Thai cuisine has been passed down through countless generations, evolving along with the country itself. Today, the dishes you'll find represent a rich melting pot of cultures and culinary traditions. This trip invites you to follow in the footstep of our ancestors and discover the wisdom of Thai food from Bangkok to Ayutthaya, before ending up in Chiang Mai. Along the way, you'll go off the beaten track and behind the scenes to discover what's happening in the kitchen. Discover Thailand's complex recipes and traditional cooking methods with a range of fascinating locations and hands-on experiences; learn how we pick out the freshest ingredients at market; taste the many unique flavours of Thai cuisine, including spicy, sweet, sour, salty and savoury; and experience true Thai culture in cooking workshops, before travelling by overnight train to the north of Thailand to sample the finest of Thailand's northern cuisine.
DAY 01
BANGKOK ARRIVAL AND WELCOME DINNER ON CRUISE (D)
(D)
Upon arrival at BKK Airport, you will meet with your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel. At around 7.30 pm, get your first taste of Thai cuisine during a two-hour Dinner Cruise. Embark from Anantara Riverside pier, stepping aboard a beautifully restored antique rice barge and cruise in old world elegance along the majestic Chao Phraya River. Pass by famous royal sites, exquisite temples and striking modern landmarks as you dine on fine Thai cuisine.
Overnight at Shanghai Mansion Hotel in Bangkok (or similar)
DAY 02
BANGKOK OLD MARKETS AND THAI DESSERT COOKING COURSE
(B, L)
After breakfast at your hotel, visit Bangkok's Chinatown to explore vibrant local markets and street cuisine. Visit Nang Loeng - the oldest land market in Bangkok, located in an historic community and offering a variety of rare traditional Thai food. After lunch, join a Thai desserts cooking course at Sane Cafe, taught by experts such as Sanechan, Thong Ake, Sampannee, Bulan Dan Mek, and many more. Take a short walk around the Khao San Road, before returning to your hotel.
Overnight at Shanghai Mansion Hotel in Bangkok (or similar)
DAY 03
DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET - FLOWER MARKET - THAI DINNER
(B, L, D)
The first stop today is at Maeklong Railway Market, a traditional Thai market selling fresh vegetables, food and fruit, where normal activities are interrupted at intervals by trains passing directly through the narrow market. Next, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where local food is served directly from the boats. Return to Bangkok and visit the city's biggest fresh flower market - Pak Klong Talad. Return to your hotel for some relaxation time, then head out to a Thai Restaurant in the hub of Bangkok.
Overnight at Shanghai Mansion Hotel
DAY 04
BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA AND THE VILLAGE
(B, L)
After breakfast, check out and drive to Koh Kerd; a small island formed by the tributaries of Ayutthaya's river. Take a 20-kilometre boat ride. In Ayutthaya, make some desserts such as sweetened rice milk with coconut milk or charcoaled Thai custard. Try to catch river prawns with a local expert, learn how herbs are processed into organic products and experience the life of a farmer in the rice paddies. Lunch is at the village.
Overnight at Sala Ayutthaya Hotel
DAY 05
AYUTTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK - CHIANG MAI BY NIGHT TRAIN
(B, L)
After breakfast, visit Ayutthaya to see temples such as Wat Mongkol Bophit, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Mahathat. Stop for lunch at Busaba Care & Meal at Baan Kao Khom, try roti saimai; made from sugar pulled into thin lines like silk and rolled into a burrito shape with a soft pancake. In the late afternoon, board a night train to Chiang Mai. There is a dining car on the train, a waiter service and 'Grab & Go' snacks sold by local vendors.
Overnight on train
DAY 06
CHIANG MAI
(B, L)
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, your guide will take you to alms giving with local people at sunrise. Try Chiang Mai Coffee and have breakfast before check-in. In the afternoon, visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasing and the Three Kings Monument. Stop for Khao Soi (egg noodles in curry chicken or meat soup) and Moo Sateh (pork BBQ). After that, drive to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. At night, visit Night Bazaar to try some local delicacies.
Overnight at The Rim Resort in Chiang Mai
DAY 07
CHIANG MAI - HOME HOSTED LUNCH - KHANTOK DINNER & SHOW
(B, L, D)
After breakfast, travel to Hong Dong district. Spend your day with a local host, learning from his family in their kitchen. Discover local herbs in the backyard, and pick ingredients to be cooked for lunch together. In the evening, experience authentic Lanna dining with Khantoke - a round rattan tray that serves various northern Thai dishes with sticky rice. As you enjoy the tasty food, you will be entertained by spectacular Thai traditional dances from members of Thailand's northern hill tribes.
Overnight at The Rim Resort in Chiang Mai
DAY 08
CHIANG MAI DEPARTURE
(B or B Box)
Your guide and driver will pick up at the hotel and transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport for flights to your onward destination.
Choice of accommodation
Relax and rejuvenate at Shanghai Mansion, Chinatown’s best known and award-winning boutique hotel. Stay with a contemporary and youthful update on antique Chinoise- style. Discover an elegant menagerie of vivid colours, a playful mix of old world and new.
Nestled on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, Sala Ayutthaya is an intimate oasis that showcases the rich history and cultural heritage of Thailand. This boutique hotel offers an outdoor pool and stylish accommodation, plus a range of facilities including its signature restaurant with a spectacular rooftop lounge & bar and serene spa services.
