About this experience
The essentials
Thai Akha Cooking School Chiang Mai Authentic Thai & Akha Cooking Class Experience one of Chiang Mai’s most unique culinary adventures at Thai Akha Cooking School, where traditional Thai cuisine meets the rich heritage of the Akha hill tribe. This hands-on cooking class begins with a visit to a local market (morning program) to discover fresh herbs, vegetables, spices, and local ingredients before heading to the open-air kitchen. Guided by experienced local chefs, you’ll prepare authentic dishes from scratch while learning traditional cooking techniques and the stories behind every recipe. Unlike most cooking schools, Thai Akha Cooking School combines classic Thai favorites with authentic Akha family recipes that are rarely found outside Northern Thailand. During the class you’ll prepare 10 different dishes plus homemade curry paste, with vegetarian, vegan, pescatarian, and other dietary options available. Every participant has their own cooking station, receives hotel transfers, and enjoys all of the meals prepared during the class. Course Options Morning Cooking Class * Hotel pickup included * Visit a local fresh market * Learn to cook 10 dishes + 1 curry paste * Approximately 6 hours Evening Cooking Class * Hotel pickup included * Direct cooking session (no market visit) * Learn the same selection of dishes * Approximately 5 hours Dishes You May Learn Appetizers * Papaya Salad (Som Tam) * Thai Spring Rolls Traditional Akha Specialties * Akha Soup * Akha Salad * Akha Sapi Thong (Traditional Akha Dipping Sauce) Curry & Curry Paste Choose one curry and prepare its curry paste from scratch: * Green Curry * Red Curry * Panang Curry * Massaman Curry Stir-Fry Dishes Choose one: * Pad Thai * Chicken with Cashew Nuts * Chicken with Holy Basil (Pad Kra Pao) * Sweet & Sour Chicken with Vegetables Thai Soups Choose one: * Tom Yum Goong * Chicken Coconut Soup (Tom Kha Gai) * Clear Chicken & Tofu Soup Desserts * Mango Sticky Rice * Pumpkin in Coconut Milk Experience Highlights * Learn authentic Thai and traditional Akha recipes * Cook 10 dishes plus homemade curry paste * Morning class includes a local market tour * Hands-on cooking with your own workstation * Suitable for beginners and experienced cooks * Vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian, and dietary-friendly menus available * Small group experience * Hotel pickup and drop-off included * Recipe book to recreate the dishes at home * Enjoy every dish you prepare during the class