Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School offers a full immersive introduction to Thai cuisine, combining a local market visit with hands-on cooking inside the instructor's home. This personal setting distinguishes it from more commercial cooking schools — classes are taught in a genuine domestic kitchen, where students cook alongside family members and experience how Thai food is actually prepared in everyday life. Instructors Oun and Kae guide participants through ingredient selection at the market, explaining how local produce and aromatics function in traditional dishes, before moving into the cooking session itself.
Visitors can expect a relaxed, sociable atmosphere with attentive instruction suited to all experience levels. The class format typically includes a morning pickup, a guided market visit, hands-on preparation of multiple dishes, and a full meal of everything cooked. Portions are generous — reviewers frequently note leaving well fed — and the dishes reflect authentic regional Thai flavours rather than simplified tourist-facing versions.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Tom Yum Thai Cooking School, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
Just completed our AM cooking class at Tom Yum Thai Cooking School and I am so full I can barely stay awake to write this review! We were picked up promptly at 9am and taken to a local market to learn about and purchase ingredients for the class. Upon arrival at the school we got right to cooking our first dish. I love how we got to choose each dish we wanted to prepare in advance of the class. We were able to personalize according to our different tastes (spice level, leaving out an ingredient you don't like) so everyone was happy. By 10:30 we were eating our stir fry dish, then soups, then appetizers followed by curry and mango sticky rice. Can you see why I am so full?!? Oun was our driver and chef for the day and he was a delight! He made everything enjoyable and easy for the students. All our questions were answered and we learned a lot. Can't wait to try the recipe book back at home!
What a wonderful experience. Oun and Kae were both so lovely, funny and welcoming. We started with a trip to the market and learned about the ingredients we would be using as well as other local ingredients. The class itself was very well organised and so much fun, and the food is delicious! We did 5 dishes each and you definitely leave more than satisfied. We did this on Christmas day and had the best time. Would highly recommend.
Absolute amazing experience!!! I’ve never been so immersed in such an authentic Thai experience the class is taught inside the guides home and you get to meet his family and see how they really cook on a daily basis. This is a very special experience and very authentic! Really recommend
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 243 reviews on Google.
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Tom Yum Thai Cooking School: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Tom Yum Thai Cooking School worth visiting?
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School holds a 5.0★ rating from 243 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Chiang Mai.
What are the opening hours of Tom Yum Thai Cooking School?
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School is typically open 08:30-20:30 — 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 Tom Yum Thai Cooking 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 Tom Yum Thai Cooking School located?
Tom Yum Thai Cooking School is at 1, 4 soi 12, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand, in Chiang Mai. Getting around Chiang Mai: Red songthaews (shared pick-up trucks); Grab (available in city centre).
Location Info
1, 4 soi 12, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 83 577 9515tomyumthaicooking.com/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
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 Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
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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.
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Where to stay near Tom Yum Thai Cooking 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
Compare rates on Booking.com
Largest selection
Compare rates on Expedia
Bundle & save
Compare rates on Hotels.com
Member prices
We may earn a commission from bookings made through these links — at no extra cost to you. Learn more.
Location Info
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
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)