Central Northern Thailand Foodie Tour

Upon arrival you will be met in the arrivals hall and transferred to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure, relax at your hotel or start exploring this intriguing city known as the Big Mango. There is also the option for a Sala Rim Naam Thai Dinner and Classical Dance evening (additional cost).

Optional tour: Sala Rim Naam Thai Dinner and Classical Dance
Set on the banks of the Chao Phraya River, directly opposite of the world-famous Oriental Hotel, Sala Rim Nam serves up delectable Thai cuisine followed by a performance of Thai classical dance.

Meals: None (Dinner if optional tour taken)

Indulge in a day of discovery and culture in Bangkok (approximate pickup time 08:45). Start your adventure on the historical Rattanakosin Island, where the Royal Quarter is located and visit the renowned Wat Pho, home to the world-famous reclining Buddha. Explore the Grand Palace complex and discover the awe-inspiring Wat Phra Keow, also known as the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

For lunch, venture to a nearby street and discover a modest roadside eatery that serves the legendary Pad Thai. While this dish is recreated worldwide, it is here where you can truly appreciate its authentic taste. The remainder of the afternoon is yours to enjoy at your leisure.

In the evening (approximate pickup time 19:00), join the Manohra Cruise, one of the finest river cruises in Bangkok. This luxurious cruise offers a heritage journey along the legendary waterway, combining modern comfort with old-world elegance. Embark on a lovingly restored antique rice barge from the private pier of Anantara Riverside Bangkok.

As you sail down the river, feast your eyes on the city’s contemporary landmarks, iconic cultural sites such as the Temple of Dawn, Wat Pho, and the Grand Palace, and magnificent bridges. Savour divine menus prepared with local ingredients and immerse yourself in Thai hospitality and world-class service. Dinner is served with descriptions of the dishes and their regions of origin, offering a unique journey of culinary discovery.

Today is your chance to immerse yourself in an exciting culinary adventure in Bangkok. Our local guide will take us to the renowned Blue Elephant Cooking School where we will learn how to prepare some of Thailand's signature dishes, such as steamed minced chicken and crabmeat, spicy seabass soup, and mung bean jasmine cake. Upon arrival, we will be welcomed with a fresh Thai herbal drink and discuss the four-course meal we will be preparing with the chef.

We will then hop on the Sky Train to the Bang Rak morning fresh market, where our instructor will guide us in discovering the different uses of Thai fruits, vegetables, and spices. Upon returning to the cooking school, we will have a theory class, during which the experienced instructor will present a cookery demonstration of the dishes we will be preparing. To take home with us, we will receive a folder with the recipes of the day.

Then, it's time to put our new skills to the test! In the practice room, we will each have our own cooking station and utensils, where the instructor will assist us in learning and experiencing the culinary techniques of Thai cuisine. We will prepare four traditional Thai dishes that we can later enjoy in a convivial Thai setting at the Blue Elephant Restaurant.

This evening embark on a fun Tuk Tuk ride across the streets of Bangkok. During our adventure visit famous local eateries around the city and sample local street foods, explore the amazing flower market with its vivid colours, which comes to life at night andl also visit a magnificent temple for a unique night-time perspective.

After breakfast at your hotel embark on an enchanting journey to Khao Yai. As we traverse through the picturesque countryside, one could almost mistake it for France, were it not for the sight of banana trees and coconut palms. Our first stop is PB Valley Winery, the most extensive winery in Southeast Asia and the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region.

Enjoy a sumptuous set lunch at the Great Hornbill Grill, accompanied by a glass of wine, of course, before joining a guided tour of the vineyards. Learn about the various grapes grown for winemaking and discover the winemaking process at the winery. Enjoy your first wine tasting of the day at the foyer and a visit to the fruit orchards.

Next, we head to GranMonte Vineyard, a charming family estate that warmly welcomes all visitors. Experience their famous vineyard and winery tour, which has received the prestigious Tourism Authority of Thailand’s award for Agrotourism four years in a row. Explore the vineyard and learn about viticulture techniques, climate, soil, and grape varieties. Lastly at Asoke Valley Winery, witness the winemaking operations (depending on the time of the year). After the tour enjoy a delightful tasting of four premium award-winning wines, accompanied by cheese and crackers, at the GranMonte Shop.

After breakfast join our local guide for a visit to the revered Wat Phra Phutthabat. This ancient temple is said to contain a sacred footprint of Lord Buddha, sheltered by a beautiful pavilion that was built by a former king.

We then continue our adventure to Ayutthaya, where we'll change our mode of transport and explore the ancient temples and ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park by open-air tuk-tuk. Surrounded by the ruins, which have been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it's not difficult to imagine the grandeur that once was the kingdom of Ayutthaya.

Our journey will take us to the following sites: Wat Mahathat, where you can see the head of Buddha trapped amidst the roots of a banyan tree; Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch, with its three large bell-shaped stupas; Wat Lokayasutharam, housing the largest ancient reclining Buddha in Ayutthaya; and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of Ayutthaya's most impressive Khmer-style temples.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant, where you can indulge in Ayutthaya's famous Thai cotton candy burrito pancakes, also known as 'Roti Sai Mai'. These sweet treats are made from sugar that's been pulled into thin lines resembling silk and rolled into a burrito shape with a soft pancake. The tour concludes around 16:30 where you will be dropped back at your hotel.

Explore more of Ayutthaya today by hopping on a Samlor, a traditional Thai tricycle, to Chankasem National Museum. Here, we will explore and learn about the rich history of Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand.

Next, we will take a leisurely long-tail boat ride around Ayutthaya, admiring the breath-taking views of the ancient island surrounded by three rivers. Along the way, we will discover many historic temples, palaces, and remnants of ancient architecture including Wat Choeng Tha. Make a stop at a local handicraft house where a family will show us the art of weaving palm leaves to make replicas of the old tradition wind "fish" mobiles, believed to bring prosperity to new born babies. Our boat journey will end at Ko Loy, a small island in Pasak River where we can discover lesser-known local temples, including Wat Kae and Wat Monthop.

Lunch will be served at a charming restaurant in a traditional family house that has been passed down for four generations. Afterward, we will cross by local ferry back to mainland to explore Hua Ro Market, where you can shop for local souvenirs.

Finally, after a long day of walking, we will relax with a foot massage given by blind masseuses. The tour will conclude at Krungsri River Hotel, where you can refresh and relax in your room until 18.00 hrs. before walking (5 minutes, approx. 500 metres) to Ayutthaya Railway Station to board the sleeper berth night train to Chiang Mai. The train departs at 19:45 and you should arrive 30 minutes before departure (any changes will be advised locally).

Upon arrival in the early morning, you will meet your local guide and participate in a local tradition of alms giving, where you offer food to the monks during their morning rounds. Afterward, enjoy a typical Thai breakfast and coffee with the locals. Check-in at your hotel and spend the day at leisure, relaxing by the pool or exploring the surrounding area on your own. Please note that early check-in is not guaranteed, but you will be able to use the hotel's facilities.

In the late afternoon, get ready for a Lanna Home Hosted Dinner Experience, a true feast for the senses. We'll pick you up from your hotel and take you south out of Chiang Mai to Bandoo in Hangdong district. Here, you'll visit the home of the Raunkaew-Yanon family, who arrived in the area almost 150 years ago, possibly by elephant back. This family represents a typical "Lanna" Northern Thailand family, who continue to maintain their traditions of building their homes of teak wood and preserving the natural surroundings in a manner rarely seen in Chiang Mai province.

During your visit, you'll experience the simple Lanna way of life with a warm welcome in their Teak Wooden home. You'll learn about their traditional way of living, including a walk through their family orchard with many types of fruit such as banana, mango, and coconut, and a garden filled with typical Thai herbs and organic vegetables for cooking. You'll also have the opportunity to join the preparations and cooking with the local family. Your lunch or dinner will be served on the 2nd floor terrace of the family's home, where you can enjoy the panoramic view of this Lanna village, or on the ground floor where you can relax in the traditional "Kantoke" style by sitting on pillows.

Embark on a tour to discover more about the foods grown and eaten in the region. You will head to Wat Chai Mongkok Pier for a 30-minute cruise of the Mae Ping River on a local long-tail boat. As you softly navigate the river, you will pass by traditional wooden houses, modern residences, and colourful scenery, while witnessing the local lifestyle along the riverbanks. Your boat will eventually reach its destination point, the "Thai Farmer's House," a traditional local-style teak wooden house with a vegetable and fruit garden.

Here, you will discover the basic elements of agriculture in Thailand, which remains the country's largest source of income. Rice, local herbs, fruits, and fishing all thrive in a chemical-free environment. You can sit down and relax over a fresh fruit or herb juice, along with a plate of newly prepared mixed fruit that is included in the price of your excursion. However, if you wish, you may also experience the signature noodle dish of Northern Thailand, called "Khao Soi." At the "Thai Farmer's House," this dish is prepared to a very special recipe that brings out the unique flavour of the mild, creamy curry soup (not included but can be paid for locally). A well-chosen selection of side dishes accompanies the main ingredients of the meal. Cups of freshly brewed local coffee and other beverages are also available.

Your next stop will be a fresh food market, where you will see the abundance of crops grown in this fertile area. From there, you will take a local three-wheeled trishaw, known as a Samlor in Thailand, along Tapae Road, through the city wall gates into Chiang Mai's historical old town. You will pass ancient Buddhist temples, along Rajdamnern Road to see the Three Kings Monument before returning to your hotel. The rest of the day is at leisure to explore independently.

Your final full day involves a cookery class, you will be an expert in Thai cuisine by now, so the lunch you create should be the most delicious!

Your day begins with a pick-up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city, followed by a scenic drive to Sankhampaeng District. Along the way, stop at a local country market where you will be guided around and learn how to carefully select and purchase the freshest Thai ingredients that will be needed for that day's cooking lesson.

Next, continue to the delightful semi-rural setting of the cookery school where your English-speaking instructor will take you through every stage of the cooking process. The class is full of activity and fun, allowing you to learn by doing, not merely watching. At the end of the session, you will have the opportunity to taste and eat your own creations. Your instructor will provide you with a full-colour cookery book that contains information about common ingredients in Thai cooking and all the recipes that you learned. The class ends around 14:00 hrs. and you will be transferred back to your hotel.

Say farewell to northern Thailand. At the scheduled time you will be transferred to the airport for your onward journey.