12-Day Culinary in Thailand

From Urban Highlights to Island Paradises: A Journey Through Thailand’s Cultural and Natural Splendor

Number of days: 12Ds/11Ns

Key locations: Bangkok – Huahin – Chumphon – Koh Tao – Koh Phangan

Summary

Begins with your arrival at Bangkok Airport, where a local guide will greet you and arrange a private transfer to your centrally located hotel in Bangkok. After settling in, you’ll have the opportunity to dine at the internationally acclaimed Jay Fai Restaurant, celebrated for its Michelin-starred street food like the legendary crab omelet.

The following days in Bangkok are filled with cultural explorations and culinary adventures. Visit the authentic Don Wai market, a treasure trove of local foods and crafts along the riverside, and enhance your experience with a Thai cooking class taught by seasoned chefs. Your evenings will be just as exciting, with visits to vibrant markets like Jodd Fairs and Wang Lang, offering everything from antiques to mouth-watering street food. You’ll also enjoy a picturesque morning tour of the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market in Ratchaburi Province, known for its bustling atmosphere and beautiful floral garlands.

The journey continues as you travel to Hua Hin, where you’ll visit historical sites like Phra Nakhon Kiri and Wat Khao Luang, each offering a glimpse into Thailand’s royal past and natural beauty. In Hua Hin, take time to explore the local night market and the breathtaking Phraya Nakhon Cave in Sam Roi Yot National Park.

Concluding the mainland portion of your trip, you’ll venture to the serene islands of Koh Tao and Koh Phangan. Both islands are perfect for days spent relaxing on stunning beaches or engaging in water sports. Your tour wraps up with a transfer to Koh Samui Airport, from where you’ll depart, carrying memories of Thailand’s rich culture and enchanting landscapes.

Highlights

Bangkok – Arrival city, home to Jay Fai Restaurant, Don Wai Market, Jodd Fairs Night Market, Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, Wang Lang Market, and various cultural experiences.
Ratchaburi Province – Visited the Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, showcasing Thailand’s cultural tapestry.
Hua Hin – Features beachside relaxation, cultural attractions, and visits to Phra Nakhon Kiri, Wat Khao Luang, and the local night market.
Sam Roi Yot National Park – Home to the stunning Phraya Nakhon Cave and nearby local fisherman village.
Chumphon Province – Transit location to the islands, known for its natural beauty.
Koh Tao (Turtle Island) – Known for diving, beaches, and nature.
Koh Phangan – famous for its stunning beaches and vibrant nightlife.
Koh Samui – Departure point from Koh Phangan, another beautiful island destination.

Why choose this tour

Draft

Cultural Immersion: Immerse yourself in Thailand’s rich cultural heritage through visits to historical sites, temples, and interactions with local communities.
Historical Insights: Gain deep insights into Thailand’s history, including significant events such as the construction of the Death Railway and the opium trade in the Golden Triangle.
Authentic Experiences: Enjoy authentic Thai cuisine, participate in traditional cooking classes, and engage in hands-on activities like silversmithing, offering a genuine taste of Thai culture.
Expert Guided Tours: Benefit from the expertise of local English-speaking guides who provide personalized insights and enriching experiences throughout the journey.
Convenience and Comfort: Travel in comfort with private transfers, stay in premium accommodations, and enjoy carefully planned excursions that ensure a hassle-free and memorable travel experience.

What is included in the price?

Draft

Stay at 4 and 5-star hotels
Full board
Local English-speaking guide on transfers and excursions
Private airport transfers
Admission and fees for the sights and attractions mentioned
Guidelines for visiting the mentioned destinations in the itinerary

Comprehensive package of excursions

Tour Plan

DAY 1: BANGKOK ARRIVAL

Arrive at Bangkok Airport. Meet your representative and take a private transfer to your hotel in Bangkok. Enjoy free time at your leisure to explore Bangkok.

DAY 2: BANGKOK

In the morning,

meet your guide at the hotel lobby. Begin your exploration with a visit to the Temple of the Emerald Buddha (Wat Phra Kaew), regarded as Thailand’s most sacred icon. Next explore the 240-year-old Grand Palace, an opulent and historic landmark. Wander through courtyards decorated with shimmering mosaics, sit on mighty thrones draped in silk, and listen to ancient walls echo past ceremonies. A short stroll leads to Wat Pho, a temple dating back to the late 17th century, renowned for the colossal Reclining Buddha and its role as a traditional massage school. Immerse yourself in Thai cuisine at a local restaurant for a delightful lunch. In the afternoon, embark on an adventure on a longtail boat. Cruise down the Chao Phraya River, witnessing wooden stilted houses, ancient temples, and a giant Buddha statue. The boat docks at Wat Arun, the 'Temple of Dawn,' an iconic Buddhist marvel. Ascend the main prang and explore intricately designed pagodas showcasing Thai craftsmanship.

DAY 3: BANGKOK

Meet your guide in the hotel lobby, ready to travel and uncover Kanchanaburi’s hidden history. Today delve deeper into the Thailand-Burma Railway Centre, home to the Death Railway Museum. This privately funded museum is a passion project of Australian expert Rod Beattie, and houses nine compelling exhibitions that paint a vivid picture of the Death Railway's construction, the grueling conditions endured by POWs, and the broader context of Japanese colonialism in Southeast Asia. Housed within the former headquarters of the Imperial Japanese Army, the museum itself stands as a silent testament to a turbulent era. After this visit, cross the road to visit the neighboring Allied War Cemetery. Please note: While the Death Railway Museum offers invaluable insights into the history of this tragic chapter, its exhibits can be emotionally affecting for some visitors. Be prepared for potentially upsetting content and allow yourself time for quiet reflection afterwards. Then enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, savoring authentic Thai cuisine and refueling for the afternoon's adventure. Next gain a unique perspective of the engineering marvel built at such a high cost as you ride the infamous Death Railway Trail snaking through lush jungles and over bridges. Finally, you will be driven to your hotel to enjoy some well-deserved leisure time.

DAY 4: BANGKOK - HUA HIN

Fuel your day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel, preparing for a journey into the poignant past. You will start your day by stepping into the chilling shadows of Hellfire Pass and Hellfire Pass Memorial Museum. Learn through vivid photographs and artefacts how the "Death Railway" claimed countless lives under the merciless sun and brutal Japanese occupation. A delicious lunch at a local eatery preps you for an enchanting journey to Erawan National Park, located in the west of Thailand near the Myanmar border. Arrive at Erawan and begin an easy, winding stroll through the verdant forest, learning about the diverse flora and wildlife from your knowledgeable guide. Arriving at the waterfall, rent a life vest (20 Thai baht) and dive into the refreshing pools, surrounded by the vibrant colours of the rainforest. Upon returning to your vehicle, you will be driven to your hotel for leisure time.

DAY 5: HUA HIN

Breakfast at the hotel and drive to Ayutthaya, a city rich in history, serving as the second Siamese capital after the Sukhothai era, with origins dating back to 1350. Ayutthaya's journey through time led to it flourishing as a cultural gem from the 14th to the 18th century. Immerse yourself in its cosmopolitan enchantment and the erstwhile global commercial vibrancy. Leave Ayutthaya behind and embark on a journey to Bang Pa-in Palace, a jewel nestled amidst the shimmering waters of the Chao Phraya River. The palace includes several buildings that represent different architectural styles taken from Chinese, European, and traditional Thai styles. Glide across the Chao Phraya River on a gentle cable car. As the palace fades into the distance, come upon a Buddhist sanctuary nestled amidst verdant gardens. Its spires soar skyward, blending European elegance with intricate Thai artistry, promising a journey into the heart of cultural harmony. Fuel your adventure with a delectable lunch at a local restaurant with truly authentic Thai cuisine. In the afternoon, visit Wat Mahathat, another 14th-century Buddhist temple complex. The temple is known to be one of the oldest temples in Ayutthaya and is said to house the Buddha’s holy relic. Next, explore the secrets of Wat Phra Si Sanphet, Ayutthaya's most resplendent temple. Its three chedis, rising in elegant curves inspired by Ceylon, stand as silent sentinels, guardians of a vanished era. As you walk clockwise around their base, capture their grandeur from every angle. Bid farewell to Ayutthaya with a visit to Wat Chaiwatthanaram, a riverside symphony of ancient stone. Crafted in the graceful Khmer style, the temple rises from the water's edge, its 35-meter prang piercing the sky like a celestial needle. Discover the surrounding courtyards, adorned with four smaller spires and eight chedi-style chapels, each revealing tales of the past. In the evening, take an overnight train to Chiang Mai.

DAY 6: HUA HIN

Arrive at Chiang Mai train station and take a private transfer to enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant. Begin your half-day exploration of Chiang Mai by meeting your guide at the hotel to visit three key temples. Situated in the heart of Chiang Mai, Wat Phra Singh stands as a prominent and revered Buddhist temple. Acknowledged as one of the city's most significant temples, it carries profound religious and historical importance. The central attraction of the temple is the exquisitely adorned Viharn Lai Kham, showcasing splendid Lanna-style architecture. Housed within this hall is the Phra Singh Buddha image, a highly venerated statue dating back to the 14th century. Moving on to Wat Chedi Luang, this temple is recognized for both its historical significance and impressive architecture. The Chedi Luang was originally erected in the 14th century and once stood as the tallest structure in ancient Chiang Mai. Despite the passage of time and damage incurred, substantial portions of the Chedi Luang endure, providing a glimpse into its former grandeur. The tour culminates with a visit to Wat Suan Dok, notable for its large central white chedi that contrasts beautifully with the lush greenery. This chedi houses relics of the Lanna royal family, making it a revered site for the local community. In the afternoon, indulge in an authentic Thai cooking class in the lush Chiang Mai countryside. Commence your culinary journey at a local market, where your guide unveils the secrets of Thai ingredients amidst the vibrant local atmosphere. Try your hand at bartering before heading to a local cooking school. Under expert guidance, you will learn to craft four Thai dishes, including Thai curry paste and the iconic sticky mango rice dessert. After the cooking session, join your fellow chefs to relish the fruits of your labor. The shared meal fosters camaraderie, creating a memorable conclusion to your culinary adventure. Conclude the day with a transfer back to your hotel.

DAY 7: HUA HIN - CHUMPHON - KOH TAO

Begin your day by meeting your guide at the hotel and embarking on a journey to Wat Doi Suthep. Nestled atop Doi Suthep, a mountain that overlooks Chiang Mai, Wat Doi Suthep stands as a revered Buddhist temple and one of the most significant and picturesque in northern Thailand. Renowned for its remarkable architecture, intricate details, and a golden chedi (stupa) that enshrines relics of the Buddha, the temple offers a captivating spiritual experience. To reach this sacred site, you can ascend a staircase adorned with beautiful naga (serpent) statues, totaling over 300 steps, or opt for the convenience of a tram. Once at the summit, the temple provides an awe-inspiring panoramic view of Chiang Mai and the surrounding countryside. In the afternoon, take a journey of discovery to Wat Sri Suphan, the illustrious Silver Temple, a shimmering silver architectural gem. Originating in the 16th century under King Mengrai, this temple has undergone several redesigns, with the latest incarnation unveiled in 2004, a testament to the exquisite craftsmanship of local Lanna silversmiths. As soon as you complete your exploration of the Silver Temple, proceed to a nearby venue for an enlightening chat with a monk. Engage in thought-provoking conversations with a Buddhist Monk about teachings, beliefs, and traditions, or delve into worldly topics. While monk attendance is not guaranteed, the opportunity typically arises in the afternoon. Your journey continues tp a nearby silversmith workshop, where skilled artisans create exquisite pieces of silver art. Immerse yourself in a hands-on silversmith experience, guided by a local artisan, creating a personalized silver keyring. Take home this unique keepsake as a lasting memory.

DAY 8: KOH TAO

Enjoy breakfast at the hotel and drive to Chiang Rai. Arrive at Chiang Rai and visit the White Temple. The White Temple, known as Wat Rong Khun, stands out as an iconic and visually striking Buddhist temple in Chiang Rai. Noted for its intricate white architecture with mirrored elements, the temple presents a surreal and almost otherworldly appearance. Conceived by Thai artist Chalermchai Kositpipat, it is filled with symbolic elements and contemporary art, setting it apart from traditional Thai temples. Next venture to Ban Dam Museum, also known as the Black House, a captivating art exhibit and museum. Crafted by the late Thai national artist Thawan Duchanee, Ban Dam comprises over 40 black-colored buildings showcasing a diverse array of sculptures, artifacts, and artworks. This museum embraces a darker aesthetic, with each building reflecting Thawan's distinctive style—a fusion of traditional Thai art with contemporary, often macabre, and thought-provoking pieces.

DAY 9: KOH TAO

Today your expedition begins at the Golden Triangle Park, with a panoramic view of the Mekong River, revealing the borders of Myanmar and Laos on either side. Delight in the presence of the Phra Buddha Nawa Lan Tue within the park's confines. Across the road, explore the House of Opium Museum, delving into the intricate history of opium, its migration from Europe, and its impact on Southeast Asia. Marvel at opium-related artefacts, from pipes to knives, and gain insights into the social consequences of this once-prevailing trade. Continue your adventure with a scenic drive back to Chiang Rai, pausing for a delectable riverside lunch. The next step entails exploring the Union of Hill Tribe Villages and meeting the Long Neck Karen people in their natural habitat. The Northern Thai region is renowned for its diverse minority groups, each with unique cultures and traditions. Stroll through the villages of the Akha, Yao, Lahu, and Kayaw people, marvelling at their distinctive costumes and artisanal offerings. Explore the Long Neck Karen village, where women adorn brass necklaces, creating the illusion of elongated necks—a cultural symbol of beauty and identity. Engage with the local communities, supporting their crafts and immersing yourself in their way of life. As the day concludes, return to Chiang Rai with cherished memories of the Golden Triangle's cultural richness.