Culinary Thailand Trip

You fly today from Schiphol in all comfort to Bangkok, in Business Class with Emirates. Meet your travel guides Ron Blaauw and Dick Middelweerd, as well as your fellow travelers, and relax during your flight.

Welcome to the City of Angels, Bangkok! Upon arrival, you will be warmly greeted by your chauffeur and guide, who will then escort you to your stylish hotel in the heart of the vibrant capital. This refined gem offers an oasis of tranquility, modernity with subtle Asian elements, and an ambiance that is simultaneously stylish, chic, and very relaxing. Here, you can unwind after your journey before enjoying a special welcome dinner at the Thai starred restaurant Nahm, located within the hotel itself.

After a delicious breakfast, your morning begins with a visit to Wat Arun, the iconic 'Temple of Dawn' situated along the mighty Chao Phraya River. This elegant temple is entirely inlaid with thousands of hand-painted porcelain shards that were once used as ballast on Chinese trading ships. They give the temple a refined and graceful appearance.

Next, you will embark on a fantastic journey by longtail boat, exploring the narrow klongs and canals that reveal the authentic, daily life of the city. Here, you will see the contrast between the modern skyline and the traditional wooden houses along the water—an exclusive glimpse of the real Bangkok.

The lunch will be enjoyed at a legendary street restaurant in Bangkok, famous for its authentic Pad Thai, prepared according to a traditional recipe since 1939. This small, always busy eatery uses fresh shrimp, rice noodles, and a charcoal fire to create a distinctive flavor. Both locals and travelers consider Thipsamai a culinary must-see. The restaurant welcomes long lines of visitors daily who want to experience its unique taste.

After this introduction to Pad Thai, you will have some free time this afternoon to relax before continuing with a culinary tasting at Potong Restaurant. Bold, layered, and boundary-pushing, Potong offers an avant-garde blend of Thai-Chinese flavors served in a stylish, historic Sino-Portuguese shophouse.

In the morning, you hop on your bike for an active exploration of historic Bangkok and the vibrant Chinatown. As you ride along atmospheric alleys, colorful markets, and hidden temples, you experience Bangkok in an authentic way—close to everyday life, full of aromas, sounds, and little surprises along the way. The fresh energy of the morning provides the perfect contrast to the rest of the day, which is entirely dedicated to culinary enjoyment.

In the afternoon, a refined lunch awaits at the iconic Blue Elephant, a beautiful colonial mansion serving classic Royal Thai cuisine. And as evening falls, the day is crowned with an extraordinary gastronomic experience at Sorn, where the intense flavors and traditions of Southern Thailand come alive on a star-level. This way, the day offers a delightful balance between active discovery and ultimate flavorful relaxation.

After a delightful breakfast, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to the northern capital, Chiang Mai. This amazing city offers the perfect blend of old charm and modern vibrancy, with a friendly and lively atmosphere. Your accommodation for the coming days also provides the best of both worlds: trendy and elegant, situated on the peaceful banks of the Mae Ping River and just a stone's throw from the bustling Old City.

You are fortunate that today is Sunday, the day when the city reveals its most colorful side. At the end of the afternoon, your guide will take you to the famous Sunday Walking Street Market, the heart of the old town. As the clock approaches four o'clock, traffic is banned, and Ratchadamnoen Road, from Tha Phae Gate deep into the old center, transforms into a charming boulevard full of culture, craftsmanship, and fragrant delicacies. You can stroll at your leisure along endless rows of stalls offering authentic souvenirs, and the air is filled with the aroma of Chiang Mai’s favorite street food: creamy khao soi, freshly baked coconut pancakes, grilled meat on skewers, and juicy tropical fruit. This delightful tasting experience is a feast for the senses, and as evening falls and the stalls are illuminated, it becomes a visual feast as well. A perfect introduction to the relaxed and characterful Chiang Mai.

This morning, you will head to a charming organic farm just outside the city center of Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will take a walk through the vegetable garden, where fresh herbs such as mint, basil, and lemongrass thrive. Taste and smell the aromatic plants as the guide explains their uses and culinary benefits.

Next, you will visit the local market, where chefs will do their shopping, and you will get acquainted with colorful Thai ingredients and fresh produce. Discover how to choose the best ingredients and learn about their role in authentic dishes. Back at the farm, Ron and Dick will prepare some dishes, giving you a close-up experience of the process. Let these fragrant delicacies tantalize your taste buds!

The day concludes with a delicious dinner at Blackitch, where you can experience all the regional flavors at a high culinary level. Be surprised by the dishes and enjoy an evening full of taste, atmosphere, and authentic Thai hospitality.

You have the morning free to start the day at your own pace. Take a walk around the hotel surroundings, relax by the pool, or indulge in a spa treatment.

In Chiang Mai and Northern Thailand, pride is taken in the local cuisine, which differs from the dishes found elsewhere in the country. During a fun food tour by tuk-tuk, you will discover new favorites and the stories behind them. In the afternoon, you will head to a lively market where you can taste local delicacies such as the crispy peanut snack khao ram fuen and the famous Chiang Mai sausage, sai oua, served with a spicy green chili sauce. Afterwards, you will walk along the 700-year-old Klong Mae Kha canal, a street full of colorful art and a growing culinary scene, and sample the iconic khao soi: noodles in a creamy coconut curry with chicken or beef, finished with lime, shallots, and crispy noodles.

This culinary discovery tour continues with khanom jeen, a spicy pork curry with fermented rice noodles and fresh side dishes, followed by a ride along the historic moat and a stop at the iconic Tha Phae Gate, where you will learn more about the Lanna kingdom. You will visit a family restaurant to taste some house specialties, and the tour concludes with a short walk to the Three Kings Monument and a tea tasting of the Lahu Hill Tribe.

Today, you will depart from the cultural north once again. You will be picked up at the hotel and transferred to the airport for your flight back to Bangkok. From the airport, you will be transferred to Jadet Pier, from where you will take a speedboat to the stunning tropical island of Koh Samet. At the idyllic, expansive Ao Kiew Beach, you will be welcomed into a world of tranquility, elegance, and excellent hospitality. The coming days will focus on relaxed exploration and enjoying some quality time for yourself.

Tonight, you will dine at the resort on the beach, the perfect start to your stay.

The crystal-clear waters surrounding Koh Samet shimmer before you, and this day is dedicated to exploring hidden lagoons, pristine beaches, and the vibrant underwater world. After breakfast, you will depart by speedboat towards the stunning trio of islands: Koh Kudee, Koh Kangkow, and Koh Kham. After snorkeling, swimming, and relaxing on the beach, the boat will take you to the west coast of the island for a delicious lunch at Buzz Coco Club. Afterwards, you will sail back to Paradee.

After a relaxing day at the resort, an unforgettable farewell dinner awaits in the evening. Ron and Dick put on their aprons and prepare a barbecue dinner on the beach, a cozy closing moment of the trip together. You enjoy cocktails and a spectacular fire show during the dinner.

You start your morning quite peacefully with breakfast, followed by a traditional Thai massage. The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure, allowing you to enjoy the sun, sea, and beach a little longer before beginning your journey back to the Netherlands. Your room remains at your disposal all day until the boat transfer to the mainland. In the evening, the transfer will take you from the pier to the airport for your flight.

In the early hours, your flight departs from Bangkok, via Dubai to Amsterdam, where you arrive early in the afternoon. Enriched with many unforgettable memories, it is unfortunately time to say goodbye to the group and to your tour guides Ron Blaauw and Dick Middelweerd.