Opens in a new tab

Chiang Mai Food & Art Tours

Discover Chiang Mai through its traditional markets, northern Thai cuisine and welcoming local communities. Experience the flavours and customs that give the city its distinctive character.
Over 2,400 5 star reviews
As recommended by 99% of users on TripAdvisor Reviews
As recommended by 99% of users on Google Reviews
Award Winning Tour Operator

Chiang Mai is known for its historic temples, mountain scenery, relaxed atmosphere and rich northern Thai heritage. Beyond its famous landmarks, the city offers lively markets, family-run restaurants, neighbourhood food stalls and traditional dishes influenced by the culture and ingredients of northern Thailand.

Urban Forage tours introduce you to Chiang Mai through the people and places behind its food. From fragrant curries and handmade noodles to market snacks and regional specialities, each experience provides a personal way to explore the city, meet local vendors and learn how food connects with Chiang Mai’s history, traditions and everyday life.

Tours in Chiang Mai

Chiang Mai, Thailand

Leave the Old City behind and follow the food into the neighbourhoods, markets, family kitchens and street stalls…

More Detail
Chiang Mai Street Art Experience: Create, Connect & Leave Your Mark
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Chiang Mai has a creative side that isn’t always found on the usual tourist trail. It’s tucked down…

More Detail
Chiang Mai at Dawn: Monks, Markets & Morning Rituals
Chiang Mai, Thailand

Every city has a rhythm. In Chiang Mai, it begins long before the streets are busy. This experience…

More Detail
Posted on Google Google
Jackie profile picture
Jackie
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Urban Forage’s food tour is wonderful - it was a great intro to local food in Phnom Penh, all the places we visited were delicious and travelling around on the tuktuk was fun and convenient. Also appreciated hearing about the stories of some of the stall owners as well. A big thank you to our tour guide Visal and our tuktuk driver (sorry I forgot his name!) who took great care of us throughout the evening :)
Posted on Google Google
Joan Pearce profile picture
Joan Pearce
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Amazing tour would highly recommend 5 star experience with plenty beer for the way round. Plenty to eat and even a desert and a cocktail and love music at the end. Panha and driver really looked after me - from Donna Pearce can’t wait to do it again on my next trip !
Posted on Google Google
Russell Molloy profile picture
Russell Molloy
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
JB is an amazing host, his knowledge and experience is first class with endearing customer service and passion for food, Cambodia vendors and ensuring his guests have a fabulous experience. I can recommend that this tour will exceed your expectations , even the "mountain chicken" 😋😋😋
Posted on Google Google
William Barakat profile picture
William Barakat
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
JB is the G! He has great knowledge of Cambodian food and culture and showed us a great time on the tour
Posted on Google Google
Vera Ou-Young profile picture
Vera Ou-Young
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
“Great food, great fun and a wonderful evening with Panha” What a fantastic way to experience Phnom Penh! Panha was a wonderful guide: friendly, engaging and knowledgeable, and he made the whole evening feel relaxed and fun. We travelled by tuk tuk through different neighbourhoods, sampling a terrific variety of Cambodian food at local eateries and markets, with the evening finishing with a drink in a garden setting. It was much more than just a food tour. It was a great introduction to local life, flavours and places that we simply would not have discovered ourselves. Come hungry! There is plenty to try. A fun and memorable evening and one of the experiences I would happily recommend to friends visiting Phnom Penh. Yick, Leen & Soon
Posted on Google Google
Bonbon Emmanuel profile picture
Bonbon Emmanuel
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
JB nous a fait découvrir Phnom Penh comme nous n’aurions pas imaginé que ce soit possible. On a observé depuis la rue, depuis les buildings ; avec les conseils pour la photo, l’histoire du lieu, et les anecdotes sympas. Merci pour ce tour génial 👍
Posted on Google Google
Bev O'Gara profile picture
Bev O'Gara
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Jackson was a fantastic and enthusiastic guide. Very enjoyable Eve ning in our mix group tour. Highly recommend. Go there hungry!!; 😋😁
Posted on Google Google
Mike Malmberg profile picture
Mike Malmberg
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Done food tours in a lot of places, this have been my absolute favourite so far. Not just because of the food, but the guide, the company, the entire experience was competent sublime and perfect. Nothing but 5 stars from me
Posted on Google Google
Milan Tobias profile picture
Milan Tobias
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Wir haben mit Jackson eine Tour durch das abendliche Phnom Penh gemacht. Es war eine super Tour! Genau so habe ich es mir vorgestellt mal eine Stadt von der anderen Seite kennenzulernen. Er geht mit absoluter Begeisterung und einem hohen Wissensschatz an die Führung ran. Kann ich jeden empfehlen!
Posted on Google Google
Jill Woods profile picture
Jill Woods
Google star 1Google star 2Google star 3Google star 4Google star 5Trustindex verifies that the original source of the review is Google.
Fabulous morning of food & street art in Phnom Penh. Jackson shared so much about his city with me & expertly driven by Mr Lucky. Great way to spend a morning.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Mayurika H profile picture
Mayurika H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Phnom Penh Market, Breakfast and Art Tour One hell of a tour! JB is a fantastic guide who shares his tit bits about the local area, cuisine and culture. All food and drinks are included in the tour. The tour commences with a pick up from your hotel, followed by visit to a local market. He guides you about the hum drum of the city and its people. The tour is immersive in all senses. A sumptuous local breakfast, some delicious snacks and details of the local veggies, meat and cooking styles. This is followed by an immersion into the history of the city through art, graffiti and murals. A breathtaking view of the city, quite unexpected actually! Then lunch at a spot frequented by locals, a family run shop and amazing local food. Finally, it ends with a lil surprise for us to take home to. The entire tour takes about 4-5 hours. Travelling between spots is by tuk tuk(cold water is readily available). A little peak into Cambodian culture and Sabai life. Definitely recommended!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Vera O profile picture
Vera O
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Great food, great fun and a wonderful evening with Panha. What a fantastic way to experience Phnom Penh! Panha was a wonderful guide: friendly, engaging and knowledgeable, and he made the whole evening feel relaxed and fun. We travelled by tuk tuk through different neighbourhoods, sampling a terrific variety of Cambodian food at local eateries and markets, with the evening finishing with a drink in a garden setting. It was much more than just a food tour. It was a great introduction to local life, flavours and places that we simply would not have discovered ourselves. Come hungry! There is plenty to try. A fun and memorable evening and one of the experiences I would happily recommend to friends visiting Phnom Penh. Yick, Leen & Soon
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Vera O profile picture
Vera O
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A fantastic way to discover the real Phnom Penh We thoroughly enjoyed this tour with JB. It was a wonderful way to experience a different side of Phnom Penh, from the lively local markets and Cambodian food to the city’s fascinating street-art scene. JB was friendly, knowledgeable and engaging, and his local insights really brought the experience to life. We particularly enjoyed getting away from the usual tourist trail and discovering places we would never have found on our own. A relaxed, interesting and very enjoyable morning. Highly recommended for anyone wanting to experience Phnom Penh beyond the main sights. Yick, Leen & Soon
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Kirk P profile picture
Kirk P
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Foodie tour for a true Foodie JB took us on a fantastic tour of Cambodian food with great humor and stories stopping at stalls, as first time visitor you not even considered, to reveal great tasting dishes. It is an adventure not to be missed.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Explore45856563080 profile picture
Explore45856563080
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Awesome Evening Jackson is a great guide. This is a must do experience!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Jeff B profile picture
Jeff B
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
A must do! Jackson is the man! This was a phenomenal evening on the town. We sampled many incredible foods! We learned, laughed and witnessed a vibrant culture in action. The tuk tuk at night was also a nice experience. It was a great way to finish a great day in the city. Again, Jackson and our drivers were fantastic!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Michele H profile picture
Michele H
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Fantastic tours I have sone several of Urban Forage’s tours over the years and they are all fabulous. I’ve brought a few different friends to Cambodia and all of them Have loved the tours. The street art and market tour is my fave because the street art is fabulous. I learnt so much about Cambodia. But the evening street food tour is also great. Food is delicious. I highly recommend !!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
Anna M profile picture
Anna M
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Highly recommended and great fun! Really great trip and highly recommended. We ate at a number of food stalls and a couple of local restaurants that we would never have thought to go in. The food was delicious, the drivers really courteous (making sure we stayed dry wherever possible) and the 2 guides were so knowledgeable. Really worth doing this for some authentic Cambodia food!
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
NDSuzieQ profile picture
NDSuzieQ
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Enjoyed our night out a places we would not have gone otherwise Really enjoyed our food tour. Was not able to book directly through their website from US because credit card kept getting declined, but the same tour is available on Viator so I was able to book it that way. Only 4 on our tour which was great. I feel like the amount of food was perfect. I was definitely full at the end but was able to try everything. Some dishes better than others, but I liked the variety. We tried 4 of 8 things that I had flagged as must try while in Cambodia so that worked for me. Communication was good and they showed up right on time at my hotel.
Posted on Tripadvisor Tripadvisor
ralph t profile picture
ralph t
Tripadvisor star 1Tripadvisor star 2Tripadvisor star 3Tripadvisor star 4Tripadvisor star 5Verified
Food experience with Jackson Jackson our tour guide was amazing in his knowledge of local cuisine with a sprinkling of Cambodian history. Food was great (and safe) giving us both the flavours and the environment where it is commonly served.
Chiang Mai Food & Culture Tours

Chiang Mai Food Tours and Northern Thai Flavours

Chiang Mai’s cuisine has a distinctive identity shaped by northern Thai traditions and neighbouring cultural influences. Local dishes often feature aromatic herbs, gentle spices, fresh vegetables, grilled meats, sticky rice and rich curry sauces. Popular specialities include khao soi, sai ua, nam prik ong, nam prik noom and gaeng hung lay, alongside seasonal produce and traditional market snacks.

Our Chiang Mai food tours take travellers beyond familiar attractions to explore local markets, independent eateries and family-run businesses. Knowledgeable guides introduce the ingredients, preparation methods and stories connected to each dish. These experiences offer an enjoyable introduction to northern Thai cuisine while helping visitors discover authentic places and flavours they might otherwise overlook.

Chiang Mai FAQs

Find helpful answers about Chiang Mai food tours, northern Thai cuisine, local markets, regional dishes and what to expect while exploring the city.

Chiang Mai is known for northern Thai dishes such as khao soi, sai ua, nam prik ong, nam prik noom and gaeng hung lay. Sticky rice, fresh herbs, grilled meats and rich curry flavours are also common. The city’s markets and local restaurants provide many opportunities to discover traditional dishes and regional snacks.

Yes. A guided food tour is an enjoyable way to experience Chiang Mai’s markets, neighbourhoods and local restaurants while learning about northern Thai cuisine. A knowledgeable guide can explain unfamiliar dishes, introduce trusted vendors and share cultural stories that travellers may not discover when exploring independently.

Experiences vary by tour but may include visits to local markets, neighbourhood eateries, street food vendors and family-run businesses. Your guide will explain the ingredients, cooking traditions and stories connected to the dishes. Review the individual tour page for exact details about the itinerary, duration and inclusions.

Northern Thai cuisine includes both mild and spicy dishes. Many recipes focus on aromatic herbs, savoury flavours and rich curry pastes rather than intense heat. Chilli-based dips can be spicy, but travellers can ask their guide to recommend dishes that suit their preferred spice level.

Some dietary needs may be accommodated depending on the tour and the dishes included. Northern Thai food may contain fish sauce, soy, peanuts, shellfish or other allergens, so travellers should provide clear information before booking. Check the individual tour details or contact the team in advance.

Our Winning Awards