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Host: Aoy

Bangkok, Thailand

USD
$40-$240 per person

Scenic boat ride and authentic Thai cooking class with Aoy

Host offerings
  • House
  • Home cook
  • Pets
  • Vegetarian
  • Alcohol
  • Transportation
  • Cooking class
  • Market visit
  • Food tour

Meet Aoy

Learn to cook with the winner of Iron Chef Thailand! Aoy is a passionate food and yoga lover who fully commits herself to every task at hand especially when it comes to preparing authentic and beautifully presented Thai dishes. Aoy lived abroad for 10 years and since returning to Thailand has dedicated herself to teaching Thai cooking to foreigners and opening a restaurant in her home. Aoy lives on a lush, beautiful property on the banks of the Tha Chin River and uses fresh herbs and produce grown in the local community in her cooking. Aoy's home is in the Nakhon Sathom Province and is a wonderful stop en route back from the Damnoen Saduak floating market into the city.

On days that Aoy is traveling, her master chef will host you. Her chef has worked for years behind the scenes of some of the best food establishments in town and will pass on some of her culinary expertise as guests learn what goes into the making mouthwatering dishes, from how to slice lemongrass to figuring out the perfect number of chilies to throw into the spiciest of dishes.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-40 guests) Dine on Aoy's creative Thai dishes based on her family recipes in an air-conditioned dining room overlooking the river (or outdoors if the weather is nice). You will enjoy a meal of two to three dishes that may include muu phad grachhay (fried pork marinated in herbs and topped with fried finger root), gang phed ped yang (red curry with roasted duck, pineapple, pumpkin and sweet basil), pad Thai with shrimp or pad see ew, somtam lood (one of Aoy’s signature dishes with shredded green papaya, shrimp, tomato, long green bean, and roasted peanut all beautifully wrapped in a noodle sheet and served with a sweet and sour dressing) or tom yam gluuay (banana in spicy soup with fragrant Thai herbs) followed by dessert. Aoy is not only passionate about cooking but also presenting dishes artfully with flowers and herbs from her garden.

Please note that Aoy runs a restaurant out of her home so there may be a few patrons of the restaurant in the dining room during your meal.

Cooking experience: (1-30 guests) After your boat ride, you will be greeted with a welcome drink in the calm of Aoy's garden oasis. You will then join Aoy in her professional kitchen studio for your cooking class. During this hands-on cooking lesson you will learn to prepare from scratch two of Aoy's favorite Thai dishes. Aoy will share her deep knowledge of Thai herbs and spices and passion for cooking as you cook together in her studio kitchen that is also used by her other cooks for the restaurant or a quaint, outdoor garden kitchen she runs from her home. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and chop vegetables, pound spices, and laugh as you cook together with this charming and fun-loving host! Aoy is excited to share his culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Bangkok. She can also accommodate a vegetarian diet in her Thai cooking class.

Market visit: (1-30 guests) Aoy (or Aoy's team) will pick you up in her car at the Bang Wa BTS Station and drive you to two markets for your market tour. Your first stop will be at an extensive wholesale market with a huge variety of produce, meat, seafood (including lots of live fish), dry goods and noodle makers. Enjoy a breakfast of Thai snacks and coffee at this market before you explore Don Wai Market, a very local market, located next to a Buddhist temple and the Tha Chin River. The market is known for its wide variety of vegetables and Thai snacks and you will seldom see a non-local shopping here. As you shop together, Aoy will show you regional fruit and vegetables at her preferred vendors in the market. After learning about the local produce and farming community you will board a boat that Aoy steers herself. Enjoy the river breeze and passing views of local homes and lush river vegetation during your 15-30 min boat ride to Aoy's tropical riverside home.

Notes: Please note that on the days that Aoy is traveling, her chef, an expert in Thai cuisine will host you for your experience. Beer is available for purchase on location.

If you choose the paid transport option, you will be picked up and dropped off by car from your hotel in Bangkok.

Languages spoken: English, Thai, German

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Welcome drink
  • Som tum lood (papaya salad)
  • Tom kha gai (coconut chicken soup)
  • Gang phed ped yang (red curry with roasted duck)
  • Dessert

Traveler reviews

4.98 (41)
This was amazing, if you want to do a cooking tour, then I highly recommend this, even though it is dearer then others. We had fun and lots of laughs. Amazing hosts in an amazing location. It’s was interesting visiting the local markets and then travelling down the waterways to the restaurant where we’re made to fell extremely welcome. The cooking class was fun and we got to make yummy food. I must say we had the best pad Thai made by us whilst in Thailand. This is a must so book the experience today and have as much fun as we had.
- Keron April 12, 2023
Aoy was an amazing hostess! We travel a lot and have done many cooking classes and food tours. Hers was one of the best! She went above and beyond with photos. She created a memorable experience for us. We walked through the market and learned about food and flowers. Aoy took us on her boat to her restaurant where she helped us create a delicious meal. Aoy explained that Thai food is about detail and sharing. She accomplished both during this experience. One note, we ended up on the wrong side of the street for pick up. Be on the opposite side of the Amazon Cafe.
- Amy B April 05, 2023
This is the TOTAL package. Aoy is simply amazing and takes her time to show you how to cook while giving you a complete experience, from going to markets to select the perfect ingredients, to explaining why and how things are made/curated. This is not simply a rushed cooking class in a classroom. It is a complete day of learning and immersion. I was very lucky she was available. She is passionate, caring, takes her time and truly expresses her love for her culture, the food and what she does. Her restaurant is gorgeous. Her staff are very kind. The markets we visited were an experience in itself. You get to taste some many things along the way. The boat ride to her restaurant was serene and you get to see a bit of the canal life. Upon arrival you are greeted in a very personalized manor with a fresh towel to cool off, a tea and snack. Then you get a tour of her restaurant and to start cooking. She is an artist and it is evident in her display of the ingredients in kitchen you use! It is hard to explain this experience correctly....it was fun, engaging, entertaining, educational and delicious! If you are truly a lover of food and people this is a perfect way to spend a day! THANK YOU AOY!
- 752chry March 06, 2023
This is the TOTAL package. Aoy is simply amazing and takes her time to show you how to cook while giving you a complete experience, from going to markets to select the perfect ingredients, to explaining why and how things are made/curated. This is not simply a rushed cooking class in a classroom. It is a complete day of learning and immersion. I was very lucky she was available. She is passionate, caring, takes her time and truly expresses her love for her culture, the food and what she does. Her restaurant is gorgeous. Her staff are very kind. The markets we visited were an experience in itself. You get to taste some many things along the way. The boat ride to her restaurant was serene and you get to see a bit of the canal life. Upon arrival you are greeted in a very personalized manor with a fresh towel to cool off, a tea and snack. Then you get a tour of her restaurant and to start cooking. She is an artist and it is evident in her display of the ingredients in kitchen you use! It is hard to explain this experience correctly....it was fun, engaging, entertaining, educational and delicious! If you are truly a lover of food and people this is a perfect way to spend a day! THANK YOU AOY!
- 752chry March 06, 2023
Aoy is a sincere and passionate guide. The markets that she brought us to were such an eye opening and insightful experience. The boat ride was enjoyable and her restaurant is beautiful and filled with so much love. She looked after us so well yet kept a comfortable pace throughout the tour. She covered so much in a relaxed manner. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to experience much more than a cooking class. See the country side with her and get to know a different side of Bangkok.
- kaythxbye February 13, 2023
Aoy was nothing less than amazing. Her passion and love for food resonated during our entire time together, and she provided a magical experience! By far one of the best days of our time in Thailand!
- saffiem January 02, 2023
We were incredibly lucky to find this opportunity (not just a tour, but a lifetime experience) through Trip Advisor. After easily booking on short notice it, was easy to communicate with Tasting Spoon Inc. and Aoy to ensure we met at the right place/time and could adjust the menu as desired. Aoy was/is so much more than an amazing chef, but a guide (informed by travel and experience around the world), foodie sommelier, and quickly became a friend. Her beautifully cared for home/restaurant and deeply caring staff were immediate reflections of how she pours her heart into her loves (food and people). Our travel with her through various markets to pick ingredients for our meal and learn more about Thai food culture was fascinating and also showed how much she is respected in the community. We will highly recommend her and her business to anyone we know visiting Bangkok. The pictures below of the amazing meal we made (before and after) together with Aoy and her staff and one of the walls outside her home show a glimpse of what was *the best* day! Thank you Aoy and your wonderful staff - you are inspirations!
- puk88 January 01, 2023
My sister and I took Aoy’s class together, and it was our favorite day of our whole trip to Thailand! Aoy is so friendly and passionate, and is full of knowledge. It was an action packed day - we went to flower, meat and vegetable markets with new foods at every stop, enjoyed a boat ride to her gorgeous restaurant on the water and then learned to cook 4 recipes. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone looking to have a unique immersion experience off the beaten path. Thank you Aoy!!
- 44alyssar September 20, 2022
We joined Aoy on the cooking class during our most recent trip to Bangkok and we were thoroughly impressed. You get to see a different part of the city during the market and temple visit - what a joy to have a local show one around like this! The cooking class itself is well presented, very interactive and a lot of fun. The food itself was delicious and the atmosphere incredible.
- Petrus_D April 15, 2022
We had a wonderful day spending time with Aoy! She is a very personable and knowledgeable guide and hostess. We had fun shopping with her at the market, riding down the river in her boat, and were so delighted to arrive at her idyllic restaurant. At the restaurant we relaxed, then got busy cooking and enjoying the meal that we prepared with Aoy.
- Ashley January 05, 2022
Through and thoughtful experience outside Bangkok. If you want to see parts of Thailand you won't otherwise see, this the one. Aoywann, the guide and chef, is amazing. She really wants to share he country with you and went above and beyond with us. We went on a multiple tours and then headed to her restaurant and cooking school via her boat. We felt transported! Don't be in a hurry--enjoy your time with her. We made sniped herbs from her garden, multiple dishes at her cooking school, and then ate in her wonderful AC atrium. She was the best and made sure we saw everything we could. She really made it personalized!! Can't recommend her enough if you want to get out of Bangkok and explore.
- M3643JZmaryn February 29, 2020
Aoy met us at the train station, then carried it by car to various fine and fresh markets, such as flower, meats, seafood and vegetables, etc. Aoy knows a lot in the markets so there were many good tastings, so come hungry. Aoy is also very flexible and adapter to cooking for us and my allergy.The last market was with the locals, which Aoy takes great care of where we made the last purchases. After that it was a wonderful boat trip on the river with Aoy as captain. The trip went to her fantastic restaurant where we were welcomed very personally and with the and snacks. After the break, we went into her garden and picked flowers and spices. After that we put on our aprons and started to hack and mortar. Lovely sweet scents spread in her fine glazed outdoor kitchen. The food was decorated with flowers and leaves from her garden. In the end, we sat down and enjoyed the tasty dishes. Very fun and educational day, can be highly recommended. She gave as so much more than just a cooking class, lots of history, culture and much more.
- evarV4683EC February 01, 2020
Fantastic experience. Aoy was a fantastic host and gave me and my husband a really good experience with Thai cuisine and culture. The instruction and explanation about the daily plan and meeting point was easy to follow. Aoy met us up and took us to 3 different markets, flower market, meat and vegetable market. There we got to taste a ton of different ingredients to learn how they tasted bad separately and worked perfectly together. The markets were authentic Thai because it was all Thai people and we were the only ones with blond hair. Not only we learnt a lot about Thai cuisine, but the history of Thailand, the kings and the dishes. We were kind of surprised that Pad Thai originally did not come from Thailand but China. We bought the ingredients ourselves with the help of Aoy choosing what we prefered and she drove us on her little boat back to her restaurant and learnt cooking. One of us was vegetarian. It was not a problem for Aoy to mix up different recipes for both of us. Aoy was very friendly and personal. She welcomed us with her heart at the restaurant. This is a perfect trip for couples to have fun and learn cooking a couple of Thai dishes. I kind of don't recommend this for bigger group cause the cooking process, that Aoy makes all curry pastes and flavours from raw indigrence, which makes it hard in a bigger group. Aoy did a lot of work that she didn't explain. Because the whole Thai cuisine cannot be taught within 6 hours. Aoy sent the recipe on email after the cooking course and drove us back to where we met up in the morning. Again, we recommend this experience to others! Have fun!
- erik7158 January 17, 2020
We spent most of the day with Aoy, owner of Aoywaan Riverside Restaurant. Aoy was very engaging and very interested in showing off the local markets where she shops for her restaurant. She knows many of the vendors well and was incredibly generous with making sure we got to see, smell and taste many of the more unusual local ingredients and products. By the end of the market tour, we were already so stuffed with samples and goodies, we couldn't believe we were about to start a cooking extravaganza. After shopping the market we took a relaxing riverboat ride from the market to her restaurant and spent a few hours preparing an early dinner after a little break. Her recipes were delicious, and made use of some less familiar ingredients (i.e. white and yellow turmeric, fingerroots and a few ingredients we still don't know the names of) which was very nice. Even though we have some experience with cooking Thai food and many of the flavors we were familiar, there were some subtle twists as a result of her recipes that were very nice. Overall a great experience, although be aware that even though the class says 6 hours that starts pretty early, it is a very full day, particularly with the travel time on the BTS. We had tentative plans to go walk Chatuchak after the class, but by the time we got back to the city, it was late afternoon and we ended up just heading back to the hotel to pass out. Finally, another nice thing is that Aoy has been pretty communicative with us after the class and is very good about sending us photos and answering follow-up questions about our experience.
- Nelson S January 12, 2020
Fantastic way to start off a visit to Thailand.
- shknblake January 04, 2020
This experience far exceeded my expectations! Aoy is vivacious and full of energy. With her warm, engaging personality, I felt like I already knew her. She picked us up at our hotel and took us first to a beautiful flower market. The next stop was a huge food market that included a food court where we sampled some of her favorite foods. We reached her lovely riverside restaurant (Aoywann Riverside Thai Cuisine) and cooking school by way of her charming wooden boat. The setting of her restaurant is a tropical oasis on the river. Oh yeah...and the food was amazing. Aoy pours her heart into all she does - you will love her!!
- Pamvass January 03, 2020
If you want a customized, unique cooking experience, book with Aoy Marunrueng. She runs Aoywaaan Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom province outside of Bangkok with David Cleland, managing director and chef. They picked us up at a subway station in Bangkok and from there they took us to TWO market tours: one for wholesale and one for locals. They explained the different ingredients and had us sample some fruit and snacks. Everything was delicious! It was really nice having someone talk us through everything. Afterwards, we took a scenic boat ride down the river to Aoy's restaurant where we had our cooking class. We told them that we didn't want to cook typical dishes like pad thai so they customized the class for us and had us make pomelo salad since pomelo was in season. We also made green curry from scratch then used that leftover curry paste to make fried rice and marinated chicken skewers. Delicious and so full of flavor! We highly highly recommend this experience.
- bunnybunss November 23, 2019
A perfect day with fantastic people. Get our of busy Bangkok and visit a nice market soly with locals and a nice, tough lady with a beautiful small cafe. She speaks english and german fluent and works hard to compose a unique experience for you.
- stalek2015 November 10, 2019
Prompt pickup from an easy to get to MRT and BTS station. We shopped in two markets for their restaurant and our meal. We had a good breakfast at one of the vendors in probably the cleanest market I’ve seen. The tour through the market was very informative. The second market was the original floating market. We saw the young monks parading through for alms. My husband wanted to try chicken legs. Aoy bought a few extra to prepare as a surprise side dish for lunch (very nice touch). The boat ride up the river was just us. Beautiful scenery! The restaurant caters to mostly affluent locals and is fantastic! Views of the river and floating dock would keep you there all day. The class is serious business. This is truly a hands on meal creation. You will learn a great deal! I would even recommend this to professional chefs. Aoy is a great chef and teacher. You’ll even get to walk around the premises to collect herbs and fruits.
- Jane435 October 23, 2019
My daughter were picked up by Nunchie and given a tour of a food and flower market prior to boarding a boat and travelled to the cooking class which is also an operating world class restaurant. It was most enjoyable. Next time I am in Thailand I will be contacting the restaurant to book a table as the food and ambience are second to none.
- Tim S October 02, 2019
This tour was by far the best experience we had in Bangkok. Before you read on please know this, my husband and I spent hours, just like you, trying to find the perfect cooking/food experiences in Thailand. Look no further, book this now! Aoy will be your guide and wow, she is an amazing lady. She taught us the ways of Thai cuisine and cooking, and not like the other cooking classes where it is all just laid out and you follow the recipe. You will actually taste test items, pick from her garden, choose unique items to cook with, and she will lead you along in the process as you taste test, add, or change as you cook. You will start with Aoy and her assistant, David (who is from the US!) going to 3 local markets to pick out fresh food and flowers for your meal. It was so much fun at the markets because we were able to try her and David’s favorite items. Luckily, Aoy knows all of the vendors so we tried much of it for free! We then took a short ride on a boat out to her restaurant, Aoywaan Riverside!We were welcomed by all of her amazing staff with snacks and tea. They are all so friendly!After this you will cook your meal with Aoy by your side. She even has her staff taking pictures while you cook! Needless to say, this experience was one we will never forget. It was by far the best meal I have ever eaten, and it was an authentic experience learning about Thai culture and cuisine. Thank you Aoy, David, and your whole staff at Aoywaan Riverside for such an amazing experience. We loved every minute!
- Maceface44 August 04, 2019
Het was echt in 1 woord geweldig! Wij werden op het treinstation opgehaald door Aoy (de gastvrouw) en bezochten vervolgens verschillende markten, waar wij verse ingrediënten kochten om later te gaan gebruiken tijdens de kookles. Het was geweldig om kennis te maken met de lokale bevolking.Vervolgens vaarden we met haar boot naar haar restaurant aan het water, waar wij hartelijk werden ontvangen met een hapje en een drankje! Het koken vond plaats in de buitenkeuken, dit was ook geweldig. Wij hebben heerlijk gekookt onder begeleiding van Aoy. Mooi om te zien hoeveel passie zij heeft voor koken en vooral de ingrediënten. Na het koken hebben wij heerlijk gedineerd en genoten van het heerlijke eten en de drankjes.Ook een groot compliment naar het personeel; zij zijn super vriendelijk en bieden een top service!Deze kookles is zeker aan te raden als je het drukke Bangkok even achter je wilt laten, kennis wilt maken met het lokale leven en de producten!
- Kariennn June 28, 2019
We were very pleasantly surprised with this promised half day experience which ended up taking most of the day with extra-curricular activities such as visiting a major and unique temple and then a wonderful open air concert area and a renowned monument called the "Standing Buddha". The market experience was amazing in that it was a huge local market covering fruit, vegetables, meats, seafood and various supplies, it must be the cleanest market we have ever visited. Aoywaan gave us a lesson on local herbs and vegetables, particularly ones that we were going to use in our cooking and which she purchased fresh right there and then.We were then taken on a 15 minute ride boat to her riverfront restaurant where we then had a relaxing tea-break (with specialties of the house) before our cooking classes started.The classes themseves were sooo good and we highly recommend the personal and thoughtful attention we were shown. We couldn't wait to enjoy the fabulous dishes we had just prepared, paired with some of her own specialty mocktails!
- GeAth123 May 20, 2019
My husband and I met Aoy and her business partner Tien for a most fantastic day in the outskirts of Bangkok.We met our hosts at the end of the BTS skytrain. A short drive through the Bangkok traffic and we arrived at the Bangkok wholesale markets. We had a fantastic walk through the market where we talked fruit, vegetables, herbs and other produce. There were many delicious samples although we were not such great fans of Durian!Another short ride and we arrived at another market (floating) and Buddhist temple. After further touring and sampling we met the boat for a wonderful trip boat trip along the river passing local homes and farms until we arrived at Aoywaan Riverside Thai restaurant.The next few hours passed in a whirlwind. We cooked several courses. Soup, salad, grilled meats and green curry. I particularly enjoyed mixing the curry paste and learning how to adjust the mix to create the salty, seat, spicy flavours of Thai cooking.We then sat on the divine balcony of Aoy's restaurant and ate our cooking. The weather was divine and the cocktail delicious. It capped a fantastic few days in Bangkok.I particularly enjoyed the hospitality and kindness of Aoy and Tien. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and learned so much of Bangkok, Thailand, the culture and the people of this lovely and hospitable country.
- Flip_Coote March 15, 2019
My aunt and I had an amazing time with Aoy and her business partner, Tien. They both provided excellent service, from picking us up from the BTS station and driving us to the market and then taking us on a boat ride down the river surrounded by cute Thai homes and lush greenery to Aoy's restaurant where we completed the cooking class. Their passion for food was infectious and made me want to cook more! The food we made was delicious too and included papaya salad, green curry with chicken, and tom yum soup! It was also great walking around the market since we got to try various snacks and pick up some things to bring back. If you are considering this experience, it is totally worth the money and a great way to get out of Bangkok and explore the surrounding area which is quite beautiful.
- KtSammy March 04, 2019
Aoy and her wonderful smile, met me at my hotel in Bangkok, took me on a tour of her local market, then ferried me by boat to her charming river-side restaurant 45 minutes outside of the city. It was wonderful to get away of the chaos of the city, and to get a glimpse of small-town, riverside life. I was the only student, and Aoy and I cooked 3 courses together, based on the items we'd picked up at the market, and then she surprised me with a fourth when we sat down to eat a a table in her charming, local restaurant (it was actually dinner btw, not lunch). I loved the entire experience.
- Jennifer H January 20, 2019
Aoy met us as agreed at Bang Wa BTS on a very sunny Monday morning. Our first stop was the Flower market where we saw many fresh flowers and beautiful arrangements used for the many Thai festivals. From there, we then went to 2 local fresh food markets - and saw all the wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood. There was the opportunity to pick up the ingredients for our lunch too - which were fresh flower crabs and veggies. After the second market and with our shopping, Aoy took us by boat to her home/ restaurant. Her staff had prepared a Welcome sign for our Group. We learnt how to prepare 4 dishes - a grilled chicken dish, a coconut chicken soup with bananas, a spicy Thai papaya salad (Somtam) and fried pepper crab with the flower crabs we bought from the market. Aoy showed us how to prepare the dishes as well as explained to us about the many spices that went into the dishes. She was particular about how each ingredient had to be cut - size, thickness and length - to ensure maximum flavour. She advised us that for the crabs - it would be better to steam them first before frying with the spices. Our cooking lesson took over an hour. After which, we sat down to a very delicious late lunch. Being a Monday - the restaurant was not very busy and hence allowed Aoy to spend more time with us. We enjoyed our day with Aoy. She was patient and took the time to explain the different cooking methods and ingredients used for the dishes. We would recommend a session with her as her location is away from Bangkok City. We got to see another part of Bangkok which we wouldn’t have been able to but for the class.
- Belinda K August 26, 2018
This experience was the most memorable part of our trip. We got more out of the day than what was expected and enjoyed every minute. We got to visit three different markets, take a boat out to the cooking class and enjoy the beautiful views at Aoy’s restaurant. Aoy was extremely educational, my partner and I learnt not only about Thai cooking but also culture, history, Thai markets and the best spots to go. Aoy was so welcoming, friendly and helpful. It is safe to say we will be making this part of every future trip to Thailand. It was our favourite thing to do here and we can’t thank the fabulous Aoy enough for such a perfect and traditional experience.
- jess t July 12, 2018
Aoy and her staff were extremely friendly and professional! Our hotel recommended this tour and I understand why! Aoy met us at the Bang Wa BTS Station right on time. She took us to a few of her favorite markets to pick fresh produce and meats for cooking. Aoy knew so many of the local vendors and allowed us to try local fruits. She took pictures and videos to capture the memories while we enjoyed the sights and tastes of the Don Wai Market. She shared stories of her childhood in Rai Khing District and her many travels around the world. After market Aoy was also our boat captain and took us down the river to her restaurant. We were greeted by her exceptional staff, served tea and pastries and relaxed along the river. Aoy had many small touches to welcome us to her restaurant, more importantly welcome us as family. After we took a break we met her and her team in the kitchen to start prepping the meals. Aoy isn’t going to hand you a recipe to follow. She’s going to taste food with you, add spice with you, she’s going to create a meal with you and teach you to cook in your own kitchen. If you need step by step instructions to read and follow you will be disappointed. If you want to have a conversation about why herbs are chosen and why they are freshly ground a certain way to release flavors this is the class for you. Aoy wants you to explore food Thai food and Thai culture with her. What we thought would be a 4 hour day turned into a full day adventure including a few popular sights in her town. Aoy’s team had everything ready for us to focus on cooking and made sure we could enjoy our time there. Aoy loves style and presentation, everything has to smell good, look good and taste good. Spend some with Aoy and you will know she’s all about the details. We finished preparing our meals and enjoyed lunch on the river. Aoy and her staff ensured a splendid experience. She focuses on bringing the local culture to life through her cooking and stories. Her spirit, laughter and smile are contagious. She wants everyone to feel like her family and cooking with her in another country we were visiting felt just like home.
- Javier A May 24, 2018
Aoy and Tien really go above and beyond to add the personal touch and make you feel super at-home via their experience. They are passionate about food, cooking, the Thai culture and speak excellent English. Perfect if you have a free morning/afternoon and want to explore a different side of Bangkok. You won't be disappointed, and they are certain to look after you. Come armed with stories and the readiness to have fun and to relax
- Jessica C March 31, 2018
We got lucky and it was just my wife and I. Aoy meets you at the exit of the Sky Train. We started with a hour tour of the Buddhist Foundation which has 1 million visitors a year. Spectacular grounds and truly off the beaten path. Then a good hour in the market by the river. Aoy knows many of the vendors and we sampled lots of items. Followed by a 20 minute boat ride and two hour cooking class. We prepared 5 dishes in a beautiful outdoor kitchen and enjoyed it at a table at Aoy’s restaurant with a view of the river. Come hungry and sit back and enjoy.
- davidhV8108PG February 04, 2018
Aoy is the best possible host! She took us to this incredible market outside of Bangkok where she knew everyone and had us taste everything. We then had a scenic lovely boat tour to her restaurant/kitchen. The set up for the class was beautiful. Each team had an assistant and we made four different delicious dishes. We highly recommend her to anyone. It was really the best day for our whole group!
- Julianne F January 17, 2018
Aoy was absolutely incredible. She wowed us with a wonderful market visit where she seemed to know everyone. Then, we took us on a majestic boat ride to her restaurant which included awesome live music. When we reached the restaurant, there was more live music, a sign welcoming our group, a welcome drink and snack that was delicious, and then we got to work. The sous chefs were very capable and helpful and I felt that we really learned how to make the dishes (and we got hard copies of the recipes when we left). Overall, the best experience we had in Thailand! Thanks, Aoy!! Oh and we loved the lemongrass towels to end our night.
- Breona J January 13, 2018
I just returned from Aoy’s cooking class and tour . It was a highlight of my trip . Aoy is not only a wonderful chef but great host and guide . She goes out of her way to make sure you have the best experience possible . In addition she is an amazing chef , in a city that has fantastic food , her restaurant was the best in terms of taste, quality, presentation and welcoming environment I would highly recommend this tour (Aoy) for anyone who wants an authentic Thai experience .
- Traveler106666 January 11, 2018
Aoy picked us up from the BTS and showed us a couple of markets before she drove us by boat to her place along the river. We really enjoyed Aoy and the energy she brought to the entire day. We learned how to make some interesting dishes, and more importantly got to eat them! All in all we had an amazing day and will recommend Aoy to anyone looking for a cooking or eating experience in Thailand!!
- pwallmann January 09, 2018
This was the best thing i did while in Bangkok! Aoy was great! She was friendly and knowledgeable and taught me how to make a delicious meal! I also enjoyed being in the restaurant which is by the river and relaxing. This is a MUST DO if you are visiting Bangkok! Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this tour and workshop.
- simonin2016 December 30, 2017
Aoy was an incredible host, she was warm, welcoming and charming. She picked me up from Bang Wa BTS and we drove through some beautiful parks and boulevards before arriving at the markets. The produce was fresh and Aoy seemed to know everyone there. She was eager to share her knowledge about the local produce and I was lucky enough to sample a few delicious things. After the markets we then got into a boat and traveled along the river before we arrived at her restaurant. I was greeted with tea and dessert. After relaxing for a bit, we then began the cooking lesson. Aoy accommodated my vegetarian diet perfectly - I learnt how to make a banana Tom Yum, tofu pad Thai and a papaya salad. Aoy was an excellent teacher, she explained all the steps carefully and guided me through the whole process. I would definitely book Aoy as a host again and recommend her to anyone. I truly felt like I was invited in to participate in her world and I was very grateful for the experience. She is a wonderful person who not only made me feel comfortable but also made me laugh and helped me to gain a deeper insight into the food, people and culture of Thailand.
- Ishtar September 11, 2017
We literally spent part of our first day with Aoy. We landed, took a short nap and were the whisked into a truly local experience. Aoy took us to the Do Wai floating market where we picked up her boat and puttered up stream to her home and riverside restaurant.The food was delicious, and the presentation was beautiful. Local beer came wrapped in banana leaves with a orchid tucked in. Orchards were in fact liberally added to the table. There were a number of courses including a duck stew cooked in a small green pumpkin. Since Aoy was our first introduction to Bangkok she asked our interests and then offered the perfect suggestions of places to go. I'm so glad to have learned about Traveling Spoon just days before our departure.
- healeyjk August 14, 2017
Cooking in Bangkok with Ayo. Awesome! Everything was exactly as scheduled only better. Our hostess was fabulous." Will look to use Traveling Spoon again in the future.
- MagTravels August 13, 2017
We literally spent part of our first day with Aoy. We landed, took a short nap and were the whisked into a truly local experience. Aoy took us to the Do Wai floating market where we picked up her boat and puttered up stream to her home and riverside restaurant.The food was delicious, and the presentation was beautiful. Local beer came wrapped in banana leaves with a orchid tucked in. Orchards were in fact liberally added to the table. There were a number of courses including a duck stew cooked in a small green pumpkin. Since Aoy was our first introduction to Bangkok she asked our interests and then offered the perfect suggestions of places to go. I'm so glad to have learned about Traveling Spoon just days before our departure.
- Karyn January 25, 2017
Awesome! Everything was exactly as scheduled only better. Our hostess was fabulous.
- SM December 19, 2016
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Aoy

$40-$240 USD

per person
100% VETTED
Learn more
  • No waiting! Booking confirmed instantly
  • 100% satisfaction guarantee or your money back
  • Private experience
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$58 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$216 $124 $96
Market Tour + Meal
$108 $108 $108
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$240 $148 $140
Transportation
$72 per car
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$58 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$216 $124 $96
Market Tour + Meal
$108 $108 $108
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$240 $148 $140
Transportation
$72 per car
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
3:30pm-5:30pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
10:00am-1:00pm 3:30pm-6:30pm
Market Tour+ Meal
9:00am-12:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
8:00am-2:00pm 3:30pm-9:30pm

Meet Aoy

Learn to cook with the winner of Iron Chef Thailand! Aoy is a passionate food and yoga lover who fully commits herself to every task at hand especially when it comes to preparing authentic and beautifully presented Thai dishes. Aoy lived abroad for 10 years and since returning to Thailand has dedicated herself to teaching Thai cooking to foreigners and opening a restaurant in her home. Aoy lives on a lush, beautiful property on the banks of the Tha Chin River and uses fresh herbs and produce grown in the local community in her cooking. Aoy's home is in the Nakhon Sathom Province and is a wonderful stop en route back from the Damnoen Saduak floating market into the city.

On days that Aoy is traveling, her master chef will host you. Her chef has worked for years behind the scenes of some of the best food establishments in town and will pass on some of her culinary expertise as guests learn what goes into the making mouthwatering dishes, from how to slice lemongrass to figuring out the perfect number of chilies to throw into the spiciest of dishes.

What to expect

Please note menu might vary. If there are particular dishes you are interested in trying, please include your request in the booking form.

In-home meal: (1-40 guests) Dine on Aoy's creative Thai dishes based on her family recipes in an air-conditioned dining room overlooking the river (or outdoors if the weather is nice). You will enjoy a meal of two to three dishes that may include muu phad grachhay (fried pork marinated in herbs and topped with fried finger root), gang phed ped yang (red curry with roasted duck, pineapple, pumpkin and sweet basil), pad Thai with shrimp or pad see ew, somtam lood (one of Aoy’s signature dishes with shredded green papaya, shrimp, tomato, long green bean, and roasted peanut all beautifully wrapped in a noodle sheet and served with a sweet and sour dressing) or tom yam gluuay (banana in spicy soup with fragrant Thai herbs) followed by dessert. Aoy is not only passionate about cooking but also presenting dishes artfully with flowers and herbs from her garden.

Please note that Aoy runs a restaurant out of her home so there may be a few patrons of the restaurant in the dining room during your meal.

Cooking experience: (1-30 guests) After your boat ride, you will be greeted with a welcome drink in the calm of Aoy's garden oasis. You will then join Aoy in her professional kitchen studio for your cooking class. During this hands-on cooking lesson you will learn to prepare from scratch two of Aoy's favorite Thai dishes. Aoy will share her deep knowledge of Thai herbs and spices and passion for cooking as you cook together in her studio kitchen that is also used by her other cooks for the restaurant or a quaint, outdoor garden kitchen she runs from her home. Be prepared to roll up your sleeves and chop vegetables, pound spices, and laugh as you cook together with this charming and fun-loving host! Aoy is excited to share his culture through food and offer an authentic/traditional cooking class in Bangkok. She can also accommodate a vegetarian diet in her Thai cooking class.

Market visit: (1-30 guests) Aoy (or Aoy's team) will pick you up in her car at the Bang Wa BTS Station and drive you to two markets for your market tour. Your first stop will be at an extensive wholesale market with a huge variety of produce, meat, seafood (including lots of live fish), dry goods and noodle makers. Enjoy a breakfast of Thai snacks and coffee at this market before you explore Don Wai Market, a very local market, located next to a Buddhist temple and the Tha Chin River. The market is known for its wide variety of vegetables and Thai snacks and you will seldom see a non-local shopping here. As you shop together, Aoy will show you regional fruit and vegetables at her preferred vendors in the market. After learning about the local produce and farming community you will board a boat that Aoy steers herself. Enjoy the river breeze and passing views of local homes and lush river vegetation during your 15-30 min boat ride to Aoy's tropical riverside home.

Notes: Please note that on the days that Aoy is traveling, her chef, an expert in Thai cuisine will host you for your experience. Beer is available for purchase on location.

If you choose the paid transport option, you will be picked up and dropped off by car from your hotel in Bangkok.

Languages spoken: English, Thai, German

Sample menu

This is just a sample menu to give you an idea of the types of dishes the host cooks. Your menu will vary according to seasonal availability.
  • Welcome drink
  • Som tum lood (papaya salad)
  • Tom kha gai (coconut chicken soup)
  • Gang phed ped yang (red curry with roasted duck)
  • Dessert

Traveler reviews

4.98 (41)
This was amazing, if you want to do a cooking tour, then I highly recommend this, even though it is dearer then others. We had fun and lots of laughs. Amazing hosts in an amazing location. It’s was interesting visiting the local markets and then travelling down the waterways to the restaurant where we’re made to fell extremely welcome. The cooking class was fun and we got to make yummy food. I must say we had the best pad Thai made by us whilst in Thailand. This is a must so book the experience today and have as much fun as we had.
- Keron April 12, 2023
Aoy was an amazing hostess! We travel a lot and have done many cooking classes and food tours. Hers was one of the best! She went above and beyond with photos. She created a memorable experience for us. We walked through the market and learned about food and flowers. Aoy took us on her boat to her restaurant where she helped us create a delicious meal. Aoy explained that Thai food is about detail and sharing. She accomplished both during this experience. One note, we ended up on the wrong side of the street for pick up. Be on the opposite side of the Amazon Cafe.
- Amy B April 05, 2023
This is the TOTAL package. Aoy is simply amazing and takes her time to show you how to cook while giving you a complete experience, from going to markets to select the perfect ingredients, to explaining why and how things are made/curated. This is not simply a rushed cooking class in a classroom. It is a complete day of learning and immersion. I was very lucky she was available. She is passionate, caring, takes her time and truly expresses her love for her culture, the food and what she does. Her restaurant is gorgeous. Her staff are very kind. The markets we visited were an experience in itself. You get to taste some many things along the way. The boat ride to her restaurant was serene and you get to see a bit of the canal life. Upon arrival you are greeted in a very personalized manor with a fresh towel to cool off, a tea and snack. Then you get a tour of her restaurant and to start cooking. She is an artist and it is evident in her display of the ingredients in kitchen you use! It is hard to explain this experience correctly....it was fun, engaging, entertaining, educational and delicious! If you are truly a lover of food and people this is a perfect way to spend a day! THANK YOU AOY!
- 752chry March 06, 2023
This is the TOTAL package. Aoy is simply amazing and takes her time to show you how to cook while giving you a complete experience, from going to markets to select the perfect ingredients, to explaining why and how things are made/curated. This is not simply a rushed cooking class in a classroom. It is a complete day of learning and immersion. I was very lucky she was available. She is passionate, caring, takes her time and truly expresses her love for her culture, the food and what she does. Her restaurant is gorgeous. Her staff are very kind. The markets we visited were an experience in itself. You get to taste some many things along the way. The boat ride to her restaurant was serene and you get to see a bit of the canal life. Upon arrival you are greeted in a very personalized manor with a fresh towel to cool off, a tea and snack. Then you get a tour of her restaurant and to start cooking. She is an artist and it is evident in her display of the ingredients in kitchen you use! It is hard to explain this experience correctly....it was fun, engaging, entertaining, educational and delicious! If you are truly a lover of food and people this is a perfect way to spend a day! THANK YOU AOY!
- 752chry March 06, 2023
Aoy is a sincere and passionate guide. The markets that she brought us to were such an eye opening and insightful experience. The boat ride was enjoyable and her restaurant is beautiful and filled with so much love. She looked after us so well yet kept a comfortable pace throughout the tour. She covered so much in a relaxed manner. I would recommend this to anyone who wants to experience much more than a cooking class. See the country side with her and get to know a different side of Bangkok.
- kaythxbye February 13, 2023
Aoy was nothing less than amazing. Her passion and love for food resonated during our entire time together, and she provided a magical experience! By far one of the best days of our time in Thailand!
- saffiem January 02, 2023
We were incredibly lucky to find this opportunity (not just a tour, but a lifetime experience) through Trip Advisor. After easily booking on short notice it, was easy to communicate with Tasting Spoon Inc. and Aoy to ensure we met at the right place/time and could adjust the menu as desired. Aoy was/is so much more than an amazing chef, but a guide (informed by travel and experience around the world), foodie sommelier, and quickly became a friend. Her beautifully cared for home/restaurant and deeply caring staff were immediate reflections of how she pours her heart into her loves (food and people). Our travel with her through various markets to pick ingredients for our meal and learn more about Thai food culture was fascinating and also showed how much she is respected in the community. We will highly recommend her and her business to anyone we know visiting Bangkok. The pictures below of the amazing meal we made (before and after) together with Aoy and her staff and one of the walls outside her home show a glimpse of what was *the best* day! Thank you Aoy and your wonderful staff - you are inspirations!
- puk88 January 01, 2023
My sister and I took Aoy’s class together, and it was our favorite day of our whole trip to Thailand! Aoy is so friendly and passionate, and is full of knowledge. It was an action packed day - we went to flower, meat and vegetable markets with new foods at every stop, enjoyed a boat ride to her gorgeous restaurant on the water and then learned to cook 4 recipes. I would 100% recommend this tour to anyone looking to have a unique immersion experience off the beaten path. Thank you Aoy!!
- 44alyssar September 20, 2022
We joined Aoy on the cooking class during our most recent trip to Bangkok and we were thoroughly impressed. You get to see a different part of the city during the market and temple visit - what a joy to have a local show one around like this! The cooking class itself is well presented, very interactive and a lot of fun. The food itself was delicious and the atmosphere incredible.
- Petrus_D April 15, 2022
We had a wonderful day spending time with Aoy! She is a very personable and knowledgeable guide and hostess. We had fun shopping with her at the market, riding down the river in her boat, and were so delighted to arrive at her idyllic restaurant. At the restaurant we relaxed, then got busy cooking and enjoying the meal that we prepared with Aoy.
- Ashley January 05, 2022
Through and thoughtful experience outside Bangkok. If you want to see parts of Thailand you won't otherwise see, this the one. Aoywann, the guide and chef, is amazing. She really wants to share he country with you and went above and beyond with us. We went on a multiple tours and then headed to her restaurant and cooking school via her boat. We felt transported! Don't be in a hurry--enjoy your time with her. We made sniped herbs from her garden, multiple dishes at her cooking school, and then ate in her wonderful AC atrium. She was the best and made sure we saw everything we could. She really made it personalized!! Can't recommend her enough if you want to get out of Bangkok and explore.
- M3643JZmaryn February 29, 2020
Aoy met us at the train station, then carried it by car to various fine and fresh markets, such as flower, meats, seafood and vegetables, etc. Aoy knows a lot in the markets so there were many good tastings, so come hungry. Aoy is also very flexible and adapter to cooking for us and my allergy.The last market was with the locals, which Aoy takes great care of where we made the last purchases. After that it was a wonderful boat trip on the river with Aoy as captain. The trip went to her fantastic restaurant where we were welcomed very personally and with the and snacks. After the break, we went into her garden and picked flowers and spices. After that we put on our aprons and started to hack and mortar. Lovely sweet scents spread in her fine glazed outdoor kitchen. The food was decorated with flowers and leaves from her garden. In the end, we sat down and enjoyed the tasty dishes. Very fun and educational day, can be highly recommended. She gave as so much more than just a cooking class, lots of history, culture and much more.
- evarV4683EC February 01, 2020
Fantastic experience. Aoy was a fantastic host and gave me and my husband a really good experience with Thai cuisine and culture. The instruction and explanation about the daily plan and meeting point was easy to follow. Aoy met us up and took us to 3 different markets, flower market, meat and vegetable market. There we got to taste a ton of different ingredients to learn how they tasted bad separately and worked perfectly together. The markets were authentic Thai because it was all Thai people and we were the only ones with blond hair. Not only we learnt a lot about Thai cuisine, but the history of Thailand, the kings and the dishes. We were kind of surprised that Pad Thai originally did not come from Thailand but China. We bought the ingredients ourselves with the help of Aoy choosing what we prefered and she drove us on her little boat back to her restaurant and learnt cooking. One of us was vegetarian. It was not a problem for Aoy to mix up different recipes for both of us. Aoy was very friendly and personal. She welcomed us with her heart at the restaurant. This is a perfect trip for couples to have fun and learn cooking a couple of Thai dishes. I kind of don't recommend this for bigger group cause the cooking process, that Aoy makes all curry pastes and flavours from raw indigrence, which makes it hard in a bigger group. Aoy did a lot of work that she didn't explain. Because the whole Thai cuisine cannot be taught within 6 hours. Aoy sent the recipe on email after the cooking course and drove us back to where we met up in the morning. Again, we recommend this experience to others! Have fun!
- erik7158 January 17, 2020
We spent most of the day with Aoy, owner of Aoywaan Riverside Restaurant. Aoy was very engaging and very interested in showing off the local markets where she shops for her restaurant. She knows many of the vendors well and was incredibly generous with making sure we got to see, smell and taste many of the more unusual local ingredients and products. By the end of the market tour, we were already so stuffed with samples and goodies, we couldn't believe we were about to start a cooking extravaganza. After shopping the market we took a relaxing riverboat ride from the market to her restaurant and spent a few hours preparing an early dinner after a little break. Her recipes were delicious, and made use of some less familiar ingredients (i.e. white and yellow turmeric, fingerroots and a few ingredients we still don't know the names of) which was very nice. Even though we have some experience with cooking Thai food and many of the flavors we were familiar, there were some subtle twists as a result of her recipes that were very nice. Overall a great experience, although be aware that even though the class says 6 hours that starts pretty early, it is a very full day, particularly with the travel time on the BTS. We had tentative plans to go walk Chatuchak after the class, but by the time we got back to the city, it was late afternoon and we ended up just heading back to the hotel to pass out. Finally, another nice thing is that Aoy has been pretty communicative with us after the class and is very good about sending us photos and answering follow-up questions about our experience.
- Nelson S January 12, 2020
Fantastic way to start off a visit to Thailand.
- shknblake January 04, 2020
This experience far exceeded my expectations! Aoy is vivacious and full of energy. With her warm, engaging personality, I felt like I already knew her. She picked us up at our hotel and took us first to a beautiful flower market. The next stop was a huge food market that included a food court where we sampled some of her favorite foods. We reached her lovely riverside restaurant (Aoywann Riverside Thai Cuisine) and cooking school by way of her charming wooden boat. The setting of her restaurant is a tropical oasis on the river. Oh yeah...and the food was amazing. Aoy pours her heart into all she does - you will love her!!
- Pamvass January 03, 2020
If you want a customized, unique cooking experience, book with Aoy Marunrueng. She runs Aoywaaan Restaurant in Nakhon Pathom province outside of Bangkok with David Cleland, managing director and chef. They picked us up at a subway station in Bangkok and from there they took us to TWO market tours: one for wholesale and one for locals. They explained the different ingredients and had us sample some fruit and snacks. Everything was delicious! It was really nice having someone talk us through everything. Afterwards, we took a scenic boat ride down the river to Aoy's restaurant where we had our cooking class. We told them that we didn't want to cook typical dishes like pad thai so they customized the class for us and had us make pomelo salad since pomelo was in season. We also made green curry from scratch then used that leftover curry paste to make fried rice and marinated chicken skewers. Delicious and so full of flavor! We highly highly recommend this experience.
- bunnybunss November 23, 2019
A perfect day with fantastic people. Get our of busy Bangkok and visit a nice market soly with locals and a nice, tough lady with a beautiful small cafe. She speaks english and german fluent and works hard to compose a unique experience for you.
- stalek2015 November 10, 2019
Prompt pickup from an easy to get to MRT and BTS station. We shopped in two markets for their restaurant and our meal. We had a good breakfast at one of the vendors in probably the cleanest market I’ve seen. The tour through the market was very informative. The second market was the original floating market. We saw the young monks parading through for alms. My husband wanted to try chicken legs. Aoy bought a few extra to prepare as a surprise side dish for lunch (very nice touch). The boat ride up the river was just us. Beautiful scenery! The restaurant caters to mostly affluent locals and is fantastic! Views of the river and floating dock would keep you there all day. The class is serious business. This is truly a hands on meal creation. You will learn a great deal! I would even recommend this to professional chefs. Aoy is a great chef and teacher. You’ll even get to walk around the premises to collect herbs and fruits.
- Jane435 October 23, 2019
My daughter were picked up by Nunchie and given a tour of a food and flower market prior to boarding a boat and travelled to the cooking class which is also an operating world class restaurant. It was most enjoyable. Next time I am in Thailand I will be contacting the restaurant to book a table as the food and ambience are second to none.
- Tim S October 02, 2019
This tour was by far the best experience we had in Bangkok. Before you read on please know this, my husband and I spent hours, just like you, trying to find the perfect cooking/food experiences in Thailand. Look no further, book this now! Aoy will be your guide and wow, she is an amazing lady. She taught us the ways of Thai cuisine and cooking, and not like the other cooking classes where it is all just laid out and you follow the recipe. You will actually taste test items, pick from her garden, choose unique items to cook with, and she will lead you along in the process as you taste test, add, or change as you cook. You will start with Aoy and her assistant, David (who is from the US!) going to 3 local markets to pick out fresh food and flowers for your meal. It was so much fun at the markets because we were able to try her and David’s favorite items. Luckily, Aoy knows all of the vendors so we tried much of it for free! We then took a short ride on a boat out to her restaurant, Aoywaan Riverside!We were welcomed by all of her amazing staff with snacks and tea. They are all so friendly!After this you will cook your meal with Aoy by your side. She even has her staff taking pictures while you cook! Needless to say, this experience was one we will never forget. It was by far the best meal I have ever eaten, and it was an authentic experience learning about Thai culture and cuisine. Thank you Aoy, David, and your whole staff at Aoywaan Riverside for such an amazing experience. We loved every minute!
- Maceface44 August 04, 2019
Het was echt in 1 woord geweldig! Wij werden op het treinstation opgehaald door Aoy (de gastvrouw) en bezochten vervolgens verschillende markten, waar wij verse ingrediënten kochten om later te gaan gebruiken tijdens de kookles. Het was geweldig om kennis te maken met de lokale bevolking.Vervolgens vaarden we met haar boot naar haar restaurant aan het water, waar wij hartelijk werden ontvangen met een hapje en een drankje! Het koken vond plaats in de buitenkeuken, dit was ook geweldig. Wij hebben heerlijk gekookt onder begeleiding van Aoy. Mooi om te zien hoeveel passie zij heeft voor koken en vooral de ingrediënten. Na het koken hebben wij heerlijk gedineerd en genoten van het heerlijke eten en de drankjes.Ook een groot compliment naar het personeel; zij zijn super vriendelijk en bieden een top service!Deze kookles is zeker aan te raden als je het drukke Bangkok even achter je wilt laten, kennis wilt maken met het lokale leven en de producten!
- Kariennn June 28, 2019
We were very pleasantly surprised with this promised half day experience which ended up taking most of the day with extra-curricular activities such as visiting a major and unique temple and then a wonderful open air concert area and a renowned monument called the "Standing Buddha". The market experience was amazing in that it was a huge local market covering fruit, vegetables, meats, seafood and various supplies, it must be the cleanest market we have ever visited. Aoywaan gave us a lesson on local herbs and vegetables, particularly ones that we were going to use in our cooking and which she purchased fresh right there and then.We were then taken on a 15 minute ride boat to her riverfront restaurant where we then had a relaxing tea-break (with specialties of the house) before our cooking classes started.The classes themseves were sooo good and we highly recommend the personal and thoughtful attention we were shown. We couldn't wait to enjoy the fabulous dishes we had just prepared, paired with some of her own specialty mocktails!
- GeAth123 May 20, 2019
My husband and I met Aoy and her business partner Tien for a most fantastic day in the outskirts of Bangkok.We met our hosts at the end of the BTS skytrain. A short drive through the Bangkok traffic and we arrived at the Bangkok wholesale markets. We had a fantastic walk through the market where we talked fruit, vegetables, herbs and other produce. There were many delicious samples although we were not such great fans of Durian!Another short ride and we arrived at another market (floating) and Buddhist temple. After further touring and sampling we met the boat for a wonderful trip boat trip along the river passing local homes and farms until we arrived at Aoywaan Riverside Thai restaurant.The next few hours passed in a whirlwind. We cooked several courses. Soup, salad, grilled meats and green curry. I particularly enjoyed mixing the curry paste and learning how to adjust the mix to create the salty, seat, spicy flavours of Thai cooking.We then sat on the divine balcony of Aoy's restaurant and ate our cooking. The weather was divine and the cocktail delicious. It capped a fantastic few days in Bangkok.I particularly enjoyed the hospitality and kindness of Aoy and Tien. We had a thoroughly enjoyable day and learned so much of Bangkok, Thailand, the culture and the people of this lovely and hospitable country.
- Flip_Coote March 15, 2019
My aunt and I had an amazing time with Aoy and her business partner, Tien. They both provided excellent service, from picking us up from the BTS station and driving us to the market and then taking us on a boat ride down the river surrounded by cute Thai homes and lush greenery to Aoy's restaurant where we completed the cooking class. Their passion for food was infectious and made me want to cook more! The food we made was delicious too and included papaya salad, green curry with chicken, and tom yum soup! It was also great walking around the market since we got to try various snacks and pick up some things to bring back. If you are considering this experience, it is totally worth the money and a great way to get out of Bangkok and explore the surrounding area which is quite beautiful.
- KtSammy March 04, 2019
Aoy and her wonderful smile, met me at my hotel in Bangkok, took me on a tour of her local market, then ferried me by boat to her charming river-side restaurant 45 minutes outside of the city. It was wonderful to get away of the chaos of the city, and to get a glimpse of small-town, riverside life. I was the only student, and Aoy and I cooked 3 courses together, based on the items we'd picked up at the market, and then she surprised me with a fourth when we sat down to eat a a table in her charming, local restaurant (it was actually dinner btw, not lunch). I loved the entire experience.
- Jennifer H January 20, 2019
Aoy met us as agreed at Bang Wa BTS on a very sunny Monday morning. Our first stop was the Flower market where we saw many fresh flowers and beautiful arrangements used for the many Thai festivals. From there, we then went to 2 local fresh food markets - and saw all the wonderful fresh fruits, vegetables, meat and seafood. There was the opportunity to pick up the ingredients for our lunch too - which were fresh flower crabs and veggies. After the second market and with our shopping, Aoy took us by boat to her home/ restaurant. Her staff had prepared a Welcome sign for our Group. We learnt how to prepare 4 dishes - a grilled chicken dish, a coconut chicken soup with bananas, a spicy Thai papaya salad (Somtam) and fried pepper crab with the flower crabs we bought from the market. Aoy showed us how to prepare the dishes as well as explained to us about the many spices that went into the dishes. She was particular about how each ingredient had to be cut - size, thickness and length - to ensure maximum flavour. She advised us that for the crabs - it would be better to steam them first before frying with the spices. Our cooking lesson took over an hour. After which, we sat down to a very delicious late lunch. Being a Monday - the restaurant was not very busy and hence allowed Aoy to spend more time with us. We enjoyed our day with Aoy. She was patient and took the time to explain the different cooking methods and ingredients used for the dishes. We would recommend a session with her as her location is away from Bangkok City. We got to see another part of Bangkok which we wouldn’t have been able to but for the class.
- Belinda K August 26, 2018
This experience was the most memorable part of our trip. We got more out of the day than what was expected and enjoyed every minute. We got to visit three different markets, take a boat out to the cooking class and enjoy the beautiful views at Aoy’s restaurant. Aoy was extremely educational, my partner and I learnt not only about Thai cooking but also culture, history, Thai markets and the best spots to go. Aoy was so welcoming, friendly and helpful. It is safe to say we will be making this part of every future trip to Thailand. It was our favourite thing to do here and we can’t thank the fabulous Aoy enough for such a perfect and traditional experience.
- jess t July 12, 2018
Aoy and her staff were extremely friendly and professional! Our hotel recommended this tour and I understand why! Aoy met us at the Bang Wa BTS Station right on time. She took us to a few of her favorite markets to pick fresh produce and meats for cooking. Aoy knew so many of the local vendors and allowed us to try local fruits. She took pictures and videos to capture the memories while we enjoyed the sights and tastes of the Don Wai Market. She shared stories of her childhood in Rai Khing District and her many travels around the world. After market Aoy was also our boat captain and took us down the river to her restaurant. We were greeted by her exceptional staff, served tea and pastries and relaxed along the river. Aoy had many small touches to welcome us to her restaurant, more importantly welcome us as family. After we took a break we met her and her team in the kitchen to start prepping the meals. Aoy isn’t going to hand you a recipe to follow. She’s going to taste food with you, add spice with you, she’s going to create a meal with you and teach you to cook in your own kitchen. If you need step by step instructions to read and follow you will be disappointed. If you want to have a conversation about why herbs are chosen and why they are freshly ground a certain way to release flavors this is the class for you. Aoy wants you to explore food Thai food and Thai culture with her. What we thought would be a 4 hour day turned into a full day adventure including a few popular sights in her town. Aoy’s team had everything ready for us to focus on cooking and made sure we could enjoy our time there. Aoy loves style and presentation, everything has to smell good, look good and taste good. Spend some with Aoy and you will know she’s all about the details. We finished preparing our meals and enjoyed lunch on the river. Aoy and her staff ensured a splendid experience. She focuses on bringing the local culture to life through her cooking and stories. Her spirit, laughter and smile are contagious. She wants everyone to feel like her family and cooking with her in another country we were visiting felt just like home.
- Javier A May 24, 2018
Aoy and Tien really go above and beyond to add the personal touch and make you feel super at-home via their experience. They are passionate about food, cooking, the Thai culture and speak excellent English. Perfect if you have a free morning/afternoon and want to explore a different side of Bangkok. You won't be disappointed, and they are certain to look after you. Come armed with stories and the readiness to have fun and to relax
- Jessica C March 31, 2018
We got lucky and it was just my wife and I. Aoy meets you at the exit of the Sky Train. We started with a hour tour of the Buddhist Foundation which has 1 million visitors a year. Spectacular grounds and truly off the beaten path. Then a good hour in the market by the river. Aoy knows many of the vendors and we sampled lots of items. Followed by a 20 minute boat ride and two hour cooking class. We prepared 5 dishes in a beautiful outdoor kitchen and enjoyed it at a table at Aoy’s restaurant with a view of the river. Come hungry and sit back and enjoy.
- davidhV8108PG February 04, 2018
Aoy is the best possible host! She took us to this incredible market outside of Bangkok where she knew everyone and had us taste everything. We then had a scenic lovely boat tour to her restaurant/kitchen. The set up for the class was beautiful. Each team had an assistant and we made four different delicious dishes. We highly recommend her to anyone. It was really the best day for our whole group!
- Julianne F January 17, 2018
Aoy was absolutely incredible. She wowed us with a wonderful market visit where she seemed to know everyone. Then, we took us on a majestic boat ride to her restaurant which included awesome live music. When we reached the restaurant, there was more live music, a sign welcoming our group, a welcome drink and snack that was delicious, and then we got to work. The sous chefs were very capable and helpful and I felt that we really learned how to make the dishes (and we got hard copies of the recipes when we left). Overall, the best experience we had in Thailand! Thanks, Aoy!! Oh and we loved the lemongrass towels to end our night.
- Breona J January 13, 2018
I just returned from Aoy’s cooking class and tour . It was a highlight of my trip . Aoy is not only a wonderful chef but great host and guide . She goes out of her way to make sure you have the best experience possible . In addition she is an amazing chef , in a city that has fantastic food , her restaurant was the best in terms of taste, quality, presentation and welcoming environment I would highly recommend this tour (Aoy) for anyone who wants an authentic Thai experience .
- Traveler106666 January 11, 2018
Aoy picked us up from the BTS and showed us a couple of markets before she drove us by boat to her place along the river. We really enjoyed Aoy and the energy she brought to the entire day. We learned how to make some interesting dishes, and more importantly got to eat them! All in all we had an amazing day and will recommend Aoy to anyone looking for a cooking or eating experience in Thailand!!
- pwallmann January 09, 2018
This was the best thing i did while in Bangkok! Aoy was great! She was friendly and knowledgeable and taught me how to make a delicious meal! I also enjoyed being in the restaurant which is by the river and relaxing. This is a MUST DO if you are visiting Bangkok! Don't miss the opportunity to enjoy this tour and workshop.
- simonin2016 December 30, 2017
Aoy was an incredible host, she was warm, welcoming and charming. She picked me up from Bang Wa BTS and we drove through some beautiful parks and boulevards before arriving at the markets. The produce was fresh and Aoy seemed to know everyone there. She was eager to share her knowledge about the local produce and I was lucky enough to sample a few delicious things. After the markets we then got into a boat and traveled along the river before we arrived at her restaurant. I was greeted with tea and dessert. After relaxing for a bit, we then began the cooking lesson. Aoy accommodated my vegetarian diet perfectly - I learnt how to make a banana Tom Yum, tofu pad Thai and a papaya salad. Aoy was an excellent teacher, she explained all the steps carefully and guided me through the whole process. I would definitely book Aoy as a host again and recommend her to anyone. I truly felt like I was invited in to participate in her world and I was very grateful for the experience. She is a wonderful person who not only made me feel comfortable but also made me laugh and helped me to gain a deeper insight into the food, people and culture of Thailand.
- Ishtar September 11, 2017
We literally spent part of our first day with Aoy. We landed, took a short nap and were the whisked into a truly local experience. Aoy took us to the Do Wai floating market where we picked up her boat and puttered up stream to her home and riverside restaurant.The food was delicious, and the presentation was beautiful. Local beer came wrapped in banana leaves with a orchid tucked in. Orchards were in fact liberally added to the table. There were a number of courses including a duck stew cooked in a small green pumpkin. Since Aoy was our first introduction to Bangkok she asked our interests and then offered the perfect suggestions of places to go. I'm so glad to have learned about Traveling Spoon just days before our departure.
- healeyjk August 14, 2017
Cooking in Bangkok with Ayo. Awesome! Everything was exactly as scheduled only better. Our hostess was fabulous." Will look to use Traveling Spoon again in the future.
- MagTravels August 13, 2017
We literally spent part of our first day with Aoy. We landed, took a short nap and were the whisked into a truly local experience. Aoy took us to the Do Wai floating market where we picked up her boat and puttered up stream to her home and riverside restaurant.The food was delicious, and the presentation was beautiful. Local beer came wrapped in banana leaves with a orchid tucked in. Orchards were in fact liberally added to the table. There were a number of courses including a duck stew cooked in a small green pumpkin. Since Aoy was our first introduction to Bangkok she asked our interests and then offered the perfect suggestions of places to go. I'm so glad to have learned about Traveling Spoon just days before our departure.
- Karyn January 25, 2017
Awesome! Everything was exactly as scheduled only better. Our hostess was fabulous.
- SM December 19, 2016
Read More
Pricing (per person)*
1 person 2-4 ppl 5+ ppl
In-Home Meal
$58 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$216 $124 $96
Market Tour + Meal
$108 $108 $108
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$240 $148 $140
Transportation
$72 per car
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
1 person 2-4 people 5+ people
In-Home Meal
$58 $48 $40
Cooking Experience + Meal
$216 $124 $96
Market Tour + Meal
$108 $108 $108
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
$240 $148 $140
Transportation
$72 per car
*Does not include 3% payment processing fee applied at checkout.
Experience Timings
Lunch Dinner
In-Home Meal
3:30pm-5:30pm
Cooking Experience+ Meal
10:00am-1:00pm 3:30pm-6:30pm
Market Tour+ Meal
9:00am-12:00pm
Market Tour+ Cooking Experience + Meal
8:00am-2:00pm 3:30pm-9:30pm
ABOUT TRAVELING SPOON

Traveling Spoon connects you with meaningful culinary experiences, from private cooking lessons to homecooked meals in people's homes. Enjoy an immersive cultural experience that gives you a glimpse into the local way of life.

FAQ

    You can cancel your reservation up until 48 hours before your experience for a full refund minus a 3% processing fee. Experiences within 48 hours are not refundable.

    If you have a question for your host, you can include a note in the field "Write a note to your host" during the booking process. Once your booking is confirmed, you will be emailed your host's direct contact information and you will also be able to message the host through your profile. You can always cancel your booking and receive a full refund 48 hours or more before your experience. If you have other questions you can also email us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Most of our hosts are able to accommodate dietary restrictions and allergies, including vegetarian and gluten free options. For vegetarian travelers, we have an icon on each host profile to indicate whether that host can also offer a fully vegetarian menu. There is a section in the booking form to note any allergies or dietary restrictions which will be sent directly to your host.

    Some hosts offer alcohol as an optional add-on for travelers who are of legal drinking age. Pricing for alcohol is visible on the host profile page and includes one to two glasses of wine, beer or local alcohol.

    Have a flight or other tour planned and can’t make the timing provided? If the timing listed on the host’s profile doesn’t work for you, our hosts can often accommodate timing changes. Because all of our experiences are private our hosts are happy to tailor experiences to meet your travel needs. Simply note your request in the booking process.

    Your card will not be charged until your host accepts your booking. Typically hosts respond to bookings within 72 hours. In the event your host is unavailable on your selected date and your host rejects your booking your credit card will not be charged.

    Your host's detailed contact information, including their phone number, address, and direction notes, will all be provided immediately upon successful confirmation of your experience (after your hosts accepts your booking and your credit card is successfully processed). This information will be emailed to you to the email address you used to sign up, and will also be visible on your Traveling Spoon profile.

    All prices are noted per person prices unless otherwise specified. Transportation is typically charged on a per car basis. Children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free. Hosts set their own prices and Traveling Spoon marks up the experiences; on average hosts receive over 70% of the price paid by the traveler.

    100% of Traveling Spoon experiences are private! Just you and your host and host’s family.

    Hosts typically respond to booking inquiries within 72 hours. If for some reason you have not heard from your host or if you have any questions you can always contact us at reservations@travelingspoon.com.

    Your safety and security are our top priority. To ensure this, Traveling Spoon personally vets 100% of all hosts, including an in-person host visit, to ensure each host and experience meets our strict quality requirements.

    Some hosts offer transportation as an optional add-on for travelers. Typically this is round trip transportation with pick up and drop off at your hotel. Pricing is quoted per car. Specific instructions for transportation will be provided in your confirmation details when your booking is confirmed.

    Many of our hosts accommodate solo travelers. You can see if a host accepts solo travelers by looking at the traveler range found next to the experience descriptions on the host profile (indicated by the numbers in parentheses next to "In-home meal", "Cooking experience" and "Market visit").

    Most of our Traveling Spoon experiences are incredibly family friendly and can accommodate infants and children. If a host is unable to accommodate children that will be noted in the “Notes” section of their profile. Our child pricing policy is children aged 5-11 are 50% off, and infants aged 0-4 are free.