Cuisine - The breakthrough point of Thailand's tourism

Dishes with typical flavors of the Southern region of Thailand. Photo: Huy Tien/VNA

Cooking classes are popping up more and more in Koh Samui, becoming a new attraction for international tourists. Koh Samui, located in Surat Thani province, is an island in southern Thailand that has just been named the Best Island in Asia-Pacific in 2024 by Travel + Leisure, the world's leading travel and lifestyle magazine.

As one of the most famous tourist destinations in the “Land of Golden Pagodas”, this island attracts visitors with its beautiful natural scenery, many majestic temples, long clear blue beaches next to vibrant fishing villages and some world-class health care facilities.

But not only that, Koh Samui now also attracts tourists who are passionate about local cuisine through authentic Thai cooking classes such as tom yam kung (shrimp soup), som tam (green papaya salad), pad krapao (stir-fried meat with basil leaves). It can be said that travel companies in Koh Samui are at the forefront of responding to the policy of promoting Thailand through cuisine.

Tourists can experience health care services right on the beach. Photo: Huy Tien/VNA

Most of the major resorts and hotels in Koh Samui offer cooking classes on-site. Alternatively, you can take Thai cooking classes at some establishments such as the Samui Institute of Thai Culinary Arts (SITCA), Jungle Kitchen, Pai Cooking Class, or the Vegetarian Cooking Class at Samahita Retreat.

Established in 1999, SITCA is one of the most popular Thai cooking schools on Koh Samui, offering two classes a day with experienced, English-speaking instructors. Jungle Kitchen features traditional meals cooked over a charcoal fire, while Pai Cooking Class is located on the road overlooking South Chaweng Beach, opposite Samui Resotel Resort and Spa and offers intimate classes in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Samahita Retreat is a yoga retreat that is known for its healthy Thai cooking classes that focus on delicious vegetarian dishes. For many international visitors, especially those from Europe and America, taking a Thai cooking class in Koh Samui is considered an enjoyable experience.

"Hon Ong, Hon Ba" is one of the famous tourist attractions on Koh Samui island. Photo: Huy Tien/VNA

As the Gulf of Thailand’s peak season approaches, tourism operators in Koh Samui are expecting a significant boost from European visitors. According to Ratchaporn Poolsawadee, president of the Koh Samui Tourism Association, the island’s tourism industry is expected to fully recover during the peak season thanks to the resumption of all flights at Samui Airport.

Koh Samui’s top source markets include Germany, the UK, France and Australia, while foreign tourists are also trending towards longer stays thanks to the Thai government’s visa policy adjustment, which allows visitors from 93 countries to stay for up to 60 days.

With additional flights to nearby Surat Thani airport as well as ferry services, Mr Ratchaporn estimates hotel occupancy rates will reach 80-90% in July and August, the peak season for the Gulf of Thailand.

Do Sinh - Huy Tien (Vietnam News Agency)

Source: https://baotintuc.vn/du-lich/am-thuc-diem-tua-but-pha-du-lich-cua-thai-lan-20240707205056871.htm