Culinary Treasures of Thailand

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend exploring the food culture of Bangkok. The city has a vibrant culinary scene with plenty of great restaurants and iconic street food stalls. Head to the bustling Yaowarat Road that runs through the heart of the city’s Chinatown area. Sample dim sum, roasted duck and oyster omelets at the stalls that line the street. Different varieties of noodles, seafood soups and toasted buns are also available. Alternatively, make your way to Or Tor Kor Market, a popular indoor marketplace packed with stalls of produce, meat and seafood. There is also the lively Bang Rak district, often called the ‘Village of Love’, where you will find small family-owned eateries. Here, savor specialties made from recipes that have been passed down the generations. Do not miss visiting the Bib Gourmand and Michelin restaurants in Bangkok for innovative takes on local dishes.(Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

Discover the ‘authentic taste’ of Bangkok on this morning trip to Bangrak (‘village of love’), a bucolic neighborhood of the city. Get to know the lifestyle and culture of the local residents in an area renowned for its culinary delights and food stalls. Take a leisurely morning stroll along the by-lanes, in the company of your expert local guide. Spend time at a corner stall in the company of friendly residents and good conversation. Learn about the area’s local history, including the significance behind many of the heritage structures in the neighborhood. Stop by some of the best family-run food stalls and street food carts that turn out scrumptious dishes. Sample some of their delicious signature snacks while conversing with the chefs and stall owners, learning about their daily lives. Return to your hotel, armed with a bit of insight into traditional Thai cuisine. (Duration: half day; Time: 1000 hrs; Shared activity; No Transfers; Meeting point: BTS Taksin; Please wear comfortable walking shoes; Note: Not available on Sundays)

Experience the charms of northern Thailand on this multi-day getaway at The Bush Camp Chiang Mai. You will be picked up in a shared vehicle and driven to the camp located on the banks of the Ping River. Perfectly placed for viewing and interacting with free roaming elephants, this property gives you a camping experience without compromising on luxuries. On arrival, relish a Thai lunch and settle into your accommodation before you head out to explore. Visit the elephant park where the gentle giants roam free. You will get the opportunity to feed and interact with the pachyderms in their natural habitat. Get a glimpse into the daily lives of the mahouts who care for the elephants and meet their families. You could try your hand at pounding rice, sample local food, and watch clothes being hand woven. Later, at a mountaintop viewpoint, enjoy a refreshing drink and barbecued specialties as you take in the sunset. After a buffet dinner, retire to your tent for a good night’s rest. The next morning, after a hearty breakfast, learn to make paper from elephant dung. As you watch the elephants get their morning bath, sample kafee boran, a traditional coffee, and kanom krok, a type of coconut pancake. In the afternoon, cool off with a dip in the swimming pool or rest in your tent. Wind up your second day at the camp with sundowners and dinner. On the last day of your sojourn, find out about the veterinary care of elephants and the animal husbandry initiatives here. Feed the animals one last time before you check out and journey onwards. (Duration: 3 days/2 nights; Shared activity & transfers; Meals included: yes; Please inform us of any food allergies in advance)

Spend an evening with a chef and discover the world of Thai cuisine. Your venue is a delightful garden adjoining a B&B, on the outskirts of Chiang Mai. Get introduced to Chef Gee, your host for the evening. Watch the preparation of traditional Thai dishes, using fresh produce grown by the local farmers’ community. Your chef will give you insights into the intricacies of Thai cuisine, and its influence on global food culture. Once the food is prepared, sit down for a delicious and relaxed meal in the beautiful setting. After dinner, head back to Chiang Mai. (Duration: 3.5 hours; Time: 1830 hrs; Private activity & transfers; Meals included: dinner; Please inform us of food allergies in advance; Fitness level: easy)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting one or more of these temples in Chiang Mai. The ancient city has over three hundred temples showcasing the region’s rich history and culture. You could begin at Wat Phra Singh, located in the old town area. Famed for its elegant Lanna-style architecture, this 14th-century shrine has beautiful murals and a statue of the Buddha. Nearby is the Wat Chedi Luang with its distinctive dome, once home to the iconic Emerald Buddha. Make your way to the mountaintop Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, one of the country’s most sacred shrines, for panoramic views of Chiang Mai. There is also Wat Umong, set amid wooded grounds, with a tranquil lake and a network of ancient tunnels that you could explore. (Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; Please dress modestly when visiting temples and ensure that shoulders and knees are covered; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)

If you have the time and the weather allows it, we recommend visiting Phuket’s viewpoints and cultural landmarks. Start your day by visiting the island’s most revered Wat Chalong Temple. See the stunning, ornate architecture and gain a glimpse into Thai Buddhist culture at this place of active worship. Next, take a short drive to the Big Buddha. The monument sits at the top of Nakkerd Hill and will be visible from a great distance. Behold the 45-meter-tall, white-marble statue which glistens in the sun. Enjoy a 360-degree panorama of the island, including Chalong Bay and Kata Beach. After, head to a viewpoint to watch the sunset over the Andaman Sea. You could go to Karon Viewpoint (Khao Saam Hat) to savor incredible views of the beautiful Kata Noi, Kata and Karon beaches. Or, consider Promthep Cape to take in the sunset. Its dramatic cliffside setting overlooks the sea and the small islands nearby. (Duration: half/full day; This is an unguided, independent activity; Entrance fees, transfers and meals are not included; To avoid the heat and humidity, an early morning start is recommended; Please dress modestly when visiting temples and ensure that shoulders and knees are covered; Depending on your personal itinerary, weather conditions and time available to you, it may not be possible to do all recommended activities)