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Tom Yum Thai Cooking School
Activities & Tours
Chiang Mai

Tom Yum Thai Cooking School

5.0(228 reviews)

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. Good to know: The school operates seven days a week from 8:30 AM to 8:30 PM, and morning classes include hotel pickup, making logistics straightforward. Booking in advance through tomyumthaicooking.com is strongly recommended, as classes fill regularly. The school is located in the Chang Khlan area of central Chiang Mai, well-positioned for travellers staying near the Night Bazaar or the old city. Comfortable, casual clothing is appropriate, as the session involves standing and active cooking throughout.

Experience hints

Hidden gem
Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Tom Yum Thai Cooking School, round out your day in Chiang Mai with contrasting stops nearby.

Visitor Reviews

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!

Fantastic experience. Excellent, prompt email communication, arrived on time to pick us up. At the market, many items were explained what they were and how used in Thai cooking. We purchased items for our cooking and had a few moments to ourselves to wander the stalls. Their house is set up perfectly for prep, cooking, and eating. We started with water and a fruit plate then got into prepping, cooking, and eating many dishes all with stories and excellent instruction. Based on my experience, this is a tremendous experience that everyone with interest in cooking or eating should take part in.

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.

Location Info

1, 4 soi 12, Tambon Chang Khlan, Amphoe Mueang Chiang Mai, Chang Wat Chiang Mai 50100, Thailand+66 83 577 9515tomyumthaicooking.com/
Opening Hours
Monday08:30-20:30
Tuesday08:30-20:30
Wednesday08:30-20:30
Thursday08:30-20:30
Friday08:30-20:30
Saturday08:30-20:30
Sunday08:30-20:30

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 Through Klook or GetYourGuide

These platforms offer instant confirmation, free cancellation on most activities, and prices that are often lower than walk-up rates. 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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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)