Thailand is an enchanting Buddhist kingdom where past and present mingle in perfect harmony. Tropical beauty, ancient culture, exquisite cuisine and friendly encounters with local people are all a part of this culinary tour to Thailand.
Day 1, Tue. Feb 25 Depart home city
Depart home city in the morning for an overnight flight to Bangkok, Thailand.
Day 2, Wed. Feb 26 Bangkok
Evening arrival into Bangkok, a very dynamic city where ancient temples and modern structures exist in harmony. Here you will learn about the ancient Buddhist traditions while touring magnificent palaces and golden temples. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
Mandarin Hotel
Day 3, Thu. Feb 27 Bangkok
Morning at leisure. Lunch at the Mandarin hotel. Afternoon city sightseeing tour including visiting some of Bangkok's major temples including the Wat Po (Reclining Buddha Temple) and the Wat Trimitr (Golden Buddha Temple). Welcome dinner at the hotel.
B/L/D Mandarin Hotel
Day 4, Fri. Feb 28 Bangkok
Morning boat trip along the Chao Phraya River and the Canals of Thonburi. Visit the Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn). Lunch at a local restaurant. In the afternoon we will visit the Royal Palace including the Coronation Hall and the holy Wat Phra Kaew (Emerald Buddha Temple). In the evening we will enjoy a Thai cultural dance and music performance with delicious Thai dinner in a traditional setting.
B/L/D Mandarin Hotel
Day 5, Sat. Mar 01 Bangkok/Chiang Mai
After breakfast, transfer to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Thailand. Transfer to the hotel for lunch. Afternoon visit Doi Suthep, a nearby town on a mountaintop with spectacular views and Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, a visually stunning temple with its golden chedis and umbrella. We will continue on to visit a local Meo hilltribe village. In the evening, enjoy a northern Thai 'Khantoke' dinner with a colourful hilltribe show in a classical setting.
B/L/D Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel
Day 6, Sun. Mar 02 Chiang Mai
After breakfast, we will be picked up for the short journey to your cooking course in the ranch home of Sompon, who will be our chef and teacher.
Morning activities:
Introduction to Thai ingredients: Sompon, our expert, will display a tray of ingredients and will go through each one and explain how to prepare it, how to store it and what can be used as a substitute. Most of this information is in the cookbook you will receive, but he will be happy to answer any of your questions.
Morning Thai dishes:
- Thai Hot and Sour Prawn Soup
- Green Curry with Chicken
- Thai Style Fish cakes
- Thai Fried Noodles
Lunch, then continue with the afternoon dishes:
- Minced Pork Northern Style
- Water Chestnuts with sugar syrup and coconut milk
- Thai fruits with sugar, salt and chili powder
Return to the hotel in the late afternoon. In the evening, we will visit the famous Chiang Mai Night Market where you can purchase all manner of things including northern handicrafts, and there is often Thai music and dance entertainment.
B/L Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel
Day 7, Mon. Mar 03 Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to cooking school.
Morning activities:
Making Curry Pastes: You will make your own curry pastes by using a pestle and mortar. The ingredients will need to be prepared first and then ground into a paste. Sompon will be happy to help everyone.
Morning dishes:
- Panaeng Curry with Pork
- Chiang Mai Curry with Chicken
- Fried Fish with Chili and Basil
- Sweet and Sour vegetables
After lunch, continue with afternoon dishes:
- Spicy Glass Noodle Salad
- Black Sticky Rice Pudding
- Thai Fruits with Sweet Chili and dipping sauce
B/L Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel
Day 8, Tue. Mar 04 Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to cooking school.
Morning activities:
A tour of the local market: We will take you to the market and explain to you all about the different vegetables, herbs, roots and spices being sold, so that you can actually see what these raw products look like before they are cooked.
Morning dishes:
- Chicken in Coconut Milk Soup
- Red Curry with Fish
- Fried Mixed Mushrooms with Baby Corn
- Fried, Big noodles with Thick Sauce
After lunch, continue with afternoon activities:
Afternoon dishes:
- Papaya Salad and Sticky rice
- Steamed Banana Cake
- Tasting Fresh Thai Fruits
B/L Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel
Day 9, Wed. Mar 05 Chiang Mai
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to cooking school.
Morning activities:
Shopping for ingredients at the market: We will teach you how to choose ingredients that are fresh and each person will have their own shopping list (we pay!).
Morning dishes:
- Yellow Curry with Chicken
- Steamed Fish in Banana Leaves
- Chicken with Cashew Nuts
- Fried Big Noodles with Sweet Soy Sauce
After lunch, continue with afternoon activities:
Afternoon dishes:
- Spicy Prawn salad north-eastern style
- Bananas in Coconut Milk
- Tasting Pickled Thai Fruits
B/L Chiang Mai Orchid Hotel
Day 10, Thu, Mar 06 Chiang Mai/Phuket
Breakfast at the hotel, then transfer to cooking school.
Morning activities:
Vegetable Carving: We will teach you the basics of vegetable carving including how to use knives. You will learn how to make a flower and how to carve leaves.
Morning dishes:
- Clear Soup with Minced Pork
- Spring Rolls
- Roast Curry Duck
- Fried Chicken with Ginger
After lunch, continue with afternoon activities:
Afternoon dishes:
- Chicken in Pandanus Leaves
- Mango with Sticky Rice
- Spicy Thai Fruit Salad
Transfer to the airport for your evening flight to Phuket Island, a famous resort area in southern Thailand. On arrival, transfer to the Andaman Seaview Resort.
B/L Andaman Seaview Resort
Day 11 Fri. Mar 07 Phuket Island
Breakfast at the hotel. Depart for Phang Nga Bay for one of the most scenic boat trips in Thailand, and explore the surrounding islands, mangroves and caves. Visit the island where the James Bond film, “Man with the Golden Gun” was filmed. Lunch at the village of Koh Panyi, built on stilts in the open sea. Return to Phuket at the end of the day.
B/L Andaman Seaview Resort
Day 12, Sat. Mar 08 Phuket Island
Today is at your leisure to relax, swim or explore the island. The seawater around Phuket is ideal for sea-kayaking, snorkeling and diving. There is also a wide range of shopping possibilities, from souvenirs to tailor-made clothes, bags and jewelry to antiques.
B Andaman Seaview Resort
Day 13, Sun. Mar 09 Phuket/Bangkok
Breakfast at the hotel. Morning at leisure on the beach until our return flight to Bangkok.
Upon arrival in Bangkok we will proceed to a lovely Thai restaurant for our farewell dinner. Transfer to hotel for overnight.
B/D Rama Gardens Airport Hotel
Day 14, Mon. Mar 10 Depart Bangkok
Early morning departure from Bangkok to Los Angeles with onward connections. Same day arrival in your home city.
PRICE AND INCLUDED FEATURES:
Cost -
Based on sharing twin accommodation $3289.00 CAD / 2269.00 USD per person
Single supplement - $649.00 CAD / 450.00 USD.
Included features:
- Domestic flights Bangkok/Chiang Mai, Chiang Mai/Phuket and Phuket/Bangkok
- Accommodation in 4-star hotels in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket
- Included meals – breakfast daily, 4 dinners, 9 lunches
- 5 days tutored cooking lessons with renowned chefs
- All transportation from Bangkok airport and return to Bangkok airport
- Guided sightseeing in Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Phuket with English-speaking local guides
- Thai cultural dinner show in Bangkok and Chiang Mai
- Recipe book and certificate
- Thai travel manual
