OVERVIEW
Come with us to Thailand to experience an exotic gem, a country where the architecture and artistry are matched only by the friendliness of the people; where every flavor is more pleasing than the last; and where Buddhism binds the culture seamlessly. On our Thai culinary tour, we’ll head from bustling Bangkok to the charming northern city of Chiang Mai, and finally, end up at our relaxing riverside resort in Thaton. You’ll learn to cook incredible Thai food, explore the fascinating Thai culture, and enjoy the outdoors, including a nature walk and an elephant ride! And at the end of each day you will relax in sumptuous boutique hotels.
INSTRUCTION
Thai food is an exceptional combination of exotic sweet, tangy and peppery spices, fresh ingredients, and stunning presentation, and most who try it are hooked for life. Traditional Thai cooking is taught at home. Every mother is a “teacher” and family recipes are passed down from one generation to the next. Meals are always shared family affairs and are an important part of Thai cultural heritage. Therefore, our Bangkok and Chiang Mai cooking schools are set in home-style learning environments, with open-air, Thai-style kitchens, surrounded by aromatic herb gardens, orchards and rice paddies. Our instructors will pass down their family recipes, as they teach us about ingredient selection, combining spices into curry pastes, and preparation of full meals of Thai cuisine. And of course, at the end of our lesson, we will enjoy the incredible feast we have prepared.
ITINERARY
DAY 1: Arrive & Relax
Pick up from Bangkok Airport and transfer to our hotel. Stay in luxurious 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 2: Sightseeing in Bangkok
Morning tour of vibrant vegetable & flower market. Tuk-tuk ride to Grand Palace. Lunch overlooking the river. Visit Jim Thomson’s House & Museum. Stay in luxurious 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 3: Cooking Class
Long-tail boat ride to our cooking school. Tour the farm, then move to open-air kitchen for a full day of cooking. Stay in luxurious 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 4: Sightseeing in Bangkok
Walking tour of Chinatown. Optional afternoon Thai massage. Dinner on a converted rice barge, floating up the river. Stay in luxurious 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 5: Transfer to Chiang Mai
Morning flight to Chiang Mia. Afternon city tour. Sunset from a hilltop temple. Stay in stunning 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 6: Cooking Class
Morning visit to local market to select ingredients. Full-day cooking course. Dinner at a wonderful restaurant decorated with priceless Thai antiques. Stay in stunning 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 7: Excursion to Mountain Village
Drive to rustic village to see traditional culture. Explore village & see conservation efforts. Afternoon massage & cook dinner in a local home. Stay in stunning 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 8: Cooking Class
Morning visit to local market to select ingredients. Full-day cooking course. Stay in stunning 4-star boutique hotel.
DAY 9: Elephant Camp & Ban Thaton
Morning visit to elephant camp. Elephant trek to local hill-tribe village. Drive to Ban Thaton. Stay in relaxing boutique river-side resort.
DAY 10: Relax in Ban Thaton
Day free to enjoy optional massage, canoe trip, local school visit, or cooking class. Stay in relaxing boutique river-side resort.
DAY 11: Thai Culinary Tour Ends
Sadly, our tour is over today. Transfer to Chiang Mai for an optional extension, or to the airport for your flight home.
INSTRUCTION
Our Thai cooking school vacation includes cooking workshops to prepare the following meals:
THAI COOKING CLASS 1:
* Introduction to Thai herbs & spices
* Laab Moo – Thai spicy minced pork salad
A simply prepared dish with a traditionally spicy and sour flavor.
* Tom Yam Kung – Hot and sour prawn soup
A delicious sour soup-flavored with fresh lemongrass and aromatic kaffir lime leaves.
* Phad Thai – Thai fried noodles
A stir-fry comprising rice noodles, tofu, bean sprouts, egg and prawns. This taste sensation uses the combination of sweet, sour and salty flavors to enhance the superbly contrasting textures.
* Kaeng Ka-Ri Kai – Yellow chicken curry
One of the mildest and most fragrant curries available. The coconut milk creates a delicious broth that blends perfectly with the curry base.
* Paneang Nua – Coconut beef curry
This type of red curry is rich, sweet, and creamy
THAI COOKING CLASS 2:
* Som Tam – Papaya salad
This justly renowned Thai salad specialty is made by bruising julienned green papaya with garlic, small chilies, tomatoes and long beans in a clay mortar with a wooden pestle.
* Nam Prik Khao Soi – Khao soi curry paste
A unique northern curry pastethat includes the deeply flavored black cardamom among its ingredients. This paste is essential in preparing Chiang Mai’s famous “Khao Soi” noodle soup.
* Khao Soi Gai – Egg noodles with chicken curry soup
A Chiang Mai specialty, this egg noodle soup combines coconut curry soup with a tasty topping of crispy fried noodles. Served accompanied by pickled green mustard, shallots, limes and chili oil.
* Plaa Priew Waan – Sweet and sour vegetables with fish
Deep-fried fish, pineapple and mixed vegetables cooked in sweet and sour sauce.
* Gaeng Leiang Goong Sod – Mixed vegetable soup with prawns
Thickened with curry paste, this spicy soup contains a host of herbs and vegetables and is rounded off with a bright citrus flavor from the lemon basil leaves.
* Sankhaya Fakthong – Home made sweet custard cake with pumpkin
Delicious Thai dessert combining the luscious flavors of coconut milk, egg custard and pumpkin.
THAI COOKING CLASS 3:
* Tom Kha Gai – Chicken soup in coconut milk
A coconut-based soup with a similar taste palate to tom yum soup, this version is sweeter due to the addition of coconut milk.
* Nam Prik Gaeng Ped – Thai red curry paste
The original and classic Thai paste that is used in a variety of curry soup dishes.
* Gaeng Ped Ped Yang – Red curry with roasted duck
An unforgettably delicious curry soup that combines fresh fruit and roasted duck.
* Khao Phad Sub Pa Rot Sai Goong – Fried rice with pineapple and prawns
A recipe specially made for healthy eaters, with the pineapple adding a touch of tart sweetness to the dish. It has a rich creamy texture that superbly complements the prawns.
* Gai Satay – Chicken satay with peanut sauce
Simply marinated chicken that is skewered, charcoal-grilled and served with peanut sauce.
* Glauy Tord – Thai-style banana fritters
Unlike the well known Western version, these Thai banana fritters use coconut batter and smaller, less ripe bananas that hold their shape and texture better when deep-frying.
Note: These menu items are subject to change
Prices from USD $2445
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