Thailand

In a slightly remote area of Chiang Mai, immerse yourself in the traditional culture of northern Thailand by joining a Karen family for a half-day. Its members welcome you to a cooking class that turns out to be much more. Between explanations of spiritual traditions, the teaching of ancestral techniques, and the discovery of the unusual flora of the vast garden, it's impossible to leave without stars in your eyes.

A warm and spiritual welcome

Upon arrival, you'll be warmly greeted by the owner of the place. He'll be delighted to start the day by telling you the story of his family, who settled here five generations ago. They open the doors to their large property on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. It's amidst a garden rich in vegetation and a large house in traditional Thai style that you'll have a good time.

Throughout this half-day, you'll meet the different family members. They live here, like in a small family village where solidarity reigns among the different generations. So, you'll meet the father of the family, and his children will help you cook. You'll also get to know his parents, the elders of the household.

The reception is very welcoming. You'll then understand the full meaning of the term "Land of Smiles." A permanent good mood that makes you forget all the problems of daily life and plunges you into an immersive experience full of wisdom.

From the beginning and throughout the few hours of the activity, the father of the family will talk to you about the family's beliefs. The few ancestral techniques that will also be taught to you often have a connection with the spirituality of the inhabitants or the history of their people. The fascinating anecdotes mixed with the concrete aspects of the activities make this moment very informative and immersive.

Garden tour

You'll then set off for a complete tour of the garden, which is full of items that you will likely use in food or medicine.

You'll indeed discover a multitude of plants whose names you knew but probably didn't suspect the origin or original form of:

• Edible and medicinal lemongrass,
• Turmeric roots,
• A root used in the making of tiger balm,
• Natural viagra,
• Etc.

All these plants give the garden an undeniable charm. Your senses will be awakened as a multitude of colorful leaves and flowers mingle with the pleasant scents of the aromatic plants surrounding you.

Thai cooking class

The Thai cooking class is taught in wooden huts, under which several outdoor tables are installed. Some are intended to dry the products harvested by the family; others are simply to accommodate the meal you are about to prepare.

You'll then join another family member who will explain to you, around a table filled with delicious foods, what you're going to cook. They will guide you in making your dishes, teach you how to use the wok, and introduce you to food items, each of which plays a crucial role in Thai cuisine.

A moment of complicity, a moment of good humor, an unforgettable moment.

The cooking class has the advantage of occupying a good part of your half-day because your cooking teacher of the day will teach you how to prepare several dishes as well as a dessert. No need to panic for vegetarians; you have the option to replace chicken with tofu.

Tasting your cooked dishes

After the cooking class, you'll have the pleasure of tasting your dishes. The flavors will awaken your taste buds, and you'll only be proud of your preparations. Nicely served in dishes placed on banana leaf trays, the table will be colorful and will further awaken your appetite.

The meal will be accompanied by bottles of cool water.

What you need to know

• The activity is mostly offered outdoors, so remember to bring a cap or hat and sunscreen.
• Don't hesitate to refuse when the cooking instructor or the head of the family offers you something you don't want. It would be a shame if you ended up with a dish that's too spicy.
• Remember to bring a box of chewing gum or mints, as you might be surprised by the taste of fermented tea or natural toothpaste. Again, if you're not feeling it, don't hesitate to refuse.
• You don't need to bring water bottles, as these are provided on-site.
• Transportation is not included in the program; however, if you're a client of Sawa’Discovery, your personal driver will pick you up from your hotel to take you to the activity location.