Bangkok is a food lover’s paradise, and what better way to dive into its vibrant cuisine than by taking a cooking class? The city’s lively markets, fragrant spices, and centuries-old recipes make it a perfect place to learn authentic Thai cooking firsthand. Whether you’re a total beginner or a seasoned foodie, the classes here offer a hands-on experience that’s both educational and delicious. We particularly love the Maliwan Thai Cooking Class because of its market tuk-tuk ride and small-group setting, which feels more like cooking with friends than a tour. Or, if you want that extra touch of authenticity, the Baipai Thai Cooking School provides a serene environment and excellent recipes to take home.
The variety of options available in Bangkok is impressive — from traditional half-day experiences to evening classes with dinner. These tours give you a taste of local ingredients, expert cooking tips, and, of course, plenty of tasty food. If you’re planning a trip, this guide will help you pick the right class for your interests, schedule, and budget.
Quick Overview
This list features the best cooking classes in Bangkok based on reviews, authenticity, and variety. You’ll find market visits with tuk-tuk rides, hands-on cooking with professional chefs, and specialized workshops like mango carving or curry making. Prices range from around $37 to $89, with class durations from 3 to 4 hours. Whether you prefer morning market tours, afternoon classes, or evening dinners, there’s an option here for every traveler. For more details, you can explore each experience via the provided links.
1. Bangkok: Maliwan Thai Cooking Class with Market Tour
Starting with the Maliwan Thai Cooking Class, this tour offers a perfect blend of market adventure and hands-on cooking. The class lasts about 4 hours and includes a tuk-tuk ride to a local market, where you’ll pick fresh ingredients. You then work with a friendly chef to prepare four traditional Thai dishes, tasting your creations afterward. What makes this class stand out is the small group size—no more than 8 people—ensuring personalized attention. Visitors love the clear instructions and welcoming atmosphere, with reviews highlighting the expert guidance and fun experience.
This tour is ideal for travelers who want to enjoy Thai food culture and enjoy a relaxed pace. At $40 per person, it offers great value for the comprehensive experience. Expect to leave with new skills and plenty of delicious food to share.
Bottom Line: A friendly, small-group class for foodies who want to learn and eat authentic Thai dishes with market visits included.
2. Bangkok: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour
For around $43, the Hands-on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour combines the fun of market shopping with the satisfaction of cooking four Thai dishes yourself. The class lasts about 3.5 hours and includes a market visit where you can pick out ingredients for your dishes. You’ll learn from a professional chef in a small group, ensuring plenty of attention. The afternoon or evening options include a mango carving workshop, adding a creative flair. Reviewers note the dishes turn out incredibly tasty, with some saying it’s the best Thai food they’ve eaten since arriving.
This tour is perfect for those wanting a comprehensive culinary experience—from sourcing ingredients to plating dishes. The extra mango carving makes it more interactive and memorable. If you love cooking side-by-side with a guide, this is a solid pick.
Bottom Line: Hands-on, authentic Thai cooking combined with market shopping and optional mango carving; great for passionate cooks.
3. Hands on Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour
Ranking at perfect 5.0 based on over 600 reviews, this Master the basics class offers a thorough introduction to Thai cuisine. The class kicks off with a market visit—where you’ll shop for ingredients—and then moves to a professional kitchen for cooking. You’ll prepare dishes like curry paste from scratch and enjoy a homemade lunch or dinner afterward. The class is flexible, with options for morning, afternoon, or evening sessions, and includes tuk-tuk transport from the market.
Guests share that the instructor is funny, knowledgeable, and patient, making the experience both educational and fun. Many appreciate the opportunity to learn classic techniques, especially if they’re serious about Thai cooking.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, beginner-friendly class with excellent reviews, perfect for travelers who want to master Thai basics.
4. Bangkok: Tingly Thai Cooking School Half-Day Cooking Class
For around $40, this Tingly Thai Cooking School offers a 3-hour class focused on creating a four-course Thai meal from scratch. The highlight is the market visit in the morning, where you’ll gather fresh ingredients, then return to the school to cook alongside an expert chef. The class emphasizes traditional techniques like making curry paste and proper food storage. Your dishes are then served family-style, and you get to take the recipes home.
Guests praise the value and the interactive market tour experience, noting the lively, global atmosphere. It’s ideal for travelers who want to learn Thai cooking in a fun, fast-paced setting.
Bottom Line: A lively, well-organized class with authentic market shopping and a focus on traditional techniques.
5. Tingly Thai Cooking Class with Morning Market Tour
Starting at just $39.35, this small-group class combines a market tour with hands-on cooking. You’ll explore Wat Kheak Market, learning about local ingredients, then return to the cooking school for four dishes. The class lasts about 3.5 hours and includes a delicious lunch of your own creations. The guide is praised for her lively explanations and friendly manner, making it a great choice for those wanting a local experience combined with excellent food.
Guests love the intimate atmosphere and the chance to taste unique fruits and herbs at the market. It’s perfect if you’re after an authentic, immersive experience that’s also budget-friendly.
Bottom Line: A fun, small-group tour with great market insights and a satisfying meal, ideal for curious foodies.
6. Pink Chili – Thai Cooking Class and Market Tour in Bangkok
At about $37.50, Pink Chili offers a shorter, 4-hour class with a focus on popular dishes like pad Thai, green curry, and mango sticky rice. The class includes shopping at a traditional market, where you learn about Thai ingredients, then you’ll prepare and eat your own dishes. The personalized, small-group setting ensures plenty of individual attention, with lots of tips from a professional chef.
Reviewers mention the instructor’s enthusiasm and the tasty results, making it a great value for money. It’s perfect for travelers who want a quick but comprehensive Thai cooking experience.
Bottom Line: A lively, focused class ideal for those short on time but eager to learn classic Thai dishes.
7. Authentic Thai Cooking with the Largest Market Visit & TukTuk Ride
This 3.5-hour tour, priced at $44.07, is led by a third-generation culinary expert with experience working with Michelin-starred restaurants. It offers a full sensory experience—starting with a visit to Bangkok’s largest market, then a tuk-tuk ride to the cooking school. You’ll prepare traditional dishes like curry and stir-fry, then sit down to enjoy your meal. Guests rave about the instructor’s vast knowledge and the fun of the trip, noting it’s a highlight of their visit.
It’s best suited for those who want a deep dive into Thai food culture combined with a local transport experience. The class emphasizes authentic recipes handed down through generations.
Bottom Line: A comprehensive, culturally rich class led by a seasoned chef, perfect for foodies who want history and flavor.
8. Thai Cooking Class with Market Visit by Maliwan
For $42.34, this 4-hour class offers an authentic Thai experience with a market visit and a personal cooking station. Ride a tuk-tuk to pick vegetables and herbs, then return to cook classic dishes like Thai noodles and stir-fry. Reviewers highlight the friendly host and the delicious food. The small-group setup makes it ideal for those who want personalized instruction and a culinary taste of Thailand’s traditions.
This class is particularly good for food lovers interested in customizing recipes and enjoying a family-style meal afterward.
Bottom Line: A well-balanced, interactive class with a focus on authentic ingredients and personalized learning.
9. Tingly Thai Cooking School Evening Class
If you prefer cooking dinner rather than lunch, this 3-hour evening class at about $37.77 is your best bet. It includes dinner, so no need to eat beforehand. You’ll learn to prepare dishes like Thai green curry, hot and sour soup, and fried noodles. The atmosphere is lively, and guests appreciate the fun, engaging instructor. Many report this as a highlight of their trip, especially since they get to eat immediately after cooking.
Ideal for night owls or travelers looking to make the most of their evenings in Bangkok.
Bottom Line: A fun, dinner-focused class perfect for trying Thai dishes in a relaxed, social setting.
10. Choose 5 Dishes: Half-Day Cooking Class in Sukhumvit with Market Tour
At about $37.77, this class is great for those who want flexibility. You choose from over 20 recipes, including pineapple fried rice and green curry. It starts with a market tour, where you learn about ingredients before returning to cook your selected dishes. The class lasts about 3.5 hours, and you’ll enjoy your meal afterward. Reviewers love the organized format and tasty food. The class is ideal if you want to customize your menu and get a broad taste of Thai cuisine.
Bottom Line: A flexible, personalized experience suitable for foodies wanting variety and hands-on cooking.
11. Tingly Thai Cooking School Evening Class
This 3.5-hour evening class at $37.77 focuses on making a variety of dishes, including curry and fried noodles. The class emphasizes tips and tricks for proper ingredient prep and storage. Guests love the energetic instructor and the chance to eat what they make at the end. It’s great for those who want to expand their Thai cooking skills without committing a full day.
Ideal for travelers with evening free and a desire to learn quick, authentic recipes.
Bottom Line: A lively evening class for those eager to boost their Thai cooking skills in a short time.
12. Baipai Thai Cooking School Class in Bangkok
This upscale, full 4-hour class costs about $89 but includes hotel pickup and a relaxing environment. Led by friendly instructors, you’ll learn how to cook multiple dishes, then enjoy a home-cooked Thai lunch. The school is praised for its beautiful setting and excellent recipes, making it perfect for those seeking a more polished, immersive experience. You’ll get free recipe cards to recreate the dishes at home.
This class is suited for serious foodies and those wanting a comprehensive, pampered experience.
Bottom Line: A premium, all-inclusive class with a focus on authentic flavors and a lovely setting—ideal for special occasions or culinary enthusiasts.
13. Hands-on Thai Cooking Class & Market Tour in Sukhumvit
This 3.5-hour class costs about $44.07 and combines a detailed market visit with hands-on cooking. You’ll learn how to prepare four Thai dishes, including making curry paste from scratch. The class emphasizes techniques and flavor profiles, and you get to enjoy your meal at the end. Guests appreciate the easy-to-follow instructions and the quality ingredients.
It’s great for travelers who want a full, interactive experience with a focus on authentic, freshly sourced ingredients.
Bottom Line: A well-organized, immersive class for anyone wanting to learn Thai cooking with a market visit.
14. Sukhumvit: Hands-on Thai Cooking Class & Market Tour in BKK
At about $43, this class offers a comprehensive Bangkok experience. The instructor guides you through shopping at a local market, then teaches you four dishes from scratch. The class lasts 3.5 hours, including a mango carving session for extra fun. Reviewers highlight the professional guidance and the delicious, freshly cooked food. It’s especially good for those who want a local flavor combined with practical skills.
Perfect for food explorers eager to learn traditional techniques, and those who enjoy a relaxed pace with plenty of interaction.
Bottom Line: A balanced, engaging class ideal for those wanting authentic ingredients and hands-on instruction.
15. Silom Thai Cooking School with Fresh Market Tour
This 3-hour class costs about $56.66 and includes a market visit and a five-dish cooking session. You learn to prepare dishes like pad Thai and tom yum from scratch, then sit down to enjoy your meal. The class offers a personalized experience with limited participants, and reviewers praise the interactive format and the delicious results. It’s perfect if you want to cover a lot of ground in a short time.
Ideal for travelers who want a comprehensive class with a focus on local ingredients and authentic flavors.
Bottom Line: A well-paced, interactive class that delivers a full Thai meal in a friendly setting.
How to Choose the Best Cooking Class in Bangkok
When selecting the right class, think about your budget, available time, and whether you’re more interested in market visits, technique learning, or simply enjoying a delicious meal. For example, if you want a deep dive into Thai ingredients and a tuk-tuk adventure, the Authentic Thai Cooking with the Largest Market Visit is perfect. If you prefer a more relaxed, upscale environment, the Baipai Thai Cooking School offers a polished experience.
Consider whether you want a morning market tour, an afternoon session, or an evening dinner. Many classes also vary in size, with small groups providing more personal attention, as seen in the Pink Chili and Maliwan Thai experiences.
Booking early is advisable, especially during peak travel seasons, to secure your preferred date and class.
Final Thoughts
Bangkok’s cooking classes offer an excellent way to connect with Thai culture through its food. If you’re looking for a comprehensive experience with local market visits, the Authentic Thai Cooking classes are top choices. For those wanting more luxury and detailed instruction, the Baipai Thai Cooking School is ideal. Budget travelers or those short on time will find the Pink Chili and Tingly Thai options very satisfying.
No matter which experience you choose, you’ll leave with new skills, a full stomach, and a better understanding of what makes Thai cuisine so irresistible. Be sure to book early, and enjoy every bite of your Bangkok culinary adventure.