Thailand Real Food Adventure
Indulge in the complex flavours, fresh aromas and heavenly spices that make Thai food so addictive. Explore bustling markets and taste tropical fruits and aromatic dishes whipped up in front of your eyes. Learn the trick behind making palm sugar, experience the thrill of cruising through Tha Kha Floating Market by paddleboat, slurp noodles alongside locals in Bangkok, enjoy some home-cooking with a family in Chiang Mai, sit down to a khan tok feast and tour all the must-see sights of Thailand. This is an incredible culinary journey through one of South East Asia’s most addictive food cultures.
Why you'll love this trip
Khan tok cooking experience — Learn how to prepare and present the traditional 11-dish Northern Thai speciality khan tok and experience Thai life from a local's perspective at a village homestay.
Authentic Thai street food — See dishes whipped up before your eyes, like kaeng som, spicy fish cakes at a community farm and roti sai mai at a market food stall in Ayutthaya.
Tha Kha Floating Market — Cruise Samut Songkram's floating market on a paddleboat and experience one of Thailand's most atmospheric local markets.
Iconic Thai dishes — Tuck into favourite Thai dishes and discover new ones along the way, including guay-tieo-ruea (boat noodles), roti sai mai, khao soi, som tum, larb and more.
Plant-based Chiang Mai meal — Dine at a Chiang Mai restaurant that sources organic, local vegetables for their daily array of delicious plant-based meals.
Itinerary
DAY 01
Bangkok
Begin your Thailand Real Food Adventure in Bangkok and get ready to discover the flavours, aromas and culinary traditions that make Thai cuisine so famous.
DAY 02
Bangkok
Explore Bangkok through its food, markets and local neighbourhoods. Experience a floating market by paddleboat and discover the flavours of traditional Thai ingredients and dishes.
DAY 03
Ayutthaya
Travel to historic Ayutthaya and discover the region's distinctive food culture alongside its ancient temples and ruins. Taste local specialities and learn about traditional Thai cooking and desserts.
DAY 04
Ayutthaya / Overnight Train
Continue exploring Ayutthaya before boarding the overnight sleeper train towards Chiang Mai. This is a great opportunity to experience another classic form of Thai travel.
DAY 05
Chiang Mai
Arrive in Chiang Mai and begin discovering the culinary and cultural traditions of Northern Thailand. Explore the Old Quarter and experience the local atmosphere.
DAY 06
Village Homestay
Experience authentic Thai village life with a local homestay. Learn how to prepare and present the traditional 11-dish Northern Thai khan tok speciality and enjoy a genuine connection with the local community.
DAY 07
Chiang Mai
Return to Chiang Mai and continue exploring the city's food and cultural highlights. Enjoy local flavours and discover more of Northern Thailand.
DAY 08
Chiang Mai
Your Thailand Real Food Adventure comes to an end in Chiang Mai after breakfast. If you'd like to extend your stay and explore more of Northern Thailand, speak to your booking agent.
Inclusions and activities
Destinations
Bangkok · Ayutthaya
Chiang Mai · Village Homestay
Meals
6 breakfasts
5 lunches · 4 dinners
Transport
Private Vehicle · Boat
Overnight Train · Songthaew
Accommodation
Hotel (5 nights)
Overnight Sleeper Train (1 night) · Homestay (1 night)
Included activities
- Bangkok — Welcome Dinner
- Samut Songkram — Tha Kha Floating Market tour
- Samut Songkram — Palm Sugar Demonstration
- Bangkok — Chinatown walking tour
- Ayutthaya — Regional Specialties Cooking Class
- Ayutthaya — Homemade Dessert Making Lesson
- Ayutthaya — Chao Phraya Long Tail Boat Cruise
- Ayutthaya — Wat Niwet Thamma Prawat Visit
- Ayutthaya — Temple Ruins entrance & guided tour
- Ayutthaya — Roti Sai Mai demonstration & tasting
- Chiang Mai — Wat Chedi Luang entrance
- Chiang Mai — Leader-led Old Quarter orientation walk
- Chiang Mai — Coffee stop
- Homestay — Khan Tok Cooking Class
- Chiang Mai — Doi Suthep Temple Visit
Optional activities
- Bangkok — Grand Palace THB 500
When you travel with us, The Intrepid Foundation gives you more opportunities to support important causes in destinations you visit.
Before you book
Is this trip right for you?
- The cuisine of Thailand includes a lot of meat and seafood. For vegetarians and vegans we recommend reviewing the itinerary and inclusions to ensure that you will be able to fully participate and enjoy this trip. We also have many other trips to Thailand which can accommodate a range of dietary requirements.
- This trip includes an overnight train between Ayutthaya and Chiang Mai. Accommodation is simple but comfortable – soft sleeper class multi-share compartments with air conditioning and bunk beds, with sheets and a pillow provided.
- There is one night at a homestay on this trip, a wonderful opportunity to witness everyday Thai life. Facilities can be basic and multi-share, with fold-out mattresses on the floor and shared bathrooms. The rewards of such an authentic local experience are immeasurable.
Important notes
Visas
Accommodation notes
Joining point
Dates and prices
| Departs | Returns | Availability | Price (USD) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sat 14 Nov 2026 | Sat 21 Nov 2026 | Sale 4 spots left Last minute | $1,930 $1,737 |
| Sat 28 Nov 2026 | Sat 5 Dec 2026 | Spots available | $1,770 |
| Sat 12 Dec 2026 | Sat 19 Dec 2026 | 3 spots left | $1,880 |
| Sat 2 Jan 2027 | Sat 9 Jan 2027 | 2 spots left | $1,970 |
| Sat 6 Feb 2027 | Sat 13 Feb 2027 | Spots available | $1,835 |
| Sat 20 Feb 2027 | Sat 27 Feb 2027 | Spots available | $1,730 |
| Sat 20 Mar 2027 | Sat 27 Mar 2027 | Spots available | $1,730 |
| Sat 3 Apr 2027 | Sat 10 Apr 2027 | Spots available | $1,785 |
| Sat 8 May 2027 | Sat 15 May 2027 | Spots available | $1,730 |
| Sat 17 Jul 2027 | Sat 24 Jul 2027 | Spots available | $1,785 |
Reviews
Highly recommend Intrepid tour co. Good variety of activities, accommodation, transportation, small group, emphasis on authentic sustainable travel and supporting local tourism at reasonable cost.
Very happy and satisfied with the Intrepid tour we took — small group, variety of accommodation, sightseeing, transportation, activities and free time. Our excellent guide topped it all off.
Experienced a lot of different types of Thai food, which I probably wouldn't have found on my own. The homestay was a highlight of the trip, with hands-on cooking classes along with learning about the culture, customs and how the locals live.
Trip of a lifetime! Come hungry and willing to try new things! Great mix of food, culture, and history!
Our guide, Naowarat Janchay (Nok), made this trip unimaginably entertaining and educational. I have done numerous other group travel and will now only group travel with Intrepid due to the organization and care by Nok. She went above and beyond.