Tour operator
Asia Scenic Thai Cooking School
Family-hosted cooking school since 2007 with morning and evening classes in an Old City garden near Tha Phae Gate and morning classes on an organic farm.
Thai Farm Cooking School
Family-run cooking school operating since 2001, with half-day and full-day classes on an organic farm about 17 km from Chiang Mai, including a market visit.
At a glance
- Type
- Cooking class on an organic farm
- Area
- Countryside (pick-up from the city), Chiang Mai, Thailand
- Official site
- thaifarmcooking.com
Good to know
- Market visit
- Hotel transfers in pick-up zone
- E-recipe book
Why we recommend it
Thai Farm Cooking School has been teaching visitors to cook Thai food since 2001. It is run by a Thai family, and classes take place on the school's organic farm in quiet countryside about 17 kilometres from Chiang Mai, away from the more touristy parts of the city. For many travellers, a cooking class is one of the most enjoyable ways to understand northern Thai food, and the farm setting adds a sense of where the ingredients actually come from.
Every class follows a similar pattern. On the way out of town, the group stops at a local market to learn about the ingredients used in Thai cooking. At the farm, a tour of the organic gardens introduces the herbs, vegetables and spices that will go into the dishes. Then you move to your own cooking station, where a Thai teacher leads the class in English, and you finish by eating what you have made for lunch or dinner. Homemade organic lemongrass tea and drinking water are provided throughout.
There are several formats to choose from: a half-day morning class, a half-day evening class, a full-day course and, in season, a one-day rice planting and cooking experience. The full day suits keen cooks who want to learn more dishes, while a half day is easier to fit around temple visits. Transport is in an air-conditioned minivan for guests staying within the pick-up zone, and everyone receives a digital full-colour recipe book with photo instructions, so you can try the dishes again at home.
The school suits couples, families with children who enjoy cooking, solo travellers and groups of friends. No experience is needed. Tell the school about allergies or dietary requirements when you book so that the teacher can plan around them.
Book a few days ahead in the cool season, when classes fill up. Wear comfortable clothes that you do not mind getting splashed, bring sun protection for the farm tour, and arrive hungry. If you are staying outside the pick-up area, contact the school to arrange a meeting point.
Choose a morning class if you want to see the market at its busiest.
Thai Farm Cooking School FAQs
How long has Thai Farm Cooking School been running?
Since 2001, run by a Thai family.
Where are the classes held?
On the school's organic farm, about 17 km from Chiang Mai city.
What class formats are there?
Half-day morning, half-day evening, full-day and a seasonal rice planting and cooking day.
Is transport included?
Yes, by air-conditioned minivan for guests within the pick-up zone.
Is there a market visit?
Yes, every class stops at a local market on the way to the farm.
Do I get the recipes?
Yes, a digital full-colour recipe book with photo instructions.
Do I need cooking experience?
No, classes are taught step by step in English by a Thai teacher.
How do I book?
By phone on +66 81 288 5989 or by email at [email protected].