A Taste of Thailand - 13 Days

Highlights

• Explore Bangkok's temples and tuck into the city's best street food
• Shop at a market and cook Thai dishes at Blue Elephant Cooking School
• Take a tour of a world-class vineyard and go wildlife-spotting in Khao Yai 
• Meet a TV chef and enjoy a fine-dining experience in Chiang Mai
• Have a home-cooked lunch with a family near the Myanmar border

Brief Itinerary

Detailed Itinerary

Day 1: Arrive in Bangkok, Explore Bangkok with Food Tasting

Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Bangkok, one of Asia's most exciting cities. Thailand's capital is beloved for its chaotic energy, delicious street food, buzzing nightlife, and sacred Buddhist sights. After settling into your hotel, you'll spend the afternoon exploring the sights with a private guide and dining on authentic Thai food.

The tour starts at the Royal Grand Palace, which began life as the King of Siam's official residence in 1782. Thailand's most famous landmark is comprised of 100 or so palaces, halls, and temples. Your guide will show you landmarks such as the magnificent throne halls and the 15th-century Emerald Buddha. Then continue to visit Wat Pho, home to the magnificent Reclining Buddha as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage.

A relaxing evening beckons with a drive through Bangkok's old quarters, where you can see the palace and the thoroughfare of Ratchadamnoen Avenue up in lights. As dinner time approaches, drop by Krua Apsorn Restaurant for an appetizer known as somtam, a light papaya salad. If you're feeling adventurous, try the version with raw crab.

For the main course, you'll head to the older parts of Bangkok to try a classic Thai dish. The pad thai at Lung Pha is cooked in an old-fashioned way on a charcoal grill and won't disappoint. Then stroll along a local fresh market in the famous area of Bangkok, Pak Klong Talad, one of the largest fresh markets in the region to glimpse varieties of orchids, sweet-smelling exotic flowers, and various kinds of fresh vegetables, ingredients, and herbs.

Day 2: Day Trip to Samut Songkram & Authentic Dining Experience

An hour's drive south of Bangkok, the province of Samut Songkhram offers visitors an accessible glimpse into rural Thai life. You'll climb aboard a local train service for a short ride to a bustling country market laid out right on the tracks. When a train pulls in or out of the station, the vendors quickly clear their stalls, only to set them up again moments later when the train has passed.

From here, take a boat ride on the canals to a small coastal village to learn how traditional coconut desserts are made. Join hands with the knowledgeable host in this homestay setting and try cooking a Thai dessert, which makes for a perfect snack on the way back to Bangkok. Then enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

In the evening, explore the flavors, spices, and aromas of Bangkok's Bangrak neighborhood. Its name translates as the "Village of Love," purportedly a reflection of its mix of cultures living side by side. This diversity also means an incredible range of food in a condensed area, with flavors and quality that make Bangkok folk flock here. Dinner will be a feast of street-food specialties, and you'll learn how the locals live, eat and shop while trying authentic dishes.

Day 3: Cooking Lesson at Blue Elephant Cooking School

Aprons at the ready—today, you'll learn how to cook your own Thai feast at Blue Elephant Cooking School. The school is based in the historical Thai Chine building—a beautiful backdrop to inspire you as you develop your culinary skills. You're in good hands, as the master chef at its helm, Nooror Somany Steppe, has gained such popularity with her homemade Thai ingredients and recipes that she exports them to 45 countries across five continents.

Day 4: Transfer to Ayutthaya, See Ayutthaya by Tuk-Tuk

Your driver will take you north from Bangkok to your next destination, the former capital of Thailand, Ayutthaya. Once the capital of the Kingdom of Siam, it's one country's most significant historical sites, with hundreds of temples, palaces, and monuments. Catch a ride between sites in vintage "Kermit" tuk-tuks, only found in Ayutthaya (and named for their frog-shaped hoods). After lunch at Krua Pak Wan Restaurant, proceed on a trip to the town's Muslim Quarter to sample the unusual local delicacy of candy floss roti.

You'll have time to visit key temples, such as Wat Yai Chai Mongkol, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, Wat Mahathat, and Wat Chai Wattanaram. Drop by a blacksmith's workshop to meet the local artisan who makes traditional swords (daab) and knives by hand. For dinner, take a seat at the Baan Khun Pra restaurant beside the river, and tuck into some of the best seafood in Ayutthaya. In the evening, stroll the night market west of Bang Lan Road for a glimpse of local life and more food-tasting opportunities.

Day 5: Transfer to Khao Yai, Wildlife Walk & Wine Tasting 

It's onward to your next destination of Khao Yai today, a journey of around 2.5 hours, for a wine experience that may come with a side of wildlife sightings! At Khao Yai National Park, you'll pick up a trail with your guide to spot some wildlife. As well as a profusion of birdlife, you might see larger mammals such as sambar deer, which hang out near human settlements to take refuge from tigers deeper in the forest.

Have lunch at Lookkai, a local fine-dining restaurant in Khao Yai. Then head to GranMonte Vineyard, and meet the founder's daughter, an internationally renowned wine master who will teach you how Thai wine is made—and the secrets behind producing quality wine in a tropical country. Sip through a selection of their wines, tour the vineyards and take in the tranquil and relaxed atmosphere. For dinner, enjoy a special experience with some of the best local food and wine.

Day 6: Transfer to Khon Kaen, Sightseeing En-Route & Cooking Lesson

Say goodbye to the valleys of Khao Yai today as a driver takes you north toward the region of Korat. After a few hours, stop for lunch by the Phi Mai Temples, an 11th-century Khmer compound, and enjoy the local specialty of Pad mee korat. If you're familiar with Thai cuisine, you might have heard of the fried noodle dish pad thai. Pad mee korat is its spicier sibling, and as it originated from this region, you're in the right place to try it! 

Continue the drive and arrive at Khon Kaen in the afternoon for an Issan-style cooking class in a garden setting. A chef will show you authentic food preparation techniques, and you'll learn what distinguishes northeastern cuisine from food throughout the rest of Thailand. Later, drive into the town of Khon Kaen to stroll around the lake and watch the sunset at the One Pillar Pagoda. Have dinner at the local restaurant before getting to your hotel.

Day 7: Transfer to Phitsanulok, Visit Wat Mahathat 

This morning, you'll be transferred west from Khon Kaen to Phitsanulok, a journey of six hours—with great views of several national parks along the way. Relatively under most tourists' radar, historical Phitsanulok offers an authentic look at city life in Thailand. Upon arrival, lunch will be your choice of street food at the excellent local market.

Your guide will then take you to Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat, also known as Wat Yai ("Big Temple"). Set on the riverside by the Naresuan Bridge, it's most famous for its gold-covered statue of the Buddha, one of the country's most magnificent Buddha figures. Continue to Sgt Maj Thawee Folk Museum to see tools, textiles, and photographs from the province, collected by Phitsanulok local Sergeant Major Thawee. You'll then be taken to your hotel to rest after the long day.

Day 8: Transfer to Sukhothai, Cycle in Sukhothai Historical Park

A transfer to Sukhothai will take around an hour, and you'll check into your hotel beside the Sukhothai Historical Park. This UNESCO World Heritage was the capital of the Kingdom of Siam in the 13th and 14th centuries and contains the ruins of some 200 ruined chedis (Buddhist monuments)–most of which are in remarkable condition. The park's ruins are some of the most impressive in the country, full of giant buddhas, conical stupas (shrines), and idyllic lily ponds.

Explore the park by bike and imagine what the area was like back when it was a bustling ancient metropolis. You'll have a guide on-hand to explain the significance of the Sukhothai Kingdom in modern Thai culture. After lunch at a local restaurant, the rest of the day is free to explore independently or relax at the hotel.

Day 9: Transfer to Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai Evening Street Food Tour

Today you'll transfer to Chiang Mai, stopping en route at the award-winning ecotourism site of Ban Na Thon Chan in Si Satchanalai District. Established over 200 years ago, Ban Na Thon Chan is both a village and a visitor attraction (with around 40 homestays), offering natural and cultural heritage. Most villagers are descendants of the ancient Lanna kingdom. You'll have a chance to visit and speak to local families, followed by a lunch of delicious Sukhothai noodles.

After, drive north for 3.5 hours to Chiang Mai. Enjoy a lively night in Chiang Mai Town, wandering through the South Gate of the old city to the traditional street food market that's open every day of the week. During the walk, you'll experience the delightful aromas from food stalls and carts while your guide introduces you to the delicacies on offer.

Some of the most delicious dishes on offer include deep-fried pancakes, kanom jin (rice noodles with curry soup), kanom krok (Thai coconut pudding), noodle soup, pad thai, and the summer favorite of sweet mango with sticky rice. Make a toast with a glass of local rice whiskey. After the evening's gastronomic adventure, return to the hotel with full stomachs to relax.

Day 10: Chiang Mai Cooking Lesson with TV Chef

After breakfast at the hotel, you'll head to a fresh market to browse its abundant groceries from nearby farms. Your guide today is a charismatic TV chef who'll share her tips and advice for choosing the best ingredients. Loaded with vegetables, meat, and fruit for dessert, you'll embark on the mission of cooking a Thai dish to perfection.

After the class, travel on the back of a songtaew (pickup truck) to the underground temple Wat Umong. This 14th-century temple is covered by moss and jungle creepers, creating an atmospheric sense of natural decay. After walking through its mysterious tunnels, you'll reach the temple's viharn (shrine). Local legend says that anyone who pays their respects here returns to the city a better person.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at 137 Pillars House, a five-star hotel's renowned restaurant. The boutique setting is a nostalgic blend of historic Thai and sleek modern design. This 1889 property was once owned by Louis Leonowens, son of Anna (of "Anna and the King" movie fame). Expect refined versions of traditional Thai and Lanna (northern Thai) cuisine made with organic ingredients.

Day 11: Visit the Mountain Temples of Chiang Mai

For this day trip, you'll be driven west to Doi Suthep Mountain, passing through spectacular mountainous terrain. Climb the 309 steps to the top of Doi Suthep, 5,499 feet (1,676 m) above sea level, for a panorama over Chaing Mai. If you don't fancy the hike, there's the option of a cable car ride. The summit is also crowned with the temple of Wat Phra That, a complex that's one of northern Thailand's most sacred sites and pilgrimage destinations.

Day 12: Transfer to Mae Chan, Visit Hill Tribe Communities 

Check out from the hotel this morning and start the journey northeast toward Chiang Rai. The three-hour drive passes through the Doi Mae Salong mountainous region. You'll stop here, close to the Myanmar border, to visit the hill tribe community of Akha Mudhouse Mae Salong on Mae Salong Hill.

This remote Akha settlement comprises 58 households living in structures made from mud, bamboo, rice straw, and rice husk. Stroll around the village and meet the locals, enjoying a cool breeze from the relatively high elevation as you go. Join a local family for a home-cooked lunch of Akha specialties while you learn about how their traditional way of life promotes a strong bond with nature. After lunch, transfer to the resort and relax for the rest of the day.

Day 13: Transfer to Chiang Rai & Depart

Savor your final taste of Thailand over breakfast before meeting your driver for the transfer to Mae Fah Luang International Airport in Chiang Rai. With a full belly and a big dose of cooking inspiration to try at home, you'll catch your departing flight. Safe travels!

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