Thailand Dreaming

Thailand has been on my mind even before Florence (see the blog on the two cooking schools in Florence). I love Bangkok, and the islands. Dear Terrell Vermont (she help write The Unofficial Guide to Ethnic Cuisine and Dining in America) used to practically live in Chang Mai, and I have never been there. So I started researching.

The first place that drew my attention was the SITCA (Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts) Six Day Thai Cuisine Immersion. Cost was reasonable (52,500 BHT ~=$1,183 USD )

Sixty dishes are learned hands-on in 6 intensive days.The curriculum has been painstakingly designed to expose students to all areas of the cuisine including salads, curries, soups, stir-fries, steamed dishes, and desserts. Learn many tips about the preparation of authentic Thai cuisine to which non Thais are rarely exposed. Every student prepares every dish. Sessions take place beginning the third Monday of every month. Instruction is Monday through Saturday for one week and begins each day at 10:00 am

They also have a "pro" course that lasts for two weeks, but I have only two weeks and Bangkok is calling.

There are hotels and resorts and hostels galore near the school. I found several: Hotel, next door … Queen Boutique Place, 46/9 Moo 3, Chaweng Beach, Koh Samui, Suratthani 84320 http://www.sawadee.com/hotel/samui/queenboutique/ ~46$US/night

Also... myQxpress chaweng 99/99 Moo 3, Bo Phut Koh Samui, 84320 TH reviews ~35/night

Even cheaper ....

Penzy Guesthouse, Koh Samui, Thailand http://www.samui-hotels.com/penzy/index.htm#facilities ~28/night (only take cash payment on arrival) no breakfast

Then I saw two cooking schools in Chang Mai that looked interesting, and cheaper all the way around:

Thai Cookery School: http://www.thaicookeryschool.com

5 day cooking school 10am-4pm 4,600 Thai Baht = 132.627 US Dollar

http://www.airthaikitchen.com/

2 day cooking course, including transportation from town

5,500 Thai Baht = 161.748 US Dollar

Hotel in Chang Mai 16 nights ~11152 THB = ~ 327.966 US Dollar

And of course there is Bangkok. Here is what I have found out about the cooking courses there: The Oriental Hotel Location: 48 Oriental Avenue, Bangkok Contact: +66 (0)2 659 9000

Benjarong Cooking Class at the Dusit Thani Location: At the corner of Silom and Rama IV Road Contact: +66 (0)2 236 6400

Nipa Restaurant at The Landmark Hotel Location: Between Sois 4 & 6, Sukhumvit Road Contact: +66 (0)2 254 0404

As well as the hotels, there are a number of private cooking schools throughout the city:

Royal Thai School of Culinary Arts Naga House Location: 315 Soi Ongkarak, Dusit Contact: +66 (0)2 669 3416-8

Blue Elephant Bangkok Cooking School Location: Blue Elephant Building, 233 South Sathorn Road Contact: +66 (2) 673 9353

Baipai Thai Cooking School Location: 150/12 Soi Naksuwan Nonsee Road Contact: +66 (0)2 294 9029 Tel: 662-294-9029 Fax: 662-294-9027

UFM Baking & Cooking School Location: Sukhumvit 33 Road Contact: +66 (0)2 259 0620-3