Chiang Mai, Thailand’s northern culinary capital, offers a delightful opportunity to take in the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine. The "Thai Cooking and Market Tour With Lanna Smile" promises an intimate, hands-on experience that allows visitors to explore the city’s rich culinary heritage. For just $31 per person, this 5-hour tour guides participants through the selection of fresh ingredients at a local market and the preparation of classic Thai dishes, culminating in a satisfying meal. With personalized instruction and a recipe booklet to take home, this tour promises to elevate one’s understanding and appreciation of Thailand’s beloved gastronomic traditions.
Key Points
- 5-hour Thai cooking class and market tour with Lanna Smile, starting at $31 per person for an intimate group of up to 8 participants.
- Hands-on cooking experience to learn classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Kung and Pad Thai, with vegetarian options available.
- Interactive market visit to select fresh local ingredients and learn about Thai food culture.
- Complimentary lunch or dinner featuring the prepared dishes, along with a welcome drink and a souvenir.
- Highly rated tour for culinary and culture, praised for knowledgeable instructors and engaging cooking classes.
Overview and Pricing
The Thai Cooking and Market Tour with Lanna Smile offers an immersive culinary experience in Chiang Mai, Thailand.
Priced from $31 per person, this 5-hour tour is limited to 8 participants. It includes a hands-on cooking class, market visit, and all ingredients.
Participants can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The tour covers classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Kung and Pad Thai, with vegetarian options available.
Pickup and drop-off within 3 km of Chiang Mai Old Town are complimentary. Participants also receive a recipe booklet and limited Lanna Smile souvenir to take home.
Cooking Experience
During the cooking experience, participants discover the joy of preparing classic Thai dishes under the guidance of skilled instructors.
They engage in a hands-on experience at the Lanna Smile Cooking Class, learning to make beloved dishes like Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, and aromatic curries.
Each participant has their own cooking station, allowing for an interactive and personalized learning environment.
The personalized cooking stations foster an interactive and immersive learning experience for each participant.
The menu features a selection of dishes across categories, including curry pastes, curries, noodles, soups, desserts, and appetizers.
Vegetarian options are available, catering to diverse dietary preferences.
Market Tour and Ingredient Selection
As part of the experience, participants are picked up from within 3 km of Chiang Mai Old Town, either in the morning (8:30-9:00) or evening (16:00-16:30).
The group is then taken to a local market to select fresh ingredients for the cooking class. During the market tour, the skilled instructors explain the significance of various local ingredients:
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Herbs and spices that form the foundation of Thai cuisine.
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Seasonal produce and their culinary uses.
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Specialty items found in the vibrant market stalls.
This interactive shopping experience allows participants to gain a deeper appreciation for Thai food culture.
Additional Features and Amenities
Along With the cooking class and market tour, the experience includes several other useful amenities.
The package covers all ingredients and equipment needed for the cooking class, as well as a recipe booklet to take home. Participants will also enjoy a complimentary lunch or dinner of the dishes they prepared, as well as a welcome drink.
Transportation to and from the class within 3 km of the Chiang Mai Old Town is provided. Visitors can capture their experience by accessing a photo gallery on the Lanna Smile Facebook page.
Finally, a limited Lanna Smile souvenir is included as a memento.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Experience
How does the Chiang Mai cooking tour measure up in the eyes of past participants?
The tour earns a glowing 5/5 overall rating based on 15 reviews. Travelers rave about the knowledgeable and friendly instructors who share cultural insights and foster personal interactions.
Participants appreciate the unique experience, calling it a must-do activity in Chiang Mai.
The highlights include:
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Instructors’ expertise and approachability
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Engaging, hands-on cooking classes
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Opportunity to explore the local market and select fresh ingredients
With these accolades, the Lanna Smile cooking tour delivers an exceptional culinary and culture in Chiang Mai.
Culinary Journey Through Thai Flavors
Participants embark on a culinary journey through Thailand’s vibrant flavors during the Lanna Smile cooking tour in Chiang Mai. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they explore a lineup of classic Thai dishes, from aromatic curries to the iconic Pad Thai. The hands-on cooking class offers an immersive experience, with individual cooking stations and a menu that spans curries, noodles, soups, and desserts. Before the cooking begins, the tour takes guests to a local market to select fresh ingredients, providing insights into the region’s diverse produce.
| Dish | Technique | Ingredients |
| — | — | — |
| Tom Yum Kung | Soup making | Lemongrass, galangal, kaffir lime leaves |
| Pad Thai | Stir-frying | Rice noodles, tamarind, bean sprouts |
| Mango with Sticky Rice | Dessert preparation | Sweet sticky rice, fresh mango, coconut milk |
| Red Curry | Curry paste making | Chili peppers, shallots, garlic, spices |
| Som Tam | Salad making | Papaya, tomatoes, peanuts, fish sauce |
Immersive Cultural Exploration
Beyond the hands-on cooking experience, the Lanna Smile tour offers an immersive cultural exploration of Chiang Mai.
Participants visit a local market, where they’ll:
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Discover exotic produce and spices unique to Thai cuisine.
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Interact with friendly vendors, learning about their livelihoods.
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Gain insights into the city’s vibrant food culture.
This market tour provides a window into the daily life of Chiang Mai, complementing the cooking class.
Together, they deliver a well-rounded experience that celebrates Thailand’s rich culinary heritage and community spirit.
Memorable Dining Experience
After the market tour, participants can look forward to a memorable dining experience.
At the Lanna Smile Cooking Class, they’ll get hands-on experience crafting classic Thai dishes like Tom Yum Kung, Pad Thai, and aromatic curries. Under the guidance of skilled instructors, they’ll learn the techniques and flavors that make Thai cuisine so vibrant.
Each participant has their own cooking station, allowing them to focus on the recipes. At the end, they’ll enjoy the fruits of their labor, savoring the dishes they’ve prepared alongside their new friends.
It’s a delicious culmination to an immersive cultural experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Recipes to the Class?
While participants are welcome to bring their own recipes, the class focuses on teaching classic Thai dishes. The instructor will work with you to incorporate your recipes, but the core curriculum remains the same for all attendees.
Do I Need to Have Prior Cooking Experience?
No prior cooking experience is required. The class is designed for all skill levels, from beginners to experienced cooks. The instructors provide hands-on guidance throughout the cooking process, ensuring each participant can successfully prepare the classic Thai dishes.
Are There Any Dietary Restrictions Accommodated?
The activity accommodates vegetarian diners, and the menu includes a selection of Thai dishes across categories. Participants can request vegetarian options when booking the experience to ensure their dietary needs are met.
What Is the Cancellation Policy for the Tour?
The tour offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance, allowing participants to get a full refund if they need to cancel their booking. This flexible policy provides customers with peace of mind when planning their trip.
Can I Choose to Visit a Different Market Instead?
No, the tour includes a visit to a specific local market as part of the experience. Participants cannot choose to visit a different market. The instructors guide the market tour and explain the local ingredients.
Recap
The "Thai Cooking and Market Tour With Lanna Smile" in Chiang Mai offers an immersive culinary experience for just $31 per person. Participants can learn to prepare classic Thai dishes, visit a local market, and enjoy a complimentary meal. This tour provides an authentic cultural exploration and a memorable dining experience for anyone interested in discovering the vibrant flavors of Thai cuisine.
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