Chiang Mai is a treasure trove for those who love exploring local markets, tasting authentic Thai food, and seeing the city’s lively shopping scene. Unlike many destinations, Chiang Mai offers a genuine, hands-on experience—whether you’re learning to cook with Grandma, wandering through bustling night bazaars, or discovering local herbs in organic gardens. For instance, the Chiang Mai: Authentic Cooking Class with Market & Farm Visit () stands out for its full-day farm experience, giving you a taste of local life and home-style cooking. It’s these authentic moments that make Chiang Mai’s market tours truly special.
If you’re after a variety of culinary and shopping experiences, the city offers everything from immersive cooking classes to lively street food tours and vibrant night markets. This guide will walk you through the 15 best shopping and market tours in Chiang Mai, highlighting what makes each one unique and helping you choose the perfect fit for your interests.
1. Chiang Mai: Authentic Cooking Class with Market & Farm Visit
This full-day cooking experience combines a lively local market visit, a tour of a large organic farm, and hands-on cooking with Grandma. You’ll learn about Thai ingredients, pick herbs, collect eggs, and make dishes like Pad Thai, Tom Yum, and Khao Soi. What makes this tour stand out is the personal touch—cooking with Grandma herself—and the farm visit, which adds a genuine farming element. Kids and food lovers alike will appreciate feeding chickens and exploring herbs and fruits. The highlight is making coconut milk with a traditional grater, a rare skill in many modern kitchens. With a 4.9/5 rating from over 3,600 reviews at just $33 per person, this tour offers authentic Thai cooking in a family setting. It’s ideal for those wanting a full immersion into local life and cuisine.
Bottom Line: Perfect for foodies seeking an authentic, full-day experience with farm visits and hands-on cooking at a very good price.
2. Chiang Mai: Cooking Class, Market & Thai Herbs Garden Tour
At number 2, this tour combines a local market visit, a Thai herbs garden, and a hands-on cooking class led by a dedicated chef. For around $28, you’ll explore the vibrant market, learn about Thai ingredients, and prepare dishes like curry from scratch using a mortar and pestle. The experience concludes with a meal in a lush organic kitchen garden. It’s a fantastic option for those who want to combine culinary skills with a botanical experience. Guests rave about the enticing aromas, flavorful dishes, and the personal attention from the chef. The tour’s focus on fresh herbs and traditional techniques makes it stand out, especially for anyone interested in understanding the core flavors of Thai cuisine.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers who want to learn about Thai ingredients, cook in a garden setting, and enjoy flavorful, freshly made dishes.
3. Chiang Mai: Cooking Class with Market and Pickup
Offering a relaxed atmosphere, this tour focuses on learning authentic Thai dishes in the comfort of a local Thai family’s home. For $25, you’ll visit a fresh market, discover herbs and spices, and cook dishes like Pad Krapow and Green Curry with a master chef. The small-group setting ensures personalized attention, and the inclusion of a free recipe book makes it a practical choice for home cooks. The guide emphasizes using only fresh herbs and ingredients, adding authenticity. Many reviews highlight the friendly atmosphere and clear instructions, making this a very good value for those who want a homestyle cooking experience with local flair.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers seeking an intimate, family-style cooking class that emphasizes freshness and authentic flavor.
4. Chiang Mai: Evening Cooking Class and Local Market Visit
This 5-hour evening session combines a lively local market tour with a hands-on cooking class. You’ll learn to prepare Thai stir-fry, soup, and curry, then enjoy your creations in a relaxed group setting. The tour includes a visit to a local market and an organic garden, plus a recipe book to take home. Guests particularly appreciate the personalized attention and the chance to cook multiple dishes — a full meal in just a few hours. The small group size ensures an interactive experience. With consistently high ratings, this tour is perfect for travelers wanting an evening of culinary discovery paired with market shopping.
Bottom Line: Great if you prefer evening classes that combine market visits, hands-on cooking, and plenty of tasting.
5. Evening Cooking Class in Organic Farm with Local Market Tour
This highly rated (5.0/5 from 350 reviews) experience takes place at an organic farm just outside Chiang Mai. Starting with a local market and farm visit, you’ll learn to cook six Thai dishes from scratch, then dine on your creations. The individual cooking stations and professional instruction make it feel like a private kitchen session. The guide emphasizes real Thai techniques, and the farm setting adds a peaceful vibe. The price of $39.35 is a good deal considering the comprehensive itinerary, including market and farm visits, and a farm-to-table meal.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those who want to combine farm, market, and cooking in a scenic setting with expert guidance.
6. Chiang Mai: Evening Local Street Food Market Tour
For 2.5 hours, explore Chiang Mai’s famous night street food markets with a guide who will introduce you to at least 8 dishes. This intimate tour is perfect for food lovers wanting to sample Northern Thai delicacies, stewed pork leg, coconut dumplings, and more. The small group size and hotel transfers ensure comfort and convenience. Reviewers loving the guide’s knowledge and the chance to try authentic street food say it’s a must-do. It’s a fantastic option if you’re short on time but want a rich taste of Chiang Mai’s vibrant food scene.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those wanting a quick, flavorful introduction to Chiang Mai’s night markets and street food culture.
7. Half-Day Cooking Class with Market Tour
This 5-hour class is great for a short but comprehensive experience. You’ll visit a local market to learn about Thai vegetables and seasonings before cooking five dishes and curry paste. The small group and flexible menu options make it suitable for varied tastes. Many reviewers mention how well-organized and fun it is, especially highlighting the opportunity to cook and eat multiple dishes in a relaxed setting. The price of $34 makes it very competitive for a full immersion in Thai cooking.
Bottom Line: Good for travelers with limited time who want a hands-on, well-organized Thai cooking class.
8. Cooking Morning Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market
This morning class at an organic farm offers a personalized experience with a focus on seasonal ingredients. For just $12.59, you visit a local market, pick herbs, then cook five dishes including vegetarian and gluten-free options. The guide emphasizes learning about organic farming and Thai flavors. Reviewers praise the friendly staff, the hands-on approach, and the quality of the dishes. It’s perfect for budget travelers or those wanting a quick yet authentic Thai cooking experience.
Bottom Line: Excellent for budget-conscious travelers seeking a quick, authentic morning cooking session in a farm setting.
9. Cooking Evening Class Chiang Mai Visit Organic Garden and Market
For about $10, this evening class combines market and garden visits with a cookery session of six dishes. The small group (up to 11) makes for a personalized experience. Guests love the friendly staff and the chance to learn about Thai ingredients and cooking techniques while enjoying their own prepared meal. The class’s affordability makes it accessible for most travelers wanting a relaxed, educational evening.
Bottom Line: Ideal for budget travelers wanting a quick, fun introduction to Thai cuisine with a local touch.
10. Chiang Mai: Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium Muay Thai
Not a market tour, but a chance to experience Muay Thai, Thailand’s national sport, at the Kalare Night Bazaar Boxing Stadium. This lively event features authentic fights, traditional pre-fight rituals, and a roaring crowd. With tickets starting at only $18, it’s a great evening activity. Reviewers mention the electrifying atmosphere and the thrill of witnessing real fights. It’s perfect for sports fans or anyone curious about Thai boxing culture, providing a lively alternative to food and shopping tours.
Bottom Line: Best suited for sports enthusiasts and those wanting an exciting night out.
11. Morning Cooking Class in Organic Farm with Local Market Tour
This immersive morning experience combines a local market visit, a farm tour, and cooking six dishes in a scenic setting. For $39.35, you learn about Thai ingredients, pick herbs, and create a personalized menu. Reviewers love the friendly atmosphere, the opportunity to pick herbs straight from the farm, and the delicious meal at the end. Suitable for those wanting a comprehensive, nature-based cooking class, with the added benefit of a scenic farm environment.
Bottom Line: Ideal for nature lovers and those wanting an all-encompassing Thai cooking experience.
12. Half Day Evening Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai
This evening class is perfect if you want a short, focused experience that includes a market visit and cooking five dishes. Limited to small groups, it offers personalized attention and a chance to learn regional Northern Thai cuisine. The reviews consistently praise the guide’s knowledge and the tasty, authentic dishes made. The price (~$28) makes it a great value for a quick introduction to Thai cooking.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers with limited time wanting a taste of Northern Thai cuisine in a friendly setting.
13. Half Day Morning Cooking Class with Market Tour in Chiang Mai
This 4-hour morning class is designed for those who want a compact yet comprehensive Thai cooking experience. You’ll shop at a local market, learn about ingredients, and cook five dishes, including options like Spring Rolls and Mango Sticky Rice. Reviewers mention the fun atmosphere, clear instructions, and the ability to recreate dishes at home. It’s perfect for early risers or travelers with tight schedules.
Bottom Line: Suitable for those seeking a quick, hands-on start to Thai cooking in the morning.
14. Lanna Smile Thai Cooking Class in Chiang Mai with Market Tour
This evening class focuses on Northern Thai (Lanna) cuisine. With a small group limited to eight, you get personalized instruction, learn to cook regional dishes, and visit a local market. Many reviewers appreciate the personal attention and the detailed explanations of ingredients and techniques. It’s a great choice for those wanting to understand the regional flavors and enjoy a relaxed, friendly atmosphere.
Bottom Line: Perfect for travelers interested in regional Northern Thai dishes and personalized instruction.
15. Chiang Mai: Morning Cooking Class with Market Visit
This classic morning class combines a market visit and cooking of popular Thai dishes like Pad Thai, Green Curry, and Tom Yum. For $36, you’re guided through shopping for fresh ingredients and then preparing your own flavorful dishes. Reviewers highlight the fragrant market visit, the quality of instruction, and the recipe booklet. It’s an excellent choice for those wanting a traditional morning cooking experience with a focus on popular Thai dishes.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers seeking a traditional, well-rounded morning of market shopping and cooking.
How to Choose Your Perfect Market Tour in Chiang Mai
When deciding between these options, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you want a full-day immersion with farm visits, the Authentic Cooking Class with Farm Visit is hard to beat. For those on a budget or short on time, Half-Day Classes and Evening Classes provide excellent hands-on experiences without sacrificing authenticity.
For a culinary focus, choose a tour that matches your interests — whether it’s the organic farm experience or the northern Thai specialties. If you’re a foodie curious about street eats, the Night Market Food Tour offers a quick, flavorful overview.
Booking early is recommended, especially during high season (November to February). Remember to check whether the class includes hotel pickup, as many do, making your day hassle-free.
To sum it up, Chiang Mai offers a diverse array of shopping and market tours that cater to all tastes—whether you’re after culinary skills, authentic local markets, or vibrant street food scenes. From immersive farm-to-table experiences to quick evening street food tastings, there’s something for every traveler. For the best experience, pick the tour that matches your schedule and interests, and book early to ensure availability. With so many options, your trip to Chiang Mai will not only be a feast for the eyes but also for the palate.