western style toilet but an eastern one. Also, please note that this experience is only available on the weekends on Saturdays and Sundays.

All fares are quoted in US Dollars.