Taste Of Thailand

1-Join tour Bangkok; Welcome Dinner
Join tour in Bangkok. The rest of the day is free. You may choose to take an optional cruise along the city’s Klongs (canals) in a traditional longtail boat. This is the ideal way to explore Bangkok’s network of meandering waterways that branch off from the main channel of the Chao Phraya River. The excursion will also include visits to the Royal Barge Museum and the iconic Wat Arun, the Temple of the Dawn, which was built to represent the towering slopes of Mount Meru, the home to the gods of Khmer mythology. This evening we enjoy a Welcome Dinner set menu at Soul Food restaurant as an introduction to authentic regional Thai food.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

2-In Bangkok; Street food tour. Free afternoon
This morning we start our day with a visit to Wat Po (Temple of the Reclining Buddha), within the Grand Palace complex, in time to hear the monks chanting. We will also see the famous Emerald Buddha. Heading into the city by Skytrain, we go to Bangkak district for a street food tour over lunchtime. This neighbourhood is well known for its food. We may be able to sample the likes of ‘Kao Nha Ped’, roasted duck with rice, ‘Tom Sam’ papaya salad and traditional Thai coconut icecream. This afternoon there is the option to visit Chinatown and walk along Sampeng Lan, with its brothels and opium dens, see Chinatown Gate and the night market, ending up on Yaowarat Road famous for its restaurants, from where you will be free to return to the hotel by public transport after your chosen dinner.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

3-In Bangkok; Cooking school. Ferry to Koh Kret
This morning we join a cooking school, where we initially head for the local markets with the chef to buy supplies and then learn to prepare 4 dishes which we can then enjoy for lunch. This afternoon we take a short ferry ride across to Koh Kret, an island in the Chao Praya River, where we visit a Mon settlement and a traditional dessert making village to see how they are made.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

4-Samut Songkram; Visit markets. Overnight train to Chiang Mai
This morning, while our luggage goes by bus, we board a local train from Wong Wian Tai station to Samut Sakhon station in nearby Samut Songkram province. As we travel out of Bangkok the scenery changes from large building to smaller buildings until we are travelling through paddy fields with stilt houses. When we disembark, we find ourselves at Maha Chai fish market, one of Thailand’s biggest traditional sea food markets, where we can see a range of produce. Afterwards we drive to Mae Klong Railway Market in time to see the train running through the actual market, with the vendors clearing away their wears just in time. We then transfer to Rachaburi station for our overnight train to Chiang Mai.
Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

5-In Chiang Mai; Tuk-tuk tour of Old Town. Visit Doi Suthep and night market.
On arrival this morning we drop our luggage off at the hotel. Chiang Mai offers a complete contrast and relief from the heat and noise of Bangkok. Its elevation is just over 300m, so the climate is quite agreeable. We then board our convoy of tuk-tuks and explore the Old Town and see some of its many temples. We stop for lunch of ‘Khao Soi’, Chiang Mai curry noodles made with coconut milk and a choice of chicken or beef. After lunch we can check in to our hotel and continue our exploration. We head out of the city up to Doi Suthep temple for great views over Chiang Mai. As the sun goes down we can enjoy the chanting of the monks. Back in the city we head for the famous night food market and bazaar.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

6-In Chiang Mai; Cooking school. Free afternoon
This morning we head to the morning food market and then on to Chiang Mai Cooking School to join a class in learning how to create traditional northern Thai dishes. The afternoon is free to relax, perhaps try a Thai massage or simply wander around this lovely northern town.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

7-Free day in Chiang Mai. Evening tradtional Khantoke dinner.
Today has been left free. Options include taking another cooking class or heading out if the city for an excursion to see one of the many hilltribes in the area. This evening we enjoy a traditional northern Thai Khantoke Dinner, served on low tables. Food is served on large platters and includes dishes such as pork belly with peanut and tamarind sauce and fresh vegetable and oyster sauce. After dinner we light ‘khom loy’ lanterns and set them free into the night sky.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

8-Visit Lampang Elephant sanctuary and local market. Overnight train to Bangkok
Today we take a detour and drive out to Lampang to meet the elephants at this sanctuary. Established in 1969, it is the largest elephant conservation centre in the country and host to an elephant hospital, caring for sick and abandoned elephants. You will be able to see them bathing and carrying logs and there is also the option to ride one of these amazing animals. We return to Chiang Mai in time for our overnight train back to Bangkok.
Overnight: Basic Overnight Train

9-Drive to Hua Hin. Free time by the beach
On arrival in Bangkok we drive south to Hua Hin, on the coast, just 2-3 hours from Bangkok and popular with both the King and with locals as holiday resort, yet often overlooked for the more exotic islands of the south with more untouched beaches and clearer water. However, with a long stretch of beach, an active fishing port, a night market and nearby wine-producing country, Hua Hin has plenty to offer and has the advantage of being within easy reach of Bangkok. The rest of the day is free to relax by the hotel pool or at the beach. This evening you may wish to sample some of the delicious fresh seafood on the beach local-style, washed down with a cold beer as you watch the fishing boats go out to sea.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

10-Free morning. Visit Hua Hin Hill Vineyard and evening fish market
This morning is free to take a leisurely breakfast and relax. This afternoon we head out to Hua Hin Hill Vineyard, to learn about how wine is produced in the Thai climate and of course to taste it too! Built on a former elephant corral where wild Asian elephants were tamed, the terrain is made up of loamy sand and slat which with eh ocean breezes makes for great conditions for wine production. Afterwards we make our way to Hua Hin night market, where we will be free to browse for souvenirs and try food at the stalls whilst our driver waits.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

11-Free day in Hua Hin
Today has been left free. You may wish to make the most of being near to the beach or you may like to join cooking school.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

12-Drive to Bangkok. Free time
This morning we return to Bangkok, where you will have time to explore this vast city further. This evening there is the option to take a dinner cruise on the Chao Praya River – a lovely way to end your holiday.
Overnight: Standard Hotel
Single Room option available

13-Tour ends in Bangkok
Tour ends after breakfast. If you are staying on there is plenty to discover in Bangkok itself, and if you enjoyed your stay at the beach you may want to try one of the islands in the south.

Tour includes:

10 Breakfast
4 Lunch
2 Dinner
Transport:
Bus, Train, Boat
Accommodation:
10 nights Standard Hotel
2 nights Basic Overnight Train
Tour Staff:
Driver(s), Explore Tour Leader, Local Guide(s), Boat Crew
Group Size:
Generally 8 – 14