Chiang Mai named Asia’s leading culinary destination by Agoda - Get updated on what's happening in tourism!

Chiang Mai has emerged as Asia’s leading destination for culinary activities, according to new data from digital travel platform Agoda. The ranking is based on culinary experiences booked through Agoda between January and March 2026. Bangkok, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi complete the top five, highlighting Thailand and Vietnam as key culinary hubs in Asia.

The results reflect a broader shift in travel motivations. Agoda’s 2026 Travel Outlook Report shows that culinary experiences have moved into the top three drivers of travel among Asian travellers, rising from sixth place the previous year. Cooking classes in particular are gaining popularity, offering travellers the chance to explore local culture through hands-on experiences with regional ingredients and traditional recipes.

Chiang Mai: Gateway to Northern Thai cuisine

In Chiang Mai, travellers often take part in cooking classes hosted in local homes or small culinary schools. Many experiences begin with a visit to an organic farm where participants learn about traditional ingredients and select fresh produce.

Guided by local instructors, travellers prepare regional dishes such as Khao Soi, a coconut curry noodle soup, and Kaeng Hang Lei, a ginger and tamarind pork curry. The combination of ingredient discovery, market visits and practical cooking has helped position Chiang Mai as one of Asia’s most appealing destinations for food-focused travel.

Bangkok: Culinary experiences in the heart of the city

Bangkok also ranks among the region’s most popular destinations for cooking classes. In the bustling district of Silom, travellers can join sessions led by experienced chefs, often beginning with visits to local markets to source fresh ingredients.

Participants learn to prepare iconic Thai dishes such as Tom Yum, Pad Thai and a variety of curries. Many classes rotate their menus throughout the week, allowing travellers to explore a wide range of flavours and techniques.

Hoi An: Culinary traditions meet rural life

In Hoi An, culinary experiences are often combined with excursions into the surrounding countryside. A popular activity begins in Cam Thanh coconut water village, where travellers ride traditional basket boats through the Bay Mau nipa palm forest.

Visitors also learn about local fishing techniques, including traditional crab catching, before joining cooking classes led by local chefs. These experiences provide insight into both the cuisine and daily life of central Vietnam.

Ho Chi Minh City: Vietnamese cuisine and coffee culture

Ho Chi Minh City offers a diverse range of culinary workshops centred on classic Vietnamese dishes. Travellers can take part in three-course cooking classes designed to highlight the country’s distinctive flavours and culinary heritage.

For those interested in beverages, specialised classes introduce Vietnam’s famous egg coffee. Many experiences also include excursions to the Mekong Delta, where visitors explore local villages, sample regional specialties and learn traditional techniques such as coconut candy making.

Hanoi: Classic dishes of northern Vietnam

In Hanoi, cooking classes focus on iconic northern Vietnamese dishes such as Pho bo, a beef noodle soup, Bun cha with grilled pork and vermicelli, and Nem ran, the well-known fried spring rolls.

Participants typically enjoy their dishes together after the class and often receive a cookbook and certificate, allowing them to recreate the recipes at home.

“Culinary experiences are a gateway to understanding a culture, and at Agoda we are thrilled to connect travellers with these enriching opportunities,” said Krishna Rathi, Associate Vice President at Agoda. “In Asia, Thailand and Vietnam stand out as culinary hubs with rich flavours and a wide range of immersive experiences.”

Agoda offers travellers access to more than 300,000 activities worldwide, alongside over six million accommodation listings and more than 130,000 flight routes that can be combined within a single booking.

Image Credit: © Agoda