What’s Cooking?
Day 1: Khao Soi Welcome
Land in Chiang Mai and dive into a bowl of khao soi — creamy, spicy coconut noodle soup that’s northern Thailand’s pride. Your guide’ll take you to a local fave, no tourist traps here. Stroll the Old City’s walls, grabbing sai ua (herb-packed sausage) from a stall. Dinner’s at a riverside spot with larb and sticky rice, plus a Chang beer to toast the trip.
Day 2: Organic Farm Visit
Head to an organic farm outside the city. Walk through fields of lemongrass and chilies, chat with farmers, and maybe pick some herbs. Lunch is farm-fresh: think tam mak hoong (papaya salad) and grilled fish. Afternoon’s a cooking class — learn to make khao soi and gaeng hang lay (pork curry). Eat your creations for dinner under the stars.
Day 3: Night Market Madness
Morning’s free — sleep in or hit a cafe for Thai iced tea. Late afternoon, explore Warorot Market for dried mango and pork rinds. Then it’s the famous Chiang Mai Night Market, where stalls sling mango sticky rice, khanom jeen (curry noodles), and fried crickets if you’re game. Dinner’s a pick-your-own adventure with your guide’s tips.
Day 4: Temple Food with Monks
Join a temple food experience, sharing a vegetarian meal with Buddhist monks. Think simple, soulful dishes like pumpkin curry and morning glory stir-fry. Learn about their food philosophy — it’s humbling. Lunch is at a local joint for nam prik ong (chili dip with veggies). Afternoon’s for Doi Suthep temple or chilling. Dinner’s northern Thai hotpot, family-style.
Day 5: Cooking Deep Dive
Another cooking class, this time for northern classics like khua kling (spicy minced pork) and fern salad. Lunch is your handiwork. Afternoon’s a bike ride through rice paddies (e-bikes if you’re lazy), stopping at a village for coffee. Dinner’s at a spot known for its gaeng som (sour curry) and live acoustic tunes.
Day 6: Farewell Feast
Last day’s a slow savor. Visit a morning market for khao kha moo (braised pork leg) and fresh smoothies. Lunch is a group feast at a farm-to-table restaurant — think jungle curry and organic greens. Afternoon’s free for souvenirs or a massage. Wrap with a farewell dinner at a lantern-lit spot, feasting on northern Thai platters and coconut desserts.
Why It’s Awesome
This tour’s like a warm hug from Chiang Mai’s food scene. You’re not just eating — you’re picking herbs, cooking with locals, and sharing stories with monks. It’s farm-fresh meets night-market wild, with a pace that lets you breathe. Your guide’s a Chiang Mai insider who’ll show you hidden gems and make you feel at home. Six days, and you’ll be planning your move here.
