Tour itinerary
Day 1,BANGKOK
Arrive and check in to our hotel. Tonight will be our first taste of Thai cuisine, and it doesn’t get much better than this. We visit Mama’s, a simple local restaurant that serves mouth-watering Thai delicacies. (D)
Day 2,BANGKOK
In the morning we take a guided tour of Bangkok's magnificent Grand Palace and Wat Phra Keow. This is followed after lunch by an exciting longtail boat ride along the city’s canals or ‘klongs’. (BL)
Day 3,BANGKOK
Situated in a 19th century mansion, the atmosphere of the Blue Elephant Thai cookery school complements the magnificent dishes created inside. We begin by visiting a local market and buying what we need under the direction of our chef. This gives us the opportunity to build a menu from the raw ingredients, and then savour our dishes at lunchtime. The rest of the day is free to relax. (BL)
Day 4,BANGKOK
Today we have a free day to explore this vibrant city before transferring to the train station to board our overnight train to Chiang Mai. (B)
Day 5,CHIANG MAI
In the morning we arrive in Chiang Mai and transfer to our hotel. Later, we make an excursion to the beautiful hilltop temple of Doi Suthep. This evening you could try an authentic Thai massage. (B)
Day 6,CHIANG MAI
A full day cooking class with Chiang Mai’s famous chef ‘The Master’. From the early morning you will be chopping, frying and steaming, then eating the results. (BLD)
Day 7,CHIANG MAI - VILLAGE HOMESTAY
We journey by pick-up truck through the cultural heartland of the north, home of the colourful hilltribe people. On the way we stop to visit a local market and buy several vital ingredients for tonight’s dinner. Continuing on foot through the mountainous terrain, we arrive at a Palong village where we spend the night in a traditional house. We share the chores with our hosts as we prepare food for this evening’s dinner. (BLD)
Day 8,CHIANG MAI
After breakfast we ride elephants through the jungle to a small river. Later we drive to the orphanage for hilltribe children supported by Imaginative Traveller. We may stay for dinner with them, help them with their homework or enjoy a game of football. On the way back to our hotel we can stop off at Chiang Mai’s famous night markets. (BLD)
Day 9,CHIANG MAI
Today is free to explore the town or relax by the swimming pool. Tonight we take the overnight train to Bangkok. (B)
Day 10,BANGKOK
We arrive back in Bangkok and transfer to our hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax, do some last minute shopping, or explore some of the other ethnic areas of this diverse city. If you fancy a break from Thai food then why not try one of the great restaurants in Little India or the Arab Quarter. Tonight we enjoy our final dinner together. (BD)
Day 11,BANGKOK
Tour ends after breakfast. (B)