- 4.9/5 567 Latest reviews
- Destination: Thailand
- Duration: 12 Days
- Tour Type: Private & Bespoke
- Tour Style: Cuisine
About This Trip
Discover the ultimate Thailand Food & Culture experience on this 12-day private tour. Dive into Bangkok’s vibrant markets, savor authentic Thai street food, and cruise the canals by long-tailed boat. In Chiang Mai, learn traditional recipes during a Northern Thai Lanna cooking class, explore historic temples, and engage in ethical elephant encounters. Conclude your journey in Phuket, where pristine beaches, local seafood, and cultural exploration await.
This trip blends culinary delights, hands-on cultural experiences, and unforgettable sights, offering an immersive journey for food lovers and culture enthusiasts alike. Perfect for travelers seeking an authentic, enriching, and leisurely adventure through Thailand’s flavors and traditions.
Summary
DAY
PLACE
HIGHLIGHTS
1 - 4
Bangkok
Grand Palace, Long-Tailed Boat Ride, Food Tour With Tuk Tuk, Floating Market Optional Activities: Rooftop Bar Dining, Dinner at Michelin-Starred Restaurant
5 - 7
Chiang Mai
Local Market Exploration, Cooking With Northern-Thai Family, Chiang Mai Old City, Ethical Elephant Sanctuary
8 - 12
Phuket
Free Time for Culinary and Cultural Exploration
Itinerary
- Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok
Arrive in Bangkok, the bustling capital of Thailand, where rich culture meets vibrant street life. Your private guide and driver will welcome you at the airport and escort you to your hotel for a smooth check-in. Take time to relax, soak in the hotel ambiance, or stroll through nearby streets to get your first taste of the city’s Thailand Food & Culture. In the evening, enjoy an optional rooftop dinner with panoramic views of Bangkok’s skyline while sampling signature Thai dishes such as Tom Yum soup and Pad Thai.
Highlights: Private airport transfer, hotel check-in, optional rooftop dinner, city sightseeing
- Bangkok
- Day 2: Bangkok Landmarks & Night Food Tuk Tuk Tour
Start your morning at the Grand Palace, marveling at its ornate architecture and the revered Emerald Buddha. Next, visit Wat Pho, home of traditional Thai massage, where you can experience a short demonstration of this world-famous therapy. In the afternoon, glide along the city’s canals on a long-tailed boat, discovering stilted houses and floating life that highlight Bangkok’s traditional culture. As night falls, hop on a Tuk Tuk food tour to explore hidden local eateries. Sample exotic dishes like crispy spring rolls, mango sticky rice, and freshly grilled seafood while immersing in the vibrant energy of Bangkok’s night markets.
Highlights: Grand Palace, Wat Pho, Long-Tailed Boat Ride, Tuk Tuk Food Tour, local dessert tasting
- B , L
- Bangkok
- Day 3: Floating Markets & Culinary Adventure
Begin the day at the Maeklong Railway Market, a living spectacle where vendors skillfully move their stalls as trains pass. Continue to Amphawa Floating Market, where wooden boats brim with freshly prepared local delicacies. Taste grilled prawns, coconut pancakes, and Kanom Buang (Thai crepes) while interacting with friendly vendors. Capture vibrant photos and learn about the history and culture of Thailand’s food markets, making this a fully immersive culinary adventure.
Highlights: Maeklong Railway Market, Amphawa Floating Market, local snacks, street food photography
- B
- Bangkok
- Day 4: Free Day in Bangkok
Enjoy a free day exploring Bangkok at your own pace. Shop for unique souvenirs at Chatuchak Weekend Market, stroll through Siam Square, or explore MBK Center. For a special evening, consider a dinner cruise on the Chao Phraya River, enjoying exquisite Thai cuisine while gliding past illuminated temples and the Grand Palace. This day combines culinary indulgence with cultural sightseeing, making it a perfect introduction to Thailand Food & Culture.
Highlights: Chatuchak Market, Siam Square, MBK Center, optional Chao Phraya dinner cruise
- B
- Bangkok
- Day 5: Bangkok to Chiang Mai – Market Immersion
Fly to Chiang Mai, the cultural heart of Northern Thailand. After hotel check-in, head to Chiang Mai’s vibrant markets, tasting local specialties like Sai Ua (Northern Thai sausage) and Khao Soi (curry noodle soup). Walk through the Old City, exploring ancient temples, quaint streets, and artisan shops. Learn how Northern Thai cuisine reflects regional culture, local ingredients, and traditional cooking methods, making your introduction to Chiang Mai’s food scene unforgettable.
Highlights: Local market exploration, authentic Northern Thai food tasting, Chiang Mai Old City walk
- B
- Chiang Mai
- Day 6: Lanna Family Cooking & Temple Exploration
Today, join a Lanna family cooking class, hand-picking fresh herbs and vegetables from their garden. Learn to prepare Northern Thai dishes like Khao Soi and Nam Prik Noom while gaining hands-on knowledge about traditional cooking techniques. In the afternoon, explore Wat Chedi Luang and Wat Phra Singh, two of Chiang Mai’s most revered temples, admiring their intricate architecture and spiritual significance. Conclude the day with a tasting of Akha Ama coffee, experiencing the flavors of Northern Thailand’s sustainable coffee culture.
Highlights: Lanna family cooking class, Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phra Singh, Akha Ama coffee tasting
- B , L
- Chiang Mai
- Day 7: Ethical Elephant Encounter
Spend the day at an ethical elephant sanctuary, learning about conservation and responsible tourism. Feed, bathe, and walk with these gentle giants while observing their natural behavior. Participate in preparing herbal remedies and enrichment activities for the elephants, gaining a hands-on understanding of local wildlife care. Capture memorable photos and reflect on the importance of sustainability in Thailand Food & Culture tourism.
Highlights: Ethical elephant sanctuary visit, feeding & bathing elephants, herbal medicine preparation
- B , L
- Chiang Mai
- Day 8: Monks Alms & Transfer to Phuket
Rise early to participate in a morning almsgiving ceremony with Buddhist monks, experiencing a deeply spiritual aspect of Thai culture. Learn about daily rituals, mindfulness, and local traditions. Afterward, fly to Phuket and check into your hotel. Enjoy the evening exploring local streets, sampling freshly prepared seafood, or simply relaxing at your resort while reflecting on your Thailand Food & Culture journey.
Highlights: Morning almsgiving, cultural immersion, flight to Phuket, hotel check-in
- B
- Phuket
- Day 9: Phuket Old Town & Street Food Exploration
Explore Phuket Old Town, famous for colorful Sino-Portuguese architecture and rich history. Sample local street foods including coconut pancakes, grilled seafood, and exotic tropical fruits. Wander bustling markets and interact with vendors to understand regional culinary traditions. This day offers perfect opportunities for food photography, cultural immersion, and hands-on exploration.
Highlights: Phuket Old Town, Sino-Portuguese architecture, local street food tasting
- B
- Phuket
- Day 10: Phuket Culinary & Beach Leisure
Visit a local fishing village, explore its market, and enjoy a fresh seafood lunch by the ocean. Spend the afternoon relaxing on Phuket’s pristine beaches, swimming in crystal-clear waters, or trying water sports like kayaking, paddleboarding, or snorkeling. Experience the perfect mix of culinary indulgence, coastal leisure, and local culture.
Highlights: Fishing village visit, seafood lunch, beach relaxation, water sports
- B
- Phuket
- Day 11: Phuket Free Day for Food & Culture
Immerse yourself in Phuket’s culinary traditions. Take an optional Thai cooking class, visit a local spice farm, or sample exotic tropical fruits at markets. Alternatively, enjoy resort facilities or a leisurely beach stroll. Each activity combines relaxation with hands-on food and cultural experiences, ensuring a memorable day.
Highlights: Thai cooking workshop, spice farm visit, tropical fruit tasting
- B
- Phuket
- Day 12: Departure from Phuket
Enjoy your final morning in Phuket. Relax at the hotel, revisit a favorite spot, or savor a last seafood meal before your private transfer to the airport. Depart with cherished memories of Thailand Food & Culture, from bustling city markets to serene beaches, hands-on cooking, and ethical wildlife encounters.
Highlights: Morning leisure, private airport transfer, farewell memories
- B
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