Start with a 09:00 pickup from your hotel. After a short drive, arrive at a quiet residential area for a hands-on Lao cooking class with Lao Experiences. Local culinary instructors will guide you through preparing traditional Lao dishes, sharing their knowledge of local cuisine and ingredient substitutes. Enjoy your meal and receive a Lao recipe booklet to take home.
After lunch, head to Wat Sok Pa Luang, known as the ‘forest temple’. Although not in a forest, this temple offers a peaceful retreat ideal for meditation. On the way, stop to purchase a food donation for the resident monks, a traditional offering. Present the offerings to the monks and engage in an informal discussion about Buddhism and monastic life, gaining insight into Lao religion and culture. Then, participate in a private meditation session to reflect and clear your mind.
Conclude your day with a visit to a local spa for a one-hour traditional Lao massage, which uses pressure points to improve circulation and promote relaxation. Return to your hotel with a deeper understanding of Laos, its people, and Vientiane's culture.