Thailand
Day 01: Hello and welcome to Bangkok, Thailand! Get ready for a culinary journey starting tonight at our 5 pm welcome meeting. Consider arriving a day early to explore attractions like the Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, stroll along Khao San Road, or treat yourself to a Thai massage. Join the group for dinner at Krua Apsorn, followed by an evening of exploring the area and savoring Thai sweets with your fellow travelers and leader.
Day 02: Start your day with an early breakfast, exploring the Tha Kha Floating Market. Wander through vibrant canals filled with local vendors before taking a paddleboat to delve deeper into the waterways. Witness the traditional process of coconut palm sugar production at a riverside operation. Return to Bangkok for a free afternoon of shopping, sightseeing, or relaxation. In the evening, embark on a Chinatown walking tour for a taste of local street food and possibly join your group for live music at a lively bar.
Day 03: Embark on a culinary adventure after breakfast in Bangkok. Travel to a local village and community farm, where you’ll participate in cooking Central Thai specialties using fresh ingredients from the garden. Enjoy a home-cooked lunch featuring local delicacies, and later, take a boat ride on the Chao Phraya River to visit a Buddhist temple on a remote island. Conclude the day in Ayutthaya City with free time to explore and indulge in more delicious food.
Day 04: Explore Ayutthaya, once the mighty capital of Siam and a powerhouse in Asia. Try the iconic roti sai mai, a thin pancake filled with delicate strands of cotton candy. Enjoy a bowl of Ayutthaya’s original boat noodles for lunch, featuring fragrant pork broth, roasted meat slices, Thai-style pork balls, morning glory stalks, green onion, and rice noodles. Discover the town’s golden age through guided tours of its picturesque ruins and temples, including the atmospheric headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Mahathat. Freshen up at your hotel before boarding an overnight train to Chiang Mai (approximately 13 hours).
Day 05: Explore the vibrant city of Chiang Mai, known for its famous temples and Northern Thai cuisine. Enjoy a plant-based lunch at a local restaurant with organic vegetables sourced from nearby farms. Take an orientation walk, visiting Wat Chedi Luang and Akha Ama for a coffee break. Relax before an included dinner at a local restaurant. Optionally, explore the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar for local crafts and Northern street food.
Day 06: Embark on a journey to a charming Thai village for a unique homestay with Aoi. Explore a local restaurant for fermented rice noodles, tour a mushroom farm for a Northern Thai cooking class, and indulge in a traditional khan tok dinner featuring 11 delightful dishes. Conclude the day with a feast accompanied by local music and dance.
Day 07: Start your day with a delectable Northern Thai breakfast featuring gai tod, fried rice, sweet sticky rice, and egg custard. Say goodbye to your homestay hosts and embark on a scenic 1.5-hour drive to the impressive Doi Suthep temple complex. Ascend the 300-step naga-guarded stairway for captivating views and the mesmerizing chants of Buddhist monks. Return to town for a tasty khao soi lunch, a renowned curry noodle dish. Explore the lively Warorot Market in the afternoon, sampling unique regional treats like Chiang Mai sausage and bamboo worms.
Day 08: Today has no scheduled activities, concluding your delightful Real Food Adventure this morning. While you’re free to depart anytime, your adventure doesn’t have to end. Extend your stay in Chiang Mai, and we can arrange extra accommodation if available.