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Krabi

Cooking with Dao

5.0(426 reviews)

This well-regarded cooking school in Aonang offers small-group Thai cooking classes led by instructors Dao and John, who guide participants through preparing authentic dishes from scratch. Classes typically begin with a visit to a local market, where students learn about traditional Thai ingredients and food culture before heading into the kitchen — an approach that grounds the experience in genuine culinary context rather than a purely tourist-facing format.

Sessions run for approximately five hours and accommodate only four to five participants at a time, creating an intimate atmosphere where personalized instruction is the norm. Students choose their dishes, learn proper techniques, and eat what they cook. The focus is firmly on authenticity — understanding why ingredients work together and how to recreate results at home — rather than simply following steps in a demonstration setting.

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Experience hints

Visitor favorite

Pair your visit. After Cooking with Dao, round out your day in Krabi with contrasting stops nearby.

Reviews from Google

What and amazing time we spent there. Our experience at Cooking with Dao was absolutely unforgettable — without a doubt the best cooking class I have ever attended. We spent nearly five wonderful hours there in a small, intimate group of just five people, which made the whole experience feel personal, relaxed, and incredibly enjoyable. The day began with a visit to a local market, where we learned about authentic Thai ingredients and selected fresh products for our dishes. This was such a fantastic introduction and made the cooking session feel truly authentic from the very start. Before cooking, we were able to choose the dishes we wanted to prepare, which made the class even more exciting and tailored to our preferences. Each of us cooked several recipes, and every step was explained clearly and patiently, making it easy to follow regardless of experience level. Dao is an extraordinary cook and an amazing teacher — passionate, warm, and inspiring. Her food tastes so unbelievably good that we ended up eating almost everything we made, even though we weren’t particularly hungry by the end. Every dish was bursting with flavor and felt like something straight out of a top Thai restaurant. The atmosphere was friendly, welcoming, and full of joy. Everything was perfectly organized, yet felt natural and relaxed at the same time. I have attended many cooking classes in Europe before, but this one was on a completely different level — more authentic, more engaging, and simply more special in every way. This place is truly incredible and deserves the highest recommendation. If you’re in Ao Nang and want a genuine, delicious, and memorable Thai cooking experience, this is an absolute must-do.

I had a wonderful experience at this cooking class. We started with a visit to a small, clean local market, which was a great way to learn about the ingredients and the local food culture. The cooking itself was excellent, the food turned out absolutely delicious, and everything was explained clearly and patiently. The group was small, which made the experience personal and interactive, and I genuinely felt that I learned how to cook authentic Thai dishes rather than just following a recipe. What truly made the experience special was the hospitality and care of the hosts (Dao and John). It felt less like a lesson and more like spending a meaningful afternoon cooking with friends. I couldn’t recommend this experience more. I highly recommend this class to anyone who wants a meaningful and hands-on introduction to Thai cuisine.

We had such a lovely experience cooking with Dao in Krabi! The class was fun, well organized, and very authentic. And ofcourse thanks to John who helped in everything. The food turned out delicious, and it was one of the highlights of our trip. Highly recommend this experience to anyone visiting Krabi!

A sample of visitor reviews from Google. Read all 426 reviews on Google.

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Cooking with Dao: Frequently Asked Questions

Is Cooking with Dao worth visiting?

Cooking with Dao holds a 5.0★ rating from 426 Google reviews, placing it among the highest-rated activities & tours in Krabi.

What are the opening hours of Cooking with Dao?

Cooking with Dao is typically open 09:00-19:00 — 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 Cooking with Dao?

The best months to visit Krabi are November – April, with the most reliable weather. Crowds peak in December – February — going early in the day usually means fewer people. Months to think twice about: June – September (rough Andaman seas).

Where is Cooking with Dao located?

Cooking with Dao is at Aonang, Soi Kon Dee 5, Tambon Ao Nang, Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailand, in Krabi. Getting around Krabi: Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach); Songthaews in Ao Nang.

Location Info

Aonang, Soi Kon Dee 5, Tambon Ao Nang, Krabi, Chang Wat Krabi 81180, Thailandwa.me/qr/7NWQL3RFULRPB1
Opening Hours
Monday09:00–19:00
Tuesday09:00–19:00
Wednesday09:00–19:00
Thursday09:00–19:00
Friday09:00–19:00
Saturday09:00–19:00
Sunday09:00–19:00

Visitor Information

Best time to visit

November – April

Avoid: June – September (rough Andaman seas)

Rainy season

May – October

Avg. temperature

23°C – 33°C(73°F – 91°F)

Crowds

High

Peak: December – February

Getting there

Krabi Airport (KBV) has direct flights from Bangkok (1.5 hrs). Ferries connect to Koh Lanta, Koh Phi Phi, and Phuket. Bus or minivan from Phuket takes ~3 hrs.

Getting around

  • Long-tail boats (islands & Railay Beach)
  • Songthaews in Ao Nang
  • Grab (limited, mainly Ao Nang)
  • Motorbike rental

Where to stay near Cooking with Dao

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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.

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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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