Phuket: Thai Cooking Class, Market & Garden with Pickup

Summary

Pick herbs in Phuket gardens then cook Thai favorites after market stroll

You’ll wander through a Phuket herb garden picking ingredients, shop at Kata’s lively local market with your guide, then learn classic Thai dishes like Pad Thai or green curry from scratch. Crack coconuts and pound curry paste by hand before sharing lunch together — plus recipes and photos to remember it all.

What’s the experience like?

I didn’t expect to be handed a little woven basket right away — but that’s how our half day Thai cooking class in Phuket started. We wandered through the garden behind the kitchen, brushing past lemongrass and basil that smelled so sharp it made my nose tingle. Our guide, Pim, pointed out kaffir lime leaves and let us pick what we wanted for our curry. She laughed when I mistook galangal for ginger (it’s not the same, apparently). The sun was already warm even though it was still early, and there were birds making a racket somewhere up in the banana trees.

After that, we all piled into a van for a quick ride to the local market — Kata Local Market if you’re curious — where everything looked brighter than I expected. Pim showed us how to spot good prawns for Pad Thai and let us taste a sliver of mango from one of her favorite vendors (so sweet it almost made me forget about breakfast). There were locals haggling over chilies and someone frying something crispy nearby; I could smell coconut oil everywhere. Honestly, I got distracted by all the colors and nearly lost the group at one point.

Back at the kitchen, we got to crack coconuts open (harder than it looks) and make coconut milk by hand — my arms are still sore thinking about it. Pim showed us how to pound curry paste in this heavy stone mortar; she said if your ears aren’t ringing from the sound, you’re not doing it right. Lunch was whatever we cooked ourselves — mine came out spicier than planned but nobody seemed to mind. We ate together around a big wooden table while Pim told stories about her grandmother’s recipes. I took home a recipe book and some photos they snapped of us looking very proud (and slightly sweaty). If you’re looking for a day trip cooking class from Kata or Patong with actual hands-on moments, this is it.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Thai cooking class with market and garden tour

• Visit local fresh market
• Buy fresh ingredients
• See tropical fruit and veggie garden
• Collect vegetables from garden
• Make coconut milk traditionally
• Make curry paste traditionally
• Learn to cook Thai dishes
• Enjoy food cooked by yourself
• Receive recipe book and souvenir photos

Top questions

Is hotel pickup included for this Phuket cooking class?

Yes, free pickup is included from Patong, Kata, Karon, and Chalong areas. There’s an extra charge for single bookings from Patong.

How long does the Thai cooking class last?

The class runs about 4–5 hours depending on morning or afternoon session.

Do I get to visit a local market during this tour?

Yes, there’s a guided walk through Kata Local Market to buy fresh ingredients before cooking.

Are vegetarian options available in this Phuket cooking class?

The reference doesn’t specify vegetarian menus but you can likely request adjustments when booking.

What dishes will I learn to cook?

You’ll learn popular Thai dishes like Tom Yum Koong, Pad Thai with prawn, green curry chicken, mango sticky rice, Panang curry chicken, spring rolls and more.

Is the cooking class suitable for children?

Yes, kids aged 8 years and older can join at adult price. Specialized infant seats are also available if needed.

Is the venue wheelchair accessible?

Yes, both transportation and venue are wheelchair accessible according to the details provided.

Will I receive recipes after the class?

You’ll get a recipe book covering 15 signature Thai dishes as part of your experience.

What’s included

Your day includes free hotel pickup and drop-off in Patong, Kata, Karon or Chalong; all ingredients; guided market tour; hands-on garden visit; three-dish course handout; accident insurance; souvenir photos; plus a recipe book so you can try everything again back home after eating your own homemade lunch together.