Food is an integral part of any trip to Thailand. Thai is one of the world’s great cuisines, now exported to most parts of the world. And whilst you may love its aromatic and pungent flavours at your favourite Thai restaurant back home, a trip to Thailand will extend your appreciation even further.

Cooking classes have taken off all over Thailand. In Phuket Town one of the most respected cookery courses is run by Pat Tienthong, a native who spent many years in California working as a chef. Although Pat imparts her knowledge on traditional Thai dishes, her classes take place in a modern kitchen in her beautiful Phuket home, and after enjoying your own meal you’ll be able to relax in her lush garden. (Tel. + 66 (0) 76 263 366) for reservations). Just outside of Phuket Town, the Phuket Thai Cookery School digs deeper, offering one to five day courses that include an introduction to Thai ingredients and a market tour. After preparing the dishes, they are eaten by the students on communal tables in front of a beautiful private beach.

Perhaps you already know a bit about Thai food and want to give it a go using authentic, local ingredients? Phuket Town’s fresh produce market is the best on the island. Known as ‘Downtown Market’, this vibrant, myriad-like place is located on Ranong Road and is open 24/7, though the best time to go is early morning when the fruit and vegetables are delivered straight from the farms and local cooks and chefs are doing the rounds. For those who have the stomach for an Asian meat market, head to King Rama IX Park where Phuket’s butchers and fishmongers have temporarily set up shop whilst a more modern market is being built for them adjacent to Downtown Market.

| Since 2006 Holiday Velvet offers accommodation in Phuket.