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Taste of Indochina

A culinary discovery journey across the flavors, textures, and spices of Cambodia, Vietnam & Thailand.

Overview

The “Taste of Indochina” tour promises an unforgettable exploration of the rich cultures and cuisines across multiple countries. Starting in the Cambodian capital of Phnom Penh, this remarkable 19-day journey delves into the heart of Vietnam, the Mekong Delta, and Thailand, offering a fusion of enchanting experiences and delectable delights.

A Cambodia-Vietnam Culinary Voyage

Prepare your tastebuds for a culinary voyage along the Mekong as you are transported back to a bygone era aboard the art-deco inspired Jayavarman, a ship oozing with colonial charm and culinary delights served in its impressive Indochine Dining Hall.

You can look forward to delectable Vietnamese and Cambodian classic dishes savored amid its warm classical ambiance, while also taking advantage of the luxurious jacuzzi pool located on the top sun deck, offering fabulous views of the passing delta, or you can indulge yourself with a relaxing foot massage or a romantic Asian spa treatment for two at the Apsara Beauty & Wellness Spa.

Savoring Siam

In Vietnam’s vibrant Saigon, guests will be captivated by a traditional dance performance and dinner at a meticulously restored villa once owned by the US Ambassador. The city’s dynamic character unfolds during a city highlights tour, revealing its colonial-era charm, historic landmarks, and bustling streets. A unique evening awaits as vintage Vespas take travelers on a delightful street food adventure through Saigon after dark.

The next day, the Mekong Delta beckons with its allure of verdant rice paddies and lush fruit farms. Guests venture to Ben Tre, exploring local culture and partaking in a heartwarming sticky rice-making experience. A motorboat journey leads to narrow canals and traditional cottages before indulging in a sumptuous lunch of Mekong Delta specialties.

The journey then leads to Hue, once the imperial capital of Vietnam. Hue’s grandeur is showcased through cyclo rides, a visit to the iconic Imperial Citadel, and serene pagodas. As evening descends, Michelin Bib Gourmand awarded Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant promises a memorable dinner.

A Taste of Thailand

A flight transports guests to the cultural haven of Bangkok, Thailand, where iconic landmarks and flavors abound. A progressive dinner presents a culinary exploration of Bangkok’s diverse cuisine. The next day immerses travelers in the vibrant chaos of the Maeklong Railway Market and the iconic Damnoen Saduak floating market. Delightful Thai meals await, showcasing the essence of the city’s gastronomic wonders.

In the ancient city of Chiang Mai, renowned chef Andy Ricker accompanies guests on a food tour, uncovering local delicacies and traditions. A fascinating visit to the Thai Elephant Home and the Araksa Tea Garden offers an immersive encounter with elephants and an appreciation of the tea-making process.

Finally, Phuket beckons with its pristine beaches and stunning islands. The Phi Phi Islands tour unveils breathtaking landscapes, crystal-clear waters, and a visit to Maya Bay of “The Beach” fame. Culinary delights continue with a historical culinary tour in Phuket Town and a sumptuous lunch at the Saii Phi Phi Resort.

Leaving guests with unforgettable memories and a profound appreciation for the vibrant cultures, scenic landscapes, and mouthwatering cuisines of Cambodia, Vietnam, Thailand, and the Mekong Delta, this extraordinary journey across Southeast Asia’s culinary capitals offers an exceptional blend of history, flavors, and adventures, creating an indelible experience for the tastebuds and all the senses.

Itinerary & Prices

All itineraries are subject to change due to seasonal weather conditions (and resultant variations in river and tributary water levels) affecting accessibility to locations. Thus navigation routes, times and excursions may need to be modified at the cruise captain’s or your guide's discretion.

19 Day - Taste of Indochina
itinerary map

Welcome to Phnom Penh & Embarkation

Welcome on board with The Jayavarman for your Mekong River adventure. After you have checked in, we invite you to a highlight of this cruise before we lift the anchor. The lounge is set up for an eye- and ear-catching lecture about modern Cambodian history, held by our friend and local expert, Mr. Jean-Michel, a professor from the Royal University of Phnom Penh. He has studied the subject extensively and is more than happy to share his first-hand knowledge and surprising insights. The lecture takes about one hour before we set sail southbound towards the Vietnamese border.

The rest of the morning and the whole afternoon is at your own disposal. From now on here, you can turn into cruise mode and hopefully experiences the relaxing influence of the cadence this mighty river emanates. The afternoon is perfect for massages, relaxation on a terrace deck sunbed, or private balcony kickbacks. Conjure up a spell to merge with the river and float into a state of mild bliss.

You also may like to visit the bridge, as the captain always has a little story to share about “his” river. Or, if you are curious to learn more about Khmer gastronomy, join a culinary workshop to sharpen your knowledge about local cuisine.

As you sip drinks and nibble on treats during afternoon tea, we approach the border and finally arrive in Vietnam. From here it is just a short distance to Tan Chau, a pleasant, slow-paced border town with a sizeable Chinese, Kinh, and Khmer community. We moor near the city with views of the riverbanks.

Meal (D)

Location
Phnom Penh
Day
1 / 19

Tan Chau, My An Hung & Sa Dec

Welcome to the fish sanctuary of Vietnam. Once arrived on-shore, we hop on “xelois” to see Tan Chau’s vibrant town life. A “xeloi” is a local vehicle that is still used as a taxi in this area. Your personal xeloi driver slowly navigates through the streets to observe all the workshops, houses, and shops while feeling the laid-back vibe of this place. We stop at the colorful, local market near one of the town’s temples. This is a great opportunity to interact with the vendors of this friendly town and try your hand at bargaining with them.

To see what Tan Chau is famous for, we board local boats and head to a floating fish farm. You are about to get an exclusive look into the world’s largest inland aquaculture industry. Each of the floating structures has netting hanging down into the water to enclose the fish, which are raised and fed on a daily basis. The region’s specialties are tilapia and the Basa catfish, or Pangasius, which is unique to the Mekong River basin and rapidly gaining popularity in the international seafood market.

Back on board and before lunch is served, you may take a dip in the pool. After the meal, our expert guides offer a presentation about life in the Mekong Delta as the ship continues to My An Hung near Sa Dec province.

My An Hung Village is a wonderful example of a real local village in the Mekong Delta. Time stands still here and we receive wonderful insights into the private household of a local family and visit the seasonal vegetable fields to see what they are currently cultivating. We are invited to their house for a Vietnamese tea tasting. Vietnamese tea is often bitter, so locals sweeten it with honey, a regional delicacy also produced by our hosts. The family then presents a huge variety of fruits growing in the delta, freshly cut from the tree. And as an artist group performs a traditional, artistic dragon dance, we snack on these “vitamin bombs”.

The sun sets and the light now bathes everything in a golden hue. The surrounding natural beauty is a perfect backdrop for a riverbank gathering with cocktails and dancing with the crew in this remote, secluded location.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Mekong River
Day
2 / 19

Binh Thanh Island, Cai Be & My Tho

This morning the vessel arrives at one of the larger islands in the vast stream of the Mekong, Binh Thanh Island. Several communities have settled here and made their living by growing water hyacinths.

We exclusively visit one of these untouched areas. By wandering through the village, we get a deep understanding of native life. One of the local artisans, for example, demonstrates the entire process of traditional mat-making. You can try weaving yourself. We also meet a local elderly couple who share their story of living on this island. They are always happy to chit-chat with our guests.

PM: Back on the ship lunch is served and we sail towards Cai Be. Cai Be is a charming town that is famous for its Catholic French church and the manufacturing of traditional crafts and food products. The once enormous floating market of Cai Be gets smaller year by year since trading on the water is continually shifting towards modern markets. However, you can still see boat-to-boat trading of local goods, such as fruits and agricultural products, and imagine what this must have looked like on a larger scale. We learn from our guide about the long-lasting trading culture and how each boat has a special marker to let buyers know what goods they are selling.

By local boat, we sail along the green canal network and watch the farmers working in the fields. A visit ashore to a workshop shows us the manufacturing of rice paste, rice paper, rice cookies, and rice wine. Cai Be’s surrounding areas are covered by palm trees, which is why the region is also famous for the production of coconut candy.

Back on board, our crew invites you to a farewell event and to enjoy some cheerful moments before dinner, including music and Cambodian dancing together with the team. Savor your final dinner aboard and relive the week’s adventures in your mind’s eye with a glass of wine at the open bar.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Mekong River
Day
3 / 19

Disembarkation & Welcome to Saigon

Enjoy your last breakfast aboard your floating home. We disembark the ship after breakfast and take a bus transfer from My Tho to Saigon. It is only around 70 kilometers on the highway, and you arrive in Saigon by mid-morning.

We hope you enjoyed this fascinating river cruise, just as our crew does every single time. Moreover, take the enchanting memories and friendships along with you and share the stories of this amazing river – the Mighty Mekong.

Transfer to your hotel

Follow a lane dotted with colonial-era mansions until you reach a gate, behind which lies a truly enchanting villa. Home to Henry Cabot Lodge, the US Ambassador to South Vietnam in the 1960s, the villa is now a private residence and has been fully restored to its former glory, a beautiful mix of Vietnamese, French, and American architecture. Perfectly suited to social gatherings, enjoy a welcome reception complete with traditional Vietnamese dance performances in the intimate courtyard. A fusion of traditional Vietnamese and Western cuisine will be served in the magnificent dining room accompanied by live music, creating a uniquely memorable atmosphere.

Meals (B, D)

Location
Saigon
Day
4 / 19

Untold Stories of Saigon

With over eight million inhabitants and four million motorbikes, Saigon is truly a city that never sleeps. Despite its modernity, Saigon maintains a strong link to the past and our walking tour takes in some of the city’s most historic landmarks. Transfer to Dong Khoi Street downtown to visit some of the beautiful French colonial-era buildings from the late 19th and early 20th century. Appreciate the splendidly restored exteriors of the Saigon Opera House and the Notre Dame Cathedral, a red brick edifice with twin spires constructed from materials imported from France (entrance is only permitted when no services are being performed). Then head across the square to the Central Post Office, completed in 1891. A short drive away is the former Presidential Palace, the headquarters of the Saigon Government during the American War. Continue to the elegant City Hall (the former Hotel de Ville) which is one of Saigon’s most stunning colonial monuments especially when floodlit at night. Experience Saigon’s famed street coffee culture while your guide provides insights into daily life in Saigon. Then, visit War Remnants Museum for a vivid perspective of the American War through the eyes of the Vietnamese. (Please note that some of the displays are very graphic.)

Have lunch at Cuc Gach Quan Restaurant, a homey Vietnamese restaurant flanked by a supremely relaxing koi pond and leafy garden. The restaurant has been awarded Michelin Bib Gourmand for 2023.

We then drive to Chinatown to visit the beautiful Thien Hau Pagoda, built by the Cantonese community in the early 19th century to honor the Goddess of the Sea. Take time to make a wish, write it on a small card and attach it to one of the incense coils according to local custom. Continue your visit to FITO, the first museum of traditional medicine in Vietnam, offering an insightful look into the history and application of traditional medicine in everyday life before returning to your hotel.

The darker the night gets, the more vivid Saigon becomes! Get ready for a fascinating ride by vintage Vespa tonight to discover the busy Saigon after dark, together with beautiful street food tasting in the most authentic local restaurants. Make your first stop at a small yet popular Vietnamese bread stall, and line up to get a fresh bread roll before heading to a local coffee shop for a briefing. Keep on riding to a hidden boutique seafood restaurant to taste the freshest local seafood courses. Then continue to zig-zag through the hustle and bustle streets, and wander around an old apartment complex that becomes extremely lively at night with hundreds of food and drinks stalls. Take a break at a 50-year-old dessert shop to try different hand-made sweet soups. End up your night at a cozy bar room tucked away in a quiet alley to taste some local beer and have a chat with people here. Take a walk or catch a taxi to get back.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Saigon
Day
5 / 19

Inside The Heart of Mekong Delta Life River

Depart Saigon for a 2hr drive to Ben Tre, the gateway to the Mekong Delta. Escape the high-energy city for a day of exploring sprawling rice paddies and colorful fruit farms. Arrive at the quaint An Khanh hamlet, where travelers will visit a small home factory that makes the traditional dish of sticky rice covered by coconut leaves. Meet with the owner and her hard-working team who will teach you about how they use century-old traditional methods to make this special and tasty cake. Continue this rural journey of discovery with a short drive to meet a local family in Quoi Son village, where you can sample exotic fresh fruits in the orchard of a local fruit farmer. After wandering through the lush gardens of this village, a motorboat awaits your arrival to begin a thirty-minute excursion passing peaceful scenes of countryside living. Trade boat for bicycle and enjoy a relaxing ride over easy, level terrain as you travel through narrow village lanes lined with fruit orchards and customary cottages. Here you will take an auto rickshaw through the lush surroundings of the fruit farms before boarding a sampan and cruising along the narrow canals of the Mekong. End your excursion at a local farmer’s house where a lunch of Mekong Delta specialties will be served before driving back to Saigon.

In the evening, transfer to Saigon’s old market, in an iconic “tube house”, one of the tall, thin buildings that typify modern Vietnamese architecture, and enjoy the Tasting Menu by chef Peter Cuong Franklin. The tasting menu of 1-star Michelin restaurant Anan reflects Chef Peter’s vision of a modern Vietnam that is deeply respectful of its history and traditions yet progressive and international in outlook. He takes inspiration from the country’s vibrant food culture and uses fresh ingredients often sourced from local markets while incorporating French culinary techniques.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Mekong Delta
Day
6 / 19

City Tour-Cyclo Citadel to Thien Mu

Upon arrival at Phu Bai Airport, after clearing all customs procedures, please proceed to the exit gate and look for your guide who will be waiting in the lobby, holding the signboard with your name on it, if you cannot locate your guide, please go to the nearest Information counter and have them call the emergency number for assistance. Your guide will come to meet you up and transfer you to the hotel.

After lunch (on your own account) at Kim Long restaurant, depart on the afternoon Hue City Tour.

Hue served as an imperial capital to the Nguyen Lords, a feudal dynasty that reigned from the 17th to the 19th century. With splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the Citadel, the city retains its royal charm. Start your cyclo trip by crossing the Perfume River on the Trang Tien Bridge. Then ride along the famous Dong Ba Market and follow a branch of the Perfume River to an area surrounding the Citadel where local people have lived for generations in their old-style houses. While sitting on the cyclo, all of the activities on the street, in the shops, and in the houses, just happen around you, and you can feel like you are a part of it. After the cyclo ride, walking to the Imperial Citadel from the Noon Gate will provide great balance and you will appreciate the magnificent architecture and gardens while your guide explains the events and the intrigue of the former royal court. Despite being bombed heavily, there are some incredibly well-preserved sections still intact and others that are being lovingly restored. After leaving the citadel, there’s time for a short visit to the Royal Antique Museum. From there, the driver will pick you up and drive to visit Thien Mu Pagoda, Hue’s best-preserved religious monument. Standing on the riverbank with its seven-story tower, the pagoda is a sight to behold.

Meal (B)

Location
Hue
Day
7 / 19

Hue Day City Tour

To describe this celebrated gastronomy artisan, there are simply not enough words. She is well-known in the country as well as in the UK, France, Belgium, and the rest of Europe. Being the head of the professional cooking department in several Universities, author of several cooking books, cuisine presenter for Vietnam and London television, and receiving the most precious prize for the most talented Vietnamese Woman, Ms. Nhu Huy has great culinary treasures to share with you. What better way to experience a fascinating culinary tour than to have the artisan takes you out for a stroll around the market to enjoy the tantalizing sights, smells, and flavors of local produce? Then get to her home for a private hands-on cooking class of traditional Hue cuisine. Share her life and experiences, and enjoy what dishes you have made.

Once the imperial capital of the Nguyen Lords from the 17th to the 19th centuries, Hue’s splendid emperors’ tombs, ancient pagodas, and the remains of the Citadel contribute to its undeniable royal charm. Drive to the Tu Duc Royal Tomb, the most impressive of all the royal mausoleums, built by Emperor Tu Duc between 1864 and 1867. Interestingly, Tu Duc had 104 wives and countless concubines but left no heirs to the throne. While the complex does include a tomb, together with pavilions and temples, no one knows exactly where Tu Duc was buried as all 200 servants who buried the king were beheaded to keep his final resting place a secret from grave robbers. Continue to the elaborate Khai Dinh Royal Tomb whose architecture showcases elements of Eastern art and Western design. While smaller than many of the other tombs, the Khai Dinh Royal Tomb is more flamboyant, with the largest dragons in the country forming the side walls leading up to the tomb. Notice the tomb’s blackened concrete exterior and colorful mosaic interior in the spacious main building decorated with murals of the Four Seasons, Eight Precious Objects, and Eight Fairies. After exploring the tomb, return to your hotel.

Meals (B, L)

Location
Hue
Day
8 / 19

Welcome to Bangkok

Transfer from your Hue hotel to Hue airport for the flight to Bangkok via Saigon or Hanoi

As soon as you disembark, our airport representative will meet you at the end of the jet bridge, holding a signboard with your name(s) on it. Accompany the representative to the exclusive fast lane immigration counter where the airport representative will assist you with all immigration and customs documentation. After clearing immigration, our representative will escort you to the baggage claim to collect your luggage and lead you through the arrivals hall to meet your guide followed by a transfer to the hotel.

Experience the unique delights that Thailand’s cultural capital has to offer in this culinary experience of Bangkok. Bangkok is Asia’s Food Capital and as the city prides itself on an eclectic range of cuisines, from Asian fusion to rustic Western – this is an epicurean’s delight. With clusters of amazing venues within walking distance, we have selected premium dining & drinking venues that epitomize the zeitgeist of local and international cuisine, taking out all the guesswork and combining traditional and contemporary approaches. This is the perfect experience for those with only a limited time in Bangkok. If you’re looking to experience some of the best local and international flavors in the City of Angels, then this experience should not be missed.

Meals (B, D)

Location
Bangkok
Day
9 / 19

Grand Palace and City Temples

Drive to Wat Pho – one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, Wat Pho houses the famous 45m (148ft) Reclining Buddha as well as the original school of traditional Thai massage. From here, continue to the spectacular Grand Palace. The vast 94ha (233ac) grounds encompass more than 100 buildings including the Royal Residence and Throne Halls, government offices, and the renowned Wat Phra Kaew, home to the most revered Buddha image in Thailand, the Emerald Buddha (which is actually made of jade or jasper, rather than emerald). Next, walk to the local pier and take a join-in local ferry to Wat Arun, once the grand royal temple to King Rama II. Notice its impressive 82m (269ft) high Khmer-style tower and the many detailed floral mosaics made from broken Chinese porcelain, brought over by Chinese ships as ballast. Afterward, transfer to the Siam area for the Thai cuisine experience at Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin, the renowned modern Thai restaurant, which has been awarded a prestigious one-star rating by Michelin. The restaurant is well known for its fine dining Thai-inspired dishes created and presented with impressive modern interpretations. Return to your hotel.

Meals (B, L)

Location
Bangkok
Day
10 / 19

A Madness Market Day & Luxury Cruise

Depart early morning for the two-hour drive to the Damnoen Saduak floating market. En route first visit to Maeklong Railway Market, the name says it all: it is a market that has a train running right through the middle of it, multiple times a day. The market offers everything you expect a Thai market to offer but the Maeklong Railway Market differentiates itself from the other markets by having a railway located in the middle. If the products for sale are not placed on the railway itself, they are placed really close to it. Every time the train is about to drive through, the vendors recognize the warning bell and they immediately jump out of their chairs to pull back their awnings and when needed their products as well so the train will not hit the vendors’ belongings. Tourists and the vendors gather together very close, but far enough, along the railway to let the train pass by safely. For many tourists, this is the moment to take a video or a picture of this impressive moment. Right after the train has passed the stands, the vendors immediately place their belongings back at the railway and it looks like nothing has happened. Continue to the 100-year-old Damnoen Saduak floating market. This vibrant, most famous floating market features numerous small boats laden with colorful fruits and vegetables, paddled by Thai women wearing bamboo hats, and is one of the only places to see this traditional way of buying and selling goods in Thailand. Almost always crowded with hundreds of buyers, sellers, and tourists, the best way to experience the bustling atmosphere of the market up close is to board a boat and float through the small canals purchasing fresh local produce from the vendors. Explore the stalls located on both sides of the river and sample some of the amazing local dishes. Return to Bangkok, and enjoy a Thai lunch at Methavalai Sorndaeng, a 1-star Michelin awarded multiple years, and is one of the city’s original Thai fine dining restaurants, they’ve maintained a loyal customer base for 60+ years, using the same timeless recipes and cooking techniques. The refined dishes are complex, delivering blasts of flavor. Return to Bangkok in the late afternoon.

Drive to the Manohra Pier (or Saphan Taksin Pier). Board the Manohra Luxury Cruise and enjoy a great culinary experience while learning more about the Chao Phraya River. After the fall of Ayutthaya to the Burmese, Thailand’s new capital was relocated to the western banks of the river in the area known today as Thonburi. The River of Kings, as King Rama I called the Chao Phraya, feeds the city’s numerous canals, earning Bangkok its nickname of “Venice of the East”. Enjoy a set of Royal Thai menu dinners as you cruise along the river, the changing panorama revealing fantastic treasures from the rich past of the country and its new face of modern architectural wonders. Cruise to the Rama VIII Bridge where the boat makes a turn to return to the pier. Upon arrival at the pier, transfer to your hotel.

Meals (B, L, D)

 

Location
Bangkok
Day
11 / 19

City Lifestyle

Transfer from your hotel to the airport with a guide.
Upon arrival at Chiang Mai Airport, either Domestic arrival or International arrival, please proceed to the Information Booth (AOT). Here you will find your guide waiting for your holding the signboard with your name on it. If you cannot locate your guide – please call the emergency numbers. Transfer from the airport to the city hotel.

First, we will visit a vibrant food and flower market where local Thais do their shopping. After having lunch at a local restaurant, we will continue to Wat Suan Dok, the final resting place for the ashes of former kings of Chiang Mai and the Royal Family. Drive 30min to Doi Suthep Mountain, enjoying the spectacular views of Northern Thailand as you head past mountains and forests, towards Wat Phra That, one of Northern Thailand’s most sacred temples. Founded in 1383 AD, the temple is reached by climbing 309 steps (or for the less fitness-minded, a tram is available for a small surcharge). The climb up is rewarded with a superb panoramic view of the city. Return to Chiang Mai.

Meaning “tray” (khan) and “bowls (toke), the Khantoke dinner show is an excellent way to learn about the ancient Lanna culture of Northern Thailand while enjoying a feast of delicious Northern Thai dishes. Take your place on cushions at a low table and enjoy dinner while watching a performance by traditional dancers who will perform various dances including the Forn Leb (Finger Dance, usually reserved for greeting honorable guests or state visitors), Forn Thien (Candle Dance), Ramwong (Circle Dance, a typical Thai folk dance), and the Ram Dab, a sword dance developed from an ancient martial art. After dinner and the show, return to your hotel.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Chiang Mai
Day
12 / 19

Food Tour With Andi Ricker

Andy Ricker worked in restaurants, fields, factories, shops, and construction sites all over the world before opening his first restaurant, Pok Pok, in Portland, Oregon, USA in 2005. Now, Andy lives in Chiang Mai, Thailand with his wife and partner Kung, and their six cats. Today, we will have a chance to walk with this two-time James Beard Award winner, former Michelin Star holder for Pok Pok NY, and best-selling author of three critically acclaimed cookbooks on the food of Thailand, through all conner of Chiang Mai to sample the local delicacies. First, pick up clients at the hotel, and proceed to the Khanom Jiin maker factory in Mae Rim district, approximately 25 km from the center of the city, to observe fresh rice noodles being made. Visit the rice fields and rice mill for a background in the basis of all Southeast Asian food culture. Then, we will go to have breakfast at a local rice-based cuisine restaurant. After that, visit the local market to see and sample fruit and vegetables in season, local food makers and to visit an ancient spice shop. Finally, have simple lunch of Khanom Jiin, the same kind of rice noodle we saw in the morning, at a local purveyor in the market. Return to hotel at noon.

During this home-hosted dinner experience, you will experience not only an exquisite Northern Thai dinner but also be able to explore a stunning traditional Lanna northern-style home and interact with a renowned Thai academic and designer Khun Samrit. The spectacular architecture of Samrit’s northern-style home is set in 2 acres of landscaped ornamental gardens. The traditional Lanna architecture cannot be found in other parts of Thailand, with high sweeping ceilings, intricate teak art, and design typically found in old traditional Lanna architectural homes, contrasting with contemporary furnishings. As Khun Samrit walks you around his house explaining the design and his inspirations, a tantalizing northern Thai-inspired dinner will be prepared for you. This is a chance to discover the interesting life experiences of a noted and respected academic and designer who has inspired many of Thailand’s architects and interior designers.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Chiang Mai
Day
13 / 19

A Day in Mae Taeng District

Mae Taeng is a district located in the northern part of Chiang Mai province in Thailand, situated just beyond Mae Sa Valley. The district is not only famous for many adventurous activities but also a house of elephant camps and a tea garden. Depart from Chiang Mai on a 70km (44 mi) drive for the Thai Elephant Home where guests can interact with elephants rescued from unhealthy working conditions. On arrival, change into traditional Northern Thai-style clothes and get up close with these gentle creatures. Feed the elephants bananas or sugar cane before leading them along a jungle trail to bathe. After washing the elephants, head back to camp for a shower and fresh fruit. Waving goodbye to your new elephant friends, then transfer to Araksa Tea Garden, a verdant plantation that specializes in producing high-quality Assam tea, a black tea named after India’s largest tea-growing region. Upon arrival at the tea plantation, be greeted by our friendly staff, who will explain the different processes and methods used to cultivate young tea plants. Then enjoy lunch on the Thai set menu. Afterward, follow our resident plucker to the tea bushes and learn how to gather tea leaves. Feel free to join her in plucking tea leaves (a bamboo basket will be provided during the tea plucking activity) before continuing on to the roasting station, where we will demonstrate the art of making tea entirely by hand, from kneading to roasting. When the roasting is done, enjoy a cup of tea with a delicious Thai snack! Return to Chiang Mai.

Meals (B, L)

Location
Chiang Mai
Day
14 / 19

Welcome to Phuket

Transfer from your accommodation to the airport with a guide.

Upon Domestic arrival at Phuket Airport, after collecting your luggage, proceed to the exit gate where you will find your guide waiting for you holding a  signboard with your name on it. There is only one exit gate in the domestic arrivals terminal. If you cannot locate your guide, please call the emergency number before leaving the airport with a taxi. Transfer from the Airport to your hotel.

Meal (B)

Location
Phuket
Day
15 / 19

Phuket Town Discovery

Depart your hotel and drive along the Phuket coastline past Karon Beach and Kata Beach to a viewpoint where you can see Phuket’s three most beautiful beaches. Continue to Promthep Cape at the southernmost point of Phuket for its best view of the coastline. Drive past Rawai Beach and visit Wat Chalong, Phuket’s largest and most revered temple, built at the beginning of the 19th century. Next, stop at a cashew nut factory and Wang Thalang, a local souvenir shop offering a variety of handmade local products. Drive back to Old Phuket to see the charming Sino-Portuguese shophouses on Thalang and Debuk Roads, reflecting the architecture of people who came to Phuket centuries ago for its tin mining industry. Then, join our historical culinary tour where you will learn the food traditions of Chinese cuisine amidst the stunning Chino-Portuguese heritage. Sample a variety of mouth-watering food while listening to the historical stories of local signature dishes and visiting antique restaurants. Our tour will take you on the culinary journey. Thousands of years ago, Chinese junks and barges of the Arabian and Western lands brought with them exotics offshore cultures. Here, on this beautiful island, a unique type of cuisine was founded that mixed Thai-Chinese-Portuguese influences. From dusk till dawn, you can find so many wonderful delicacies here. Return to your hotel.

Meals (B, L)

Location
Phuket
Day
16 / 19

Phi-Phi & Bamboo Islands

Depart by speedboat from Royal Phuket Marina to visit one of Thailand’s most popular natural attractions, the gorgeous Phi Phi Islands. To avoid the crowds, first visit Phi Phi Lay with the magical landscape of Maya Bay (Where the movie “The Beach” was partially filmed) with colorful fishes and crystal clear water. Then, visit Viking Cave and Monkey Beach. Discover Loh Sa Mah Bay and Pi Leh Cove, where you can swim or do snorkeling. Enjoy a lunch at Saii Phi Phi Resort (Thai set lunch), on arrival at Koh Phi Phi Don before visiting Bamboo Island for swimming, snorkeling, and sunbathing on the beach. Then, transfer back to Royal Phuket Marina and return to your hotel by land vehicle.

In the evening, transfer to Samut restaurant in Nai Harn, serving modern Thai cuisine focusing on local seafood prepared with local ingredients and spices. ‘Samut’, meaning ‘Ocean’ in Thai. The restaurant is beautifully decorated with wooden floors and warm tones and a soft touch of Chinese atmosphere. Directed by the rising young chef Ton, who is running one of the most exciting kitchens in Bangkok, Le Du (1 Michelin Star and #4 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021), as well as Nusara (#20 in Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants 2021), making him the only Thai chef that has 2 restaurants on the prestige of Asia’s 50 best restaurants list. Samut tasting menu will surely introduce all amazing local seafood to the world.

Meals (B, L, D)

Location
Phuket
Day
17 / 19

Relaxing Day

Free at leisure.

Meal (B)

Location
Phuket
Day
18 / 19

Departure

Transfer from your accommodation to the airport with a guide for the departure flight.

Meal (B)

Location
Phuket
Day
19 / 19
1 / 19

Accommodations

Cruises & Lodges

Jayavarman at night

Jayavarman

A French-colonial masterpiece offering immersive culinary-themed journeys and heartfelt Khmer hospitality.
54 Guests
27 Cabins
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Hotel Options

5 Star

137 Pillars House

Chiang Mai
5 Star

Capella Bangkok

Bangkok
5 Star

The Reverie Saigon

Saigon
5 Star

Ancient Hue Garden Houses

Hue
5 Star

Trisara Hotel

Phuket
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