Though Thai cuisine is much-loved the world over, it takes an immersive visit to the country to truly unravel the complexity of its ingredients and the remarkable regional influences from north to south. On our carefully designed, food themed journey, you will take in the highlights of vibrant Bangkok and the lush green surrounds of historic Chiang Mai, but with a number of highly authentic culinary experiences woven in. Learn the art of the rural Lanna cuisine in northern Thailand, discover the vibrancy of regional Thai cuisine on expert-led street food tours, and then unwind from your indulgences in an irresistible Thai island setting.
THAILAND CULINARY ADVENTURE
HIGHLIGHTS
- Learn to create typical Lanna-style dishes in a rural family home in northern Thailand
- Sample the best Pad Thai in Bangkok on a fabulous street food tour by tuk-tuk
- Contrast the flavours of the north with the cultural and culinary melting pot of Phuket
- Unwind from your adventures on one of the island's best beaches
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Arrive
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Day 1 Arrive Chiang Mai
On arrival in Chiang Mai you will be met at the airport and privately transferred to your boutique hotel. 137 Pillars is particularly renowned for its cuisine and was once the private home of Louis Leonowens, son of Anna from the film Anna and the King.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 2 Chiang Mai highlights & street food
After a delicious first breakfast at 137 Pillars, you will be met by your private guide who will accompany you first on a scenic drive out of the city to absorb the verdant surrounds of the Doi Suthep Peak. Ascend further to marvel at the 600-year-old Doi Suthep temple and take in the sweeping views. Returning the city centre, discover the bustling stalls of the Kaad Luang market, where your guide will make recommendations on the best tastings. Later this afternoon you will venture out once more, this time on a highly enjoyable tuk-tuk and street food tour of Chiang Mai at dusk, sampling some of the tastiest local specialities and then remaining in the city for dinner at the night market or at one of our favourite local restaurants.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 3 Experience Lanna cuisine
Today you will have the unique opportunity to learn regional Thai cooking from a local family. You will be welcomed into a rural Lanna-style home by the head of the family and stroll through the extensive family gardens and rice field, getting to know the many types of fruit, vegetable and herbs which the family use in their everyday cooking. A family member will then guide you through the preparation of five local dishes, regaling you with stories of their significance. Feast on your creations as you dine with the family, after which you will be driven back to Chiang Mai for an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: 137 Pillars
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Day 4 Chiang Mai to Bangkok
Take a morning flight to Bangkok where you will be met and privately transferred to The Mandarin Oriental. Cuisine is an integral of the experience at this landmark hotel, from breakfast on the riverbank to high tea in the serene Authors' Lounge of the original Oriental Hotel. This evening you will be met by a local guide to delve into Bangkok's night-time street food scene. Whizz through Bangkok's buzzing streets, sampling delicacies such as the city's best Pad Thai, tender pork satay and spicy papaya salads. Round off your culinary adventure with a trip to the colourful Pak Khlong Talat flower market, driving past some of the city's top landmarks along the way including the shimmering stupas of the grand Wat Pho.
Overnight: The Mandarin Oriental
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Day 5 Highlights of Bangkok
After a leisurely morning at the Mandarin Oriental, meet your guide and set off on an immersive introduction to some of Bangkok's most impressive sights. Using a variety of local transport such as sky trains, tuk-tuks and canal boats, visit landmarks such as the Golden Mount at Wat Saket, Wat Pho and the Reclining Buddha, and the bustling Charoen Krung Street. The tour will conclude later this evening with dinner at a recommended restaurant.
Overnight: The Mandarin Oriental
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Day 6 Bangkok to Phuket
Bid farewell to the bustle of Bangkok today and take a short domestic flight to Phuket, home to some of the most alluring coastline and most luxurious beach hotels in Thailand. You will be met at the airport and transferred to your beachside sanctuary, set against a backdrop of forest-clad hills.
Overnight: The Nai Harn
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Day 7 Phuket Old Town and local cuisine
This morning you will delve beneath the surface of Phuket on a fascinating private tour of the Old Town with an expert local guide. Phuket Town was the hub of the 19th-century tin trade in Southeast Asia, and a surprising wealth of historical and cultural attractions can be discovered here, as well as influences from China, Malaysia, India and Europe. Observe the impressive manor houses and preserved shopfronts which now house art galleries, local food haunts and colourful boutiques. At the Lock Tian food court, sample fresh Phuket spring rolls and Hokkien noodles while watching them being prepared in front of you. Round off your tour with lunch at an authentic southern Thai restaurant before being returned to your hotel to enjoy an afternoon at leisure.
Overnight: The Nai Harn
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Day 8 - 10 Beach relaxation
Enjoy some time at leisure to relax and enjoy all that the Nai Harn has to offer. Days might begin with a morning stroll along the beach, where opportunities abound for swimming, snorkelling and paddle boarding. The hotel's sparkling swimming pool, fringed by tropical vegetation, provides a cooling retreat, as does the sublime spa where a holistic treatment programme can be designed entirely around your individual needs. The friendly hotel concierge can arrange a variety of activities further afield - or you may wish to simply kick back and enjoy pure relaxation, fine food and world-class hospitality.
Overnight: The Nai Harn
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Day 11 Home
After a final breakfast at the Nai Harn, you will be privately transferred to the airport today in plenty of time for your flight home.
Overnight: Home
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Depart
INCLUSIONS
- All accommodation as detailed in the itinerary, on a bed and breakfast basis
- Private transfers in an air-conditioned vehicle
- Domestic flights where stated (economy class)
- All activities, entrance fees and guide services as detailed in the itinerary
EXTRAS
- International flights to / from Thailand
- Meals not indicated in the itinerary
- Items of a personal nature such as laundry, drinks, gratuities (discretionary)
- Entrance fees and excursions not specifically mentioned as included
- Travel insurance
BOOKING NOTES
Prices are based on two adults sharing a room
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REASONS TO BOOK
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