Thailand’s Enchanting Temples and Culinary Delights NEW

Thailand’s Enchanting Temples and Culinary Delights

12 days from $4,850 Delve into Thailand’s rich culture and cuisine as you explore temples and floating markets, enjoy tasting tours and cooking classes, and soak up local traditions from Bangkok and Chiang Mai to Phuket.

WHERE TO STAY

Siam Kempinski – A garden retreat in the heart of Bangkok’s premier shopping and entertainment district. Asita Eco Resort – A canal-side eco-resort that offers traditional Thai houses or villas with locally inspired design. Anantara Chiang Mai Resort – A city

sanctuary that blends contemporary, Thai, and colonial style and offers spa treatments, cooking lessons, and sunset river cruises. Twinpalms Phuket – A beach resort set amid water gardens, with secluded suites and rooms, a range of restaurants, and access to three spectacular beaches.

HIGHLIGHTS

� Experience Bangkok’s colorful chaos on a street food tour, and witness the nightly rituals at a temple in Chiang Mai. � Prepare delightful Thai dishes during a cooking class with a renowned chef. � Explore the floating markets of Tha Kha and enjoy a leisurely bike ride to the farming communities. � Spend two days on the beaches of Phuket and discover the island’s distinctive cuisine on a tasting tour.

The itinerary below is a sample of what’s possible. Your Smithsonian Tailor-Made Journey will be handcrafted just for you. Days 1 & 2 – Bangkok, Thailand

Arrive in Bangkok and the next day, set off on a private city tour using multiple forms of transportation: from the Skytrain to a longtail boat, a public boat taxi, and a tuk-tuk. Visit the Grand Palace and see the immense, gold-covered Reclining Buddha at Wat Po. After a free afternoon, consider a meal at your hotel’s own Michelin-starred restaurant, Sra Bua by Kiin Kiin.

Days 3 & 4 – Bangkok

Dig into Bangkok’s street food scene on a tour with a local guide, sampling a variety of dishes at popular food stalls. The next day is yours to spend as you wish. Consider rising early to visit the temple of Wat Arun before the crowds arrive. In the evening, go for a guided walk in Suan Plu to visit cottage industries and an amulet market. Enjoy a delicious meal followed by a drink at a jazz bar.

Day 5 – Amphawa

Travel to the picturesque village of Amphawa to see the Tha Kha floating market, where merchants sell produce in boats clustered on the village canals. After lunch, set off on an easy bike ride to the organic farms of Ban Bang Phlap. Pedal among the plantations, stopping to meet farmers and taste the fruits grown here. Tonight, stay at a riverside eco-retreat.

Days 6–8 – Chiang Mai

Board a flight to Chiang Mai, nestled within the mountains of northern Thailand. In the evening, witness monks performing their nightly rituals. Dine at an acclaimed restaurant before an evening stroll with your guide through the night market. The next day is at your leisure. Spend your final day in Chiang Mai enjoying a cooking class with a renowned chef, learning about ingredients, concocting various dishes, and savoring them together.

Days 9–12 — Phuket

Fly to the island of Phuket via Bangkok and settle into a boutique beach hotel. Meet your guide for a tour of Phuket’s street food, which draws on flavors from China, Malaysia, and Singapore. During two afternoons and a full day at leisure, discover new beaches and explore Phuket Town on your own. You’ll also have options for snorkeling and sea kayaking arranged by your resort. Return to Bangkok for your flight home the final day.