Skip to main content
Visit Thailand Today
Activities & Tours
Chiang Mai

BaanThai Cookery School

4.9(216 reviews)

BaanThai Cookery School offers an immersive introduction to traditional Thai cuisine, combining a guided visit to a local market with a full hands-on cooking session in a well-equipped kitchen. Instructors lead small groups through sourcing fresh, authentic ingredients before returning to the school to prepare multi-course meals — typically five to six dishes — covering classic Thai recipes with attention to the spices, techniques, and cultural context behind each one. The experience is structured yet relaxed, making it suitable for complete beginners and more confident home cooks alike.

The school operates out of a clean, spacious kitchen facility in the Phra Singh area of Chiang Mai, close enough to the old city that some visitors discover it simply by walking past. Classes are led by knowledgeable, personable instructors — regulars in visitor accounts include Boom and Tommy — who explain each step clearly and keep the atmosphere friendly and engaging. A cookbook is included with the class, giving participants something practical to take home alongside their new skills.

Classes run daily except Sunday, from 09:00 to 20:30, suggesting multiple session times throughout the day. Pick-up from accommodation is available, which simplifies logistics considerably. Booking in advance is strongly recommended, as classes appear to fill up quickly — particularly during Chiang Mai's busy tourist season between November and February. Check the school's website for current schedules, pricing, and reservation options.

Book tours & tickets in Chiang Mai

Day trips, skip-the-line entry, and guided experiences around BaanThai Cookery School — book ahead and skip the on-the-ground markup.

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After BaanThai Cookery School, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

Genuinely couldn’t recommend this experience more. We were picked up from our accommodation and taken first to the local market. The wonderful Boom walked us through all the staple ingredients in Thai dishes. She was so knowledgeable and we learnt so much. Then we were taken to the school and greeted with a drink and a snack before we began cooking. We were able to select which dishes we wanted to make. The chefs were all so friendly and made everything seem easy and achievable! It’s genuinely the first time I’ve really enjoyed cooking. I was particularly proud of myself for making spring rolls and curry paste from scratch! The Mango sticky rice was also a personal highlight for me. Everything was delicious. Crucially we were given a fantastic cook book at the end to take home all the knowledge and skills we picked up. This is an essential visit in Chiang Mai!

The whole experience was perfect — from picking up fresh ingredients at a local market, warming up with a welcome drink, and cooking a five-course authentic Thai meal, to learning about the culture and, of course, enjoying the dishes at the end. The teachers are considerate, patient, and speak English very well. At the conclusion of the session, you even receive a recipe book to take home. And did I mention that the facilities are spotless and beautifully maintained? Thank you, Boom and Tommy!

Great experience from the market to the table! Instructors are informative and friendly and really know how to use the right spices. The food was delicious and the cookbook that is included is a bonus. Anyone can walk out of this class and start cooking home made Thai food. Come hungry because it’s a lot of food.

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 216 reviews on Google.

Also Popular in Chiang Mai

Doi Suthep Temple
Featured

Doi Suthep Temple

4.7(12,029)
Doi Suthep, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50200

Go at first light, before the tour vans arrive, and the golden chedi and the whole Chiang Mai valley are yours.

Tha Phae Gate

Tha Phae Gate

4.4(29,544)
Tha Phae Road, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

Free, open all hours, and best after dark when the brick gate is lit and the square fills up.

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

Chiang Mai Night Bazaar

4.3(27,259)
Changklan Rd, Tambon Chang Moi, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Get there around 7pm, before the crowds land, and browse the whole stretch before you buy anything.

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

Wat Phra That Doi Kham

4.7(23,054)
Moo 3, Mae Hia, Mueang Chiang Mai District, Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

Free hilltop temple where the crowd is mostly Thai worshippers, and the giant white-and-gold Buddha is visible for miles.

BaanThai Cookery School: Frequently Asked Questions

Is BaanThai Cookery School worth visiting?

BaanThai Cookery School holds a 4.9★ rating from 216 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.

What are the opening hours of BaanThai Cookery School?

BaanThai Cookery School is typically open 09:00-20:30 — see the full day-by-day schedule in the location info on this page. Hours can change on Thai public holidays, so check ahead for holiday visits.

When is the best time to visit BaanThai Cookery School?

The best months to visit Chiang Mai are November – February, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – January & Songkran (April) — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: March – May (smoke & heat).

Where is BaanThai Cookery School located?

BaanThai Cookery School is at 9 Prapokklao Rd. Lane 9, ตำบล พระสิงห์ Mueng, เชียงใหม่ 50200, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).

Location Info

9 Prapokklao Rd. Lane 9, ตำบล พระสิงห์ Mueng, เชียงใหม่ 50200, Thailand+66 65 927 7757www.baanthaicookery.com/
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–20:30
Tuesday09:00–20:30
Wednesday09:00–20:30
Thursday09:00–20:30
Friday09:00–20:30
Saturday09:00–20:30
SundayClosed

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – February

Avoid: March – May (smoke & heat)

Rainy season

June – October

Avg. temperature

15°C – 36°C(59°F – 97°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – January & Songkran (April)

Getting there

Chiang Mai International Airport (CNX) has direct flights from Bangkok (1 hr), Singapore, and Kuala Lumpur. Overnight sleeper trains from Bangkok take ~12 hrs.

Getting around

  • Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks)
  • Grab (available in city centre)
  • Motorbike rental (฿150–250/day)
  • Tuk-tuks (negotiate price first)

Where to stay near BaanThai Cookery School

Find hotels in Chiang Mai on the booking sites travellers trust most.

  • Compare prices across sites
  • Filter for free cancellation
  • Secure checkout on the partner site

We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.

Tips for Visiting Activities & Tours

Vet Elephant Sanctuaries

Only visit sanctuaries that prohibit riding, use no chains or bullhooks, and let elephants roam freely. Elephant Nature Park in Chiang Mai set the standard. If a place offers painting shows or circus tricks, walk away.

Book Popular Activities Online

Booking platforms like GetYourGuide give you instant confirmation and, on many activities, free cancellation — and you can read recent reviews before committing. Compare with local agencies for multi-day trips where negotiation might save more.

Do Outdoor Activities in the Morning

Heat and humidity peak from noon to 3 PM. Schedule jungle treks, cycling tours, and outdoor cooking classes for early morning. Water activities are more flexible since you're in and out of the sea.

Nearby Places

Hug Me On Tour
Hidden Gem

Hug Me On Tour

4.9(100)
กาดกลางเวียง เลขที่71/1 ห้องที่ 8 Rachadamnoen Rd, Tambon Phra Sing, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

A warmly run tour agency in Chiang Mai's old city, known for personalised day trips and expert local knowledge.

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

Chiang Mai Elephant Sanctuary

4.5(335)
136 8 Ratchapakhinai Rd, Tambon Si Phum, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

An ethical elephant sanctuary near Chiang Mai offering hands-on encounters with rescued elephants in a responsible setting.

Chiangmai Smiley Tour
Hidden Gem

Chiangmai Smiley Tour

5.0(187)
170 Prapokklao Road, Tambon Si Phum, เมือง Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand

A centrally located Chiang Mai tour operator open daily with long hours for flexible booking.

Joy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai

Joy Elephant Sanctuary Chiang Mai

4.9(727)
1, 1 Rachadamnoen Rd Soi 5, Sripoom, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50200, Thailand

A no-touch elephant sanctuary in Chiang Mai where ethical wildlife observation meets genuine conservation education.

Similar Activities & Tours Across Thailand

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
Sponsored

Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket

4.7(6,925)$$$$
2, 12, Tambon Kathu, Amphoe Kathu, Chang Wat Phuket 83120, Thailand

No rides, no shows, just feeding, mud and washing rescued elephants in the Kathu jungle.

Safari World

Safari World

4.4(49,417)
99 Panya Indra Rd, Khwaeng Sam Wa Tawan Tok, Khet Khlong Sam Wa, Krung Thep Maha Nakhon 10510, Thailand

A full day out east of the city, and the shows are what people remember most.

Nongnooch Pattaya Garden

Nongnooch Pattaya Garden

4.6(44,338)
Na Chom Thian, Sattahip District, Chon Buri 20250, Thailand

Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.

Lumphini Park

Lumphini Park

4.5(40,862)
Lumphini, Pathum Wan, Bangkok 10330, Thailand

Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.