Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture
Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture
Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture
Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture
Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture
Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture

Thailand and Cambodia - Cooking and Culture

From: 
Regular price
$0.00
Sale price
$0.00

Private Holiday - Departs Daily

Introduction:

Combining Thailand with the unforgettable temples of Cambodia, this itinerary explores the cultural sites of these two exotic destinations, as well as many of the specialist local dishes. With a cooking school and several visits to the homes of locals, this authentic experience will delight the soul and taste buds.

Day 1: Bangkok

Upon arrival at Bangkok International Airport you will be met by a local operator and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure to unwind from your travels.

Day 2: Bangkok (BL)

Today is a full day exploring two of the main themes of this itinerary: A morning of culture followed by an afternoon of food. Thailand is a Buddhist country and this morning will discover some of the most remarkable Buddhist sites, including Wat Phra Kaew with its highly revered Emerald Buddha, the Grand Palace, and Wat Pho which features more than 1000 Buddha - images including the breath-taking reclining Buddha.

Following lunch in a local restaurant you will be guided through hidden alleyways where you can sample some of the food made in family-owned restaurants, well away from the tourist hotspots. Your tour finishes at a secret place with a remarkable view of the Chao Phraya River.

Day 3: Bangkok (BL)

Following breakfast you will be transferred to a boat for the trip along the Chao Praya River to a local cooking school. After a tour of the gardens where you will learn about some of the herbs used, a cooking demonstration is followed by a hands-on cooking experience under the tutelage of your chef. Once the cooking is done, sit down to your own Thai cooking for lunch. You will then be transferred to your hotel for the rest of the day at leisure.

Day 4: Bangkok – Chiang Mai (B)

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival you will be met and transferred to your hotel, with the rest of the day free to explore or relax in your own fashion.

Day 5: Chiang Mai (BL)

Chiang Mai was the capital of the independent Lanna Kingdom until 1558 and today you will learn more about the history and culture of the area by spending time with a local family. Your hosts will let you into their ways of life and will happily teach you about their traditions, handicrafts, food and anything else you would like to ask about. After exploring the houses and garden, you will have a home cooked meal prepared over a charcoal fire. Mid-afternoon transfer back to your hotel for time at leisure.

Day 6: Chiang Mai (BL)

Today starts with a walking tour of some of the many temples and markets in Chiang Mai. 95% of the population of Thailand are Buddhist and, after lunch at a local restaurant, you will have the chance to meet some monks and talk with them about their way of life. A ride up to the Doi Sethup Temple follows, where you will experience a unique private blessing before watching the sun set from the mountain.

Day 7: Chiang Mai – Siem Reap (B)

Today depart Chiang Mai for the flight to Siem Reap. Upon arrival you will be met at the airport and transferred to your accommodation.

Day 8: Siem Reap (B)

An unforgettable day awaits today as you are guided through the UNESCO listed temples of Angkor Thom and Angkor Wat. Seeming to appear from nowhere after a travelling along a road surrounded by centuries old trees, the entrance to Angkor Thom leads you to the Bayon Temple, built some 800 years ago. Next explore the Baphuon - a mountain temple recently restored in a global effort. In the afternoon you will be guided through Angkor Wat, one of the largest religious monuments in the world. An afternoon of exploration ends with a visit to Ta Prohm, a temple consumed by nature which was used for some of the scenes in the Hollywood movie Tomb Raider.

Day 9: Siem Reap (BL)

Today will be devoted to spending time with locals. Your day begins with a family helping you to make your own traditional breakfast, before moving onto another village where you will learn the secrets bamboo sticky rice and coconut harvesting. After sampling the delicious snack you have helped to prepare, you will depart to a house where the family creates palm leaf handicrafts. Along the way you will have time to stop and experience the sugar palm stalls where you can help process the fruit.

Day 10: Siem Reap (B)

Following breakfast it is time to head to the airport for your onward flight.

Tour Inclusions:

  • Accommodation for 9 nights
  • Meals as mentioned in the program. B: Breakfast L: Lunch D: Dinner
  • All local boat rental as mentioned in the program
  • Transfer from and to the airports by private vehicle with A/C
  • Transportation by private vehicle with A/C
  • All entrance fees and sightseeing as mentioned in the program
  • Local English speaking guide(s) as mentioned

Tour Exclusions:

  • International airfares
  • Optional tours and excursions
  • Port Taxes and fuel surcharges
  • Porterage
  • Tipping/Gratuities (please refer to tour notes for a recommended guideline)
  • Personal Expenses
  • Departure taxes
  • Hotel charges for minibar or any extra charges
  • Visas (unless specified)
  • Any other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions above

Accommodation based on the below or similar

Bangkok

Superior Tourist Class - Galleria 10

First Class - Aetas Lumpini

Deluxe Class - Como Metropolitan

Chiang Mai

Superior Tourist Class - The Empress Chiang Mai

First Class - Banthai Village

Deluxe Class - Rachamankha Chiang Mai

Siem Reap

Superior Tourist Class - La Niche D Angkor

First Class - Lotus Blanc Resort

Deluxe Class - Jaya House River Park

Trip prices and dates are correct at the time of the website going live, however all offers are subject to reconfirmation at the time of booking. Note prices usually display available discounted rates if any, (eg. Early Bird Deals if applicable). All featured tour itineraries and offers maybe subject to change due to seasonal variations without notice, or due to local conditions or other conditions. Please confirm all details at time of booking. Travel insurance is mandatory for all Innovative Travel bookings. All passports must be valid for 6 months prior to your return to your home country. Visas are the responsibility of the traveller. Special VIP meet and assist offers are valid for New Zealand passport holders, for other nationalities please check at the time of booking. For full terms and conditions, please refer to our Booking Conditions page.