Thailand Gourmet Traveller - 9 days

Drifters Price: £427.50

RRP: £450.00

Trip Code: INTTGT

Local Payment: USD$100.00

Day 1 Bangkok

As travellers will be arriving at all times today, there are no planned activities until our group meeting at 18.00 followed by dinner. There will be a message from your leader on the noticeboard in reception confirming the time and location for this meeting. There is also information both on the noticeboard and at the hotel reception for anyone arriving early - things to do and see and how to get there.

Please note that your leader will collect your local payment (4250 baht) today.

Day 2 Thai house

Today we transfer to the outskirts of the city (approximately 40 minutes) to a magnificent traditional teak house where we stay with a friendly Thai family.

Built in 1990 by 25 craftsmen who took a year to build the house to traditional standards, the house features walls, stairs and rooftops that have been traditionally carved to reflect the age-old skills for which Thai artisans are known.

Here we will be introduced to some of the secrets of Thai cooking and learn about the local spices and produce. Upon our return to the kitchen, we learn the traditional, home recipes for popular Thai dishes, including phat thai and the famous tom yam goong, among others. After eating your fill, feel free to explore the surrounding area - one that is not frequented by tourists and consequently still retains much of its local charm. Walk among the many flower stalls and perhaps sample some noodle soup, which is sold at the many roadside vendors.

Days 3-4 River Kwai

A public bus takes us to Kanchanaburi, location of the infamous 'Bridge on the River Kwai'. Transferring to our guesthouse by bicycle rickshaw (known as samlors here in Thailand) we have ample time to learn about the arduous lives of POWs working in this district during World War II. For something a little different, why not take a samlor tour of the town, taking in the historical sites. Of course there are many other activities that can be done in Kanchanaburi; from river kayaking, to visiting temples or heading out to Hellfire Pass, the choice is yours.

In keeping with our culinary flavour we also participate in an interactive cooking school at Apples Guesthouse, led by an accomplished local chef who runs one of Intrepid's all-time favourite local restaurants. During a morning tour of the market, we are advised on how to select the freshest and best produce for your cooking. Armed with this new information we return to the kitchen and have an introduction to the basic ingredients of Thai cuisine. Then its time to fire up the wok and cook up a feast. By the time we leave we should be experts in central Thai cuisine. Some of the dishes we have cooked in the past include massaman curry, naam prik pla tuu, gaeng som, pork with garlic and pepper and khao pad, depending on which ingredients are available.

Day 5 Ayuthaya

We travel by songthaew to Ayuthaya, the ancient capital of old Siam. Here we take a guided tour to explore picturesque ruins and temples that dot the landscape of this World Heritage-listed city. Get your fortune told at Wat Yai Chai Mongkut, and marvel at the gigantic Buddha at Wat Phanon Cheong. Step back in time and imagine the city as it was in its glory days, while wandering the ruins of Wat Mahathat. We return to our accommodation for a quick dip in the pool to work up an appetite. before venturing out to the local night market to try some local delicacies.

After dinner, we board our comfortable overnight train to the north. Our baggage travels in the carriage with us and there is a food and drink service available on board. The trip to Chiang Mai takes about 12 hours.

Days 6-7 Chiang Mai

Arriving early on day 6 we have plenty of time to appreciate all the possibilities of Chiang Mai. Bamboo rafting along a forest river can be as relaxing or as adventurous as you wish. Riding an elephant through the forest with the mountain scenery as a backdrop is an unforgettable experience. The National Museum provides all the information about Thailand that any history buff could ever want. A bicycle ride through the outskirts of the city provides both a breath of fresh air and a way to work of the Thai food that you have been cooking! Adventure junkies can get their fill of rock climbing in the nearby Mae On district. The list goes on. On the evening of day 6 we enjoy a traditional kantoke dinner, complete with dancing and northern Thai specialties.

On day 7 we spend a day at the famous Chiang Mai Thai cookery school where you have the opportunity to learn about northern Thai cuisine. Following expert instruction, numerous dishes will be prepared, including naam prik ong (minced pork chili dip), saa makua (eggplant salad), gaeng hang lae (northern Thai curry), and hor pla nueng (steamed fish in banana leaf). At night we can visit the colourful night market for great food and a huge array of handicrafts.

The morning of day 8 is free to visit a couple of Chiang Mai's 300 temples before we catch a flight back to Bangkok.

Days 8-9 Bangkok

Arriving into busy Bangkok we transfer to the hotel before heading out for a journey along the mighty Chao Phraya River in our longtail boat to view daily life along the river. We disembark at Wat Pho, a temple that is home to the art that is Thai massage and the gigantic reclining Buddha. Free time follows, so go out and grab a snack of barbecue pork at one of the street vendors before getting a traditional massage. The Grand Palace awaits the keen photographer, and Jim Thompson's classic Thai house, filled with antiques, is ready to be explored. Tonight is our final dinner, and we dine at one of Bangkok's many fine restaurants - a great way to top off our gourmet adventure.

You are free to depart any time on day 9. There is plenty to see and do in Bangkok, so we recommend that you stay on for a few extra days and take in some of the amazing things on offer.

Please note that check-out time at our hotel is 12 noon.

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