Gourmet Thailand trip: pad thai & pancakes

Itinerary in brief:

• 3 nights Bangkok
• 3 nights Chiang Mai
• 3 nights Koh Samui
• 3 nights Koh Phangan

Day 1: Depart UK

Depart the UK from your chosen airport.

Included: International flights

Day 2: Arrive Bangkok

On arrival in Bangkok, you will be met at the airport and driven to your hotel where you will check in for three nights.

Included: Transfers, 4* hotel   

Day 3: Bangkok cooking class & night markets

Make sure you start today with a lighter than normal breakfast – today you’ll need to bring an appetite for this culinary adventure. First you’ll meet with a chef from the Blue Elephant Cooking School, one of the most reputable cooking institutes in the city. Head out to one of the morning markets for an introduction to Thai food culture – browsing stalls, learning about different ingredients and choosing fresh items to use in your class.

Returning to the cooking school, you’ll receive a recipe book with the types of Thai cuisine they specialise in, before learning to cook several dishes. The menus change frequently but you can expect a delicious mix of noodle dishes, spicy curries, and sweet, fruity desserts. Enjoy your sensational meal for lunch, departing with a full belly and a better understanding of Thai cuisine. It will serve you will during the rest of your trip!

The rest of the day is yours to explore the city or relax at your hotel. In the evening, Bangkok really comes alive, with just about streets is filled with delicious smells of street food. You’ll be picked up around 5pm for a walking tour of Chinatown, where you’ll try some of the best local dishes like peppered pork noodles and Chinese donuts.

Included: Breakfast, morning cooking class, 4* hotel      

Day 4: Bangkok

Today is yours to explore the bustling metropolis of Bangkok. We always recommend an early start, so why not head to Bangkok’s most famous temple, Wat Pho. In the mornings the monks begin their ritual of chanting, an uplifting and private experience within the temple grounds before marvelling at the 45 metre long Reclining Buddha, with intricate mother of pearl feet and stunning golden skin. Nearby you can visit the Grand Palace, where the majestic buildings are encrusted with golden tiles and ruby mosaics, with spiky roofs pointing into the sky. Here you’ll enter the holy sanctuary of the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in the country, where many local people come every day to worship.

If it’s a weekend why not head to Chatuchak Weekend Market, where you can buy jewellery, furniture and food – and everything in between! Another option is to hop on a boat and enjoy the journey upriver through the city, stopping off to try dumplings in the alleys of Chinatown, enjoying the air conditioning of the enormous Central World shopping mall and lizard-spotting in the haven of green space that is Lumpini Park.

Later, why not head to Silom and hop between the busy bars and night market, where you can buy clothes and souvenirs, as well as enjoy a traditional Thai meal of garlic rice, som tam and the famous Thai green curry.

Included: Breakfast, 4* hotel     

Day 5: Fly to Chiang Mai

After breakfast, you’ll be driven back to the airport for your flight north to Chiang Mai. On arrival there, you’ll be taken to your hotel and check in for three nights. Why not head out and have a stroll around town – there are so many temples to visit and lovely cafés that are perfect for people watching.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flights, 4* hotel                 

Days 6 & 7: Chiang Mai

You’ll have two days to explore Chiang Mai, whether you stroll amongst the temples and monasteries of the city or hire a moped and zoom up the hairpin bends to the top of Doi Suthep, where stunning views over the city contend with the golden temple that you’ll discover amongst the trees at the top of the hill. Staying in the city you can explore the shops and restaurants of Chiang Mai – why not try a bowlful of khao soi, a northern speciality made of crunchy noodles, lean beef and delicious Thai spices and herbs. If you want to venture further out of the city, we can book you some tours to visit the local hill tribes or meet some local rescue elephants.

On the evening of Day 6, you’ll be picked up at around 6.30pm to enjoy a lively night in Chiang Mai Town, wandering through the South Gate to the traditional food market that opens each evening. During the walking tour, you’ll be surrounded by the heady aromas coming from every stall and food cart. Your guide will explain the different foods and ingredients you’ll spot, especially the northern specialities. Some of the most delicious dishes include pancakes, deep fried taro, rice noodles in curry soup, kanom krok (a coconut pudding) and the summer favourite of sweet mango with sticky rice. You can even sample the local rice whisky.

This tour will set you up perfectly to try some local dishes and be ready to return on your other evening to try anything you missed the first time round!

Included: Breakfast, evening night market tour, 4* hotel                              

Day 8: Fly to Koh Samui

This morning, you’ll be taken back to the airport for your flight down to Koh Samui. On arrival, you’ll be met and driven to your hotel, checking in for three nights.

Included: Breakfast, transfers, internal flight, 4* hotel   

Days 9 & 10: Koh Samui

After breakfast and a lie-in, you’ll be picked up around 11am and head off for a unique cooking experience, beyond a normal cooking class. Experience what the local Thai people call ‘Gin Khao Duay Gun’. This means ‘Let’s all enjoy a meal together’ a typical phrase heard in the Thai home. You’ll meet real southern locals who have put together this lovely experience.

Set in a tranquil and secluded villa, the open kitchen is light and breezy, the perfect place to learn about island cuisine. Expect lots of fresh vegetables and fish, as well as lots of complex spices – chilli is beloved in the south of Thailand. The relaxed, family atmosphere is the perfect way to spend the morning and after you’ve enjoyed the delicious meals, the rest of the day is yours to explore or just chill out at your hotel.

Koh Samui is an enchanting island, with peaceful beaches, swaying palms and a wonderful food scene. Whether you’re looking for spicy street food, fresh seafood curries or high-class fine dining – you’ll find it all here. If you’re looking for the best snorkelling spots, we recommend Coral Cove, a little bay near Chaweng Beach with clear waters and colourful fish.           

Included: Breakfast, morning food experience on Day 9, 4* hotel                              

Day 11: Ferry to Koh Phangan

After breakfast at your hotel, you’ll be taken to the pier for the speedboat journey to Koh Phangan. On arrival, you’ll be collected from the jetty and taken to your hotel, checking in for three nights. The rest of the day is yours to explore – Koh Phangan has some spectacular beaches, our favourite way to while away the afternoon!   

Included: Breakfast, transfers, speedboat journey, 4* hotel         

Days 12 & 13: Koh Phangan

After breakfast, you’ll be picked up and taken by longtail boat to a local fresh market. Browse through the island ingredients before heading to a local host’s house to cook up some delicious food – with all the family joining in to help. The menu changes each week but we can guarantee you’ll leave with a full stomach and a smile on your face.

Home to the famous Full Moon parties, Koh Phangan has bars and restaurants lining the oceanfront, all serving up delicious cocktails and traditional Thai food. Dine on the beach with the sand between your toes surrounded by the twinkling lights of the island. Being so close to the ocean is great for seafood – try a spicy prawn curry or stay safe with a delicious plate of pad thai and som tam. Beyond the party, there are plenty of secluded bays and quiet beaches – perfect for romantic walks or peaceful meditation.       

Included: Breakfast, morning cooking class, 4* hotel                      

Day 14: Depart Thailand

After breakfast, you will be met and driven to the jetty for the speedboat journey back to Koh Samui, getting to the airport in time for your flight home.        

Included: Breakfast, transfers, speedboat journey, international flights                

Day 15: Arrive UK