Thailand for Foodies

(7 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Bangkok, Chiang Mai

The ultimate culinary tour of Thailand, this luxury private tour includes several classes at Thailand's leading cooking schools. It also features private sightseeing of the main cultural attractions in Bangkok and Chiang Mai, with a strong emphasis on local food markets and experiencing authentic cuisine in noted local restaurants.

Begin with comprehensive touring in Bangkok. Visit the most important temples to learn about Buddhist practices and influences on daily life. Hear monks chanting at a morning ceremony and visit palaces and noted museums. Explore colorful markets selling textiles, flowers, Buddhist items and crafts as well as unique floating markets selling fresh produce and snacks. One day, enjoy a private cooking class with an expert instructor. Shop for ingredients at a local market, then learn to cook dishes such as yum ma keua koong sod (eggplant salad with prawns); plaa jien ta-krai (deep-fried fish with lemongrass sauce); ped toon nam ma-kham (steamed duck with tamarind sauce); or kaeng karee kai (yellow curry with chicken). One night, take a private tour to experience some of Bangkok's best street food. Another night, perhaps enjoy contemporary cuisine at a top restaurant in the city. There will also be time to enjoy one of the world's leading spas, swim and shop for exquisite Asian art.

Continue to Chiang Mai in northern Thailand. Stay at an exclusive luxury resort surrounded by mountains and lush fields of terraced rice paddies. Enjoy private cooking classes with a master chef and learn the nuances of northern Thai cuisine through local culinary dishes including curries, salads and noodles. During private touring, visit a revered mountaintop temple and see monks collecting their morning alms. Also tour revered temples and the city's bustling markets filled with spices, tea, prepared foods, and Thai crafts. One day, take an excursion to an elephant sanctuary. One evening, enjoy a culinary tour of the night market and its many street food stalls. Other optional activities can be arranged, upon request, such as golfing, hiking, shopping excursions, family activities, in-depth Buddhist experiences, and more.

Itinerary Overview

Day 1 Arrive Bangkok VIP airport assistance. Private arrival transfer to hotel for 3 nights Day 2 Bangkok Full-day private city tour, including culinary touring. Evening street food tour Day 3 Bangkok Morning private cooking lesson. Afternoon private longtail boat ride Day 4 Bangkok – Chiang Mai Private transfer to airport for flight to Chiang Mai. Private arrival transfer to resort for 3 nights. Private culinary tour of the night market Day 5 Chiang Mai Morning private tour, including sunrise alms-giving, temple visits and market tour. Afternoon private Thai cooking lesson Day 6 Chiang Mai Private excursion to elephant sanctuary Day 7 Depart Chiang Mai Private airport transfer. VIP departure assistance

Hotels

Bangkok: Mandarin Oriental, Bangkok or Four Seasons Hotel Bangkok at Chao Phraya River Chiang Mai: Four Seasons Resort Chiang Mai

Cost

$11,905 Per person (double occupancy)