Both formats exist at most major cooking schools (Time for Thai, Sompong, Silom Thai Cooking, etc.).
Half-day (morning or evening, 3–4 hours): - 3 dishes typical: 1 curry, 1 stir-fry, 1 dessert - Often skips the market visit - ฿800–฿1,500 per person - Group size: 8–12 people - Best for: travelers on tight schedule, complete beginners
Full-day (8 AM – 4 PM typical): - 5–7 dishes: 2 curries, 1–2 stir-fries, 1 soup, 1 salad, 1 dessert - Market visit included (60–90 min) — learn ingredients first-hand - Recipe booklet to take home - ฿1,500–฿2,800 per person - Group size: 6–10 people - Includes lunch (your own cooking) - Best for: foodies, returning cooks, serious learners
Multi-day courses (Chiang Mai specialty): - 3-day intensive: ฿4,500–฿7,500 - Different cuisine each day: northern, southern, central Thai - Hands-on with cleaver work, curry paste from scratch - Best for: chefs, restaurant owners, slow travelers
Top schools: - Bangkok: Silom Thai Cooking School, Time for Thai, Sompong, Cooking with Poo - Chiang Mai: Thai Farm Cooking School, Asia Scenic, Smile Thai - Phuket: Pum Thai, Phuket Thai Cookery School
Beginner tip: Pick a school with English-speaking chefs. Larger classes (12+) feel rushed; small classes (4–6) let you ask questions.
Skip these: Hotel-based cooking classes — overpriced, often 1 chef cooks for you (you barely cook).