Being a university town, Chiang Mai fosters many a learning opportunity, from Thai language classes to cooking classes and massage schools. Courses in Thai cuisine, in fact, are a staple of Chiang Mai’s vacation learning scene. Dozens of schools offer cooking classes, typically costing around 1000B a day, either at an in-town location, like an atmospheric old house, or out of town in a garden or farm setting. Classes are usually offered five or more times a week and the menu might vary each day. Students learn about Thai culinary herbs and spices, tour a local market, and prepare a set menu. Of course, you also get to eat the Thai food and travel home with a recipe booklet. Many of Chiang Mai’s Thai massage courses are government-accredited programs that provide students with the fundamentals to practice Thai massage professionally.