Laos Culinary Tour

About this Tour 

Laos remains one of Southeast Asia’s most serene and unhurried destinations, offering a rare glimpse of a lifestyle largely untouched by mass tourism. This journey combines cultural discovery, authentic culinary experiences, and immersive encounters with the warmth and generosity of the Lao people.

Begin in Vientiane, exploring its elegant temples, national monuments and vibrant evening markets. Fly north to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town renowned for its Buddhist temples, Mekong River setting, and traditional crafts. Cycle along quiet lanes and riverbanks, visit local markets, and meet artisans preserving centuries-old weaving and paper-making traditions.

Experience the flavours of Laos with guided market tours, hands-on cooking classes, and an unforgettable tuk tuk dinner safari through the bustling street food scene. A visit to Ban Nayang village offers insight into traditional Tai Lu life, from rice cultivation to weaving, providing a rare, intimate encounter with Lao rural culture.

This journey is carefully paced for exploration, learning, and connection, offering a rich tapestry of Laos’ history, people, and cuisine.

Type of Journey
Tailor-made journey: This itinerary can be tailor-made, with the number of days, places visited, and activities varied to suit you.

Highlights

• Explore Vientiane’s temples and national monuments, including Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo, Wat Si Muang, Patuxai and Pha That Luang
• Experience the city’s vibrant evening food markets on a tuk tuk dinner safari
• Fly to Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage town of Buddhist temples, riverside charm and traditional crafts
• Cycle along the Mekong River, visit Wat Mai, and explore local weaving and Saa paper workshops in Ban Xieng Lek village
• Learn about Lao cuisine with a hands-on cooking class using fresh, local ingredients
• Visit Ban Nayang village, meeting Tai Lu villagers and observing traditional rice cultivation, weaving and embroidery
• Enjoy local meals prepared by villagers and shared with the community
• Travel with private transfers and expert English-speaking guides, ensuring an immersive and seamless experience

Pricing

Inclusions

What's Included

• 5 nights’ accommodation
• 5 breakfasts, 2 lunches, and 3 dinners
• Meet & Greet at all airports
• Economy class flight Vientiane > Luang Prabang
• Private transfers as per the itinerary
• English-speaking local guides
• Private sightseeing as per the itinerary
• Shared tuk tuk dinner with locals
• Shared cooking class
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary

What's Not Included

• Gratuities

Itinerary

Day one - Vientiane

On arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel.

Day Two - Vientiane

Spend the morning visiting some of Vientiane’s most significant landmarks, including Wat Sisaket, Wat Phra Keo, Wat Si Muang and Patuxai Victory Monument. End the tour with a visit to Pha That Luang, a large gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the centre of Vientiane and one of the most important national monument in Laos.

In the evening, depart on an adventurous dinner safari by tuk tuk, exploring and eating at the bustling evening food market. Afterwards, take a short walk to a well-known roadside dessert and drink night market.

Day Three - Vientiane > Luang Prabang

After breakfast, fly to Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel.

Day Four - Luang Prabang

This morning you will meet your guide for an exciting bike tour. Visit local market to explore interesting Lao cuisine and unique delicacies. Ride to Wat Mai temple and explore its stunning architecture before continuing your tour. Cycle along the Mekong River passing by important sites and local restaurants. Explore local weaving and Saa paper handicrafts in Ban Xieng Lek village. Conclude the tour with a game of “pétanque” while enjoying local beer (beerlao) and snacks.

Spend an enjoyable evening learning about some of the fresh ingredients and vibrant flavours of Lao food. Next you will meet a local culinary expert before enjoying a cooking class with fresh ingredients and local flavours.

Day Five - Luang Prabang > Ban Nayang > Luang Prabang

Early morning drive to the small village of Ban Nayang, home to about 500 Tai Lu people an ethnic group who migrated from Yunan, China in the late 18th century. The Tai Lu have preserved much of their traditional way of life as it was before their expansion into Indochina. Stroll around the village and observe the women weaving and doing embroidery while the men grow rice on flooded fields using wooden equipment drawn by buffalos.

Enjoy lunch cooked by the villagers and served in a local home. Spend the afternoon mingling with the locals and exploring more of the area before returning to Luang Prabang in mid-afternoon.

Day Six - Luang Prabang

After breakfast you will be transferred to the airport where arrangements end.

Terms and Conditions

Pricing varies due to fluctuations in exchange rates; please contact us for current pricing or other changes
Please enquire about pricing for the Christmas and New Year’s period or cross-season
Please also enquire about pricing for a single travelling alone until 30 Sep 2025
Surcharges apply during the Laos New Year
Surcharges may also apply during festivals and National holidays
The price of the included flight is subject to change
This itinerary can also operate from Luang Prabang to Vientiane
Further World Journeys terms & conditions apply, see https://worldjourneys.co.nz/terms/