A Taste of Thailand

Arrive in the capital, Bangkok. Besides one of the world’s top tourist destinations, Bangkok also ranks as one of the world’s best food cities and Asia’s food capital. As Thailand’s main culinary epicentre, Bangkok provides a delicious plethora of dining options, while its distinctive street food culture is ranked as some of the world’s best. Our full-day foodie tour starts with an early morning trip to Or Tor Kor Market, regarded as Bangkok’s highest-quality fresh produce and agricultural market. Ranked by CNN Go Travel as one of the “World’s Top 10 Fresh Markets”, this giant market brims with exotic local specialties. Later, at Bussaracum Royal Cuisine Restaurant, join a fruit and vegetable carving workshop, learning techniques used exclusively in traditional royal cuisine. Continue to a private lunch incorporating royal Siamese dishes. Later, enjoy a world-class dining experience at Nahm, the first Thai Michelin-starred restaurant under the direction of Chef Pim Techamuanvivitby.

Today, explore two notable markets on Bangkok’s outskirts, an excellent way to learn more about Thai culinary traditions. First stop is Mahachai Market, one of Thailand’s  largest traditional seafood markets and boasting one of the world’s highest levels of seafood production. Continue to Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, one of the few places now to experience a traditional Thai floating market. Slowly navigate through this vibrant market and its maze of slender canals on a sampan, passing countless boats laden with exotic, colourful produce. Early evening, head to bustling Chinatown, established in 1782, but still evocative of “Old Bangkok”.  Our guided foodie tour takes us through the countless street-side food stalls and eateries, dishing-up authentic Chinese delicacies and street food.

Spend the day exploring some of this “City of Angel’s” most iconic sights. We visit Wat Pho, one of Bangkok’s oldest temples and home to a sacred reclining Buddha. Our morning visit coincides with a mesmerizing morning chanting ritual by Buddhist monks. Take a thrilling Tuk-Tuk ride through the pulsating city streets and stroll down Yaowarat Road, Chinatown’s historic high street. Known as the “Venice of the East”, Bangkok’s numerous rivers and klongs (canals) are an intrinsic part of the urban fabric. Experience river life along the klongs aboard an iconic long-tailed boat. In the evening, enjoy a dinner cruise along the Chao Phraya River. While sailing past illuminated monuments, feast on a gourmet dinner of authentic Thai cuisine.

Surrounded by mountains, verdant rainforests and peaceful countryside, Chiang Mai stands as  the hub of northern Thailand and historical seat of the ancient Lanna Kingdom. Known as Thailand’s “Rose of the North”, Chiang Mai has garnered a well-deserved reputation as a foodie paradise, with a vibrant food scene acclaimed for its outstanding northern Thai cuisine. In the evening, experience a “khan toke” dinner, a signature of Thailand’s northern region, in a remote village. Enjoy Lanna-style cuisine served in “toke” (small bowls), while reclining on cushions at a “khan” (low table). As you dine, artists perform traditional Thai dances, renowned for their elegant and extraordinary hand and finger movements.

Head westwards to Doi Suthep Mountain, en-route travelling past spectacular mountainous terrain. Climb up 100-plus steps up Doi Suthep Mountain, rewarded with panoramic views across Chiang Mai. We also visit Wat Phra That, a mountainside temple complex that is one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temple sites and pilgrimage destinations. Wat Phra That was founded in 1383 to enshrine a bone shard relic, allegedly from the Buddha’s shoulder. Continue to the teak wood home of a typical Lanna family, whose descendants have lived in the area for generations. As guests of this family and in a convivial, intimate setting, enjoy a home-cooked dinner and get  rare insight into Lanna traditional culture, lifestyle and customs.

Experience the rich culture and tradition of Thai cooking at Boonpratana House. The matriarch of the home will give you a warm welcome as well as an exclusive tour of her thriving vegetable and herb garden. There, you will hand select the ingredients for your cooking class. Your host will share authentic Thai cooking tips to help you master your technique with this scrumptious cuisine. Learn to cook a variety of dishes from various regions of the country and take a seat to enjoy the fruits of your labor when complete. 

Transfer to Chiang Mai International Airport for your onward flight.