Learn Chiang Mai Culture

Academic Institutions


A large area of land in the northwest is home to Chiang Mai University, one of Thailand's most prestigious institutions of higher education with around 25,000 undergraduate and graduate students. Its main campus is situated at the base of Doi Suthep, and CMU buildings can be seen all the way up to Suandok Gate at the west end of the city's center.

Chiang Mai is also unusual in its high concentration of international schools that cater to both local and foreign students living in the city looking for kindergarten, elementary, and secondary education. Many schools are American-run and several are funded by Christian missionary organisations. Some of the more prominent schools include Prem Tinsulanonda International School, Grace International School, Chiang Mai International School, American Pacific International School (formerly Ake Panya International School), and Lanna International School.

Buddhism

  • Wat Chom Tong, Tambon Ban Luang, Amphoe Chom Tong (about 60 km south-west of the city) +66 53-826869 / +66 53-826180 is the home temple of the meditation master Achan Tong, and offers residential courses in Vipassana Meditation on an on-going basis.


  • Wat Phrathat Doi Suthep offers short and long courses in Buddhist meditation.


  • Wat Ram Poeng, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Muang (4 miles south-west of the city) +66 53-278620 offers facilities for retreats and meditation instruction.


  • Wat Umong, Tambon Suthep, Amphoe Muang (3 and a half miles out of town) +66 53-277248 (08:30-16:00) offers meditation courses and Dharma instruction in English every Sunday 15:00-18:00.


  • Wat Suan Dok Tambon Suthep, Chiang Mai (1/2 a mile west of the Old City Moat) +66 53-278967 has a meet and greet for tourists and monks, every Monday, Wednesday and Friday afternoon between 15:00 and 17:00 hrs. Also, you can sign up for a 24-hrs introduction meditation retreat.

Thai Cooking

  • A Lot Of Thai Cooking School - +66 53-800724 has special equipment for vegetarian and kosher, Market tour,and provides a recipe book from which you can cook by yourself at a later date.


  • Baan Thai Cookery School at 11 Ratchadamnoen Road, Soi 5, near Thapae Gate +66 53-357339 / +66-16714120 courses include a cook book and market tour.


  • Chiang Mai Kitchen Cooking School +66-97002099 is just 20 minutes from downtown Chiang Mai, and offers a fresh approach to Thai cooking instruction. The organic herb and vegetable garden supplements ingredients are purchased at the morning market. Before and/or after your day in the kitchen, stay overnight in their charming, traditional Thai bamboo house.


  • Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School at 1-3 Moon Muang Road +66 53-206388 (fax: +66 53-206387) offers 1/2/3/4/5-day courses. Recommended by Lonely Planet, Let's Go, Rough Guide, Frommer's and Stefan Loose guide books.


  • Gap's School Of Thai Culinary Art has its office at Gap's House, 3 Rajadamnern Soi 4 +66 53-270143 high standards, proper organisation, your own stove, 1 teacher per 5 students.


  • Smart Cook Thai Cookery School at 21 Moonmuang Road, Soi 5, +66 53-418309 / - market tour, cook book. Accommodates vegetarian cooking. Small classes and fun staff. Highly recommended.


  • Sompet Cookery School, 56 Patan Road +66 53-214897 - learn to cook the way Thai people do - at home. Visit their riverside home and learn to cook traditional Thai food. They have courses every day, morning and afternoon. A recipe book with colour photographs will be provided of each dish to suggest the many ways to prepare and serve Thai food.


  • Carving lessons - +66 53-285056 - learn how to carve on fruit and vegetable, with pictures and notes to take away and refer to later at home.

Thai Language

  • AUA
  • Easy Study Thai
  • YMCA