From classroom to dining room: Luang Prabang students host a French fine dining experience

The kitchen at The Academy Luang Prabang Training Hotel and Restaurant was busy on 18 September 2026 as a group of graduating students took on one of their biggest challenges yet : preparing and serving a four-course French dinner for nearly 40 guests. From cooking and plating dishes to serving food, pouring wine and managing the dining room, all with the support of their teachers, the students were responsible for the entire dinner service. The event marked the culmination of their hospitality training, supported through the Skills for tourism, agriculture and forestry (STAF) programme, and gave them a chance to experience the demands of a real hospitality environment.

The students were guided by Chef Thongsa SOULISACK from Gaspard Artisan Cuisine French Restaurant and Chef Wochirawish LERTTANAPORNSIT from Rosewood Luang Prabang, while being encouraged to take the lead in both the kitchen and dining room. They had to prepare each course on time, coordinate with one another and ensure guests enjoyed a smooth dining experience from start to finish.

The event reflected the Academy's approach to learning through practice. Students gain hands-on experience before entering the workforce, allowing them to build both technical skills and confidence.

For the graduating students, the dinner was more than a special event. It was a chance to demonstrate their skills, professionalism and readiness to begin careers in Laos' growing hospitality industry.

Anout CHANTHAMALY

For Anout, 18, from Thapaen Village near Kuang Si Waterfall, the experience was an important step towards his future career.

Chanthalack PHOMMACHITH

Chanthalack, 27, who previously worked in the media industry, said the programme completely changed her understanding of hospitality work.

Moukphachanh PANYAKEO

Another graduate, Moukphachanh PANYAKEO, 19, from Phongsaly Province, followed a different path. After spending a year studying architecture at Souphanouvong University, he realised the field was not the right fit for him. Encouraged by his older sister, a former hospitality student at Luang Prabang Technical-Vocational College, he applied to the programme.

After completing his studies, Anout secured a job offer from a hospitality business near his home village, which is expected to open in November 2026. While waiting to start his new role, he has begun studying Chinese to better communicate with guests. Chanthalack has also found a new career direction and plans to work as a bartender, while Moukphachanh is already working at a hotel in Luang Prabang.

The Academy Luang Prabang Training Hotel and Restaurant opened in November 2025. It was established following the renovation and upgrade of the former Hospitality Training Centre, with the support of the STAF programme. The Academy is part of the Luang Prabang Technical-Vocational College and provides hospitality training to young people from Luang Prabang and neighbouring provinces. Many students come from families facing financial challenges or with limited educational opportunities. With scholarships provided through the STAF programme, they receive practical training that helps prepare them for careers in hotels, restaurants and other tourism and hospitality businesses.

The Academy works closely with industry partners to ensure students gain practical, job-ready skills. Rosewood Luang Prabang supported the training throughout the students' programme, with its head chef and food and beverage director providing weekly classes and mentoring.

The six-year (2023–2028) STAF programme is co-financed by the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, Switzerland and the European Union, and implemented by the Ministry of Education and Sports together with LuxDev, the Luxembourg Development Cooperation Agency.