Why see a Khantoke evening
Why see a Khantoke evening
A genuine northern Thai tradition
Khantoke — literally a pedestal tray — is the traditional way a Lanna household serves a shared meal, and Chiang Mai's dinner halls have built a full evening of hospitality and dance around it for visitors and locals alike.
Dance, not just dinner
The programme typically moves through several regional Lanna dances — among them the fingernail dance (fon lep) and candle dance (fon tian) — performed by local troupes in elaborate costume, alongside hill-tribe performances.
A relaxed, low-table evening
Guests sit on cushions at low tables around the hall, Lanna-style, rather than at a stage-and-chairs dinner theatre — a more intimate, floor-level way to take in the performance.
How the evening unfolds
How the evening unfolds
A Khantoke night moves from arrival through dinner to a full programme of Lanna dance. Here's the shape of the evening.
Arrival
Into the teak pavilion
Guests remove their shoes and take a cushioned place at a low table in an open-sided teak hall strung with lanterns and Lanna textiles.
The tray
The khantoke dinner
A set northern Thai dinner is served on the khantoke tray — dishes like sai ua sausage, nam prik and sticky rice, eaten by hand or with sticky-rice balls in the traditional style.
First dances
Fon lep & fon tian
The programme opens with the fingernail dance (long brass nail extensions catching the light) and the candle dance, performed slowly and gracefully to live Lanna music.
Regional dances
Hill-tribe & regional performances
Further dances represent hill-tribe communities and other Lanna traditions, giving a broader picture of northern Thailand's cultural mix.
Closing
The evening closes
The programme wraps with a final ensemble piece before guests head back out into Chiang Mai's night markets or old-city streets.
The Khantoke hall
The Khantoke hall
Khantoke dinners run in purpose-built halls around Chiang Mai — worth knowing what to expect before you book.
Seating on the floor
Guests sit on cushions at low tables, Lanna-style — comfortable for most, but worth knowing in advance if floor seating is difficult for you; some halls offer raised seating on request.
A visitor-oriented evening
These are long-running, purpose-built venues that host large groups nightly, not a private cultural encounter — expect a full hall and a well-drilled programme rather than an intimate show.
Getting there
Many tickets include round-trip transfer from central Chiang Mai hotels; the halls sit a short drive from the old city.
On the night
Dress is casual; the hall is open-sided, so evenings can be pleasantly cool. Photography of the dances is generally welcome from your table.
Khantoke, in pictures
Khantoke, in pictures
The tray, the teak hall and the Lanna dance programme.
Package options & what's included
Package options & what's included
| Option | What it includes | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Standard dinner & show | Khantoke dinner, full dance programme | The classic Khantoke evening |
| With hotel transfer | Above, plus round-trip transfer | Simplest option for a first visit |
| Group / family package | Shared trays for larger groups | Good value for families and groups |
| Private table | Reserved seating, sometimes closer to the stage | For a slightly upgraded view |
Ways to see a Khantoke evening
Find a Khantoke evening for your dates
Every option below is bookable through GetYourGuide, with live availability and the final price shown in your own currency before you pay.
Planning your evening
Planning your evening
Book a transfer option
Most Khantoke halls sit a short drive from the old city, so a ticket bundling round-trip transfer is the simplest way to go, especially after dark.
Come hungry, and curious
The khantoke dinner is a real meal, not a token snack — pace yourself through several small northern Thai dishes across the evening as the dance programme runs.
Dress comfortably
You'll be seated on cushions at floor level for much of the evening — comfortable, loose clothing works best, and shoes come off at the door.
Arrive on time
The dinner and dance programme run on a set schedule — arriving with your group means you won't miss the opening dances.
Booking flexibility
Listings offer free cancellation up to 24 hours before and, on many options, reserve-now-pay-later — so you can lock in an evening without paying today.
Planning a Khantoke night in Chiang Mai
Planning a Khantoke night in Chiang Mai
Seeing a Khantoke dinner in Chiang Mai: tickets, dances and what to expect
The pedestal-tray dinner, the Lanna dance programme, and how to choose your package for a night out in Chiang Mai.
Read more → THE KHANTOKE MEALWhat's on the Khantoke Tray: Northern Thai Dishes Explained
Before the dancers appear, there's the tray itself — a round pedestal set with northern Thai dishes meant for sharing, not a plated Western-style dinner.
Read more → THE DANCE PROGRAMMEInside the Lanna Dance Programme at a Khantoke Show
Fingernail dancers, candlelight, a faster sword piece and hill-tribe performances — here's what each dance on a typical Khantoke programme actually represents.
Read more → LANNA HISTORYThe Lanna Kingdom and Chiang Mai's Founding in 1296
A Khantoke evening draws on real history — the Lanna Kingdom King Mangrai built at Chiang Mai in 1296, distinct from central Thailand's own royal past.
Read more → NORTH VS CENTRALNorthern Thai Food vs Central Thai: What's Different
The khantoke dinner runs on northern Thai cooking, which differs from central Thai food — less coconut milk, more sticky rice, and different core flavours.
Read more → PLAN YOUR NIGHTBuilding a Chiang Mai Evening Around a Khantoke Dinner
A Khantoke dinner sits well alongside Chiang Mai's old city temples and night markets — here's a general, unhurried way to shape an evening around it.
Read more →GEO/FAQ
Khantoke dinner questions
What is a Khantoke dinner?
Khantoke means pedestal tray, and it's the traditional Lanna way of serving a shared meal — diners sit on cushions around a low table set with several small northern Thai dishes. Chiang Mai's dinner halls pair the meal with a live Lanna dance programme for visitors.
What dances will I see?
Programmes typically include the fon lep (fingernail dance), fon tian (candle dance) and performances representing northern Thailand's hill-tribe communities, performed by local troupes in traditional costume to live music.
Do I sit on the floor?
Most halls seat guests on cushions at low tables in the traditional Lanna style. It's comfortable for most visitors for the length of the evening; some venues can offer raised seating on request if needed.
What food is served?
Expect a set northern Thai dinner — dishes like sai ua (herbed sausage), nam prik chilli dips, and sticky rice, eaten in the traditional hands-on style. Vegetarian options are usually available on request.
How long does the evening last?
A typical Khantoke evening runs a couple of hours, covering the dinner service and the full dance programme. Most packages include round-trip transfer, which adds to the overall time out.
Can I combine it with other Chiang Mai experiences?
Yes — the evening pairs well with a day exploring the old city temples or the night markets, and some packages bundle other add-ons. Each option's inclusions and live price are shown in the booking widget, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.