Lamai Thai Cooking School
Lamai Thai Cooking School offers immersive, hands-on cooking classes from a personal home kitchen in Maret, close to the beach on Koh Samui's quieter southern coast. Led by instructor Um, classes are structured around a group-voted menu, with participants working through a selection of traditional Thai dishes using authentic techniques and locally sourced ingredients. The relaxed, open-air kitchen setting gives the experience a distinctly personal feel that sets it apart from more commercial cooking schools on the island.
Groups work through the full cooking process together, from ingredient preparation through to plating, and sit down to eat what they have made. Participants receive a recipe booklet to take home, making it practical for those wanting to recreate dishes after their trip. The class accommodates mixed skill levels and welcomes both solo travellers and groups. Some visitors note that helpers assist with portions of the cooking, so those seeking a fully independent kitchen experience should keep this in mind when booking.
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Experience hints
Pair your visit. After Lamai Thai Cooking School, round out your day in Koh Samui with contrasting stops nearby.
Reviews from Google
We had the most incredible afternoon learning how to cook authentic Thai food! It was such a fun hands-on experience from start to finish. Our instructor was absolutely amazing so friendly, patient, and knowledgeable and her English was fantastic. She explained everything clearly and made sure we felt confident at every step, carefully guiding us and ensuring all our dishes were cooked perfectly. We even got to taste all the dishes we cooked and it was very filling. We even got a cookbook to take home so we can recreate everything ourselves! I couldn’t recommend this experience highly enough it was truly one of the highlights of our trip! 🌟
We absolutely loved our experience with Um at her Thai Cooking Class. There was 10 in an our group and we went through the menu options and put it to a vote on what our menu would be. The 5 meals were delicious and the ingredients were all fresh. The recipe book we were given was very helpful and we will now be cooking more Delicious Thai food when we head back home…. Good value for money as well..
It was a fun experience, but don't expect to learn to actually cook dishes there. We were handed each ingredient in the exact quantity to chop and half of the cooking was done by the helpers and the host. It is nice that you still learn a bit about the ingredients themselves but I was expecting a more in depth cooking class where I'd actually gain the skills to do it myself. The cooking booklet they give you at the end is very nice touch. We were picked up at our hotel and the experience cost 1800 baht pp.
A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 500 reviews on Google.
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Lamai Thai Cooking School: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Lamai Thai Cooking School worth visiting?
Lamai Thai Cooking School holds a 5.0★ rating from 500 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Koh Samui.
What are the opening hours of Lamai Thai Cooking School?
Lamai Thai Cooking School is typically open 08:30-17:30 — 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 Lamai Thai Cooking School?
The best months to visit Koh Samui are January – August, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in July – August & December — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon).
Where is Lamai Thai Cooking School located?
Lamai Thai Cooking School is at Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand, in Koh Samui. Getting around Koh Samui: Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road); Motorbike or scooter rental.
Location Info
Maret, Ko Samui District, Surat Thani 84310, Thailand+66 84 096 4994www.lamaithaicookingschool.com/Visitor Information
Best time to visit
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas
Where to stay near Lamai 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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Beachfront tour agency on Lamai Beach specialising in private and group excursions around Koh Samui.
Lamai Viewpoint & Heart Stone
A heart-shaped rock, a few Buddhist shrines and a big view over the coast, all in one hilltop stop.
Lamai Muay Thai Camp
Long-running community-feel camp behind Lamai beach — traditional two-a-day Muay Thai training with a loyal returning crowd, minutes from the sand.
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Elephant Jungle Sanctuary Phuket
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Safari World
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Nongnooch Pattaya Garden
Half a day minimum, 500 acres of themed gardens and dinosaurs, and you'll want to be there by 8am.
Lumphini Park
Bangkok's green lung, free to enter, and full of water monitor lizards the size of your leg.
Where to stay near Lamai Thai Cooking School
Find hotels in Koh Samui 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
January – August
Avoid: October – December (Gulf Coast monsoon)
Rainy season
October – December
Avg. temperature
24°C – 32°C(75°F – 90°F)
Crowds
Peak: July – August & December
Getting there
Koh Samui Airport (USM) has direct flights from Bangkok and regional hubs (Bangkok Airways monopoly). The ferry from Surat Thani takes ~1.5 hrs and it's cheaper.
Getting around
- •Songthaews (fixed routes around the ring road)
- •Motorbike or scooter rental
- •Taxis (metered or negotiate upfront)
- •Grab available in main areas