Chiang Mai: Thai Cooking Class at Baan Thai with Pickup

Summary

Learn to cook pad thai & more with locals in chiang mai small group class

You’ll roll up your sleeves for a hands-on Thai cooking class in Chiang Mai—chopping, sizzling, tasting alongside local instructors who keep things relaxed and personal. Expect small groups, flexible menus for vegetarians or spice-shy folks, plus stories behind every ingredient. You’ll leave full (and maybe a little proud) with recipes you’ll want to try again back home.

What’s the experience like?

I almost missed the turn—Google Maps got confused by a noodle cart blocking the alley. So I showed up to Baan Thai Cookery School a little flustered, hair sticking to my forehead (Chiang Mai humidity is no joke). But right away, Noi, our instructor, grinned and handed me cold bottled water. She didn’t seem fazed at all that I was late or sweaty. “Mai pen rai,” she said—no worries. The kitchen smelled like lemongrass and something sweet I couldn’t place yet.

There were just five of us in the group, which felt good—not too many people crowding around the woks. Noi asked if anyone had allergies or wanted less spice; she even remembered who was vegetarian without checking her notes. We started with Pad Thai, which honestly I thought would be easy but turns out there’s an art to not turning noodles into mush. My first try was… let’s say chewy. Noi laughed when I tried to pronounce tamarind in Thai—definitely butchered it. She corrected me gently and showed me how to balance sour and sweet with just a flick of her wrist.

The best part? Tasting everything right after cooking, sitting together in their air-conditioned dining room while rain hammered on the windows outside. The peanuts were still warm from the pan, and my Pad Thai actually tasted like something I’d order at a street stall (but less oily). Someone asked about the farm where they get their herbs, and Noi told us about her uncle’s garden outside the city—she said he grows holy basil that “smells like home.” I still think about that smell sometimes when I pass by food stalls here.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Half day Thai cooking class

• Arrive at Baan Thai Cookery School
• Meet English-fluent instructor
• Learn to cook Pad Thai
• Customize spice levels
• Use organic local ingredients
• Enjoy hands-on cooking experience
• Dine in air-conditioned room

Top questions

Is this Chiang Mai cooking class suitable for beginners?

Yes, the class is designed for all skill levels and instructors guide you step by step.

Are vegetarian or allergy-friendly options available?

Yes, they cater to vegetarians and can adjust for food allergies or spice preferences.

How many people are in each class?

Classes are small, with 1-8 participants per session.

Is pickup included for this Chiang Mai cooking class?

No hotel pickup is mentioned; public transport options are nearby.

What dishes will we learn to cook?

You’ll make classic dishes like Pad Thai using fresh local ingredients.

Are drinks provided during the class?

Bottled water, coffee, and tea are included during your experience.

Is there air conditioning in the kitchen or dining area?

Yes, both the indoor kitchen and dining room are air-conditioned for comfort.

Can infants or small children join this cooking class?

Infants and small children can attend; prams or strollers are allowed.

What’s included

Your day includes all ingredients for hands-on cooking at Baan Thai Cookery School in Chiang Mai, bottled water to keep you cool, snacks along the way, plus coffee or tea served in their comfortable air-conditioned dining room before you head out again into the city heat.