This is the high water mark for authentic experiences I have encountered in Asia over the years. This is NOT a cooking class, this is FAR FAR more. The cooking component is maybe 30% of the experience. This is an immersive experience with a real rural family, inside their lovely home compound and gardens, learning about their history and way of life. You have tea, chew betelnut in their pavilions, wander the gardens nibbling on plants and herbs, and yes finally you all cook together outdoors on a clay pot / charcoal system like in the old school. Then you eat together. If you want a commercial, soulless, cookie-cutter cooking class, there are plenty. But this experience is far more comprehensive, soulful, and unforgettable.

One of our favorite experiences while visiting Thailand was the Lanna cultural and cooking class that we participated in at the home of the Raunkaew-Yanon family. Our guide, Joe, discussed the traditional Lanna lifestyle. We saw their traditional home and learned some (not excessive) Lanna history. Making our own dinner and learning to make curry and coconut milk (no canned stuff here) were fun highlights of our trip.

My friend and I signed up for this pretty last minute, and Idaytrip was able to accommodate us the same day which was so great! It included pickup and drop off to our hotel which was so helpful. Pom came to pick us up and she was very knowledgeable about the area and gave us a lot of Chiang Mai history along the way! Once we reached the Northern Home, it was so welcoming and we felt right at home. We were able to pick fresh ingredients from the backyard farm and the cooking that we did afterwards was delicious.