Enjoy your moment in Chiang Mai and experience the traditional music and dance performances at the Khantoke Dinner, which showcases the region’s rich heritage.

Khantoke [K̄hạntok] is the traditional northern Thai (Lanna) form of dining. The food is served on a wooden pedestal tray called a khantoke. The diners sit on the floor, supported by triangular cushions.

Developed a performance of hill tribe shows performed by the Akha, Lahu, Lisu, Yao, Meo, and Karen hill tribes and music.

The dishes are all northern Thai delicacies. While guests enjoy the meal, there are usually performances of traditional northern Thai Lanna dances and music, such as the fingernail dance, sword dance, candle dance, ramwong dance, and fireworks displays.

Many years ago, Chiang Mai had a large performance center called Khum Khantoke, which has closed down. Currently, only the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center remains.

The small restaurants have had outstanding performances. They closed down as well, such as Huen Kha Chao.

Northern Thai Food

As for the food, it will be Northern food that has been adjusted and selected to suit foreigners, such as

Hang Lae (ฮังเล = pork and ginger curry), Northern Thai sausage [ไส้อั่ว = sai ua], Chilli Dips [น้ำพริกหนุ่ม], Nam Prik Ong (pork tomato chili dips), Boiled Pork Sausage [หมูยอ], Deep-Fried Pork Skins [แคบหมู] and Sticky Rice—the taste may be lighter.

Drink

Drinking water, juice, and beer must be ordered and paid for separately from the package. The price is a bit cruel to me.

Note: If you can not eat spicy food, [Actually, it’s not spicy for Thai.] Please bring a small UHT milk and sip a little milk on the tongue. The spiciness will subside immediately.

How to book and go

Travel with a travel agent; the Khantoke Dinner is usually included in a travel itinerary. If not, you can reserve online or make a phone call for yourself as an alternative.

Currently, only the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center remains. It is not far from the old city area. Travel easily according to the map by tuk-tuk, taxi, and Grab.

Location of the Old Chiang Mai Cultural Center

Khantoke Price

Original/Vegetarian/Halal: 690 THB per person

Dinner and Showtime: 18:30–20:30 hrs. (Open nightly)

Only traditional performances (food excluded): 490 THB per person

Showtime: 19:00–20:30 hrs. (Open nightly)

Enjoy an evening of Welcome Khantoke Dinner. Indulge in the flavors and traditions of northern Thailand. Being treated to traditional music and dance performances.

Khum Khantoke

Update: Khum Khantoke has opened again. You can visit their activities on Facebook and book online on the website.

Khum Khantoke has returned to service, but it seems that the website is not yet complete. However, you can follow and contact them via Facebook or other media. There are 2 types of seating:

• Sit with your legs dangling, comfortably
• Sit on the floor, close to the stage

As far as I know, they use an outdoor performance area instead of the original building. I haven’t had a chance to go back yet. The performances are still the same round, 10 shows, starting from 19.15 to 20.15 hrs. Prices start at 690 THB.

Once, many years ago, we had to go to Khantoke every night with our clients. But we never get bored because most tourists enjoy jamming with Ramwong at the last show.

Currently, we seldom visit Khantoke because it is included in the agent’s tour itinerary. If you would like to see the show, please contact us.

Above all, we are in a difficult situation due to the changing trend of the digital world; otherwise, we should support this show.

Although most tourists do not like the taste of food that is modified for this purpose.