Gourmet Thailand

Day 1

Arrive in Bangkok. You will be met by a Trip Feast representative and transferred to the hotel. Our guides will introduce you to the surrounding areas so you can get around in your free time. Dinner at Soul Food Mahanokorn (small, organic restaurant run by a travel writer) features regional Thai food and a welcome drink. Overnight in Bangkok. Meal plan: D

Day 2

Visit Bangrak , a district known for its cuisine, by Sky Train and start a walking food tour of 4-5 local restaurants, each specialising in a different regional style of food. Learn about the history of Thai food and how it has been influenced by India and China. Catch a ferry along the Chaophraya river to the Old City area of Rattanakosin Island. Visit Bangkok’s major attractions, including the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace, and the Temple of Golden Buddha. Ride on a Tuk-Tuk, stopping for snacks and refreshments along the way. Return to your hotel. Evening free to relax. Overnight in Bangkok. Meal plan B, L

Bangrak district specialities are likely to include such dishes as Kao-Nha-Ped (Original Roasted Duck with Rice), Papaya Salad (Som Tam), Curry Lava on Egg, Thai Green Custard Bun, Thai Beef Sa-Tay, Green Curry Chicken served with Roti, and Traditional Thai Coconut Ice cream.

Day 3

After breakfast, head to the Blue Elephant Cooking School, one of the most renowned cooking schools in Thailand. Visit local market with a Blue Elephant chef for an introduction to local ingredients. Theory class of Thai cooking followed by hands-on class guided by expert chefs in cooking 4 Royal Thai dishes such as Plaa Koong (Spicy Prawn Salad with Thai Herbs) and Kai Tra-Krai Prik Thai Dum (Stir-fried Chicken with Black Pepper Sauce). Lunch will be the dishes you prepared yourself served in the famous Blue Elephant restaurant. Afternoon free. At 5:30pm meet to travel to Yaowarat, the world’s largest Chinatown, where you will have a chance to taste several Thai-Chinese dishes from various eateries. Walk through Chinatown to visit the Chinatown Gate and Temple. Exit Yaowarat and go to a roof-top bar to enjoy a drink or two and the breathtaking 360 degree night time view of the metropolis of Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok. Meal plan: B, L, D

Day 4

Check out of hotel after breakfast. Then proceed to the Amita Cooking School for a second cooking class. You will have an opportunity to learn to make four local Thai dishes, and eat these for lunch. In the afternoon, leave Bangkok for Samut Songkhram. Stop on the way to visit a local village that specialises in making Benjarong (traditional Thai porcelain). Stop again in the fishing village of Home Krateng to learn about the life of a Thai fisherman. Visit an oyster and mussel farm by ferry and feed the local macaque monkeys. Farmers will demonstrate the cooking of local seafood specialities. Dinner on a farm structure in the middle of the sea. Transfer to your accommodation at a riverside boutique resort in Amphawa. Overnight in Amphawa. Meal plan: B, L, D

Amphawa is an old market town on the Mae Klong river, and it has long been famous for the fireflies which live amongst the mangroves in the waters where the Mae Klong meets the sea. It’s one of the only few places in the world that you can witness thousands of fireflies light up at the same time. You will have a 1-hour night tour for firefly sightseeing on a small river boat (The best season to see fireflies is during June to October, but they can be seen year round).

Day 5

As 95% of Thais are Buddhist, Buddhism highly influences Thai culture. This morning, you will have the option to wake up early (6am) to learn about a daily Buddhist practice and experience the act of offering alms to the monks. After breakfast, drive for 30 minutes to visit the world famous Damnern Saduak Floating Market. Then you will visit a palm orchard to meet a local sugar maker and learn the process of making palm sugar. Drive to Petchburi city for local Thai noodle lunch. On the way to Hua Hin, stop by the beautiful Marukhathaiyawan Palace, the Palace of Love and Hope, which is a Royal residence located right on the beach. At Hua Hin, relax for a couple of hours until dinner at a local seafood restaurant where the guides can make suggestions for you to order. Overnight in Hua Hin. Meal plan: B, L

Day 6

After breakfast, you will take a trip to Hua Hin Hill Vineyard. Learn about their “new latitude wines” and how it is possible to grow wine in a tropical climate. Take a short elephant ride to visit the vineyards. Stop for a wine tasting and lunch. The afternoon is free. Evening visit to Hua Hin Night Market where you will be free to try out foods and do some shopping while your driver waits. Overnight in Hua Hin. Meal plan: B, L

Day 7

After breakfast, you will be driven back to Bangkok. Stop at a dessert shop to sample local Thai desserts. En route, stop for lunch at a food court. The afternoon is free to explore Bangkok at your leisure. At 5pm drive to Antara resort for a farewell drink with your guides. Board a restored wooden rice barge called the Manhora Cruise for dinner on the Chaophraya river and gaze at the lights of Bangkok. Overnight in Bangkok. Meal plan: B, D

Day 8

After breakfast, transfer to Bangkok airport for onward flight. Meal plan: B