Learn how to make amazing Thai food in one of my Thai Cooking Classes on Koh Tao
Learn how to cook amazing Thai food in a real Thai cooking class in Koh Tao — with a friendly local teacher, at my rooftop home cooking school in Sairee Village. I’m Parawan, and I teach small-group and private lessons where you choose 3 dishes from the class menu (curries, stir-fries, noodle dishes, soups, and fresh curry pastes). Classes are hands-on, beginner-friendly, and you don’t need any previous cooking experience.
Many visitors on Koh Tao want to learn something meaningful during their holiday, and a Thai cooking class is one of the most popular things to do on Koh Tao besides diving. You’ll learn how to balance salty, sour, sweet, and spicy flavours — and cook authentic Thai dishes you can recreate at home.
My Thai cooking school is located on the rooftop of my house in Sairee, with fresh ingredients, your own cooking station, and a relaxed island atmosphere. Group classes (1–7 people), private classes (1–6 people), and online cooking lessons are available every day. You simply choose your 3 dishes, and I’ll teach you step by step.
If you are searching for the best Thai cooking class on Koh Tao — this is a friendly, personal experience where you learn real Thai family recipes, understand substitutions, taste fresh herbs from southern Thailand, and cook with confidence.
Koh Tao is a small island in the Gulf of Thailand known for tourism and lifestyle experiences such as diving, cooking, and island hospitality (Source). It is part of the Chumphon Archipelago in southern Thailand and is easy to reach by ferry from Koh Samui, Chumphon, or Surat Thani. Many visitors come to Koh Tao to learn new skills such as Thai cooking while they are on holiday.
Thai food culture is different from region to region in Thailand. In southern Thailand and the island areas, dishes often use fresh seafood, coconut milk, lemongrass, and spicy chilli pastes (Source). Koh Tao gets local ingredients from the mainland and nearby islands, so visitors often taste a mix of classic southern flavours and central Thai dishes such as curries, soups, and noodle stir-fries.
About me: I am Parawan — a friendly, fun teacher who loves Thai food culture and keeps learning new cooking techniques. I teach group classes and private classes at my home in Koh Tao and also offer one-to-one online lessons. I’m originally from Kalasin in northeast Thailand, later studied and worked in Bangkok, and moved to Koh Tao about 15 years ago with my family. I discovered how much I enjoy teaching while helping a friend’s classes here on Koh Tao, and I love showing guests how to recreate authentic Thai dishes at home — which ingredients are essential and what you can substitute if you can’t find everything fresh.
So I decided to open my own Thai cooking school and do something I truly love — now it doesn’t even feel like work anymore!
Upgrading the cooking school space
I converted the roof space of my house into a purpose-built area for my Thai cooking classes on Koh Tao. I can comfortably teach up to seven people in a class. There is enough space for everyone to move around and prepare ingredients safely, and no one feels crowded. Each person has their own prep area and cooking station with cutting boards, knives, cooking equipment, and access to the stove. The open layout lets me demonstrate each step clearly before students repeat it at their stations. Click the image to enlarge it for a closer look.
You can take a cooking lesson and learn how to prepare authentic Thai dishes step-by-step. Popular dishes taught in class include:
- Pad Thai
- Thai Spring Rolls
- Tom Yum soup
- Thai Green Curry
- Massaman Curry
- Panang Curry
- Red Curry
- Homemade Thai curry paste from scratch
Class menu & booking options
You can request your favourite Thai dishes — or choose from our updated class menu options. This page shows the current dishes available for group and private cooking classes, and you can select the three dishes you want to cook during your lesson. Browse stir-fried dishes, curries, soups, and classic noodle recipes — we update the menu whenever new seasonal ingredients or student favourites become available.
When you come to take a Thai cooking class on Koh Tao with me, you’ll learn to make three different dishes. Vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian options are available — just let me know in advance. I can also adapt recipes for most allergies.
You can view all dish options on the Cooking Course Menu page. The first person to book a group class chooses the menu. If a menu is already set and it’s not what you want, I’ll help you find a class that fits.
Below are group cooking classes that already have menus selected (If not displaying, click HERE)
Thai cooking class FAQ
How long is the cooking class?
Most classes take around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on the dishes selected and the pace of the group.
What time do group classes start?
Group classes usually start at 9:30am or 2:00pm. Some private classes can also start at 6:30pm.
How does the menu work?
The first person to book a group class chooses the three dishes for everyone to cook. Once a class is booked, the selected menu is shown on my public calendar above.
Where is the cooking class in Koh Tao?
The class is at my home in Sairee Village, Koh Tao. After you book, you’ll get clear directions and the exact location details.
Is it suitable for beginners?
Yes — it’s beginner-friendly. I’ll guide you step-by-step, and you’ll learn techniques you can use again at home.
Can you cater for vegetarian or vegan diets?
Yes. I can adapt many dishes for vegetarian, vegan, and pescatarian preferences — just let me know when you book (there’s an option on the booking form).
Do you offer private classes?
Yes. Private classes are available for couples, families, and groups. You can choose your preferred start time (subject to availability), with extra availability for evening private classes.
Do you have online Thai cooking classes?
Yes — online classes are available worldwide. Timing is flexible and can work across different time zones (subject to availability).
How do I book?
Book on the website using the booking form below to see live availability and class options. If you’re unsure what to pick, message me and I’ll be happy help.