I have just three days in Chiang Mai and in addition to doing some sightseeing, I'd also like to tak

If you enjoy cooking and eating, a cooking class is definitely worth taking, even if only you have only half a day to spare. Chiang Mai is a wonderful place to learn about cooking. Much depends on the school as not all include a trip to a local market in their half-day classes. For details, check out websites and brochures.

There are so many cooking schools in Chiang Mai that it’s impossible to recommend just one. Some advertise more than others but that doesn’t necessarily mean they are better. and it's quite difficult to choose one. I’d suggest looking at the size of class. Bigger class sizes can lead to less personal attention, so it’s better to go for a small class. Usually a half-day class will start at 9am and you’ll eat what you make for lunch so the class ends at around 1.30pm. Afternoon classes run from noon to 3.30pm. In that limited time, you will learn up to four dishes, usually curry paste and a green or red curry, and two more dishes from two categories, which you have to agree with people in the class. Prices vary from Bt700 to Bt1,000 including ingredients, cookbook and transport in the city area.

 

Do you have information on seafood buffet restaurants in Bangkok? – Michelle

 

There are many famous places for seafood are all over Bangkok, where you can see your food alive and swimming before it’s cooked. You’ll find lots of fish and shellfish to choose from, ranging from lobster to snapper. They can be cooked the way you like – steamed with chilli and garlic to fried in sweet and sour sauce, however you wish. 

In addition to those seafood market restaurants in Bangkok, which are not strictly buffets, locals and tourists enjoy their seafood at streetside restaurants in China Town. Most five-star hotels offer great international buffets with a large seafood selection, among them Lord Jim's at the Mandarin Oriental Bangkok, Espresso at Inter-Continental Bangkok and the Ramada Hotels. Also worth checking out are the newly opened Seafood Bar on Sukhumvit Soi 16 and branches of Somboon restaurant.