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The Flavor Trail: Thailand and Vietnam

Taste the soul of two nations through lively markets, traditional cooking at a local "Grandma's" school, and a private, Michelin-level dinner on the Pruek Cruise. You'll gain unrivaled access to local culinary masters, including a MasterChef finalist, and collect authentic recipes you'll treasure for years. Supported by stylish hotels and seamless travel, this journey provides a lifetime of flavor.

Bangkok, Chiang Mai, Hanoi, Hoi An
13 nights private tour from $13,500

Journey highlights

  • Dine privately in Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai's home and explore hidden street food gems with Thailand's most celebrated food vlogger - the kind of meaningful encounters that transform a vacation into something unforgettable

  • Crafting lotus offerings with monks, cycling through Hanoi's residential neighbourhoods, and learning family recipes passed down through generations.

  • Thoughtfully paced for families with activities engaging both parents and children, plus VIP airport assistance and luxury accommodations throughout.

  • Master authentic cooking techniques at renowned schools, understand ingredient sourcing at local markets, and return home with recipes your family will recreate for years
  • Culinary itinerary:A gastronomic delight, our Culinary Journeys take you on a cultural voyage, sampling everything from traditional bites to fine dining delicacies
Our tailor made journeys include:
  • Your dedicated Travel Consultant who will take care of arrangements
  • Private international airport transfers in destination
  • Your own private, English-speaking local guides
  • Unique experiences, hand-picked by our Journeys team
  • Entrance to must-see local sites
  • Dedicated 24/7 team providing in-country support and guidance
  • Complimentary access to My Scott Dunn – industry-leading travel app providing pre-departure information and in-journey support

Itinerary

Day 1 - 4

  • Bangkok

    At a Glance

    Day One: Arrival & Evening Food Discovery


    Touch down in Bangkok where our airport concierge whisks you through immigration with effortless efficiency. After settling into your riverside suite at Capella Bangkok, the real adventure begins. As evening falls, hop aboard traditional tuk-tuks for a guided culinary crawl through the city's most authentic dining districts. Your local food expert shares stories behind each dish while you sample everything from fiery street curries to delicate coconut desserts. It's Bangkok through the eyes of those who know it best.

    Day Two: Markets, Temples & Royal Flavors


    Begin at dawn in Pak Klong Talad flower market, where jasmine-scented air mingles with morning energy. Learn to craft traditional lotus offerings before exploring Wat Pho's magnificent reclining Buddha. The afternoon unfolds at the Grand Palace's golden spires, followed by a longtail boat journey through Thonburi's stilted villages. Your day concludes with lunch at Michelin Plate restaurant Phraya Palazzo, where royal Thai cuisine meets contemporary flair. Each moment connects you deeper to Thailand's cultural heart.

    Day Three: Bangkok Street Food Secrets & Luxury River Dining


    Join one of Thailand's most celebrated food vloggers for an insider's tour through Bangkok's hidden culinary corners. Forget tourist trails - this is about discovering neighbourhood gems where locals actually eat. Your guide knows every hawker stall worth trying, every family recipe passed down through generations. Evening transforms the experience entirely aboard the elegant Pruek Cruise, where a Michelin-starred chef creates personalized dishes as you glide past illuminated temples. Two sides of Bangkok's food story, perfectly balanced.

    Where to stay

    Capella Bangkok (3 nights)
    Capella Bangkok

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Day 4 - 8

  • Chiang Mai

    At a Glance

    Day Four: Bangkok to Chiang Mai
    Northern Capital Introduction


    Fly north to Chiang Mai, ancient capital of the Lanna Kingdom and birthplace of Thailand's most distinctive dishes. Once settled at the colonial charm of 137 Pillars House, venture into the night markets where skilled cooks prepare regional specialities before your eyes. This is where lemongrass and galangal first perfected their aromatic dance, where the legendary Khao Soi curry originated in royal courts. Every bite tells the story of northern Thailand's unique culinary heritage.

    Day Five: Temples, Markets & Cooking Mastery


    Start early at Warorot Market, crafting flower garlands and offering alms to monks during their morning rounds. Ascend winding mountain roads to golden Wat Phra That Doi Suthep, then discover hidden Wat Pha Lat nestled in jungle tranquillity. The afternoon shifts focus to Grandma's Cooking School, where you'll harvest ingredients from organic gardens before mastering classics like Tom Yam and Green Curry. It's hands-on learning in the most authentic setting imaginable, creating dishes your family will treasure.

    Day Six: Chiang Mai, Ancient Paths & Modern Flavors


    Follow the historic Monk's Trail through forest paths marked by orange robes tied to ancient trees. This walking meditation leads to peaceful Wat Pha Lat before ascending to Doi Suthep's panoramic views. Evening brings a completely different perspective as Thailand's World Food Travel Association ambassador guides you through Chiang Mai's evolving food scene. From traditional Lanna curries to French-influenced bistros, discover how local ingredients inspire global cuisine while maintaining their distinctly northern Thai soul.

    Day Seven: Chiang Mai Highland Retreat & Farm-to-Table Excellence


    Spend your morning at leisure before afternoon transport to highland farmlands surrounding Chiang Mai. A scenic countryside picnic awaits as sunset paints northern Thailand's mountains in brilliant colors. Terra Restaurant embodies the evening's farm-to-table philosophy, where "soil" isn't just the name but the guiding principle. Every ingredient reflects local terroir, seasonal rhythms, and partnerships with neighboring farmers. It's dining that connects you directly to the land beneath your feet.

    Where to stay

    137 Pillars House (4 nights)
    137 Pillars House

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Day 8 - 11

  • Hanoi

    At a Glance

    Day Eight - Chiang Mai to Hanoi

    Cross borders into Vietnam with seamless airport assistance ensuring smooth transitions between countries. Hanoi welcomes you with its distinctive blend of French colonial elegance and ancient Vietnamese traditions. Settle into the legendary Sofitel Legend Metropole, where Graham Greene once penned his novels and history whispers through elegant corridors. The afternoon remains yours to explore this captivating capital or simply absorb the hotel's storied atmosphere before tomorrow's deeper cultural immersion begins.

    Day Nine - Hanoi Old Quarter Secrets & Culinary Heritage


    Navigate narrow Old Quarter streets by traditional cyclo, discovering hidden pagodas and historical gems tucked down single passageways. Board vintage Vespa scooters like locals, weaving through boulevards to Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum before lunch at A Ban Mountain Dew, where ethnic Vietnamese cuisine celebrates northern mountain tribes. Evening unfolds on foot through the legendary '36 Streets', sampling iconic dishes in family-run establishments. From pho's aromatic depths to unique egg coffee's creamy richness, taste Vietnam's culinary soul.

    Day Ten - Hanoi Lake Life & Home Cooking


    Begin with private Tai Chi at serene Van Nien Pagoda overlooking West Lake, followed by cycling through well-heeled neighbourhoods far from tourist paths. Market stalls surrounding Phu Tay Ho temple offer fresh banh tom and local snacks before your cooking class at intimate Thom Culinary. Evening brings extraordinary access to celebrated Chef Vu Thi Ngoc Ai's home, where this MasterChef finalist shares five courses representing authentic family cooking traditions alongside personal stories about Vietnamese food culture.

    Where to stay

    Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi (3 nights)
    Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi

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Day 11 - 14

  • Hoi An

    At a Glance

    Day 11: Hanoi to Hoi An – River Villages & Ancient Crafts


    The morning is yours until your mid-morning flight south to Da Nang. Transfer to Namia River Retreat.
    Mid-afternoon, a Vespa carries you through countryside to Tra Nhieu village, a fishing community where life moves to rhythms established generations ago. A local fisherman meets you and shares what it means to live from the river. Board his traditional wooden boat and learn to cast nets and set traps. Switch to a basket boat and navigate the waterways while mastering the unique paddling technique.


    Walk through the village to meet families handcrafting sedge mats. At Uncle Hoang's home, help prepare soil for planting in his garden. A herbal footbath and tea provide pause before cooking begins. Grind rice to make fresh noodles and rice paper, craft rice pancakes and spring rolls, then eat what you've created. Vietnamese drip coffee concludes before the Vespa ride back.


    Day 12: Hoi An Before Dawn


    Start early – no later than 7 AM – from the French Quarter where colonial buildings line the streets in ochre and cream. The old market at this hour belongs to locals. Vendors arrange flowers and vegetables, fishermen unload their overnight catch. The air smells of river water, fresh fish, tropical fruit. You're witnessing the town wake up – locals opening shutters, sweeping, preparing for trade.


    The backstreets reveal residential lanes where Old-World Vietnam continues. Your guide leads you through historic alleyways, pointing out traditional houses, eateries, artisan workshops. At a little-known merchant's house, descendants serve White Rose Dumplings – shaped like roses, filled with shrimp, pork, mushrooms. Only a handful of families know how to make these properly.

    Coffee break at a local café, then visit Mr. Phong who crafts traditional folk masks – create your own if interested – before lunch concludes the morning


    Day 13: Hoi An at Your Own Rhythm


    No schedule today. Rest at Namia River Retreat or venture into town. Tailor shops, art galleries, ceramics, lanterns, embroidered textiles – the craftsmanship here is genuine. The old town takes on different character depending on when you visit. Discover which version speaks to you.

    Where to stay

    Namia River Retreat (3 nights)
    Namia River Retreat

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Price Guide: ( based on double occupancy and excludes international flights)

Departing Price from*
  • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
  • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
  • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
 		Deposit from * Enquire
October 2025 $13,500 $3,400 plan your trip
November 2025 $16,700 $4,200 plan your trip
December 2025 $16,700 $4,200 plan your trip
January 2026 $16,700 $4,200 plan your trip
February 2026 $16,700 $4,200 plan your trip
March 2026 $16,700 $4,200 plan your trip
April 2026 $16,700 $4,200 plan your trip
May 2026 $13,500 $3,400 plan your trip
June 2026 $13,500 $3,400 plan your trip
July 2026 $13,500 $3,400 plan your trip
August 2026 $13,500 $3,400 plan your trip
September 2026 $13,500 $3,400 plan your trip
  • October 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $13,500
    Deposit from*
    $3,400
  • November 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,700
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • December 2025
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,700
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • January 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,700
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • February 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,700
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • March 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,700
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • April 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $16,700
    Deposit from*
    $4,200
  • May 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $13,500
    Deposit from*
    $3,400
  • June 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $13,500
    Deposit from*
    $3,400
  • July 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $13,500
    Deposit from*
    $3,400
  • August 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $13,500
    Deposit from*
    $3,400
  • September 2026
    Price from *
    • Pricing is a guideline only, is based on two people sharing and excludes special offers.
    • Travel over peak periods (e.g. Christmas, New Year, festivals and other public vacations) can affect prices considerably, as can exchange rates, flight class and room type.
    • Solo traveler pricing is available upon request.
    $13,500
    Deposit from*
    $3,400
  • plan your trip

Experiences in this tour

Bangkok Exploration
Thailand Food Vendor
Cooking School
Thai Food
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The Flavor Trail: Thailand and Vietnam
The Flavor Trail: Thailand and Vietnam

We design each itinerary around you, so this suggested itineraryis a starting point that we can tweak or transform into something completely personalized to you. Call us on 858 345 1762 to start planning your vacation.

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