Chiang Mai: Northern Thai Food Tour by Rod Daeng & 15+ Tastings

Summary

Chiang Mai’s food scene with local stories, markets and over 15 real northern tastings

You’ll ride through Chiang Mai in a classic rod daeng truck with a small group and a local guide who knows every hidden stall. Taste more than 15 real Northern Thai dishes—spicy sausages, tangy salads, smoky noodles—while learning little tricks for eating like a local. Expect laughter, surprises, maybe even new friends—and flavors you’ll remember long after.

What’s the experience like?

I’ll be honest — I almost bailed when I saw the words “15+ tastings.” I mean, who actually eats that much? But there we were, crammed into the back of a bright red rod daeng truck with seven strangers (well, soon-to-be friends), bouncing through Chiang Mai’s side streets while our guide, Nok, grinned at us in the mirror. The city was waking up slow — smells of charcoal smoke and frying garlic everywhere. Someone’s phone kept playing old Thai pop songs and it just felt… right.

Nok had this way of making you try things before telling you what they were. She handed me a chunk of sai oua sausage so spicy it made my eyes water, then laughed when I tried to say the name back to her (“Not bad! But you just called it ‘sticky rice’”). We hit a market where everyone seemed to know her — old ladies waving, one guy tossing herbs into our hands. At one point I bit into something green and tart (tamarind leaf salad?) and honestly, I still think about that zing. The nam ngiaw noodles were smoky and rich, with a broth that clung to your lips. There was this moment when we all went quiet just slurping noodles together — kind of funny how food does that.

The tour ended at Wararot Market by the Ping River. It was noisy and chaotic but somehow comforting too — piles of fruit everywhere, vendors calling out prices in rapid-fire Thai. Nok showed us how to spot which stalls locals actually eat at (hint: look for the ones with no English signs). She gave us tips for ordering street food on our own, which felt like a secret handshake or something. Walking away full (maybe too full), I realized I hadn’t thought about pad Thai once. So yeah — if you want to actually taste Chiang Mai instead of just reading menus, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Northern Thai food tasting tour

• Meet professional foodie guides
• Board private songthaew truck
• Visit street eats and fresh markets
• Taste 15+ Northern Thai dishes
• Learn about Lanna Kingdom cuisine
• Sample sai oua sausages and nam ngiaw noodles
• End tour at Wararot Market
• Enjoy local hospitality and meet friends

Top questions

How many people are on the Chiang Mai food tour?

The tour is limited to 8 guests per group.

Are vegetarian or vegan options available on this Chiang Mai food tour?

No, the tour isn’t suitable for vegetarians or pescatarians due to street vendor limitations.

What foods are included in the Northern Flavours Chiang Mai Food Tour?

You’ll sample over 15 Northern Thai dishes like sai oua sausage, nam ngiaw noodles, larb salads, tea leaf salads and more.

Is hotel pickup included in this Chiang Mai food tour?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; transport during the tour is by classic rod daeng truck.

Does the tour run if it rains?

Yes, the tour operates in all weather conditions—bring an umbrella during rainy season.

Where does the Chiang Mai food tour end?

The tour finishes at Wararot Market along the Ping River.

Can children join this Chiang Mai food tasting tour?

Yes, children can join if accompanied by an adult; infants may need their own meals.

Are allergies accommodated on this food tour?

The tour isn’t suitable for those with shellfish, peanut or severe gluten allergies due to street vendor limitations.

What’s included

Your day includes four hours riding around Chiang Mai’s streets and fresh markets in a classic rod daeng truck with your local foodie guide. You’ll get bottled water and soft drinks along with more than 15 different Northern Thai food tastings—the most of any Chiang Mai food tour—before finishing up at Wararot Market by the river.