Cooking Classes

BAI PAI THAI COOKING SCHOOL
150/12 Soi Naksuwan, Nonsi Rd
02-294-9029 www.baipai.com
B1,600

In an open Thai-style wooden house on a quiet street, this school offers a laidback ambiance, thanks to its charming garden setting and small classes (maximum of II students). This is the most economical of the best schools. You can choose between five changing menus, which all include classic but interesting dishes (check the website for the schedule). Experienced, enthusiastic instructors teach in a modern open kitchen, while each student works in individual cooking stations. The classes are completely hands-on and entertaining, and also focus on aesthetic presentation as well. But for some, the open-air kitchen might prove to be a problem. Price includes a cookbook, a lunch consisting of what you've prepared, and a pickup from your hotel. Fun and appealing.

BLUE ELEPHANT
Thai Chine Building, 233 Sathorn Tai Rd
02-673-9353 www.blueelephant.com
B2,800

The class offered at this classy restaurant is very hands-on and easy to follow. The morning class is preferable since it starts with a visit to the Bang Rak market with the chef, where you're shown the ingredients you'll use later Equipped with apron, knives and wok, each student works at a personal cooking station in a spacious kitchen after short, informative demonstrations. Lunch consists of your own cooking plus additional dishes. No reason to limit yourself to just tom yam goong and pad thai - each session includes four innovative dishes; the selection changes daily. Perfect for tourists on a short Bangkok stint.

Thai Massage Classes

WAT PHO THAI TRADITIONAL MEDICAL SCHOOL
2 Sanamchai Rd 02-221-2974 www.watpomassage.com
daily 8am-6.30pm
B7,000/30hrs

Any good spa therapist will have undergone theirtraining in traditional Thai massage at this temple school. Constructed in a concealed building away from the tourist-infested but peaceful Wat Pho temple grounds, the instruction area is more functional than stylish, but the efficient course run by competent instructors more than makes up for the missing luxury. Thai massage, an ancient form of healing, uses pressure application on the various body meridians. Your co-students will mainly be Thai and Japanese, along with the odd Westerner. The 30-hour course can be completed in five, six or ten days; a foot reflexology course and other instruction are available too. The tired tourist can also get Bangkok's best Thai massage in fan-cooled, open-sided salas for just B250/hour.

CHIVA-SOM ACADEMY
Modern Town Bldg, 87/104 Ekkamai Rd, Sukhumvit Soi 63
02-711-6900 www.chivasomocademy.com from
B7500

Asia's premier training centre for spa and holistic therapies offers intensive courses covering all aspects of spa-ing, from anatomy and Thai massage to stress management. Held in peaceful surroundings and conducted by skilled international instructors, half the time is spent on theory and practice, the other half is filled with case studies. The academy takes its instruction seriously; students receive internationally accepted accreditation upon completion of courses. The high but justified prices range from B7,500 (twoday Reiki course) to B45,000 (five-week Aromatherapy course). Most courses are too long for a usual holiday (two to four weeks), but there are one-week courses available in reflexology and shiatsu.

Meditation Classes

INTERNATIONAL BUDDHIST MEDITATION CENTRE
Wat Mahathat, Na Phra Lan Rd
02222-6011 www.mcu.ac.th/mcu/eng

This is the most traditional, noncommercial meditation class, based on Vipassana ('insight') mindfulness. For Buddhists, meditation is essential to cleanse the mind and accomplish clarity and inner peace. Close to Sanam Luang, the atmospheric temple complex is the teaching centre of Mahachulalongkorn Buddhist University, one of Thailand's highest seats of Buddhist learning. Daily classes constructed in English (Ipm4pm, 6pm-8pm, 7pm-IOpm) are mixed; you'll find monks, locals and tourists here. Participants can stay on the compound in simple, quiet rooms; complimentary meals are provided. Bring offerings of flowers, a candle and nine incense sticks for the opening ceremony. Donations are accepted. Retreats of three or more days are available as well. Perfect for a serious, but short stint into Buddhist meditation.