Itinerary

Day 1

Upon your arrival at Bangkok airport, you will be welcomed by your guide, who will transfer you to your hotel.
Once you have had time to relax and freshen up, it's time to explore Bangkok, known locally as Krung Thep (or 'City of Angels'). Driving through the streets you'll have your first opportunity to witness the pace, the smells, the energy and the congestion that all combine to give Bangkok its own, truly unique feel…it's an enthralling city.
Take a tour of the stunning Grand Palace, where you will visit the varying buildings that were used for different occasions : the Funeral Palace; the Reception Palace; the Throne Hall; the Coronation Hall; the Royal Guest House; and the mysterious Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddha image in Thailand.
There will be further time to relax if required before supper at the Joe Louis Theatre Restaurant, the ideal location to help you celebrate the start of your holiday. After eating, enjoy a stroll to the famous night bazaar of Suan Lum - the perfect opportunity to unearth your first bargains!
Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 2

It's in at the deep end as your morning starts with a visit to one of the central markets, where you will learn to select and buy the best Thai ingredients before a cooking lesson at the world-renowned Blue Elephant Royal Thai Cuisine Restaurant and Cooking School. Learn how to cook a variety of the nation's much-loved dishes with a qualified Thai chef. The class is followed by a meal in the restaurant, sampling your own cooking as well as additional Thai dishes.

The afternoon is for you to enjoy as you please. You'll be departing for Bangkok tomorrow, so you may want to wander some of the famous streets, such as Sukhamvit or the Ko San Road, to shop and take in the abundance of sights. In the evening, drink in the views of the Chao Phraya River as you set off on your cruise aboard a Manohra Rice Barge, dining on yet another excellent Thai meal.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 3

Depart Bangkok for the market town of Chachensao, a short drive from the city. Arriving at Wat Sunthorn, you'll visit the revered Buddhist temple located on the Bangpakong river.
After ‘making merit' - the term used to show reverence in a temple - visit the small adjacent Chinese temple before taking a private riverboat up the Bangpakong river, passing through mangrove banks as well as the town of Chachensao. You'll arrive at Talaat Baan Mai, a 100-year-old market, recently revived by local residence, that nestles on the banks of the river. One of the most authentic riverside markets in the whole of Thailand, it consists of dozens of teak, Chinese- and Thai-style shop houses. It's only open at weekends and public holidays but is still an interesting place to visit on weekdays. Lunch will be at a riverside restaurant in the market.

Please note: from November to February it is possible to see Irrawaddy dolphins at the mouth of the Bangpakong river. The best chance of seeing these rare creatures is in the morning, so a 7am departure from Bangkok is recommended.(A supplement of approximately £15 will apply.)

After lunch, continue north-east towards Khao Yai National Park. Arriving at Wang Nam Kiaw (the Village Farm Winery), nestled in the hills surrounding the park, you can visit the winery and enjoy a stroll through the vineyards and nearby village. Thai wine is finally coming of age and the winery, in the temperate highlands around Khao Yai, is considered the finest in the region. Dinner is served at the winery, where you will also have plenty of opportunities to sample the produce!

Overnight in Wang Nam Kiaw.

Day 4

After breakfast, enjoy a morning stroll through more of the beautiful vineyards before departing towards Khao Yai (The Big Mountain). After arriving at Khao Yai Winery - the birthplace of Khao Yai wine and surrounded by a panoramic mountain backdrop - you'll be given a guided tour of the 3,000sq m grounds, including a fermentation room housing French-made, 225-litre oak barrels.

After the tour, enjoy lunch, and the stunning views, before driving through Khao Yai National Park, stopping at the Visitors' Centre and the Hiew Narik waterfalls, as well as some of the superb viewpoints.
You'll arrive back in Bangkok in the late afternoon, and the rest of the day is yours to explore, relax or indulge in a few more Thai treats.

Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 5

This morning you will travel by both bus and boat to reach your home for the next three days - Nonthaburi. Here, you'll be honing your Thai cooking skills under the experienced supervision of a culinary teacher.
Upon arrival at the Thai House, you will be welcomed by your host family. Having had time to refresh and settle in, the cooking course begins with an introduction to the many Thai herbs and spices that are integral to most native dishes.
The rest of the day will be spent learning how to prepare and create a four-course Thai meal. Mastering Thai food requires patience and a great attention to detail in order to perfect the subtle blend of herbs and spices that gives it its unique taste. You will be working in the ideal environment to master your skills, surrounded by experienced staff who are eager to ‘preach the gospel' of their world-famous export.

Morning cooking classes start at 10.00, afternoon classes at 14.00, and both are held in a relaxed and informal environment, with plenty of free time inbetween to enjoy other aspects of this ever-exciting country.
In the evening, enjoy dinner at the house.

Overnight at home stay in Nonthaburi.

Day 6

In the early morning take a trip to the local market to buy fresh ingredients for the day and learn more about Thai herbs. You will undoubtedly get caught up in the friendly banter of the market sellers; locals are famously good-humoured, and you will soon notice how they spend the vast majority of the day laughing and teasing each other.
The rest of the day is spent preparing another Thai feast as well as enjoying the houses' surroundings, including cycling along the local canals and meeting the residents. Some are very likely to offer you their own personal opinion on the food you're preparing - it often feels like everyone in Thailand is a cook!

In the evening, enjoy dinner before relaxing around the house.

Overnight at home stay in Nonthaburi.

Day 7

Another day, another banquet to prepare, all the while preparing yet more sumptuous Thai dishes. You'll also have the opportunity to learn more about the presentation of dishes, as well as the art of vegetable carving. It requires a subtle hand and much patience, although, watching a Thai cut into a tomato, you'd think it was as easy as tying a shoelace.
In the late afternoon you will return to Bangkok, where the evening is once again free for you to do as you please. There are some great shows, night markets and sport events such as Muay Thai (Thai boxing) that are easy to arrange a visit to. Take a tuk-tuk and travel Thai style!
Overnight in Bangkok.

Day 8

After breakfast at your hotel and some free time for last-minute shopping, you'll transfer to the airport for your flight to Koh Samui, the third largest of all the Thai islands. Arriving in the early afternoon, you will be met and transferred to your hotel.
The remainder of the day is entirely at leisure, as is most of the remaining four days on this itinerary. Koh Samui is the ultimate Thai holiday island with fantastic beaches and restaurants. It's cheap and easy to get around, and there are plenty of activities or additional island visits that can be arranged locally.
If you would like us to organise a more extensive programme for you at this stage, please let us know and we will be happy to do so.

Overnight in Koh Samui.

Day 9

Breakfast at your hotel. Perhaps try a spa treatment at your hotel in the morning (cost not included) before exploring some more of the island or enjoying one of Samui's great beaches.
Samui is home to some of the finest restaurants in Thailand, so there is no shortage of dining options. Alternatively, you may decide to eat at one of the many beach bars that specialise in BBQ seafood, prepared on the water's edge.
Overnight in Koh Samui.

Day 10

Breakfast at your hotel and another free day, allowing you to decide what best to do in paradise.
It gets even better when, in the evening, your private speedboat leaves from Bang Rak pier (Big Buddha Beach), whisking you off for your last Thai meal at a fantastic beachside restaurant. Watch the sun set as you enjoy a candlelit banquet, and gloat about the fact that you'll be able to reproduce similarly amazing dishes once you're back home!

Overnight in Koh Samui.

Day 11

Departure day. After breakfast at your hotel the remainder of the day is at leisure until you transfer to Samui for your onward flight.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

See extra information

Exclusions -

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Extras -

Inclusive:

All accommodation
Land transportation by private air-conditioned vehicles
English speaking local guide
All cooking courses and classes
All admission fees at attractions, temples and activities as mentioned in the itinerary
All meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: lunch, D: Dinner)
International flight tickets reconfirmation
Exclusive:

Flights to/from Asia.
Thailand Visa if required
International and domestic airport tax (THB 500.- net per person)
Any other meals not mentioned in itinerary
Drinks
Personal expenses (laundry, telephone, drinks, tip...)
Travel insurance
All other services which are not mentioned in 'inclusive'