Thailand Real Food Adventure
Experience Overview
Indulge in the complex flavours, fresh aromas and heavenly spices that make Thai food so addictive. Explore bustling markets and taste tropical fruits and aromatic dishes whipped up in front of your eyes. Learn the trick behind making palm sugar, experience the thrill of cruising through Tha Kha Floating Market by paddleboat, slurp noodles alongside locals in Bangkok, enjoy some home-cooking with a family in Chiang Mai, sit down to a khan tok feast and tour all the must-see sights of Thailand. This is an incredible culinary journey through one of South East Asia’s most addictive food cultures.
Highlights
- Learn how to prepare and present the traditional 11-dish Northern Thai speciality khan tok and experience Thai life from a local's perspective at a village homestay.
- See dishes whipped up before your eyes, like kaeng som, spicy fish cakes at a community farm and roti sai mai at a market food stall in Ayutthaya.
- Cruise Bangkok’s floating market on a paddleboat and sail aboard a longtail boat to an island Buddhist temple in Ayutthaya
- Tuck into your favourite iconic Thai dishes and discover new ones along the way: guay-tieo-ruea (boat noodles), roti sai mai, khao soi, som tum, larb and more.
- Dine on a plant-based meal at a Chiang Mai restaurant that sources organic, local vegetables for their daily array of delicious meals.
- By travelling on this trip, you’ll learn about our Intrepid Foundation partner, World Animal Protection. Donations support them to promote better living conditions for elephants in captivity and help rescue elephants from inhumane conditions. Intrepid will double your impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.
Trip Details
Product Code: 2816
Tour Type: Small Group
Accommodation: Moderate
Transport: Private Vehicle,Boat,Overnight Train,Songthaew
Guide Language: English
Tour Operator:
Intrepid Travel
Supplier Code: TTZF
Starts: Bangkok, Thailand
Finishes: Chiang Mai, Thailand
Duration: 8 days
Departures: Guaranteed
Physical Rating:
Light
Includes
Meals: Breakfasts (6), Lunch (5), Dinner (4)Accommodation: Hotel (5 nights),Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night),Homestay (1 nightt)
Price
Price per person: (Double Occupancy) CAD $1,800 ($225 /day)
Itinerary
Sa-wat dee! Welcome to Thailand's capital, Bangkok – famous for its tuk-tuks, khlong boats and street vendors serving up delicious Thai dishes. Your food adventure begins this evening with an important welcome meeting at 5pm, but Bangkok has so much on offer that you might like to arrive a day or so early to explore: perhaps uncover the magnificent Grand Palace and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, wander down the tourist mecca of Khao San Road, or indulge in a Thai massage. After the welcome meeting, head out with your group for dinner at popular restaurant Krua Apsorn. After dinner, explore the area and sample some Thai sweets with your leader and fellow travellers.
Included Activities:
- Bangkok - Welcome Dinner
Optional Activities:
- Bangkok - Grand Palace (500 THB)
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After an early breakfast, visit Tha Kha Floating Market. Walk past canals filled with sellers hawking their colourful fruits and wares at this authentic local market, then board a paddleboat to explore the waterways further. The area is well known for coconut palm sugar production and you’ll stop in at a riverside operation to see how it is made. Afterwards, travel back to Bangkok, where you will have a free afternoon to shop, sightsee or simply relax at a cafe. Tonight, head to Chinatown for a walking tour. This is a great place to sample some local street food, so ask your leader for their insight and recommendations. You might also like to join other members of your group to enjoy live music at one of the lively bars in the area.
Included Activities:
- Bangkok - Tha Kha Floating Market tour
- Bangkok - Palm Sugar Demonstration
- Bangkok - Chinatown walking tour
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
After breakfast leave Bangkok and travel by private vehicle to a local village and community farm for an epic day of cooking Central Thai regional specialities and feasting with your hosts. Learn about the age-old agricultural traditions still being practised today and enjoy the freshest ingredients straight from the garden. You will help to prepare a home-cooked lunch of local delicacies, such as kaeng som (green papaya soup), spicy fish cakes and watercress salad with chicken, followed by multiple desserts using ingredients like coconut, rice milk and crispy noodles! Later this afternoon board a longtail boat and cruise the Chao Phraya River to visit a Buddhist temple located on a small, remote island. Head to Ayutthaya city for a free evening to explore and – of course – eat more!
Included Activities:
- Ayutthaya - Regional Specialties Cooking Class
- Ayutthaya - Homemade Dessert Making Lesson
- Ayutthaya - Chao Phraya Long Tail Boat Cruise
- Ayutthaya - Wat Niwet Thamma Prawat Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today we explore Ayutthaya, the second capital of Siam after Sukhothai, and once one of the most powerful cities in Asia. Stop by a street food stall for a demonstration and tasting of roti sai mai, a dish synonymous with the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. It consists of a thin pancake wrapped around delicious, fine strands of thin-spun cotton candy. Lunch today is a steaming bowl of guay-tieo-ruea, or boat noodles. The Ayutthaya take on this classic combo of fragrant pork broth, roasted slices of meat, Thai-style pork balls, sliced morning glory stalks, fresh green onion and a choice of rice noodles is considered the original and best. While the food is no longer served out of sampans on the river, the narrow rowboats are used as decoration at roadside eateries to indicate what's on the menu. See the remains and reminders of Ayutthaya’s golden age with a guided tour of the picturesque ruins and temples spread across the town. The rows of headless Buddhas at Wat Phra Mahathat, sacked by the Burmese in the 18th century, are very atmospheric, and a Buddha head surrounded by Banyan tree roots is perhaps the most photographed site in all of Ayutthaya. Freshen up at a hotel and grab a bite to eat before boarding your overnight train to Chiang Mai (approximately 13 hours).
Included Activities:
- Ayutthaya - Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
- Ayutthaya - Roti Sai Mai demonstration & tasting
Accommodation:
- Overnight sleeper train (Number of Nights: 1)
Arrive in Chiang Mai by mid-morning. The most vibrant city in Northern Thailand, Chiang Mai has many famous temples and an interesting old city area. Most importantly, Chiang Mai is famous for its Northern Thai cuisine and may well be home to many of your favourite Thai dishes. Lunch today is a plant-based meal at a popular local restaurant that sources organic vegetables from nearby farms for their daily array of delicious meals. Afterwards, take an orientation walk around the streets of the city, stopping at Wat Chedi Luang and enjoying a pick me up at Akha Ama – a social enterprise created by a member of the Akha tribe who wanted to highlight the produce of his community and provide an income source to its coffee growers. Take time to relax and refresh before an included dinner at a local restaurant. If you’re keen to explore further, the Chiang Mai Night Bazaar beckons, full of local handicrafts and fabulous Northern street food dishes.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Wat Chedi Luang entrance
- Chiang Mai - Leader-led Old Quarter orientation walk
- Chiang Mai - Coffee stop
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
Today you’ll travel to a small Thai village where you’ll meet Aoi, your gracious host for an incredible overnight homestay experience. On the way to Aoi’s village, stop for lunch at a restaurant specialising in the local delicacy of fermented rice noodles. Next, visit some local producers – including a mushroom farm where you'll pick up ingredients for a Northern Thai cooking class. Over the years, a khan tok dinner has become the traditional way to welcome guests in Northern Thailand, with the term ‘khan tok’ meaning both the meal and the raised tray on which it’s served. Eleven dishes are featured on this delicious khan tok menu, so cut, chop and sizzle the day away, then tuck into dishes like nam prik ong (chilli paste with tomatoes), deep fried vegetables, hung leh (curry) and mushroom larb (spicy mushroom salad). Enjoy the fruits of your labour against a backdrop of local musicians singing and dancing.
Included Activities:
- Homestay - Khan Tok Cooking Class
Accommodation:
- Homestay (Number of Nights: 1)
Wake up and enjoy a sumptuous Northern Thai breakfast of gai tod (fried chicken), fried rice, sweet sticky rice and egg custard. Bid farewell to your homestay hosts and take a scenic, winding drive (1.5 hours) to one of the country's most stunning temple complexes: Doi Suthep. A 300-step naga-guarded stairway leads you to the temples, and the climb is well worth the effort. The hypnotic chanting of Buddhist monks and the sweeping views of the city make for a memorable experience. Head back into town for a delicious lunch of khao soi: a curry noodle dish that is renowned in the region. This afternoon you might like to check out the bustling Warorot Market (Kad Luang). One of Chiang Mai’s largest markets and a thriving social hub, this is the perfect place to get a glimpse into daily life, as well as experience some of the ingredients and snacks unique to the regional cuisine. Taste your way through the stalls and be sure to try sai ua (Chiang Mai sausage) or bamboo worms.
Included Activities:
- Chiang Mai - Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Accommodation:
- Hotel (Number of Nights: 1)
There are no activities planned for today, and your delicious Real Food Adventure comes to an end this morning. You are free to leave at any time, but this doesn’t mean your own adventure has to end! If you would like to spend more time in Chiang Mai, we’ll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Similar Tours
Tour Operator
Intrepid Travel
Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.
In Business Since 1989
Reviews
Melanie - Traveled, February 2024
Our experience with the Thailand Food tour was exceptional. We had fun while eating unbelievably great food. Highly recommend this tour.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 02/28/2024
Alex - Traveled, December 2023
A great snap shot of the food from central and northern Thailand. You'll never be hungry on this trip, and it'll introduce you to a number of new favourite dishes and places.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/29/2023
Jocelyn - Traveled, November 2023
This foodie trip was great! The hotels were lacking a bit but it was made up for by the itinerary and the guide (Lalada)
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2023
Christina - Traveled, October 2023
Could not have asked for a more balanced program over a week and a better Guide. The home stays were the highlight. Great to see Intrepid’s local partnerships. Just be prepared for ALOT of eating!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2023
Aileen - Traveled, October 2023
This has truly been a wonderful experience for me. But would not recommend if you want to be pampered and want 4-5 star hotel accommodations. If you want to experience local Thai culture and daily life,then this is the trip to take.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/30/2023
Christina - Traveled, October 2023
Could not have asked for a more balanced program over a week and a better Guide. The home stays were the highlight. Great to see Intrepid’s local partnerships. Just be prepared for ALOT of eating!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/08/2023
Bryony - Traveled, July 2023
A varied trip in a beautiful country. Na our guide was warm and knowledgeable - I learned a lot about cooking and Thai culture.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 07/21/2023
Bernhard - Traveled, May 2023
Thailand real food adventure was a great overall adventure. Not only focussing on food and cooking, but also on sightseeing, temples, history and daily life experiences in Thailand. I already liked Thailand from some beach holidays in Phuket and Ko Samui very much, but after this trip with Intrepid I really love this country and its people. For me flying to Thailand now feels like coming home.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 06/02/2023
Robert - Traveled, May 2023
Brilliant tour with a knowledgeable and gregarious leader. We all bonded as a group (6) and had the best time, particularly enjoying Thai culinary culture, from its source, to preparation and of course eating. Each day was different and there was always something to look forward to. I enjoyed this tour immensely.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/18/2023
Amy - Traveled, February 2023
Thailand is a foodie’s paradise and this trip delivers on food and experiences. You’ll explore temples and markets while sampling delicious dishes from Bangkok, Ayutthaya, and Chiang Mai. The overnight train was comfortable and exceeded expectations. The Homestay was a unique and enjoyable experience. Trip leader, Naa, personifies “land of a thousand smiles” and has wonderful stories and jokes to tell along the journey.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 05/05/2023
Joe - Traveled, February 2023
It must be difficult to manage a large group of tourists with different expectations and palettes. Na did a great job with both! Thailand is beautiful and the food is remarkable. We had numerous cooking classes, market visits, street food and even one night at a home stay! Sure to appease most peoples culinary curiosities! We wish Na and Thailand nothing but the best! Cheers!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 03/12/2023
Diana - Traveled, December 2022
Excellent way to learn about the foods and cooking techniques in Thailand. Many delicious varieties of food to taste and enjoy.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 12/24/2022
Kiera - Traveled, November 2022
Such an amazing tour, recommend to any foodies. Tour guide with exceptional knowledge and very safe. Great variety of settings and places to stay. You won't ever be hungry
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 11/18/2022
Janet - Traveled, October 2022
A wonderful spectrum of the flavours, smells & culture of Thailand from temples to markets, home cooking to canals and much more. Na, our amazing guide, made the trip so memorable. Highlight was the home stay. Highly recommended.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2022
Pauline - Traveled, October 2022
This trip was an amazing experience. We had the BEST tour leader who guided us through each experience and activity! If you like trying different foods this is definitely the trip for you! We tasted a huge range of foods from street vendors to night markets and a variety of restaurants.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/28/2022
Thomas - Traveled, October 2022
A wonderful trip. It far exceeded my expectations
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/16/2022
Jessie - Traveled, October 2022
Really enjoyed this trip and learned the new life experience and meet new people. Thanks Nai! Well done!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 10/18/2022
Bradley - Traveled, September 2022
You will try more types of Thai food than you can imagine, mixed with an amazing amount of knowledge about how to cook it. Naa, our tour guide, was gracious and knowledgeable beyond compare. What an experience!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2022
Damian - Traveled, September 2022
If you love food and want to try all Thailand has to offer, just book it, you won't regret it. Our guide Naa showed us the real fresh food of Thailand.
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/24/2022
Jonathan Diamante - Traveled, September 2022
This food trip is a MUST DO for Thailand! Naa, our leader made this tour EVEN MORE incredible! Her local knowledge is just incredible and she was just so FUN and ethusiastic! We tasted so many different local foods and delicacies and this really is a trip for foodies - you eat and try so much and really get to learn so much more about Thai cuisine beyond Pad Thai and green curry. THANK YOU NAA!
Source: Tour operator Submitted: 09/23/2022
Share a personalized trip brochure!
Why Choose Us?
We Work for You
Our goal to make you happy! That means ensuring our travel consultants have the best product knowledge and excellent customer service. A positive customer experience is our #1 goal!
Our Products
We offer an broad selection of travel products, including all-inclusive vacation packages, pre-packaged tours, custom travel itineraries, destination weddings, and luxury vacations.
Escapes Cares
We believe in giving back. When you book with us, you are contributing to tree planting through our partners at Veritree, as well ocean conservation though Oceana Canada.
