Bangkok: Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour & TukTuk Ride

Summary

Bangkok food markets, tuk-tuk rides and hands-on Thai cooking lessons

You’ll walk through Bangkok’s bustling market with a local chef, learn to cook classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Goong and Pad Thai in a relaxed kitchen setting, then zip back by TukTuk—all ingredients included. Expect laughter, real tips from a third-generation instructor, and flavors you’ll remember long after you leave.

What’s the experience like?

“Smell this,” our instructor said, holding up a handful of kaffir lime leaves at the Or Tor Kor market in Bangkok. I’d never really noticed how citrusy they were until then—sort of sharp but sweet, like the air after rain. We wandered between stalls stacked high with green papayas and chilies while she (her name was Pim, I think) pointed out which fish sauce to buy and why the mangoes here taste different. There was a guy selling sticky rice from a bamboo basket who winked at us when we tried to pronounce “khao niao.” I probably butchered it—Pim laughed, anyway.

After the market, we squeezed into a TukTuk for the ride back to the cooking school. The driver’s shirt was bright blue and he played old Thai pop songs on his phone. It was hot—sticky-hot—and my knees kept bumping against the seat in front. But honestly, I loved every second of it. When we got to the kitchen, everything was already laid out: little bowls of herbs, fresh shrimp for Tom Yum Goong, even bottled water because Pim said “hydration is happiness.” She showed us how to pound curry paste by hand (my arm still aches thinking about it) and explained why you add palm sugar last so you don’t mess up the flavor balance.

I didn’t expect to actually enjoy making Pad Thai—I always thought it was too complicated—but Pim broke it down step by step. She watched me swirl noodles in the wok and nodded when I finally got that smoky smell right. Lunch was just us sitting around eating what we’d made: green curry chicken that was spicy enough to make my nose run, Massaman curry that tasted almost like cinnamon, and mango sticky rice so sweet I’m still thinking about it now. We swapped stories about favorite foods back home; turns out one guy in our group had never tried shrimp before.

It wasn’t fancy or formal—just good food, lots of laughing, and Pim telling stories about her grandmother’s recipes. If you want a day trip in Bangkok that’s more than just eating (though there’s plenty of that), this Thai cooking class with market visit and TukTuk ride felt like hanging out with friends who really know their stuff.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Thai cooking class and market visit

• Visit largest local market
• Learn to cook Green Papaya Salad
• Prepare Tom Yum Goong soup
• Cook Pad Thai noodles
• Make Green Curry Chicken paste
• Cook Massaman Curry Chicken
• Enjoy Mango and sticky rice dessert
• Ride Tuk-Tuk back to school

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Bangkok cooking class?

No, but private transportation is provided for parts of the tour and public transport options are nearby.

What dishes do you learn to cook during this Thai cooking class?

You’ll make Green Papaya Salad, Tom Yum Goong (shrimp soup), Pad Thai, Green Curry Chicken or Massaman Curry Chicken, plus mango sticky rice.

Does this tour include a visit to a local market in Bangkok?

Yes, you start with a guided visit to one of Bangkok’s largest local markets to shop for ingredients.

Is lunch included in the cooking class?

Yes, you eat each dish you prepare during the class as your meal.

How do we get from the market back to the cooking school?

You’ll return by TukTuk—a fun local ride included in your day trip experience.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Bottled water is included throughout your time at the school.

Can vegetarians join this Bangkok cooking class?

The reference doesn’t specify vegetarian options; check directly with organizers if needed.

How long does the whole experience last?

The exact duration isn’t listed but covers both morning or afternoon sessions including market visit and full meal preparation.

What’s included

Your day includes private transportation between sites (with an iconic TukTuk ride back), all ingredients for four classic Thai dishes plus dessert, bottled water throughout your lesson, use of all cooking equipment at the school—and whatever you cook becomes your lunch before heading out again into Bangkok’s busy streets.