Chiang Mai is one of the best places in Thailand for taking a Thai food cooking class during your holiday in northern Thailand. The cooking school in Chiang Mai will teach you every step, from preparing ingredients, chopping, pounding, and stir-frying to plating and then enjoying a delicious meal you made yourself. Looking for the best Thai food cooking class in Chiang Mai? Discover the list of the most popular Chiang Mai Thai cooking classes and find our firsthand tips on how to choose a cooking school for the best experience.
Why choose Chiang Mai for a Thai food cooking class?
Things that make a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai a good choice:
- Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai are relaxed, reflecting the style of traditional Thai kitchens. Kitchens are often open-plan, with traditional Thai kitchens surrounded by gardens. Some are located outside the city on organic farms or near lakes or swimming pools.
- Some classes focus specifically on Northern Thai or Akha cuisine, featuring unique dishes not found elsewhere.
- Students will learn to prepare authentic local dishes such as Khao Soi and Nam Prik using local ingredients.
- Most Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai are held in small groups, allowing students to gain hands-on experience with local chefs.
- Many schools offer experiences beyond cooking, such as market tours, farm tours, egg collecting, vegetable picking, and kayaking.
- All Thai cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer vegetarian menus, and some also offer vegan and halal options.
Which Chiang Mai Thai food cooking class is the best?
Most Chiang Mai cooking schools have good review scores that are normally in the range of 4.8-5.0 out of 5 on GetYourGuide. Therefore, choosing one according to the reviews might not be easy.
As travelers have different preferences, consider the criteria detailed below before choosing the best Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai.
In case you already know what you are looking for, click here to skip to the list of the most popular Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai.
How to choose the best Thai food cooking class in Chiang Mai?
When choosing the best Thai food cooking class in Chiang Mai for your experience, the things you should consider are:
- Location of cooking school
- Cooking school facilities
- Class schedule
- Dishes cooked
- Additional activities
- Cooking class price
1. Location of cooking school
Most cooking schools are located in the Chiang Mai city center, particularly in the Old Town area, making them convenient for tourists. However, some are located outside the city, such as Grandma's Home Cooking School in Saraphi District; i-Like Thai Cooking, located at Grand Canyon Chiang Mai with lake views; and Smile Organic Farm Cooking School at San Kamphaeng Hot Springs for a more natural setting.
Most cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer free shuttle services from hotels in the city center, usually covering an area of about 3–5 kilometers around Chiang Mai Old City. However, choosing a cooking class close to your residence is often a good idea, as it saves travel time.
2. Cooking school facilities
Most cooking schools in Chiang Mai feature open kitchens set amidst nature or gardens, complete cooking equipment, and private cooking stations for each student. Some schools emphasize their ingredients, such as Thai Akha Kitchen, which uses only organic ingredients. Others focus on atmosphere, like Chiang Mai Smart Cook, which offers cooking in a Lanna-style house; i-Like Thai Cooking, with its outdoor lakeside kitchen; and Smile Organic Farm Cooking School, which has a swimming pool for relaxation.
3. Class schedule
Most Thai cooking schools in Chiang Mai are open almost every day. To check the availability of classes at your chosen cooking school on the specific day, use the forms present in the class list below.
Cooking classes in Chiang Mai vary in duration, allowing students to choose a time that suits them. Most cooking schools in Chiang Mai offer classes twice a day, morning and evening. Some even have up to four classes.
Morning classes usually start around 8:00–9:00, while evening classes typically start around 15:30–17:30 and finish no later than 21:00. Thai Cottage Home Cookery School also offers brunch classes, while Grandma's Home Cooking School and Smile Organic Farm Cooking School offer full-day classes.
Normally, each school's class lasts approximately 4-5 hours, which includes a tour of the market and time to enjoy the food they prepared.
4. Thai food dishes cooked
The number of dishes prepared in each cooking class at cooking schools in Chiang Mai varies, ranging from 4 to 10 dishes, but most are around 5-6 dishes per class. Chiang Mai Daddy's Kitchen allows students to prepare 4 dishes chosen from a main menu, while Thai Akha Kitchen allows students to prepare up to 10 Thai and Akha dishes plus one curry paste.
Most cooking schools offer courses in popular Thai street food, such as spring rolls, Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), green curry, and Pad Krapow (stir-fried basil). Almost every school teaches how to make Khao Soi, a signature northern Thai dish. Some schools focus solely on Northern Thai cuisine; for example, Baannoi Nornmuan teaches students how to make five traditional Northern Thai dishes, including Khao Soi, Nam Prik Ong (tomato dipping sauce), and Gaeng Hung Lay. Meanwhile, Thai Akha Kitchen focuses on Akha dishes such as Sapi Thong (tomato dipping sauce), Akha Salad, and Akha Soup. Almost all schools conclude with a dessert, mango sticky rice.
5. Additional activities
Most cooking schools in Chiang Mai include tours of local markets to learn about ingredients and herbs and to buy supplies for cooking at school.
Besides market tours, many offer interesting activities. For example, i-Like Thai Cooking offers kayaking and swimming at the lake; Grandma's Home Cooking School offers tours of organic farms, including mushroom farm visits, egg collecting, and chicken feeding; and Smile Organic Farm Cooking School offers organic farm visits, seasonal fruit picking, and swimming pool relaxation. Additionally, Baannoi Nornmuan offers homestay accommodations and activities such as bamboo fan weaving, rice farming, and buffalo feeding and bathing.
6. Cooking class price
The price of cooking classes in Chiang Mai is quite similar across almost all schools. Many schools, such as Chiang Mai Daddy’s Kitchen, Mama Noi Cookery School, and Lanna Smile Thai Cooking, start at just 1,000 THB. Others are slightly more expensive, with the most expensive being 1,300 THB per person at Grandma's Home Cooking School. Some courses are priced per couple, such as The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm, which offers a package for two people at approximately 1,800 THB.
Most popular Thai food cooking classes in Chiang Mai
Explore the list of the most popular Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai with all the necessary details for making a reasoned decision for the best cooking school according to your preferences.
1. Thai Cottage Home Cookery School
Thai Cottage Home Cookery School is a popular Thai cooking school in Chiang Mai that offers an immersive experience preparing a variety of classic Thai dishes in a garden-like setting. The school also includes a visit to a local market before each cooking session. Furthermore, the school has an organic herb garden for learning about ingredients and preparing dishes.
Location: Thai Cottage Home Cookery School is located in the Chang Phueak area of Chiang Mai city (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an open kitchen in the herb garden, fully equipped with tools such as a mortar and pestle for grinding chili paste. In addition, they use fresh ingredients from the market and herbs from the garden.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 9:00 to 12:30
- Brunch class: from 11:30 to 15:00
- Afternoon class: from 14:00 to 17:30
- Evening class: from 17:00 to 20:30
Dishes cooked: Students will prepare a total of 5 delicious dishes, choosing from the menu of available dishes. For example, for starters, you can choose either Tom Yum chicken in coconut milk or turmeric chicken soup. For main dishes, choose one from Pad Thai, Pad Kra Pao, or chicken with cashew nuts. In addition, they will make their own curry paste, choosing from red curry, green curry, Massaman curry, or Khao Soi. Of course, the dessert will be mango sticky rice.
Vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, halal, or allergy-friendly options are available.
After cooking, students will enjoy a traditional Thai meal in an organic garden.
Students will receive an online PDF cookbook to recreate dishes at home.
Price level: Starting from 1,100 THB per person
Transfer: Shuttle service is available from the hotel to the cooking school.
Class bookings: Booking Thai Cottage Home Cookery School
2. Chiang Mai Daddy's Kitchen
Chiang Mai Daddy's Kitchen is one of the leading cooking schools in Chiang Mai, offering authentic Thai cooking classes in the heart of Chiang Mai's old town. You'll enjoy learning to cook authentic Thai cuisine in small classes in the warm, homey atmosphere of a Thai family. Experienced Thai chefs will provide a fun and engaging learning experience.
Location: Chiang Mai Daddy's Kitchen is located in the Old City of Chiang Mai (Google Maps).
Facilities: Each student has their own cooking station with a wok and all the necessary equipment. Only the freshest herbs and ingredients are used.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 9:00 (includes market tour)
- Afternoon class: from 13:00 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 17:30 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will prepare four dishes, choosing their menu items from stir-fries, soups, curries, and desserts. Examples include Pad Thai, Pad Krapow (Thai basil stir-fry), Tom Yum, Tom Kha (Thai spicy soup), green curry, red curry, Panang curry, and for dessert, mango sticky rice.
Everyone receives a free online PDF cookbook with photos of the activities.
Additional activities: The school will take students to visit a local fresh market to learn about Thai herbs and vegetables and to buy ingredients for Thai food.
Price level: Starting at 1,000 THB per person
Transfer: Free hotel pick-up & drop-off
Class bookings: Booking Chiang Mai Daddy's Kitchen
3. Grandma's Home Cooking School
Grandma's Home Cooking School is one of Chiang Mai's most popular family-run cooking schools, attracting both locals and tourists from around the world. Here, students learn to cook traditional Thai food, visit local markets, tour organic farms where they can pick their own vegetables and herbs, collect eggs from the chicken barn (fresh from the bums), and even harvest mushrooms from the mushroom house.
Location: Grandma's Home Cooking School is located in Saraphi District, Chiang Mai, approximately 20 minutes from the city center (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an open-air kitchen in the middle of nature. Each student has their own private cooking station with complete equipment.
Class schedule:
- Half-Day Course - Morning class: from 8:30 to 13:00 (includes market tour)
- Half-Day Course - Afternoon class: from 11:00 to 16:00 (includes market tour)
- Half-Day Course - Evening class: from 16:00 to 19:30
- Full-Day Intensive Class: from 9:00 to 15:30 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: For half-day classes, students will learn to cook 4-5 authentic Thai dishes. Students can choose their preferred dishes before class begins, such as soup (Tom Yam or Tom Kha), Pad Thai, and green curry or red curry. Mango sticky rice will be served in the morning and afternoon classes and will also be taught in the full-day and evening cooking classes.
For intensive full-day classes, students will learn to cook 7 dishes and 1 drink. Special additional dishes include banana in coconut milk, Toong Thong (Thai traditional spring rolls), and Som Tam. For drinks, students can choose between Thai milk tea and Thai lemon tea.
The school can customize ingredients to suit your needs, including vegetarian, halal, gluten-free, and allergy-friendly options.
A welcome drink of Thai milk tea, Thai lemon tea, or butterfly pea tea (choose one) and unlimited water throughout the day during the class are provided.
Students will receive a digital recipe e-book.
Additional activities: The school has a large organic farm for learning and harvesting ingredients. In addition to visiting the organic farm, you can feed the chickens, collect eggs, and cuddle them and also visit the mushroom cultivation hut.
Price level: Starting from 1,300 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free hotel pick-up & drop-off in an air-conditioned van (within 5 km of the city center)
Class bookings: Booking Grandma's Home Cooking School
4. Mama Noi Cookery School
Mama Noi Cookery School is a renowned cooking school located in the heart of Chiang Mai. It boasts a 6-acre organic farm with over 50 varieties of organic vegetables, which are extensively used in its menu. Students also have the opportunity to source fresh ingredients from local markets and learn to cook popular dishes from bilingual professional chefs, experiencing Thai culture and flavors firsthand.
Location: The school is located in the Tha Sala area of Chiang Mai (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has both open-air and air-conditioned kitchens. Each student has their own private cooking station with complete cooking equipment.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 9:00 to 13:30
- Evening class: from 15:30 to 19:30
Dishes cooked: Students will prepare 5 authentic Thai dishes from scratch, choosing from options such as Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), Tom Som (sour soup), Pad Thai (Thai noodles in coconut milk), Gai Pad Met Mamuang (chicken with cashew nuts), Pad Krapow (stir-fried basil with chicken), Khao Soi (Northern Thai noodle soup), Gaeng Keow Wan (green curry), and Gaeng Massaman (Massaman curry). In addition, they will make a dessert, mango sticky rice, and a drink, Thai iced tea.
Additional activities: Students will go to the market before starting to cook, so they can experience the atmosphere of a local market and pick ingredients themselves.
Students can visit the school's large organic farm, which grows over 50 types of organic vegetables, and they can use the vegetables to prepare meals.
Price level: Starting from 1,000 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free hotel pickup and drop-off from the Chiang Mai city area
Class bookings: Booking Mama Noi Cookery School
5. i-Like Thai Cooking
i-Like Thai Cooking is a cooking school nestled amidst the tranquil scenery of the Chiang Mai Grand Canyon. Students will visit a local market, explore the school's organic herb garden, and cook over seven authentic Thai dishes, from appetizers to desserts. A highlight of the cooking experience is the lakeside setting, where students can relax, kayak, or swim after class.
Location: School located near Grand Canyon, Chiang Mai, with lake views (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school features an outdoor kitchen with natural views by the lake. Students are provided with complete cooking equipment with individual cooking stations.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 08:00 to 13:30 (includes market tour)
- Afternoon class: from 12:00 to 17:30 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 15:30 to 21:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will prepare 7 dishes with choices of their favorite Thai dishes, such as papaya salad or spring rolls, Pad Thai or cashew chicken, Tom Yum or Tom Kha, and a rich curry made from their own freshly pounded paste — green curry, Panang curry, Massaman curry, or Northern Khao Soi. Finish with refreshing Thai iced tea and the classic mango sticky rice. There are options for vegetarians, vegans, and those with gluten intolerance, so everyone can enjoy it.
Students take home an e-recipe book and memories of laughter and flavor.
Additional activities: Students will visit a local market before the cooking class to learn about fresh ingredients, colorful fruits, Thai herbs, and spices firsthand, with instructors guiding them through the process of selecting the necessary ingredients for Thai dishes.
After cooking, you can relax by the lake. The school provides kayaking and life jackets. You can soak your feet in the water, swim, or simply relax and enjoy the tranquil scenery surrounded by nature to end the beautiful day (students attending the evening class will not be allowed in the lake for safety reasons).
Price level: Starting from 1,000 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free round-trip transfer to/from your accommodation (within 5 km of Chiang Mai Old City)
Class bookings: Booking i-Like Thai Cooking
6. Galangal Cooking Studio
Galangal Cooking Studio in Chiang Mai is a cooking school with a friendly and fun atmosphere. You'll go to the market to buy ingredients before class, visit the school's organic garden, and enjoy authentic local dishes that you've made from scratch.
Location: Galangal Cooking Studio is located in the Wat Ket area of Chiang Mai city (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an indoor kitchen and an air-conditioned dining room. The school provides all necessary equipment and ingredients for all students.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 9:00 to 14:30 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 16:00 to 20:30 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will learn how to cook 5 Thai dishes: stir-fries, soups, appetizers, curries, and curry pastes. The stir-fry menu offers a variety of choices, such as Pad Thai, Pad See Ew, Chicken with Cashew Nuts, and Chicken Basil Stir-fry. Soups include Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), Tom Kha Je (vegetarian chicken coconut soup), and Tom Saap Gai (spicy chicken soup). Appetizers include Som Tum (papaya salad), fried spring rolls, Larb Gai (spicy minced chicken salad), and Yam Woon Sen (glass noodle salad). Curries include Gaeng Keow (spicy curry) and Pad Prik Gaeng (spicy curry paste stir-fry). The school can adapt the menu for vegetarians, vegans, halal students, those with gluten intolerance, or those with allergies.
Students will receive a cookbook that will help them prepare delicious Thai food for their loved ones at home.
Additional activities: Start your cooking journey by visiting the market to see the freshest ingredients and vegetables, and visit an organic farm where you can walk around and see how Thai herbs and vegetables are grown.
Price level: Starting from 1,000 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free hotel pickup and drop-off in central Chiang Mai
Class bookings: Booking Galangal Cooking Studio
7. The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai
The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai is a highly rated cooking school offering fun and engaging cooking classes. The school offers a variety of cooking courses taught by professional, English-speaking instructors. They use fresh, high-quality ingredients and equipment sourced from local markets and organic gardens.
Location: The school offers classes at a rural farm outside Chiang Mai City (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an open-air kitchen. Each student will have their own cooking station in a large food preparation area. Each station is fully equipped with everything you need for cooking. The dining area is located next to an organic herb garden.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 08:00
- Afternoon class: from 10:00
- Evening class: from 15:30
Dishes cooked: Students will learn to cook 5 different and delicious Thai dishes, such as Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), chicken with cashew nuts, green curry, Panang curry, Pad Thai, and mango sticky rice. Vegetarian and gluten-free options are available upon request.
Coffee, water, tea, and herbal drinks are available complimentary throughout the day.
Students will receive a free, colorful cookbook (sent via email).
Additional activities: Students will learn about the ingredients used in Thai cuisine during a visit to the local market before the class begins.
Students will also have the opportunity to visit one of the largest organic herb gardens in Chiang Mai and discover firsthand what traditional Thai herbs look like and how they grow and taste fresh ingredients from the school garden.
Price level: Starting from 1,800 THB per 2 persons (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free round-trip transportation with an air-conditioned vehicle
Class bookings: Booking The Rice Barn Thai Cooking Farm Chiangmai
8. Chiang Mai Smart Cook
Chiang Mai Smart Cook is a cooking school in downtown Chiang Mai, located in a local Lanna home with a traditional Thai family atmosphere. Students will learn to cook traditional Thai food, visit local markets, and enjoy making their own dishes with hands-on experience.
Location: Chiang Mai Smart Cook is located in a Lanna-style house in the old town area of Chiang Mai (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has a rustic, home-style kitchen. Even though the focus is on small group learning, students have their own cooking station with complete equipment.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 09:00 (includes market tour)
- Afternoon class: from 14:00 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 17:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will learn how to cook 6 traditional Thai dishes, covering popular Thai dishes and authentic local recipes such as Pad Thai, Tom Yum, Tom Kha, Khao Soi, fried rice, and mango sticky rice.
Additional activities: Students will visit a local market to learn about Thai herbs, spices, and vegetables before their cooking class.
Students will receive a recipe book that will help them prepare delicious Thai food at home.
Price level: Starting from 1,000 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free pick-up and drop-off service is available from hotels in Chiang Mai.
Class bookings: Booking Chiang Mai Smart Cook
9. We Cook Thai Home Garden Cooking School
We Cook Thai Home Garden Cooking School is another cooking school in Chiang Mai where students learn to cook Thai food at a local's home for half a day. It begins with a visit to a local market with Mem, the homeowner who is passionate about Thai cuisine, followed by a cooking class where you can choose to prepare a variety of dishes.
Location: The school is located in the Wat Ket area, near Chiang Mai city center (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an outdoor kitchen in a local house. Each student has their own stove and wok.
Class schedule: The school offers classes every day except Sunday.
- Morning class: from 09:00 to 14:00 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 16:00 to 21:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will prepare six Thai dishes, choosing from a provided list such as Tom Yum, green curry, Pad Thai, Som Tam, Khao Soi, spring rolls, and mango sticky rice. Vegetarian options are also available.
There are welcome snacks and seasonal Thai fruits.
Students will receive a cookbook and certificate.
Additional activities: Students will visit a local market with expert teachers, talk to local vendors, and learn about spices and other ingredients that contribute to delicious flavors.
Price level: Starting from 1,000 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: A free pickup and drop-off service is available from hotels in Chiang Mai within a 3 km radius from Chiang Mai downtown.
Class bookings: Booking We Cook Thai Home Garden Cooking School
10. Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School offers authentic Thai cooking classes in a home-style setting. The school provides half-day cooking classes that include a visit to a local market to learn more about Thai vegetables and spices, followed by instruction on preparing delicious Thai dishes and making curry paste from scratch.
Location: Tom Yum Thai Cooking School is located in the Chang Khlan area, near the Chiang Mai city center (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has a traditional Thai home kitchen with a friendly atmosphere, complete with cooking equipment and ingredients. Everyone will have their own cooking station.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 09:00 to 13:30 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 16:00 to 20:30 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will prepare 6 Thai dishes, each able to choose their preferred menu. Stir-fry options include Pad Thai, stir-fried cashew chicken, and stir-fried noodles with soy sauce; soup options include Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), chicken coconut soup, and noodle soup; appetizers include fried spring rolls and papaya salad; and curry options include green curry, Panang curry, and Khao Soi (Northern Thai noodle soup). Everyone will also make mango sticky rice for dessert.
Students will receive a cookbook.
Additional activities: Students will be going to the local market to explore the ingredients used in class and to learn about the lives of the local people while they shop.
Price level: Starting from 1,150 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free pick-up and drop-off service is available from hotels within 3 km of Chiang Mai's old city.
Class bookings: Booking Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
11. Lanna Smile Thai Cooking
Lanna Smile Thai Cooking is a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai run by Lanna people, offering a friendly and fun cooking experience in a traditional Lanna-style setting. In addition to learning classic Thai dishes with expert instructors, you'll visit a traditional local market, enjoy traditional music, and immerse yourself in the beautiful Lanna culture. The school offers small group courses suitable for beginners and vegetarians.
Location: Lanna Smile Thai Cooking is located in Mueang District, Chiang Mai Province (Google Maps).
Facilities: Students have an individual cooking station with all equipment and ingredients provided. The school uses fresh (not reused) rice bran oil, does not use MSG, and maintains high standards of cleanliness.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 08:30 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 16:30 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: You'll cook and enjoy 6 delicious, authentic Thai dishes from various Thai cuisine categories. Students can choose one dish from each category: appetizers, curry paste, curry noodles, soup, and desserts. Dishes include fried spring rolls, Som Tum (papaya salad), green curry paste, Panang curry paste, Massaman curry, Pad Thai, Pad Kee Mao (spicy stir-fried noodles), Pad See Ew (soy sauce stir-fried noodles), Tom Yum Goong (spicy shrimp soup), Tom Kha Gai (chicken coconut soup), mango sticky rice, and banana in coconut milk. In addition, the school also offers a vegetarian menu.
Welcome drinks such as coffee, tea, or herbal drinks are provided.
Students will receive a recipe book to take home.
Students will enjoy lunch or dinner prepared by themselves.
Limited edition Lanna Smile souvenirs are available.
Additional activities: The school will take you on a visit to a local fresh market, where you'll spend time introducing the fresh ingredients used in class and sharing interesting details about them.
Price level: Starting from 1,000 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free pick-up and drop-off at your hotel (within the city)
Class bookings: Booking Lanna Smile Thai Cooking
12. Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking Class
Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking Class, one of the leading Thai cooking schools in Chiang Mai, offers half-day cooking classes. These classes will take you to a local market to buy fresh vegetables, herbs, and seasonings. Then, you'll learn to prepare a variety of dishes. The school will teach you new techniques that will make you look and feel like a professional.
Location: The school is located in Chiang Mai, near the Old Town (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an open-air kitchen in a local home. Students have their own individual cooking stations and ingredients for hands-on learning.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 09:00 to 13:30 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 15:30 to 20:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: You'll cook 5 delicious Thai dishes and learn how to make authentic Thai curry paste. Example dishes include Pad See Ew, spring rolls, Tom Kha Gai, Pad Thai, Som Tum, Khao Soi, and Mango Sticky Rice. The chef will guide you step-by-step through the cooking process and explain the differences between Thai herbs and seasonings and what can be substituted when you cook at home.
Snacks, fruit, and drinks are provided upon arrival.
Students take home a PDF recipe book so they can cook these dishes when they get home.
Additional activities: Students will visit and shop at a local market, spending time exploring for fresh ingredients, vegetables, and seasonings to use in their classes.
Price level: Starting from 1,100 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Pick-up and drop-off service is available from hotels within approximately a 3 km radius of Kad Kom Market.
Class bookings: Booking Yummy Tasty Thai Cooking Class
13. Smile Organic Farm Cooking School
Smile Organic Farm Cooking School is located on a beautiful organic farm and orchard just outside Chiang Mai. The school offers a unique opportunity to cook healthy, classic Thai dishes using farm-grown produce, with hands-on experience. You'll also get to explore the rural organic farm of Chiang Mai and experience the traditional lifestyle of the locals by visiting a local market, picking seasonal fruits from the trees, and relaxing by the pool.
Location: The school is located 45 minutes away from Chiang Mai's old city, near San Kamphaeng Hot Springs (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an open kitchen within an organic farm. Students have their own individual cooking stations, and all ingredients for cooking class are provided. There are also relaxation areas and a swimming pool.
Class schedule:
- Half-day class: from 09:00 to 14:00 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 16:00 to 21:00 (includes market tour)
- Full-day class: from 09:00 to 16:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: For the half-day/evening class, students can choose to cook from 5 categories: curry paste, curry, stir-fry, soup, and spring rolls. For the full-day class, you can learn to cook from 8 categories: curry paste, curry, stir-fry, soup, salad, spring rolls, desserts, and Thai herbal drinks. Menu options include green curry, Panang curry, Massaman curry, Khao Soi, red curry, Pad Thai, fried rice, chicken with cashew nuts, Tom Yum Gai (spicy chicken soup), Som Tum (papaya salad), Larb Gai (spicy minced chicken salad), Yam Woon Sen (spicy glass noodle salad), pumpkin in coconut milk, banana in coconut milk, etc. All dishes can be made in vegetarian or vegan options.
E-book with all easy-to-follow step-by-step recipes included and an online photo album available on the Facebook page.
Welcome snacks, water, and seasonal fruits are provided.
Additional activities: Start your day by visiting a local market, where you can learn about and select fresh ingredients yourself. Next, explore the organic farm's garden. This garden features a wide variety of vegetables, herbs, and fruits that are key ingredients in authentic Thai cuisine, such as basil, root vegetables, chilies, mushrooms, eggplants, limes, and more. These can be used as ingredients during the class; that means no toxins in your dishes.
In addition, students can enjoy picking seasonal fruits such as longan (July-August) and fresh mangoes (March-May) directly from the trees.
The school also offers a relaxing space by the swimming pool, where you can unwind or take a refreshing dip.
Price level: Starting from 1,200 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free pickup/drop-off within a 3 km radius of Chiang Mai's old city.
Class bookings: Booking Smile Organic Farm Cooking School
14. Baannoi Nornmuan
Baannoi Nornmuan is one of the leading cooking schools in Chiang Mai, standing out from others by teaching only authentic Northern Thai cuisine. Students will enjoy harvesting fresh ingredients from the farm, cooking traditional Thai dishes themselves, savoring the rich flavors of Northern Thai food, and experiencing the simple lifestyle of Chiang Mai.
Location: Baannoi Nornmuan is located in the Wat Ket area of Chiang Mai City (Google Maps).
Facilities: The cooking class area features a rustic kitchen for learning to cook traditional Northern Thai dishes.
Class schedule: from 10:00 to 12:30
Dishes cooked: In this class, students will learn to cook authentic Northern Thai dishes, including sticky rice, Nam Prik Ong (chili paste), Khao Soi (curry noodles in broth), Gaeng Hung Lay (Northern Thai curry), and Kai Paam (grilled egg on a banana leaf).
Additional activities: This cooking school also offers homestay accommodations for tourists in a natural and tranquil setting. Guests can stay at Baannoi Nornmuan or elsewhere and book to participate in cooking classes. Besides cooking classes, there are various activities such as traditional Lanna bamboo fan weaving, making herbal balls and herbal inhalers, experiencing local farming with rice uprooting and planting, harvesting grass to feed Thai buffalo, and buffalo showering.
Price level: Starting from 1,200 THB per person (minimum 2 people per class)
Transfer: No pickup/drop-off from hotel
Class bookings: Booking Baannoi Nornmuan
15. Thai Akha Kitchen
Thai Akha Kitchen is the first and only cooking school in Thailand that offers you the opportunity to learn Akha cuisine from a Thai-Akha chef who was born and raised in Thailand. You will learn how to prepare a variety of dishes, including fresh and healthy Akha food. Students will not only learn traditional Akha cooking techniques but also share the history, culture, and way of life through food.
Location: Thai Akha Kitchen Cooking School is located in the heart of Chiang Mai, near Chiang Mai South Gate (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has a fully equipped open kitchen in a traditional outdoor setting. Students have their own cooking stations and equipment and use organic ingredients from the farm and the local market.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 10:00 to 14:30 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 17:00 to 21:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: In this cooking course, students will create 10 delicious dishes and 1 curry paste that they will get to eat after each cooking session. Examples of dishes include papaya salad, fried spring rolls, chicken and coconut milk, sweet and sour vegetables and chicken, chicken with hot basil, Massaman chicken curry, Panang chicken curry, and for dessert, mango with sticky rice and pumpkin in coconut milk. In addition, students will prepare three traditional Akha dishes: Sapi Thong (tomato dipping sauce), Akha Salad, and Akha Soup.
The school provides free cookbooks and souvenirs.
Additional activities: Thai Akha Kitchen will take you on a journey to experience the authentic lifestyle of the local people at a local market. At the market, you will be welcomed like a local and will learn about all the products used in our cooking.
Price level: Starting from 1,290 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free pickup/drop-off in Chiang Mai
Class bookings: Booking Thai Akha Kitchen
16. Team Aim
Team Aim is one of the leading cooking schools in Chiang Mai City, offering a fun and engaging cooking experience with exciting Thai cooking classes. In small class sizes, you'll be able to select fresh ingredients from local markets and receive personalized guidance in preparing a variety of authentic Thai dishes from instructors with over 10 years of experience, tailored to your cooking style.
Location: The school is located in Chiang Mai's Old City, near Tha Phae Gate (Google Maps).
Facilities: The school has an open-air kitchen within a beautiful garden in an old town setting, and students have individual cooking stations.
Class schedule:
- Morning class: from 08:00 to 13:00 (includes market tour)
- Evening class: from 15:30 to 21:00 (includes market tour)
Dishes cooked: Students will learn to cook authentic Thai food, preparing a total of 7 traditional dishes, beginning with selecting fresh produce from the nearby local market. Menu choices include: Pad Thai (stir-fried chicken with cashew nuts), stir-fried holy basil with chicken, fried fresh rice noodles with chicken, Som Tam (papaya salad), Yum Woon Sen (spicy glass noodle salad), green curry with chicken, Panaeng curry with chicken, and Khao Soi (a famous Chiang Mai dish). For dessert, they will choose mango sticky rice. Vegetarian and vegan options are available.
There is an e-book of recipes for easily preparing delicious Thai food.
Drinking water is provided.
Additional activities: The school will take students to visit Thai morning or night markets. At the market, they will experience unique Thai ingredients and bring them back to cook dishes.
Price level: Starting from 1,150 THB per person (pricier private classes are also available).
Transfer: Free round-trip transfer to/from your accommodation (within 5 km of Chiang Mai Old City)
Class bookings: Booking Team Aim
Other Thai Food Experiences in Chiang Mai
In addition to attending a Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai, there are plenty of other special culinary experiences in this charming city of Thailand.
Chiang Mai Michelin Guide Tour
The Chiang Mai Michelin Guide & Street Food Tour will take you on a Michelin-level culinary adventure in the heart of Chiang Mai. An expert local guide will introduce you to the most authentic and delicious dishes, including those from three Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants, from legendary dishes like Yen Ta Fo from Thana Ocha to dinosaur-shaped Patongko from Patong Ko Ko Neng and Khao Kriap Pak Mo from Lung Khajon Wat Ket for lunch or Michelin-starred Khao Soi, grilled chicken, and Som Tum for dinner.
Chiang Mai Food Tour by Songthaew
Savor over 15 unique dishes you might find hard to find elsewhere on the Chiang Mai Food Tour by Songthaew Truck with 15+ tastings. Beyond experiencing Northern Thai street food and snacks from well-known locals and dining with locals at hidden gems, you'll learn about the ingredients used in Northern Thai cuisine and gain a deeper understanding of Northern Thai culture.
Chiang Mai Evening Local Street Food Market Tour
For a truly exceptional dining experience, explore the night markets with the Chiang Mai Evening Local Street Food Market Tour. This tour visits at least two evening street food markets, allowing you to sample a variety of Chiang Mai's signature dishes, including Kanom Jeen (Chinese noodles), northern Thai delicacies, stewed pork leg, and coconut dumplings, and finishing with unique Thai desserts and sweets. For a more personalized experience with an experienced guide, group sizes are limited to 10 people.