At ROOTS
Cooking School at The Namkhan
Farm-to-table Lao cuisine. Harvest in the morning, cook by midday, eat together at the river table.
Hands in the soil, hands in the kitchen
Walk the organic farm with the kitchen team to gather what's in season. Return to the kitchen and learn three to five Lao dishes from a local chef: knife skills, herb identification, the balance of sweet, sour, salt, and heat that defines Lao cooking.
Eat what you cooked, with the river in front of you.
Why our cooking school is different
A working organic farm on site, Lao chefs who teach in their own language of flavour, and a class size that lets you actually do the cooking yourself.
Farm-to-Table
Ingredients walked from the on-site organic farm to the kitchen each morning.
Expert Local Chefs
Lao chefs trained in regional and traditional dishes, teaching from their own kitchens.
Sustainable
Zero synthetic inputs, no single-use plastics, composting back to the farm.
For Everyone
Adults, families, kids, and private bookings, same kitchen, different format.
Relax & Explore
Combine with a farm tour, river walk, or spa session in the same day.
Convenient Transport
Complimentary shuttle from Luang Prabang town included. Subject to availability.
Adults & Families
A half-day immersion in Lao cooking. Walk the farm with the chef, harvest what's ripe that morning, and prepare four to five dishes you'll eat together at the river table.
Book Class
On request
Kids' Class
Hands-on cooking scaled for younger chefs. Simple Lao recipes, supervised knife work, and time in the farm garden. Designed to introduce kids to where food actually comes from.
Book Class
On request
Private & Tailored
A bespoke session built around your interests. Vegetarian focus, regional Lao specialties, fermentation, or whatever you want to learn. Pick your dishes, set your pace.
Plan a Private Class
On requestYour cooking school questions
Do I need cooking experience?
No. Classes are designed for all levels, from first-time cooks to experienced home chefs. The chef will adapt techniques and pace to the group.
Is this suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes. The farm-based menu naturally lends itself to plant-forward cooking. Mention dietary requirements when booking and the chef will design the dishes around them.
Can non-hotel guests join the cooking school?
Yes. The cooking school is open to non-hotel guests. Complimentary shuttle from Luang Prabang town is included.
What's included in a class?
A guided farm tour and harvest, hands-on cooking instruction with a Lao chef, the meal itself eaten at the river table and recipe cards to take home.
How do I book?
Through Guest Services, or contact us directly. Advance booking is recommended, particularly for private sessions and in peak season (November to April).
Cook with us
Reserve a class, arrange a private session, or combine the cooking school with a farm tour and lunch. Guest Services will tailor the day around you.