The ancient city of Chiang Mai serves up northern Thailand’s most memorable food experiences. Traditional Khantoke dinners, where diners sit cross-legged at low tables, offer the perfect introduction to Lanna cuisine. I particularly love the intimate Northern Thai Cuisine Khantoke experience – their grilled northern sausage and green chili dip are standouts. The cultural performances at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center add authentic entertainment while you dine. For hands-on learners, private cooking classes reveal the secrets behind those complex Thai flavors we’ve come to love. Browse our favorite Chiang Mai food experiences below.
Key Points
- Immersive cultural experience with traditional Khantoke dinner, featuring Northern Thai cuisine and live performances of songs, dances, and music.
- Authentic multi-course Northern Thai cuisine served on a raised circular tray, providing an intimate setting to learn about the history and flavors.
- Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show at Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, with Lanna-style performances and accommodations for dietary preferences.
- Heaven Lantern Festival, a 1-day event with ticket, dinner, and the release of hundreds of lanterns, offering an authentic Thai culture.
- Private dinner cooking class led by a renowned local chef, providing a personalized and memorable experience in authentic Thai cuisine.
Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Show From Chiang Mai
A traditional Khantoke dinner and show in Chiang Mai, Thailand, offers visitors an immersive cultural experience. Rated 3.7 out of 97 reviews, the experience includes hotel pickup and drop-off, a local guide, Khantoke dinner, and performances of traditional songs, dances, and music from northern Thailand.
Guests enjoy family-style dining on low tables with cross-legged seating on floor mats. The evening concludes with performances by hilltribe members.
Hotel pickup is available for central city locations, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience. The price starts from $20.98 per person, varying by group size.
Guests have reported mixed experiences regarding seating comfort and food quality, but many appreciated the culture.
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Chiang Mai: Heaven Lantern Festival Ticket With Dinner
Chiang Mai’s Heaven Lantern Festival offers visitors a captivating cultural experience, departing from the traditional Khantoke dinner explored earlier.
This 1-day festival includes a ticket and dinner, with a duration of 4-5 hours. Priced at $49.80 per person, the festival allows participants to witness the release of hundreds of lanterns into the night sky, a symbolic ritual.
With a rating of 4.9 out of 3,977 reviews, it’s a popular choice for those seeking an authentic Thai culture. The festival’s small group setting and pickup service make it a convenient and memorable option for travelers in Chiang Mai.
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Private Dinner Cooking Class With Benny in Chiang Mai
In Chiang Mai, visitors can enjoy a private dinner cooking class led by the renowned local chef, Benny.
The class showcases authentic Thai cuisine, with a menu featuring iconic dishes like Tom Yum, Pad Thai, and a variety of curries. Participants will explore a local market, learn about traditional ingredients, and then craft their own meals under Benny’s expert guidance.
The class is highly rated, with 100% positive reviews and a 5.0 average rating. With personalized attention and a full-color recipe book to take home, this cooking experience promises to be a memorable highlight of any trip to Chiang Mai.
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Chiang Mai: Northern Thai Cuisine Khantoke Dinner
Visitors to Chiang Mai can enjoy the vibrant flavors of Northern Thai cuisine through a traditional Khantoke dinner experience.
This multi-course meal features an array of regional specialties served on a raised circular tray. Guests can sample staples like spicy sour soup, curries, and vibrant salads, alongside sticky rice and fresh herbs.
The intimate setting allows travelers to learn about the history and culture behind these iconic dishes. With rave reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, this dining experience offers an authentic taste of Northern Thailand that’s sure to delight the senses.
Priced from $26.36, it’s a must-try for foodies visiting Chiang Mai.
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Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show At Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center
At the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center, travelers can enjoy a Khantoke dinner experience that showcases the vibrant flavors and rich cultural heritage of Northern Thailand.
The traditional Lanna performances with live folk music set the stage for an authentic dining experience. Guests can savor a variety of Northern Thai dishes, including Burmese-inspired curries, stir-fried vegetables, and crispy noodles, served on the iconic Khantoke tray.
The menu caters to diverse dietary preferences, offering regular, halal, and vegetarian options.
With its positive reviews, the Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show provides an unforgettable glimpse into Thailand’s northern culinary and cultural traditions.
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Chiang Mai: Khantoke Dinner With Traditional Performance
Travelers exploring the cultural delights of Chiang Mai can enjoy the captivating Khantoke dinner experience at the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center.
Priced from $23.43 per person, this 1-day activity is limited to 10 English-speaking participants. Guests will savor a set menu of Burmese and Shan-style dishes, or opt for a buffet with additional options.
The experience also includes lively Lanna dances and music performances. Participants can even join in traditional rituals, connecting with the kingdom’s legacy.
While some have found the food average or cold, the overall cultural and gastronomic experience has been praised by past guests, earning a 4.6/5 rating.
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Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show in Chiang Mai Admission Ticket
The Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show in Chiang Mai provides visitors a captivating glimpse into the region’s vibrant heritage.
Guests can savor a traditional Khantoke dinner featuring rich curries, fried chicken, and sticky rice, while enjoying a performance of traditional dance and music.
The experience, which costs from $41.06 per person, has received mixed reviews, with some praising the impressive and funny performances, while others found the cultural show underdeveloped.
The event isn’t wheelchair accessible but stroller-friendly, and most travelers can participate.
With round-trip transfers included and a flexible reservation policy, the Khantoke dinner offers a memorable culture in Chiang Mai.
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Dinner Cruise on the Ping River
For a memorable dining experience in Chiang Mai, travelers can embark on a Dinner Cruise along the serene Ping River.
The cruise includes roundtrip transportation, an English-speaking guide, a Thai set menu dinner, and beverages available for purchase. Priced at $72.06 per person, the cruise accommodates a maximum of 20 travelers and is non-refundable.
Pickup is available from all Chiang Mai city hotels, with a surcharge for transfers from the Four Seasons Resort and Veranda Resort. Confirmed bookings are subject to availability, and the cruise is wheelchair accessible, though children under 7 aren’t allowed.
Past guests have praised the experience and food quality, with suggestions for improving service efficiency.
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Traditional Khum Khantoke Dinner & Dance Show at Chiang Mai With Return Transfer
A beloved tradition in Chiang Mai, the Traditional Khum Khantoke Dinner & Dance Show offers visitors an immersive cultural experience.
Held in the evening starting at 7:00 PM, the 3.4-rated tour includes a Lanna-style dinner and a performance of traditional dances.
Pickup and drop-off at select city center hotels are provided, though a surcharge applies for locations outside the 5 km radius.
The experience accommodates up to 10 travelers and is accessible for strollers, though not for wheelchairs.
While reviews note reliability issues, the tour is SHA Plus certified for COVID-19 protocols, and free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the event.
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Traditional Khum Khantoke Dinner From Chiang Mai With Cultural Dance Show
Visitors to Chiang Mai can enjoy the city’s rich cultural heritage by attending the Traditional Khum Khantoke Dinner from Chiang Mai with Cultural Dance Show.
This experience offers a taste of Lanna-style cuisine, accompanied by a traditional dance performance. Priced from $58.01 per person, the dinner can be booked with free cancellation and a reserve now, pay later option.
Hotel pickup is available for selected hotels within a 3 km radius, with an additional surcharge for pickups outside this zone. The tour starts at 7 PM and can accommodate up to 15 travelers.
While not wheelchair-accessible, it’s stroller-friendly. Reviews praise the impressive show and great food, though some critique the pricing and language barriers.
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Thai Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Dance Show With Transfers
Travelers seeking to enjoy Chiang Mai’s cultural heritage can embark on the Thai Khantoke Dinner & Cultural Dance Show With Transfers. Priced from $42.04 per person, this 4.2-rated experience offers a delightful Thai set dinner and a traditional Thai classical dance performance.
With a maximum of 15 travelers, the experience includes return transfers from Chiang Mai city hotels and complimentary drinks. While not wheelchair accessible, it’s stroller-friendly and can accommodate travelers with special seating requests.
Reviewers praise the food variety and engaging cultural exposure, although the traditional floor seating may not suit all. This is an excellent opportunity to savor Thai cuisine and witness the captivating traditional dances of Chiang Mai.
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Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Shw in Chiang Mai Ticket
The Traditional Khantoke Dinner and Cultural Show in Chiang Mai offers travelers an immersive experience that blends culinary delights with the captivating essence of Thai culture.
Available from April 2023 to July 2025, the event runs daily from 7 PM to 9 PM. The ticket includes a cultural performance alongside the dinner, and hotel pickup and drop-off are provided.
However, the experience isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps. While most travelers can participate, the single review received a 1-star rating, indicating room for improvement.
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Recap
Chiang Mai offers a variety of traditional dining experiences. Visitors can enjoy Khantoke dinners featuring northern Thai cuisine and cultural performances. These dinner shows provide an immersive glimpse into the region’s rich heritage. Whether seeking an elegant evening or a hands-on cooking class, Chiang Mai has something to satisfy every traveler’s culinary interests and desires.