Thai and Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai
5
Thai and Akha Cooking Class in Chiang Mai
By Thai Akha Cooking School
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About
The best way to get to know a country’s culture is through its food. Delve deeper into Thai cuisine, and the culture of the Akha hill tribe, during this small-group cooking class in Chiang Mai, which proves perfect for food lovers and first-time visitors. As well as learning to master traditional dishes, you’ll get a glimpse of local life at a fresh food market (morning session only).
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation
Ages 6-99, max of 12 per group
Duration: 6h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More
Highlights
- Learn more about northern Thailand's minority groups during a cooking class
- Discover unfamiliar ingredients during a market tour (mornings only)
- Prepare around 10 different dishes, sure to suit every taste
- Hassle-free 2-way transfers from your central Chiang Mai hotel
Travelers’ Choice Best of the Best
2024
- Local market tour (only for morning class)
- Individual cooking station
- Akha Hill Tribe coffee
- Full color cook book
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (only within 3 km from city area)
What's not included- Alcoholic drinks (available to purchase)
- Start:Multiple pickup locations offered.
- 14/10 Soi Rat Chiang Saen 2 Ko., Tambon Hai Ya, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, ThailandMeeting Point for Walk-In: Morning Cooking Class: Meeting at Wat Pan Whaen Temple, by 9:00 am There is where we meet before starting the market tour. Evening Cooking Class: Meeting at Cooking School Location by 5:00 pm
Pickup details- Our Cooking School has moved to a new Garden location since January 2020. Our new location is just 5 minute walk from Chiang Mai South Gate, so it is 15 minutes walk from the center of the old city. For more info, please visit our website page: Pick-Up Area and Meeting Point
Hotel pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included hotels.Airport pickup offeredDuring checkout you will be able to select from the list of included airports.- Chiang Mai Intl Airport, Chiang Mai Thailand
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point. - Wheelchair accessible
- Stroller accessible
- Near public transportation
- Infant seats available
- Surfaces are wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 35919P1- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Visitor are welcome
- Come with empty stomach
- This tour/activity will have a maximum of 12 travelers
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.
- If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 35919P1
From
$37.90
per adult
Select date and travelers
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About the operator
Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
- lolitab8930 contributionsI felt at homeAmazing experience, it’s a must while in Chiang mai 😻 they were super kind and patient. The tour at the market was amazing too.Written September 3, 2024
- heleneslettengb0 contributionsFun!This was so much fun, the food tasted amazing, and the staff as well. Highly recommend it for an authentic dining experienceWritten August 29, 2024
- carlad2820180 contributionsIndeed best cooking school worldwide!This was an amazing experience, they pick you at your hotel on time and take you to the market, they even took care of my bags as I had to go to the airport after the class. I think the best part was our lovely and knowledgeable guide Jasmine, she is the best! The visit to the market was amazing, Jasmine explained everything and we were able to taste many local ingredients. The class was amazing, a lot of yummy food, 7 different dishes, so be prepared to eat. All staff was helpful and nice. They even gift you a printed copy of the cook book and some spices as a gift! Pick up was at 8:30 and class was finished around 14:00. Really amazing experience and for such affordable price you get so much more than what you pay for!!Written August 25, 2024
- tinafG940IC0 contributionsIt was a great experience!Jasmine and her team were so great! We enjoyed it very much. Learned a lot. She was very patient and gave clear direction. Thank you!!Written August 22, 2024
- A3351ZXseanb0 contributionsBrilliant, fun and informativeIncredible experience, thoroughly recommend this for anybody keen to get a grasp of Thai food. The pace was perfect. You cook several courses so arrive hungry 😊. Great value for money!Written July 10, 2024
- jacquesd9720 contributionsBest cooking class everAmazing market tour and cooking lessons. Why tried so many things and prepare more than 10 dishes. Amazing and so tasty. In ad our Akha Thai teacher, Jasmine was very fluent in English, explain very well and fun.Written June 9, 2024
- Mremmet1230 contributionsAkha cooking class review-10/10 one of the best classes we’ve done -Amazing food and space -Nikorn was a very good instructor, definitely recommend if in Chiang MaiWritten June 9, 2024
- Exploration594210 contributionsMust do in Chang MaiGourmet cooking experience. Ming did a phenomenal job teaching. Step by step instructions provided even for beginnersWritten May 27, 2024
- bellamK3008PA0 contributionsA must-do activity for food lovers in Chiang MaiSuch an amazing experience! We left with full bellies, great cooking tips, information about Thai food and Akha people. Definitely a trip highlight.Written May 25, 2024
- OnAir327715577050 contributionsAmazing cooking experienceMing and Joey were great hosts! We really enjoyed the Akha soup and salad, and can see ourselves making it at home. There were also multiple options to choose from, so it was nice to mix and match with friends. Definitely consider skipping breakfast, because we came out so full! The morning fresh market was also a nice addition.Written May 22, 2024
- lukesE3014VF0 contributionsAWESOME!Awesome guys, great sense of humour! Really enjoyed the hole experience. Would highly recommend to anyone and everyoneWritten May 15, 2024
- 381rachellep0 contributionsAwesome!Ming and Jasmine were amazing!!! This was a great experience. Beautiful, clean and delicious!! Would come back here again tomorrow!!!Written May 6, 2024
- JorgeFCRA0 contributionsA wonderful experience to Thai and Akha cookingWonderful experience: the visit to the market to understand local products; the comprehensive set of typical and tasty recepies; the step by step and paced process of cooking. Very well organisedWritten May 1, 2024
- 668charish0 contributionsGreat cooking experienceOur teacher was amazing. They took us to the market and showed us all the raw ingredients we would be using in the class and got some market snacks for us to try. We really enjoyed the cooking class too and got to cook lots of different dishes. Make sure you go hungry because there's so much food to try!Written May 1, 2024
- nkp60 contributionsBest cooking experience in Asia. Highly recommend!This tour was highly rated and even then it still exceeded our expectations. The tour guide (Jasmine) was very kind, funny, informative, and helped us learn a lot about the culture / ingredients / flavors and of course how to cook a great meal. The market tour was a very nice touch as we got to see how the locals buy ingredients and what they look for. The cooking experience was really well done. One thing to note is you will be eating a lot of food - so make sure you come hungry! We got to select our custom meal of choice, and she even ensured she took into account all of our dietary restrictions (including allergies and preferences). We prepped and cooked each meal fresh from scratch, then sat down as a group to eat each course. An overall amazing experience with a very intimate feel (the class sizes are nice and small). Highly recommend this for all types of travelers or anyone who wants to learn about Thai culture and cooking. Thank you Thai Akha, Jasmine, and team!Written April 29, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,189 reviews
Excellent
3,128
Very good
53
Average
7
Poor
1
Terrible
0
Shevelle N
30 contributions
Apr 2021
We were so blown away by the lovely Niti who was the most fantastic tour guide and chef of the day. She really made our day by giving us heaps of information about food and Thailand that was truly unforgettable. She guided us through the fresh market and informed us of ingredients and related them to their origins in Thailand - most of this we did not know! She also encouraged us to step out of our comfort zones and try new things which we were pleasantly surprised by. Once we got to the cooking class, we were extremely impressed with the layout and the variety of options to cook, we learnt so many skills and had way too many delicious foods to try. In total we cooked 11 dishes and the course is well worth it! We would highly recommend putting going along with some friends which is what we did and to put this cooking class at the top of your to-do list when visiting Chiang Mai. Thank you Niti, you were a fabulous host!
Written April 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear shevelle n,
It was our pleasure to spend time cooking and spreads the words about our culture to you.
Thank you so much for coming to hang out with us.
We are totally glad full, you enjoy the class and learned something from us :)
Please keep it trying new stuff, if you never try, You will never know.
Take care and stay safe!
P.s Thank you so much for your wonderful words.
Written April 20, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sheree
6 contributions
Feb 2020 • Friends
Niti is an amazing host, who entertains while educating. She teaches in a way that makes you retain information so that you can recreate the delicious meals yourself back at home.
Niti incorporates anecdotes that teach you about the culture while also learning about the food.
More food than I was able to comfortably eat (but still did), the whole event was great value for money, a lot of fun and all of the food was amazing.
Vegan friendly and accommodating to all dietary needs.
Niti incorporates anecdotes that teach you about the culture while also learning about the food.
More food than I was able to comfortably eat (but still did), the whole event was great value for money, a lot of fun and all of the food was amazing.
Vegan friendly and accommodating to all dietary needs.
Written February 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Steve
Plainview, New York, USA33 contributions
Feb 2020
I love to cook, and when I travel I always look for regional spices to bring home. After taking this wonderful Thai Akha Cooking Class with Jay, I also brought home the skills and recipes for cooking some of my favorite Thai dishes!
Due to the world-wide scare of the novel coronavirus, tourism was significantly down in Chiang Mai. There were only 3 people signed up for my cooking class, which is ordinarily filled to capacity. The class was amazing! The three of us wound up benefitting tremendously from the personal attention and direction by Jay.
Jay demonstrated and directed the preparation of 15 dishes! In preparing the appetizers, the desserts, and the traditional Akha dishes, we all took turns and had fun cooking together. When it came to soup, curry and stir-fry dishes, we cooked more independently at our individual work stations. We pounded the fresh ingredients and made our own curries! Jay supervised and coached us all the way! This was so informative and enjoyable!
When we sat down to eat together, two husbands joined us at the table. We made so much food, there was plenty for everyone. Everything was so tasty and authentic!
After dining, we had the opportunity to talk to Jay about his family. He shared personal stories about his parents and siblings and the Akha people. We learned about the Akha hill tribe customs and traditions and about their lives today. At our request, Jay brought over his laptop and shared pictures of his family at recent celebrations. When we visited the Akha people up North by Chiang Rai, two days later, we had a greater appreciation and understanding of their culture! Thanks Jay!
It was a pleasure meeting you!
Take this class for a terrific cultural cooking experience! They will send a car to pick you up at your hotel!
Due to the world-wide scare of the novel coronavirus, tourism was significantly down in Chiang Mai. There were only 3 people signed up for my cooking class, which is ordinarily filled to capacity. The class was amazing! The three of us wound up benefitting tremendously from the personal attention and direction by Jay.
Jay demonstrated and directed the preparation of 15 dishes! In preparing the appetizers, the desserts, and the traditional Akha dishes, we all took turns and had fun cooking together. When it came to soup, curry and stir-fry dishes, we cooked more independently at our individual work stations. We pounded the fresh ingredients and made our own curries! Jay supervised and coached us all the way! This was so informative and enjoyable!
When we sat down to eat together, two husbands joined us at the table. We made so much food, there was plenty for everyone. Everything was so tasty and authentic!
After dining, we had the opportunity to talk to Jay about his family. He shared personal stories about his parents and siblings and the Akha people. We learned about the Akha hill tribe customs and traditions and about their lives today. At our request, Jay brought over his laptop and shared pictures of his family at recent celebrations. When we visited the Akha people up North by Chiang Rai, two days later, we had a greater appreciation and understanding of their culture! Thanks Jay!
It was a pleasure meeting you!
Take this class for a terrific cultural cooking experience! They will send a car to pick you up at your hotel!
Written March 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Adventurer784771
Fort Collins, CO4 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We took the evening cooking class with “Doe” as our instructor. He made the evening fun with his explanations of what we were cooking, instructions on how we’d be cooking it, and conversation throughout the evening. We were so impressed with the level of preparation, how well stocked the cooking areas were, and the quality of the food. We loved being able to prepare our own dishes and enjoy them right away. The only thing that we could have done differently would have been to skip lunch...there was so much wonderful food to eat that we were beyond full. Highly recommend!
Written January 11, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
India
1 contribution
Jun 2022 • Couples
Brilliant cooking class!
The class was long (which was a plus!), and consisted of a mixture between cooking your own dishes, and watching Jasmine make other dishes. Would highly recommend, we had a lovely time learning all about traditional Thai and Akra dishes. Although on first glance, the class appears pricey, given the amount of dishes you cook and efficiency in which the class was run, would say it’s good value!
The class was long (which was a plus!), and consisted of a mixture between cooking your own dishes, and watching Jasmine make other dishes. Would highly recommend, we had a lovely time learning all about traditional Thai and Akra dishes. Although on first glance, the class appears pricey, given the amount of dishes you cook and efficiency in which the class was run, would say it’s good value!
Written June 5, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tara L.
Boston, MA105 contributions
Feb 2020
My boyfriend and I did the evening class for Valentine's Day and loved it. Everything was seamless from start to finish -- prompt hotel pickup, great instructor, fresh ingredients, and clean/high-end cooking tools. Make sure you come hungry as you'll be cooking tons of authentic dishes. The little curry packets and recipe books they give you at the end are a nice bonus as well. Definitely recommend making a reservation at this class if you're in Chiang Mai!
Written February 27, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Matthew C
12 contributions
I joined five others for this cooking class on a Friday evening, and was really glad I did. The kitchen is a really impressive environment - good enough to be on a TV cooking show! Our host was funny, engaging and a great teacher throughout. She had us all cooking a wide range of starters, mains and deserts from Tom yum soup to pad thai to spring rolls and papaya salad, and without exception everything was delicious. Along the way we enjoyed a couple of beers (you pay extra for these but the prices are very reasonable), and learned loads about Thai and Akha culture, food and tastes. I feel it's great value for money and a really fun and edifying night out, where you'll head back to your hotel or hostel full and happy.
Written January 19, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Oleksandr P
8 contributions
Jul 2021
Fantastic! There are so many cooking schools in Chiang Mai but this class covered so many things at a great price. Three of us learned how to make papaya salad, fried spring rolls, three Akha dishes, three curries, three stir fries, three soups, and two desserts. The space is beautiful, the equipment professional, and Niti was so imformative about Thai and Akha culture, but most importantly, technique for perfecting Thai dishes. They provide transport to and from their school. Arrive hungry because the class is well timed with eating breaks of what you make, and you will be cooking a lot of food.
Written July 12, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dear oleksandrp139
Thank you so much for visiting the cooking school. It was our preased to host you and offer a Thai cooking experience. We are glad you had a wonderful time with us. Thank you so much for your support. We do really appeciate your reviews and feedback.
Had fun in Thailand and stay safe!
Written July 13, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
CJL1005
Brooklyn, NY3 contributions
Great experience — highly recommend the morning class to tour the market, giving local color and context to ingredients we’d be cooking with later. Our instructor Niti was outgoing, energetic, and kept everyone engaged. I appreciated how she seamlessly accommodated our group with different dietary restrictions and preferences. This experience was extremely well organized, from the website to the cooking guide we took home. We cooked and ate 11 dishes — don’t eat breakfast, come hungry!
Written March 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Bethany D
3 contributions
Mar 2020 • Couples
This was such a wonderful experience, we were able to learn so much about Thai food and speciality dishes. Firstly exploring the markets and then back to the cooking school where we became chefs for the day being taught by the best. The class was of an good size, felt very intimate and was not too crowded with amazing surroundings. Highly recommend everything about this experience.
Written March 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi,
We are interested in this course. It says that it includes a market tour however it is not clear whether we should buy ingredients ourselves or they are provided by the organizer?
How does it usually work?
Thanks
Written March 26, 2022
No the instructor buys everything, if you want to buy anything to bring home with you you can. Otherwise you get to try different foods and buy ingredients for the course and it is all included in the price you pay for cooking class.
Written March 27, 2022
Hello , I am interested in this class and wanted to know if any of the food is suitable for vegetarians? Thanks !
Written February 8, 2022
Yes, there is a vegetarian option for each course.
Written February 10, 2022
Hello ,
Is this Cooking class also possible for vegetarian People?
Since we don‘t eat fish or meat.
Greets
Sabrina
Written March 4, 2020
Niti M
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hi Sabrina
Yes! Vegetarians, pescatarians and vegans are welcome in our classes. All dishes can be made without meat or can be substituted with tofu. For other ingredients, such as fish sauce, there are also substitutes available such as soy sauce or salt. Similarly, if you would like to make Pad Thai, the dish can be made successfully without eggs. Our class can definitely accommodate your dietary restrictions!
Thank you
Written March 5, 2020
There are 5 adults in our party would you be able to accommodate us on Wednesday 22nd April for your morning class please? Many thanks Wendy
Written February 9, 2020
Niti M
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hello MikeK273,
Thank you for your interest in Thai Akha Kitchen.
Trip Advisor only sell 4 seats per booking but you can make 2 different reservations or you can book it directly on our website.
Written February 10, 2020
Hi,
We are vegetarians. Is or possible to cook vegetarian meals?
Written January 31, 2020
Hi Lilian,
Thanks for your interest in our Cooking Class.
Vegetarians, pescatarians and vegans are welcome in our classes.
All dishes can be made without meat or can be substituted with tofu.
For other ingredients, such as fish sauce, there are also substitutes available such as soy sauce or salt.
Similarly, if you would like to make Pad Thai, the dish can be made successfully without eggs.
Our class can definitely accommodate your dietary restrictions!
Thank you
Hope to see you cooking with us soon!
Written January 31, 2020
My English is not very good. Can I take the class anyway?
Written January 21, 2020
Hi, if you have time, please come to visit us before book, and let's talk.
Contact us by email please.
Thank you to contact us
Written January 21, 2020
I have a boy of 6, if he won't cook himself, where can I pay the transportation cost?
Written January 17, 2020
Niti M
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Dear Jia C,
With the Grab Taxi application (you will pay the taxi driver directly); the cost is not expensive, it will depend on the length of the journey. Where is your hotel located?
You can also contact us directly by email. If you would like us to arrange the Grab taxi for you.
Written January 17, 2020
Hey there - For planning, wanted to check what time the morning and afternoon sessions finish? Thanks!
Written December 28, 2019
We started the morning around 8am and were back at our hotel around 3pm.
Written December 29, 2019
Hi tomorrow is the last day in Chang mai it is possible to have place for two please
Thanks
François
Written December 20, 2019
Niti M
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Hi francoislariviere
Tomorrow morning we are fully booked But in the evening class we still have spots open.
You can also go to Thai Akha kitchen website to make the reservation.
Or email to us with your hotel name, we happy to keep the seats for you.
Best regards
Niti
Thai Akha Kitchen
Written December 20, 2019
I am travelling with a 6 year old boy, is going to be suitable for him?
Written December 17, 2019
Niti M
Chiang Mai, Thailand
Dear marcoi258,
Thank you for your interest in Thai Akha Kitchen.
Children are welcome to participate in our classes. We are absolutely kids and family friendly! 6 years old kid is no problem to cook at all.
If the child is too young to cook at their own station and will simply cook with their parent, they can attend for free, except for the cost of transportation. Our free pickup service cannot accommodate more people than there are cook stations.
Written December 18, 2019
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