DAY 01: BANGKOK ARRIVAL AND WELCOME DINNER ON CRUISE (D)

Upon arrival at BKK Airport, you will meet with your guide and driver, then transfer to your hotel. At around 7.30 pm, get your first taste of Thai cuisine during a two-hour Dinner Cruise. Embark from Anantara Riverside pier, stepping aboard a beautifully restored antique rice barge and cruise in old world elegance along the majestic Chao Phraya River. Pass by famous royal sites, exquisite temples and striking modern landmarks as you dine on fine Thai cuisine.

Overnight at Shanghai Mansion Hotel in Bangkok (or similar)

DAY 02: BANGKOK OLD MARKETS AND THAI DESSERT COOKING COURSE (B, L)

After breakfast at your hotel, visit Bangkok's Chinatown to explore vibrant local markets and street cuisine. Visit Nang Loeng - the oldest land market in Bangkok, located in an historic community and offering a variety of rare traditional Thai food. After lunch, join a Thai desserts cooking course at Sane Cafe, taught by experts such as Sanechan, Thong Ake, Sampannee, Bulan Dan Mek, and many more. Take a short walk around the Khao San Road, before returning to your hotel.

Overnight at Shanghai Mansion Hotel in Bangkok (or similar)

DAY 03: DAMNOEN SADUAK FLOATING MARKET - FLOWER MARKET - THAI DINNER (B, L, D)

 The first stop today is at Maeklong Railway Market, a traditional Thai market selling fresh vegetables, food and fruit, where normal activities are interrupted at intervals by trains passing directly through the narrow market. Next, visit Damnoen Saduak Floating Market, where local food is served directly from the boats. Return to Bangkok and visit the city's biggest fresh flower market - Pak Klong Talad. Return to your hotel for some relaxation time, then head out to a Thai Restaurant in the hub of Bangkok.

Overnight at Shanghai Mansion Hotel

DAY 04: BANGKOK - AYUTTHAYA AND THE VILLAGE (B, L)

 After breakfast, check out and drive to Koh Kerd; a small island formed by the tributaries of Ayutthaya's river. Take a 20-kilometre boat ride. In Ayutthaya, make some desserts such as sweetened rice milk with coconut milk or charcoaled Thai custard. Try to catch river prawns with a local expert, learn how herbs are processed into organic products and experience the life of a farmer in the rice paddies. Lunch is at the village.

Overnight at Sala Ayutthaya Hotel

DAY 05: AYUTTHAYA HISTORICAL PARK - CHIANG MAI BY NIGHT TRAIN (B, L)

After breakfast, visit Ayutthaya to see temples such as Wat Mongkol Bophit, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Mahathat. Stop for lunch at Busaba Care & Meal at Baan Kao Khom, try roti saimai; made from sugar pulled into thin lines like silk and rolled into a burrito shape with a soft pancake. In the late afternoon, board a night train to Chiang Mai. There is a dining car on the train, a waiter service and 'Grab & Go' snacks sold by local vendors.

Overnight on train

DAY 06: CHIANG MAI (B, L)

Upon arrival in Chiang Mai, your guide will take you to alms giving with local people at sunrise. Try Chiang Mai Coffee and have breakfast before check-in. In the afternoon, visit Wat Chedi Luang, Wat Phrasing and the Three Kings Monument. Stop for Khao Soi (egg noodles in curry chicken or meat soup) and Moo Sateh (pork BBQ). After that, drive to Doi Suthep to visit Wat Prathat Doi Suthep. At night, visit Night Bazaar to try some local delicacies.

Overnight at The Rim Resort in Chiang Mai

DAY 07: CHIANG MAI - HOME HOSTED LUNCH - KHANTOK DINNER & SHOW (B, L, D)

After breakfast, travel to Hong Dong district. Spend your day with a local host, learning from his family in their kitchen. Discover local herbs in the backyard, and pick ingredients to be cooked for lunch together. In the evening, experience authentic Lanna dining with Khantoke - a round rattan tray that serves various northern Thai dishes with sticky rice. As you enjoy the tasty food, you will be entertained by spectacular Thai traditional dances from members of Thailand's northern hill tribes.

Overnight at The Rim Resort in Chiang Mai

DAY 08: CHIANG MAI DEPARTURE (B or B Box)

Your guide and driver will pick up at the hotel and transfer you to Chiang Mai Airport for flights to your onward destination.