7 Best Chiang Mai Cooking Classes in 2023

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Northern Thai cuisine is one of the most renowned styles of cooking in Thailand and Chiang Mai is the perfect location to take cooking classes.

These Chiang Mai cooking classes offer you the opportunity to learn about the distinctive northern Thai cuisine.

During our visits to Chiang Mai, we took cooking classes to dive deeper into the local specialties.

Under the guidance of a local chef and with farm and market visits, you’ll learn the signature dishes and authentic recipes.

If you are eager to dive into Thai cooking, here are the 7 best Chiang Mai cooking classes to take.

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Best Chiang Mai Cooking Class Comparison Table

Chiang Mai Cooking ClassesPrice ($ USD)Group SizeStart TimeDuration (hours)Best For
Half-day Thai Cooking Class and Market Visit$27.53Max 108:30 am or 3:30 pm5hMarket tour and traditional Thai food 
Smile Organic Farm Cooking School$22.50 and $33.75Max 12Half day class 8:00 am and 3:00 pm; Full day class 8:00 am6h Rural outdoor cooking
Grandma’s Home Cooking School$33.47  and $50.35Max 129:00 am4h or 6.5h   Classic grandma recipes
Thai Akha Cooking ClassFrom $37.90Max 128:30 am and 4:30 pm6hThai mountain cuisine
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School$25.31Max 108:30 am and 3:30 pm 5hHands-on class
Benny’s Home Cooking Chiang Mai$44.72 and $72.12Max 9 or private8:15 am, 4:00 pm or 4:30 pm6hCooking at a local’s home
Authentic Thai Cooking Class$37.87Max 129:00 am5hThai cuisine and organic farming
Prices for these Chiang Mai cooking classes are in Thai Baht (THB). We provide USD conversion at the time of writing. Prices might vary slightly when you book your class.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Beyond cooking classes, taking a food tour is another delicious way to dive into the local specialties in Chiang Mai. While in Chiang Mai we took an amazing northern flavors food tour and spent about 4 hours exploring delicious Chiang Mai food at unexpected places. Read more about our Chiang Mai Food Tour.

Top Chiang Mai Cooking Classes

1. Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour with Aromdii Cooking School

Pad Thai made by us during our cooking class in Chiang Mai Authentic Food Quest
Make beautifully decorated Pad Thai

Founded by Nok and Aek, a married Thai couple, Aromdii Cooking School teaches you how to make authentic Thai recipes.

They both hail from different regions of Thailand, the north and south, and they teach the traditional and street foods from their hometowns.

The name “Aromdii” means good mood and that is exactly the experience they create in their cooking classes. 

Your cooking class experience begins with a stop at a local market to pick up ingredients and learn about the native produce.

You’ll then head to Aromdii cooking school and choose from a selection of five Thai dishes to make.

At your own cooking station, you’ll make Pad See Ew, papaya salad, Tom Yum soup, Khao Soi, and others. 

Dessert will most likely be mango sticky rice or local treats, depending on what you select.

Your fun Chiang Mai cooking class ends not only with a delicious meal of your own creation but also with recipes to make again

For a range of Thai dishes, this is one of the best cooking classes in Chiang Mai to take.

Cost: $22.49 per person

Time and Length: Approximately 5 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am or 3:30 pm

Group Style: Small group class with a maximum of 10 people per class

2. Chiang Mai Cooking Farm at Smile Organic Farm Cooking School

Mango Sticky Rice Popular Thai Desserts made during our Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai Authentic Food Quest
Prepare a delicious mango sticky rice

Head outside of the city to a quiet organic farm and learn how to make traditional Thai cuisine. 

Smile Organic Farm, located about 45 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, offers a unique opportunity to learn about Thai herbs and cook outdoors.

Transportation is provided, and on your way to the cooking school, you’ll briefly stop at a local market for a taste of traditional rural life.

Smile Organic Farm offers two different Chiang Mai cooking classes. You can choose either a half-day class or a full-day Thai cooking class.

In the half-day class, you will learn to cook five different Thai dishes. Curry paste, curry dishes, stir-fried dishes, soups, and spring rolls. 

The school provides all the ingredients, an individual cooking station, and the recipes for you to take home.

If you choose the full-day cooking class, you’ll be making eight different traditional dishes similar to the half-day options. 

In addition, you’ll learn to make traditional Thai salads, desserts, and a special Thai herbal drink.

The menu is flexible and how spicy you want your food is totally up to you. Be sure to discuss any dietary considerations like vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free as the menus are customizable.

What is special about this Chiang Mai cooking farm is the cooking outdoors experience in a relaxing environment, surrounded by nature.

Smile Organic Farm is one of the best cooking classes in Chiang Mai for an authentic Thai rural experience.

Cost: $22.50 for the half-day class; $33.75 for the full-day course

Time and Length: Approximately 6 hours for the half-day class, and 8 hours for the full-day class. Half day class offered at 8:00 am and 3:00 pm and the full day class starts at 8:00 am

Group Style: Group cooking classes with a maximum of 12 people

RELATED: 15 of the Best Authentic Chiang Mai Food and Where to Eat It

3. Traditional Thai Cookery Course with Grandma’s Home Cooking School

Picking up Vegetable Thai Market Best Cooking Class Chiang Mai by Authentic Food Quest
Picking up vegetables for your Thai cooking class

Home cooking, like grandma, is the experience you can expect at this Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai.

Grandma’s Home Cooking School will teach you classic traditional Thai recipes that have been cooked at home for generations.

You will learn about the ingredients used and how they are beneficial to the body. Learning about Thai history and culture is also included as part of the experience.

The Thai cookery course starts with a market visit to pick up the fresh ingredients you’ll need. 

And, when you arrive at Grandma’s home cooking school, snacks and drinks will be waiting for you.

In the 5-hour morning class, you will learn to cook three dishes like soups, stir fry, and curry recipes with an additional dessert. 

If you are up to diving even deeper into Thai cuisine, you can choose the full-day option

In this case, you want to plan for a 6.5-hour cooking class after the market tour. 

The menu includes the Thai dishes from the morning class including appetizers, soups, curry paste, stir fry, and curry dishes. Desserts and refreshments are also part of the experience.

Depending on the weather, you’ll have the choice to either cook inside or outside in the garden kitchen. A tour of the farm and lunch are included in both classes including a recipe book.

For traditional homestyle Thai cooking, Grandma’s Home Cooking School is one of the best Thai cooking classes to take.

Cost: $33.47 for the half-day class; $50.35 for the full-day course

Time and Length: Approximately 4 hours for the half-day class, or 6.5 hours for full-day class. Both classes start at 9:00 am

Group Style: Group classes with a maximum of 12 people

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: If your travels through Thailand take you to Bangkok, consider taking a Bangkok food tour to explore the street food in one of the world’s top food cities. See our guide to the 7 Best Bangkok Food Tours You Want To Take.

4. Cooking Class in Chiang Mai with Thai Akha Cooking School 

Thai Akha Cooking School Chiang Mai by Authentic Food Quest
Learn about Akha culture while cooking – Photo credit: Thai Akha Cooking School on Facebook

Immerse yourself in the cooking traditions of Akha people. This is an indigenous hill tribe from the northern mountains of Thailand.

This Thai Akha Cooking School offers an opportunity to dive into the Akha culture through cooking.

You’ll be making 11 different traditional dishes using unique Akha ingredients. 

The Akha traditions say that every meal must have a dipping sauce or Sapi Thong, one salad, and one soup.

With that in mind, you’ll choose one of three soups, a curry dish from a vast selection, and one of four stir-fried dishes

You’ll also prepare two appetizers like Akha salad or fried spring rolls. Two desserts like pumpkin in coconut milk and mango sticky rice will delight your senses.

After you finish, you eat what you cooked alongside locally grown Akha Hill Tribe coffee and local teas. 

This cooking class in Chiang Mai is offered twice a day in the morning and evening. 

Included only in the morning class is a local market tour where you’ll learn about local Akha ingredients.

The evening class jumps right into the cooking experience, finishing off with a lovely dinner of the delicious food you’ve made.

If you are interested in learning about northern Akha hill tribe cuisine, this Thai Akha Cooking School is not to be missed.

Cost: $37.90 

Time and Length: Approximately 6 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am and 4:30 pm

Group Style: Group classes with a maximum of 12 people

5. Cooking Class in Chiang Mai with Tom Yum Thai Cooking School

Green Papaya Salad made during our cooking class in Chiang Mai Authentic Food Quest
Som tam salad artistically served in a hollowed out green papaya

Spend half a day at Tom Yum Thai Cooking School, with Oun and Kae, your guides and instructors.

Start your Thai cooking class with a guided local market tour to learn about and get the fresh ingredients for the class.

Once you get back to the kitchen, you’ll choose to make six different dishes.

Cucumber salad, cashew nut with chicken, Thai noodle soup, and green curry are just a few of the tasty options available. 

For dessert, a special sticky rice with mango completes the tasty experience.

You’ll have your own cooking station with the equipment and support needed to follow along.

As you have fun learning the cooking techniques and secrets of Thai cuisine, you’ll enjoy snacking on snacks along with traditional Thai drinks.

In the end, you’ll sit down to savor your delicately prepared Thai cuisine and receive a booklet of the recipes as a gift.

This is one of the best Chiang Mai cooking classes for those who want a hands-on step by step-by-step cooking experience.

Cost: About $25.31

Time and Length: Approximately 5 hours. Classes start at 8:30 am and 3:30 pm

Group Style: Small group class with a maximum of 10 people per class

6. Cooking Class at Benny’s Home Cooking Chiang Mai

Preparing Pad Thai Chiang Mai Cooking Class by Authentic Food Quest
In this fun course, you will learn to cook five dishes

In a lovely home, about 20 minutes outside of Chiang Mai, is where you’ll find Benny’s Home Cooking School.

The school is surrounded by an organic garden and rice fields and offers a tranquil environment for a cooking class.

Started by Benny, a former Thai cooking instructor, she’s passionate about teaching clean and healthy Thai cuisine.

Pick up is available from Chiang Mai and you start with a trip to a nearby local market. You’ll learn about Thai food culture while picking up ingredients for the class. 

You’ll select what to cook from a set menu, and there are vegetarian options available as well.

Depending on the experience you want, you can choose either a small group class or a private class just for you and your group.

Regardless of the option you choose, you’ll be making about five different Thai dishes and desserts at your own cooking station. 

Hands-on instructions will be provided as you make your own curry paste for your selection of dishes.

In addition to cooking, you’ll also visit an organic farm and rice paddy where you’ll eat mouthwatering fruits freshly picked from trees.

The class is fun and well-paced. Benny is full of energy, and you’ll be amazed by the delicious Thai food you’ll learn to cook.

Benny’s Home Cooking Chiang Mai is best suited for those who want an intimate cooking experience at a local’s home.

Cost: $44.72 for small group class; $72.12 for private class 

Time and Length: Approximately 6 hours. Group class starts at 8:15 am, Private class at 4:00 pm or 4:30 pm

Group Style:  Small group class with a maximum of 9 people; Private class

RELATED: Where to Stay in Chiang Mai for Food Lovers

7. Authentic Thai Cooking Class and Farm Visit in Chiang Mai

Authentic Thai Cooking Class by Authentic Food Quest
Farm visit in Chiang Mai – Photo credit: Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School Facebook page

With transportation provided, you’ll head outside of Chiang Mai for an immersive cooking class and farm visit.

This 5-hour authentic Thai cooking class starts with a visit to a local market where you’ll learn about Thai culinary traditions while picking up fresh ingredients.

At the cooking school, along with a Thai chef, you’ll choose your menu from five different curries and noodle dishes.

Depending on your dietary considerations, vegan and vegetarian options and the levels of spice can also be adjusted.

In the end, you’ll make 4 Thai dishes and end the cooking class experience with freshly made mango sticky rice.

Included in this Chiang Mai cooking school experience is visiting an organic farm. 

This additional perspective, including the market visit, offers a comprehensive understanding of Thai food from farm to table.

If you are looking to go beyond Chiang Mai City and dive into authentic Thai cooking with a farm and market visit, this is the class for you.

Cost: $37.87

Time and Length: Approximately 5 hours. Class starts at 9:00 am

Group Style: Group class with a maximum of 12 people

What to Consider When Choosing Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

These best cooking classes in Chiang Mai all offer authentic Thai cooking experiences. 

Though the experiences differ. Some include local market visits, others take place on a farm, while others focus on specific elements of Thai cooking.

As you plan for your Chiang Mai cooking class, here are a few things to consider.

AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Make your culinary travels worry-free! With the right travel insurance, you’ll enjoy a delicious experience. From medical emergencies, flight cancelations, car rental protection, or tour cancelations, a good travel insurance has got you covered. Check out our travel insurance review for food lovers to get started.

What Kind of Chiang Mai Cooking Class Experience Do You Want

Warorot Market visit with Aroy Aroy cooking school
Wander through Chiang Mai market with a local guide

Fun and informative are the first two things you will get at any of these Thai cooking classes in Chiang Mai. 

As you look at the options, take your personal expectations and preferences into account.

Do you enjoy learning where the food comes from and visiting farms?

Do you like to wander through local markets and meet the people behind the food? Or do you prefer to head directly to the kitchen and start cooking?

How much time do you have? Some Chiang Mai cooking classes offer half or full-day immersive experiences.

Whatever your preferences, choose the ideal Chiang Mai cooking class that matches your tastes.

What Is Your Budget for Your Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai

Claire & Rosemary at our Chiang Mai Cooking Class by Authentic Food Quest
Ready for our Chiang Mai cooking class

These cooking classes in Chiang Mai offer different experiences and price points.

The best cooking classes in Chiang Mai range from about $22.50 to $72.12.

All cooking classes in Chiang Mai continue to adhere to Covid safety guidelines. And, the cooking classes have a free cancellation policy that allows you to opt out up to 24 hours in advance.

The cooking workshops range anywhere from 4 hours to 6 hours and are offered in the morning, afternoon, or evening.

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Which of these Chiang Mai cooking classes would you like to take? Please let us know in the comments below.

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The Best Cooking Classes in Chiang Mai by AuthenticFoodQuest

31 Comments on “7 Best Chiang Mai Cooking Classes in 2023”

  1. Hi, I have a plan to stay at least a month in Thailand and my mission is to join a cooking class. I really want to travel, explore, and learn the culture. True that to enjoy the cultural immersion, cooking should be on the list. This is why I love to cook. Bookmarking this information about this cooking class. I am really excited.

    Reply
    • That’s wonderful to hear Taylor. You will love a cooking class at Aroy Aroy!! Do check the website for tips about what and where to eat the local dishes in Thailand. Reach out with any questions 🙂 Safe travels

      Reply
  2. I only started doing cooking classes while travelling on my last trip in Central America & now I’m hooked – I want to revisit Asia all over again just to take cooking classes & Thailand is 1st on my hit list, Chiang Mai I am on the way soon!

    Reply
    • When you head out to Chiang Mai, definitively check out Aroy Aroy…you will be in for a fantastic experience!! Indeed, cooking classes do add a new dimension on the food on one’s travels. Thanks so much Sheena for your comments!

      Reply
  3. I love cooking and although I always try to visit local food markets (and bring some products home) I’ve never had cooking classes while traveling. Your post made me add it to my list!

    Reply
    • That’s wonderful to hear Maria that you have now been inspired to take a cooking class on your next trip. It does add a new dimension to visiting the local markets and bringing home ingredients. Learning to make the dishes is a wonderful way to recreate that experience at home. Glad you enjoyed the article. Thanks so much 🙂

      Reply
  4. I also had the opportunity to do a cooking class in Thailand, that was a lot of fun 🙂
    Thai cuisine is one of the richest, in terms of flavour, in the World.
    Cooking class is definitely something to do there!

    Reply
    • That’s awesome to hear that you took a cooking class in Thailand. What did you learn to make? Agree, taking a class is truly a remarkable and fun experience. Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂 Cheers.

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  5. Omg! My mouth is drooling. The food looks really delicious! I can only imagine it up close and personal. This seems like a fun idea for someone like me who likes to experience culture outside of visiting museums and walking tours, etc. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • It is our pleasure, Adriana to share our experience at Aroy Aroy. The idea is to inspire you to travel through local food. On your next trip, plan for a cooking class and you’ll be amazed at the different perspective it provides on the local culture and place. Do let us know about your experience. Cheers!

      Reply
  6. Looks fabulous This would have been a perfect day for you Guys! I am now living in Thailand, yes how lucky are we? I am looking forward to learning to cook Thai. I was interested in a comment from a new friend here who has been having Thai conversation classes – learning taxi and polite greeting Thai. She mentioned she also learnt how to ask for Pad Thai without sugar (I’m not sure whether that ruins it?) because there is an immense amount of sugar in local food here. I would never have guessed that, we all think we are eating so healthily!
    Love Wren x

    Reply
    • So cool to hear from you Wren. That’s exciting you are now in Thailand!!! Sounds like you are already getting acclimatized to the food scene and the local ingredients. You are right, while sugar does play a part in the diet, it is balanced out with salt and spices. However, it is shocking to see locals adding heaps of sugar to their meals. Let’s connect!!!

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  7. Okay, this sounds like a dream to me. I am a chef so I’m obviously very passionate about food. I love how you can pick out your ingredients at the market beforehand. Cooking classes and food tours are such a great idea when traveling. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • It was a lot of fun Rhonda. We didn’t have any expectations and we quite blown away by the entire experience. The market visit, the stories behind the dishes and of course making the food, allows one to travel deep. Do check out Aroy Aroy the next time your travels take you to Chiang Mai. Thanks Rhonda for your comments.

      Reply
  8. One of my biggest regrets from my Asia trip is that I didn’t do any cooking classes. I was going to do one in Chiang Mai but got too distracted with Songkran! Your pictures are stunning and it sounds like you really enjoyed it. I will def have to get myself back for a cooking class!

    Reply
    • That’s a bummer that you did not get a chance to take a cooking class in Chiang Mai. Completely understand as there is lots to do in Chiang Mai. The next time you are in the area, do check out Aroy Aroy…totally worth the experience!! Thanks Claire for stopping by.

      Reply
  9. Looks fabulous and I would love to do this. We did a food tour in Bangkok/Ayutthaya and the guide (who was a chef) took us to the markets to buy our lunch….so much fun and a way of experiencing the local way of eating . Your comment about the woks made me smile. I remember when I first saw them all lit up with flames coming out at all angles. Amazing.

    Reply
    • That’s awesome to hear Kerri and it sounds like you had a great time. Totally agree, learning to make the local dishes, does elevate any trip to a new level. Glad you caught the note about cooking with the wok, much heavier than we expected 🙂 Thanks for your comments and cooking classes should be on every travelers list of experiences!

      Reply
  10. ha, lovely reading this, brings back memories 🙂 I’m very familiar with the khanom krok, but never heard of the khanom keng, is it similar? Looks delish!

    Reply
  11. Cooking class on a tour. That gave me some major goals. It is so good to learn to cook a cuisine, that way you can bring the country home and do your own little experiments and live the experience all over again! It is just so amazing.

    Reply
  12. Yum–looks like you made some delicious food! I always love taking cooking class like this. It’s such a great way to get a look into the local culture, especially when you add a market tour on like you did. Aroy Aroy looks like a great place to book a tour–I’m definitely going to keep them in mind!

    Reply
    • Thanks Jenna and we totally agree, taking a cooking class and learning the local culture is always a good idea. True, we did indeed make delicious local specialties at Aroy Aroy. Do keep them in mind the next time you are Chiang Mai. A fun experience that is totally worth it 🙂 Please let us know if you have any questions!!

      Reply
  13. I agree with you that understanding the local cooking is also learning about culture and I think Thailand is easily one of the best places I have traveled to. Are they edible flowers?

    Reply
    • Appreciate your feedback, Nisha. Yes, cooking classes by local chefs is a great way to immerse oneself in the local culture. Actually, the flowers are not edible…lol, but used for presentation. For the Thai, presentation matters!! Cheers 🙂

      Reply

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