Phnom Penh is a city that invites you to go beyond sightseeing and really get your hands dirty—whether that’s cooking Khmer dishes, creating traditional jewelry, or learning about local crafts. Its vibrant markets, rich culinary scene, and friendly local artisans make it an ideal place to take immersive workshops. We love the Khmer Cooking Classes, especially the half-day exploration of local markets and recipes, which perfectly blend culture, cuisine, and practical skills. But if you want a longer, more in-depth experience, the full-day class takes you even deeper into Khmer culinary traditions, making for a memorable, hands-on learning adventure.
From traditional cooking to arts and crafts, Phnom Penh’s workshops give you a chance to connect more authentically with Cambodian culture. Whether you’re a foodie, a craft lover, or simply curious, there’s something here that’s worth your time—and often at a surprisingly good value. Below, we’ve rounded up the nine best options, each with its own unique appeal.
1. Khmer Cooking Class Half Day (AM or PM)
This private Khmer cooking class in Phnom Penh combines market shopping with cooking in a professional kitchen. You’ll start your morning or afternoon at a local market, where you’ll pick fresh ingredients alongside your instructor. Then, in a cozy kitchen setting, you’ll learn techniques and recipes for traditional Khmer dishes. The class concludes with a shared meal of what you’ve cooked, a perfect way to enjoy your creations and gain culinary skills.
Rated 5.0/5 from 224 reviews, this class is praised for its friendly guidance and the ability to take recipes home. One reviewer mentioned the market visit as a “wonderful experience,” highlighting the local immersion. The small group setting ensures personalized attention, and the chance to learn recipes that you can recreate at home makes it particularly practical. The price of $35.90 per person offers excellent value for a half-day immersive experience.
Bottom line: Ideal for first-timers who want a quick, authentic taste of Khmer cuisine with plenty of hands-on cooking and cultural insight.
2. Khmer Cooking Class Full Day
For those eager to spend a whole day diving into Cambodian food, this full-day Khmer cooking class offers a comprehensive experience. Starting from the market, you’ll learn about a variety of local fruits, vegetables, and herbs. In the kitchen, you’ll prepare several dishes—like spring rolls, mango salad, and fish amok—guided by a professional chef.
Rated 5.0/5 from 13 reviews, this class stands out for its depth. It’s suited for those who want a more thorough understanding of Khmer cuisine and have enough time to really master the recipes. The class includes recipe cards and a certificate of completion, which makes it a thoughtful souvenir. The 8-hour experience is perfect for travelers who love cooking and want a full immersion in Cambodian culinary culture.
Bottom line: Best for serious foodies and those with a flexible schedule who want to leave with new skills and a deeper appreciation of Khmer flavors.
3. Phnom Penh’s Experience: Cooking Class and Stay Over
If you’re looking to experience Cambodian culture beyond the city, this cooking class and overnight stay combines rural life with traditional cooking. Just 15 minutes from Phnom Penh, the nearby province invites you to visit a local market, shop for ingredients, and learn how to prepare authentic Khmer dishes in a rural setting.
Rated 5.0/5 from 4 reviews, this experience provides a more intimate look at village life. You’ll stay overnight in a traditional-style guesthouse, enjoy a relaxed pace, and get to know local people. The host, Sophors, makes you feel like family, and the experience offers a genuine taste of Cambodia’s countryside.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a cultural escape, blending cooking with rural life, and don’t mind spending a night outside the city.
4. Cooking Class in Phnom Penh
Offering a more condensed, hands-on introduction to Cambodian cuisine, this Cooking Class in Phnom Penh lasts about 3 hours. It focuses on preparing authentic Khmer dishes using fresh local ingredients, with an instructor guiding each step. After cooking, you can enjoy a brief presentation on Cambodian food’s cultural significance.
Rated 5.0/5 from 3 reviews, the class is praised for its friendly approach and straightforward recipes. It’s ideal for travelers short on time but eager to learn authentic Khmer cooking skills. The price of $31.00 per person makes it a budget-friendly way to get a flavorful taste of Cambodia’s culinary traditions.
Bottom line: Suitable for those with limited time who still want an authentic, guided cooking experience.
5. Phnom Penh’s Hands-On Khmer Cooking Class in the Countryside
Hidden away from the city bustle, this countryside cooking class offers a chance to cook Khmer dishes with a local guide. You’ll visit Sophors’ garden to pick herbs, then learn to prepare three Khmer dishes in a rustic setting. The experience also includes visiting a local market and exploring the peaceful rural lifestyle.
Rated 5/5 from 2 reviews, it’s a truly authentic way to connect with Cambodian food and culture. The focus on traditional ingredients and local techniques makes this a special experience for those wanting an off-the-beaten-path culinary adventure.
Bottom line: Great for travelers seeking authenticity and rural charm, especially if they love fresh ingredients and traditional methods.
6. Phnom Penh: Kirirum Mountain Wood Bracelet and Ring Workshop
If crafting jewelry appeals to you, this wood bracelet and ring workshop lets you make your own accessories from wood sourced from Kirirum Mountain. You choose from various designs, and in a relaxed setting, you’ll craft your pieces while enjoying complimentary drinks.
Rated 1/5 from 1 review, it’s a unique, low-cost way to create a personal souvenir. The focus on traditional Cambodian woodworking techniques makes it stand out, even if it’s a niche activity.
Bottom line: Ideal for craft lovers interested in traditional Cambodian woodworking but not necessarily for jewelry experts seeking detailed guidance.
$35 per person
7. Phnom Penh: Village Tour w/ Cooking and Essential Oil Class
This multi-day experience combines a village stay, cooking, and essential oil distillation. You’ll spend a night in a peaceful village across the Mekong, explore the local food market, harvest herbs, and learn to make Khmer dishes in an open-air kitchen. Plus, you’ll distill your own Cambodian essential oil to take home.
While there are no reviews available, the program’s comprehensive nature offers a well-rounded culture. It’s suited for travelers who want to explore both culinary and traditional medicinal practices.
Bottom line: Designed for those wanting an extended, immersive experience with a focus on authentic rural life and traditional crafts.
$79 per person
8. Siem Reap Cooking Class & Culinary Vespa Adventure
This lively Vespa and cooking tour combines exploring Siem Reap’s markets and backstreets on a Vespa with a hands-on cooking class. You’ll visit local markets, sample Khmer snacks, and then ride through scenic villages before heading to a cooking school to prepare traditional dishes.
Though reviews are not listed, the combination of cultural sightseeing and culinary skills makes it perfect for active travelers who enjoy a mix of food, exploration, and adventure.
Bottom line: Perfect for active visitors who want a dynamic, multi-sensory experience blending food with local life and scenery.
$59 per person
9. Silk Island Cooking Class & Culinary Vespa Adventure
This unique experience takes you beyond Phnom Penh to Silk Island, where you’ll explore traditional silk weaving and rural life. The tour includes a hands-on Khmer cooking class, a market visit, and a Vespa ride through the countryside. You’ll taste your own creations paired with drinks, enjoying the peaceful scenery.
Rated 0/5 (no reviews), the tour combines cultural discovery with culinary fun, making it ideal for curious travelers who want more than just a cooking class.
Bottom line: An excellent choice for those wanting to combine traditional crafts with local food and scenic rides.
$65 per person
How to Choose the Right Workshop in Phnom Penh
When selecting your perfect experience, consider your budget, available time, and specific interests. If you’re short on time but eager to learn Khmer dishes, the half-day class offers quick immersion. For a deeper dive, the full-day class is ideal.
If rural life and traditional crafts appeal more, the countryside cooking or village stay give authentic insight. For those interested in arts, the wood bracelet & ring workshop provides a creative outlet.
Booking early is advised, especially during peak travel months, to ensure availability. Also, check whether the experience suits your fitness level or dietary restrictions, particularly with market visits or rural activities.
Phnom Penh offers a rich variety of workshops that deepen your understanding of Cambodian culture—whether through food, craft, or rural life. Two standout options are the half-day Khmer cooking class for a quick, authentic taste and the full-day class for serious food lovers. For a more immersive experience, the village stay provides genuine insight into rural life.
Whichever you choose, these classes are a fantastic way to take a piece of Cambodia home—whether as a skill, a souvenir, or a story to tell. Be sure to book ahead, and enjoy your culinary and cultural adventures in Phnom Penh!