A Taste of Thailand

Join us to explore the taste sensation that is Thai cuisine.  Thai restaurants are flourishing everywhere from London to Las Vegas, but you will quickly realise that nothing can compare to the food found in Thailand itself. We begin by joining the locals at a restaurant where one of Bangkok's most colourful characters, 'Mama', slaves over her wok.

Be prepared for a sensory overload, with fish steaming, vegetables exploding in to flames and Bangkok's colourful street life right outside.  Later, we will start to hone our culinary skills as we visit a local market with a chef from the world-renowned Blue Elephant restaurant.  In Chiang Mai we taste the traditional Northern cuisine and enjoy a full day cooking class.  We tour the Grand Palace and temples of Bangkok, stay in a local village, ride an elephant, and even find time for a little relaxation. 

Itinerary (10 nights / 11 days)

Day 1, Bangkok
Arrive and check in to our hotel. Tonight will be our first taste of Thai cuisine, and it doesn't get much better than this. We visit Mama's, a simple local restaurant that serves mouth-watering Thai delicacies. (D)

Day 2, Bangkok
In the morning we take a guided tour of Bangkok 's magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow. This is followed after lunch by an exciting longtail boat ride along the city's canals or ‘klongs'. (BL)

Day 3, Bangkok
Situated in a 19th century mansion, the atmosphere of the Blue Elephant Thai cookery school complements the magnificent dishes created inside. We begin by visiting a local market and buying what we need under the direction of our chef. This gives us the opportunity to build a menu from the raw ingredients, and then savour our dishes at lunchtime. The rest of the day is free to relax. (BL)

Day 4, Bangkok
Today we have a free day to explore this vibrant city before transferring to the train station to board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B)

Day 5, Chiang Mai
In the morning we arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to our hotel. Later, we make an excursion to the beautiful hilltop temple of Doi Suthep . This evening you could try an authentic Thai massage. (B)

Day 6, Chiang Mai
A full day cooking class with Chiang Mai's famous chef ‘The Master'. From the early morning you will be chopping, frying and steaming, then eating the results. (BLD)

Day 7, Chiang Mai - Village Homestay
We journey by pick-up truck through the cultural heartland of the north, home of the colourful hilltribe people. On the way we stop to visit a local market and buy several vital ingredients for tonight's dinner. Continuing on foot through the mountainous terrain, we arrive at a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional house. We share the chores with our hosts as we prepare food for this evening's dinner. (BLD)

Day 8, Chiang Mai
After breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. Later we drive to the orphanage for hilltribe children supported by us. We may stay for dinner with them, help them with their homework or enjoy a game of football. On the way back to our hotel we can stop off at Chiang Mai's famous night markets. (BLD)

Day 9, Chiang Mai
Today is free to explore the town or relax by the swimming pool. Tonight we take the overnight train to Bangkok . (B)

Day 10, Bangkok
We arrive back in Bangkok and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, do some last minute shopping, or explore some of the other ethnic areas of this diverse city. If you fancy a break from Thai food then why not try one of the great restaurants in Little India or the Arab Quarter. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together. (BD)

Day 11, Bangkok
Tour ends after breakfast. If you like we can help you to extend your stay with some time at one of Thailand 's beaches. (B) 

General Tour Information

Style: Special Interest
Staffing: Fully escorted by professional tour leader , services of local guides/chefs.
Transport: Private minivan, sleeper train, longtail boat, pick-up truck
Accommodation: 7 nights tourist class hotels, 1 night homestay, 2 nights overnight train
The single supplement does not apply to the nights on the train or in the homestay.
Activities: Hiking, elephant ride
Meals: As per itinerary B-Breakfast, L-Lunch, D-Dinner.
Entrance fees: Included for all sites listed as part of the itinerary
Tipping: To avoid embarrassment and save you money all tours operate a tipping kitty. Please allow US$15-17 for the duration of the tour for this. This does not include a tip for the tour leader which is entirely at your own discretion.

For comparability, all prices in this dossier are quoted in one currency. We use the US Dollar since that is familiar to most. However, once on tour you will need to pay for all goods and services in the local currency (with the exception of the local payment which must be paid in US Dollars in good condition, unmarked notes). See your Country Dossier for details of exchange rates.

Local Payment

There is a local payment of US$200 on this tour. This must be paid to the Tour Leader in US Dollars cash on Day 1 of the tour.

Free Arrival Transfer

Arrival transfers are included for all clients arriving in Bangkok on Day 1 or before Day 1 if extra accommodation is booked with us. If you have booked your flights separately from your tour please ensure that you inform your tour booking agent of your flight details at least one month before departure to avoid payment of an administration fee.

Price includes:

• Staffing as shown in the 'Factfinder'
• Accommodation, meals, transportation, and sightseeing excursions as per itinerary.
• Transfer to hotel on arrival.

Price does not include:

• Visa costs
• Border Taxes
• Entrance fees
• Drinks, tips, laundry and other items of a personal nature.
• International flights
• Departure transfers
• Meals other than those listed
• The single supplement does not include the nights on the train or at the homestay.

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