Central & Northern Thailand Foodie Tour

10 days/9 nights from
$3159
per adult share twinFlights are additional

Central & Northern Thailand Foodie Tour

Thai cuisine has been passed down through countless generations, evolving along with the country itself. Today, the dishes you'll find represent a rich melting pot of cultures and culinary traditions. This trip invites you to follow in the footstep of our ancestors and discover the wisdom of Thai food from Bangkok to Ayutthaya via Khao Yai with its “New Latitude Wines” before ending up in Chiang Mai. Along the way, you'll go off the beaten track and behind the scenes to discover what's happening in the kitchen. Discover Thailand's complex recipes and traditional cooking methods with a range of fascinating locations and hands-on experiences; learn how we pick out the freshest ingredients at market; taste the many unique flavours of Thai cuisine, including spicy, sweet, sour, salty and savoury before travelling by overnight train to the north of Thailand to sample the finest of Thailand's northern cuisine.


Deal includes
✔ 9 nights accommodation
✔ Pick up and drop off services by private air-conditioned vehicle with English speaking local guide (unless otherwise specified) 
✔ Entrance fees at attractions as listed in the itinerary
✔ Meals as specified in the itinerary (drinks are not included)
✔ Air-conditioning, sleeper night train Ayutthaya to Chiang Mai (subject to availability)  
✔ Day use until 6pm at Krugsri River Hotel on Day 6

Flights are additional

10 days / 9 nights 
From $3159 per adult share twin
Travel:01May-31Oct24

From $3289 per adult share twin
Travel:01Nov-14Nov, 16Nov-19Dec & 06Jan-31Mar25

Itinerary
Day 1: Bangkok Arrival 
Meet and greet at the airport and transfer to the hotel. The rest of the day is yours to discover Bangkok on your own or to relax by the pool or to explore your neighbourhood and get your first glimpse of Bangkok.

Optional at additional charge: 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. Every desire you perceive will be fulfilled in order to make your diner perfectly. Experience Thai culture and royal cuisine in a charming and traditional, richly decorated Thai pavilion, originating from Northern Thailand. Enjoy the show while sharing a wonderful riverside meal, based on Royal Thai cuisine kitchen.  

Day 2: Bangkok 
After breakfast at the hotel, start the day to discover the very best of Bangkok, taking in some of the temples of old Bangkok’s Rattanakosin Island; the Royal Quarter. Visit Wat Pho and it’s the most famous and largest reclining Buddha images in Thailand. And the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, situated in the Grand Palace complex, otherwise known as Wat Phra Kaew is regarded as the most sacred temple in the kingdom. It is an architectural wonder of golden stupas, walls and pillars encrusted in shining and colourful mosaics and murals. It is home to the sacred Emerald Buddha, a dark green statue which has been carved from a single jade stone. Previously the residence of past Kings of Thailand, you will see palace buildings once used for different occasions, the Reception Hall, the Coronation Hall, the Throne Hall, the Royal Guest House. The architecture is predominantly Thai, though there are some interesting European influences. Lunch will be served at local restaurant.

Afternoon is free time at leisure.

In the evening, welcome you to Manohra Cruise. Combining old world splendour and luxurious modern comfort, Manohra Cruises, one of the best river cruises in Bangkok, offers unforgettable heritage journeys along this legendary waterway. Board a lovingly restored antique rice barge from Anantara Riverside Bangkok’s private pier. Embark on a river voyage like no other, sauntering past the capital’s contemporary landmarks, striking bridges and iconic cultural sites including the Temple of Dawn, Wat Pho and Grand Palace. Relish heartfelt Thai hospitality and world class service as you savour divine menus. Immerse in unique journeys of discovery for dinner are provided with a description of the dishes and the regions from which they originate.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 3: Bangkok
Meet our local guide at the hotel lobby after breakfast. Today we will learn how to prepare Thai signature dishes such as steamed minced chicken and crabmeat, spicy seabass soup, and mung bean jasmine cake at Blue Elephant Cooking School. You will be welcomed with a fresh Thai herbal drink and discuss with the chef the 4 course meal they will prepare. Time for a ride by Sky Train to the Bang Rak morning fresh market*. Your instructor will guide you in discovering the usage of Thai fruits and vegetables without forgetting the multicolored spices! Back at the cooking school it is time for refreshing drink, to get ready for the theory class. The experienced instructor will present a cookery demonstration of the dishes that you will have to prepare. To repeat the same at home, you will receive a folder with the recipes of the day. Time to cook by yourself at the practice room. You will have your own station and cooking utensils. Assisted by the instructor you will learn and experience the culinary technique of Thai cuisine. Four traditional Thai dishes are waiting to be prepared by you! Afterwards you can taste and enjoy your own culinary creation in a convivial Thai setting at the Blue Elephant Restaurant.
Note: Morning market visit is not available on Sunday

Afternoon is free time at leisure.

In the evening, enjoy a fun ride across the streets of Bangkok by the iconic Thai Tuk Tuk which will chauffeur you to various street food restaurants in order to indulge your palatal with some of the traditionally cooked and most delicious Thai dishes. Experience the fun of riding around in a Tuk Tuk to discover Bangkok’s magical atmosphere at night. Visit famous local eateries around the city sampling the local street foods a staple favorite is Khao Man Gai  (Chicken & Rice),  or a hearty helping of the best Pad Thai (fried Rice Noodles) or the best kept-secret Guay Tiew Kua Gai (Rice noodles with chicken in a warm broth) go behind the scenes to see how it's made.  Explore the amazing flower market with its vivid colors this market really comes to life at night. Visit a magnificent temple for a unique night-time perspective to see the temple spires glistening in the night light. After our trip your Tuk Tuk driver will take you back to hotel in Bangkok before midnight.
(Breakfast, Lunch & Dinner)

Day 4: Bangkok – Khao Yai
After breakfast at the hotel, you’re driven to Khao Yai On the way, we pass through a patchwork countryside that could almost be France was it not for the banana trees and occasional coconut palm to PB Valley Winery, the biggest winery in Southeast Asia and also the birthplace of the Khao Yai wine region. Enjoy a Western set lunch at the Great Hornbill Grill, complemented by a glass of wine of course before joining a guided tour of the vineyards, including explanation about the various grapes grown for winemaking as well as table grapes. The tour includes a look at the winery and the first wine tasting of the day at its foyer. A visit to fruit orchards is also included. Our next stop is at GranMonte vineyard, a family estate that welcome all visitors with friendly, hospitable service. Join our famous vineyard and winery tour together with wine tasting. GranMonte’s educational and fun tour of our vineyard and winery has received the Tourism Authority of Thailand’s award for Agrotourism four years in a row. The tour consists of exploring the vineyard in a comfortable tour trailer, where viticulture techniques, climate, soil and grape varieties will be explained. In the Asoke Valley Winery, you will see the winemaking operations (depending on the time of the year), advance winemaking equipment, fermentation tanks, barrel room with beautiful and clean oak barrels, and bottling machines. The tour is followed by a viewing of our video at GranMonte Shop and tasting of four premium award-winning wines accompanied by cheese and crackers. Finish the day and you’re driven to your hotel in Khao Yai and rest of the day is at your leisure. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 5: Khao Yai – Ayutthaya
Meet our local guide at the hotel lobby after breakfast. Then we drive to the revered Wat Phra Phutthabat, said to contain a footprint of Lord Buddha. The holy artifact is sheltered by a pavilion built by the then-king and has become an important Buddhist pilgrimage site for kings of Ayutthaya.
We continue our journey to Ayutthaya where it is now time to change your mode of transport and explore the ancient temples and ruins of Ayutthaya Historical Park by open air tuk-tuk! When surrounded by the ruins, now listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, it’s not difficult to imagine the grandeur that once was the kingdom of Ayutthaya.
Stops will be made at the following sites:
Wat Mahathat: look out for 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
Wat Chaiwatthanaram, one of Ayutthaya's most impressive Kmer style temples.  

Lunch will be served in a local restaurant. We then venture out and try Ayutthaya’s famous Thai cotton candy burrito pancakes or ‘Roti Sai Mai’ which is made from sugar pulled into thin lines like silk and rolled into a burrito shape with a soft pancake. (Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 6: Ayutthaya - Night train to Chiang Mai 
In the morning take a short Tuk Tuk ride or walk to the pier depending on your hotel location. Take a small long-tail boat around Ayutthaya island and enjoy the many historic sites along the way. This ancient island framed by three significant rivers, historic temples, palaces and remaining architecture. You will disembark  at Koh Loy and begin your leisurely walk around this small island surrounded by Lop Buri and Pasak River. Explore the island and visit two significant temples, Wat Kae and Wat Monthop, which showcase beautiful architecture and historical artifacts. 

Transfer to Hua Ro Pier on the mainland using a local ferry. From there, embark on a pleasant walk to Hua Ro Market, known for its vibrant atmosphere and variety of local products. You can immerse yourself in the bustling market scene, interact with locals, and find for yourself unique souvenirs. Then it’s time for lunch served in a delightful meal featuring a range of local dishes. Ayutthaya is renowned for its delicious cuisine, and this is your opportunity to savor the flavors of the region. After lunch, take a stroll through the charming Mae Nang Pleum community. Enjoy the serene surroundings and make your way to Wat Mae Nang Pleum, a beautiful ancient temple inside the old brick walls that make it feels like you’re traveling back in time.

You will be drop off at Krungsri River Hotel where you can refresh yourself and relax in a room until 18.00 hrs. before walking to Ayutthaya Railway Station to board the sleeper berth night train to Chiang Mai.
(Breakfast & Lunch)

Transfer to Ayutthaya Railway Station is not included.

Note: Ayutthaya Railway Station is a 5-minute walking distance (500 meters) from Krungsri River Hotel. The train to Chang Mai, leaving the station approximately 19.45 hrs. and we suggest you arrive at the station at least 30 minutes before departure time.

Day 7: Chiang Mai
Upon arrival in Chiang Mai in the early morning, you will meet your local guide and join the local people in alms giving tradition (food offering to the monks during their morning rounds) and for a typical Thai coffee and breakfast. Continue to your hotel for check in and rest of the day free at leisure to relax by pool or explore the surrounding area on your own (early check-in is NOT guaranteed. However you will be able to use the hotels facilities)

Late afternoon pick-up for a Lanna Home Host Dinner Experience, a true feast for the senses. Here we present a range of innovate, culinary-centric ideas to occupy travelers from sunrise to way past sunset! Picking you up from your hotel, we head south out of Chiangmai to Bandoo in Hangdong district. The home you will be visiting belongs to the Raunkaew-Yanon family, who arrived in the area possibly by elephant back almost 150 years ago. The family is typical “Lanna” Northern Thailand family, continuing the traditions of many generations in building their homes of teak wood and maintaining the natural surroundings in manner now rarely seen in Chiang Mai province. You will experience the simple Lanna way of life by a warm welcome in their Teak Wooden home learn about their traditional way of living, including a walk through the family orchard with many types of fruit such as banana, mango & coconut, whilst the garden is filled with typical Thai herbs and organic vegetables for cooking. You will also have the opportunity to join the preparations and cooking with local family. Your lunch or evening dinner will be served on the 2nd floor terrace of the home of the family from where you will enjoy the panoramic view of this Lanna village or ground floor and enjoy the traditional “Kantoke” style by sitting down on relaxing pillows. The tour is designed to give you a real experience and understanding of Lanna family life, the traditions and buildings; the relationship between their religion and ancestors, and the way this all works together with nature. (Light Breakfast & Dinner)

Day 8: Chiang Mai
In the morning, the guide will pick you up again and time for a relaxing tour. He/she takes you to Wat Chai Mongkok Pier to start a cruise of the Mae Ping River by local long-tail boat for 30 minutes. Softly navigating the river, you will see traditional wooden houses interspersed with modern residences, colorful scenery and witness the local lifestyle along the river banks. The boat chugs on to reach its destination point the “Thai Farmer’s House”, a traditional local-style teak wooden house, vegetable and fruit garden. Agriculture remains Thailand’s largest source of income and here the visitor can discover the basic elements-rice, local herbs, fruits, fishing-all thriving in a chemical-free environment. Sit down and relax over a fresh fruit or herb juice, together with a plate of newly prepared mixed fruit, which is included in the price of your excursion. But you may also wish to experience the signature noodle dish of the North of Thailand; called “Khao Soi” Here at “Thai Farmer’s house” the dish is prepared to a very special recipe which brings out the unique flavour of the mild, creamy curry soup. (not included, but can be paid for on the spot) A well-chosen selection of side dishes accompany the main ingredients of the meal. Cups of freshly brewed local coffee and other beverages are also available. Next stop is a fresh food market to see the abundance of crops grown in this fertile area. From the market, take a local 3-wheeled Trishaw, in Thailand called a Samlor, along Tapae Road, through the city wall gates into Chiang Mai historical old town, passing ancient Buddhist temples, along Rajdamnern Road to see the Three Kings Monument before returning to your hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure, to relax and enjoy the delights of the city on your own.
(Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 9: Chiang Mai
You will be an expert in Thai cuisine by now, so the lunch you create should be most delicious!
Pick up from your hotel in Chiang Mai city and drive to Sankhampaeng District. On the way stop at a local country market where you will be guided around and learn how to select and buy the fresh Thai ingredients that will be needed for that day's cooking lesson. this tour of the morning market is an unforgettable experience in itself, leaving them with lasting memories of new sights, sounds and wonderful spicy aromas, as well as a broader knowledge of Thai fruits, vegetables and spices. Continue to the delightful semi-rural setting of the cookery school itself, your English speaking instructor will take you through every stage of the cooking process until, at the end of the session, you will have the opportunity to taste and eat your own creations.  You will learn by doing, not merely watching, so each course is full of activity and fun. You will receive a copy of full-color cookery book that contains information about common ingredients in Thai cooking and all our recipes.  It will help you reproduce the tasty dishes you have learned, and more, in the comfort of your own home kitchen. The class ends around 2pm and you will be transferred to your hotel.
The afternoon is at leisure, to relax and enjoy the delights of the city on your own.
(Breakfast & Lunch)

Day 10: Chiang Mai Departure
Your last day starts with breakfast at the hotel. At the arranged time, your private driver will transfer you to the airport for your flight to your next destination.
(Breakfast)