Classic Thailand for Foodies: Bangkok, Chiang Mai & Koh Samui

The Pullman Bangkok Hotel G combines the international sophistication of Accor's Pullman brand with the edgy style of Hotel G. This stylish lifestyle hotel in the heart of Bangkok features 469 contemporary rooms, all with floor-to-ceiling windows overlooking Bangkok's skyline. There is also a wide range of cutting-edge food and beverage options, 12 meeting spaces, a fitness centre, open air swimming pool and a spa.

You will be picked up at 8:00 am. Go behind the scenes for a closer look at Buddhist culture. Start the morning with a trip to Wat Pho, arguably Bangkok's most enchanting temple. Arrive just as the resident monks gather for their morning chants. Witness this deeply spiritual ritual and gain a better sense of Thailand's Buddhist heritage.

After the chants, take a walk around Wat Pho and see the vast collection of religious treasures on display. Admire the famed reclining Buddha image, which stretches 45-meters in length. Learn about the symbolism of the Buddha's intricate footprint and witness devotees making offerings to this revered image.

The tour then continues to the nearby Grand Palace, which has served as the seat of Thailand's revered Royal family for more than two centuries. Take a walk around the vast grounds, stopping in to explore the various temples, throne halls and museums within the compound. Visit the Emerald Buddha, the most revered Buddhist image in Thailand, and hear about its mysterious origins.

Following the tour of these iconic Bangkok monuments, return to the hotel.

From the savoury bites of traditional Chinese dumplings to the sweet treats of fried sugary donuts, taste the delicacies of Bangkok's famous Chinatown. Discover the Chinese culture of Bangkok through seeing, smelling and tasting.

As the sun sets, Bangkok really comes alive and just about every street is filled with the great smell of delicious food that really ignites the taste buds. The neighbourhood is internationally renowned for the city's longest street food stalls, and definitely there is no other way to explore the area's best kept food secrets than by foot.

You'll explore the glittering and energetic Chinatown's Yaowarat Street and be introduced to the history of the area and some favourite street food artisans.

Grab delicious bites of various kinds of food, from the famous Chinese dumplings, peppered pork noodles, Chinese donuts, and many more! Enjoy sweet Chinese desserts and visit a tea shop house.

Following your tour, you'll be returned to your hotel.

This morning, travel away from Bangkok's city centre for a visit to local markets and countryside neighbourhoods. Take a one-hour drive, leaving the high-rises behind and entering a land of lush landscapes and traditional wooden houses.

Stop at a local railway station where a bustling country market has sprouted up along the tracks. As a train pulls into the station, witness the vendors quickly clearing their stalls off the railway. Then, after the train departs, watch them set up shop and resume business as usual.

From here, continue to the famous Damnoen Saduak Floating Market. Although these days the stalls are mostly selling items for tourists, this market remains the best example of a traditional floating market. Take a stroll around and admire the floating shops, many of which are selling fresh fruits and typical Thai snacks.

Leave the main market area and take a relaxing paddle boat ride. Pass by an old section of the floating market and enter a labyrinth of quiet canals. See houses built alongside the waterways and catch glimpses of local life in this rural Thai province.

Following your tour, you'll be returned to your hotel in Bangkok.

U Chiang Mai is a boutique hotel in the largest and most culturally important city in the northern Thailand. The hotel is only a step away from the city's famous Sunday walking streets in front of the hotel as well as the well-known shopping area of Tha Phae Road. Many major temples are within walking distance of our hotel such as Wat Chedi Luang, a must see for visitors to Chiang Mai and Wat Phra Sing, famous for its fine examples of Lanna art. The boutique hotel provides the ideal base for guests wanting to enjoy diverse activities such as hill-tribe tourism and trekking, the Elephant Nature Park and Thai cookery courses at many of the city's schools.

Today, be met at your hotel by your guide and venture away from the city centre of Chiang Mai for an insightful look at Thailand's rich culture. Start with a visit to Wat Phra That Doi Suthep. Situated on a mountain rising high above the city, this sacred pagoda offers fabulous views of Chiang Mai and its surroundings. Walk up the stairs to see the exquisite gilded stupa and learn about Thai Buddhist beliefs.

Afterwards, continue higher into the hills, traveling by songtaew, a local truck. Drive along rough dirt roads to the Chang Khien Coffee Research Project. Enjoy a fresh cup of locally-grown Arabica coffee and hear about the North's flourishing coffee industry.

It's a short drive onwards to a village inhabited by the White Hmong hilltribe. Spend time exploring the village, meeting the inhabitants and learning about the traditions and customs of this unique ethnic group.

Following this insightful village visit, return to the songtaew and drive back to Chiang Mai. You will be transferred back to your hotel at the end of your day tour.

This evening, enjoy a lively night in Chiang Mai, wandering through the South Gate of the old city to the traditional street food market.

During the walk, you will be tempted by the delicious aromas emanating from the various food stalls and simple carts. Your guide will be on hand to introduce the many local dishes on offer. And of course, you will be able to try all the dishes you fancy. Some of the local specialities include deep fried pancakes, deep fried taro, kanom jeen (rice noodles with curry soup), kanom krok (Thai coconut pudding), noodle soup, pad Thai, and the summer favourite of sweet mango with sticky rice. You might also have an opportunity to sample the local rice whisky.

After the evening's gastronomic adventure, you'll be returned to your hotel with your stomach filled with delight.

Today, drive out of Chiang Mai city to Mae Tang District to visit Araksa Tea Garden, specialising in producing high quality Assam tea, a black tea named after the name of India's largest tea growing region.

Upon arrival at the tea plantation, receive a warm welcome from the local guide who will explain the process and methods used to cultivate the young tea plants, select seeds and pick tea leaves. Then take a bamboo basket and be ready to partake in harvesting tea. Instructed by the guide, pick and collect tea leaves to fill the basket. Following this, move to the roasting station to enjoy the art of making tea by hand from kneading to roasting tea leaves.

After the roasting is done, enjoy tea tasting with delicious Thai snacks. A Thai set lunch is served at the restaurant on-site before returning back to your hotel in Chiang Mai.

Amari Koh Samui Resort offers unmatched luxury and comfort, at the quiet end of Chaweng, Koh Samui's most popular beach. With elegant traditional Thai style buildings, divided by a small road, set either on the beach or in tropical gardens, this boutique Samui resort offers spacious rooms and unrivalled services. Guests will enjoy a peaceful retreat for a romantic holiday or a family getaway.

Today is totally free and at leisure. You can take advantage of any optional activities available or simply relax.

This morning transfer from your hotel to the pier to take a speedboat toAngthong National Marine Park, the Gulf of Thailand's crown jewel and an amazing place to visit whilst staying on Koh Samui.

This Angthong experience has got it all! Snorkel in beautiful clear waters, kayak around the archipelago, and cruise through the limestone islands.Enjoy the beautiful views from Koh Taling Nai and take a walk to the Emerald Lake.

A picnic lunch with authentic Thai flavours will be served on a private island.

Following your day tour, you'll be transferred back to your hotel on KohSamui.

Get a taste of Thai cuisine with a fun, hands-on cooking class. You'll be met and transferred to Island Organics where chef Lat and her team will welcome you.

Take a stroll through the organic garden to learn about the exotic herbs and fruits growing there. Lat will explain more about the organic process and its health benefits. While walking through the garden, pick fresh produce that will be used to prepare today's lunch.

Then head into the kitchen, don an apron and start cooking. Use traditional techniques -- such as mortar and pestle- to prepare the ingredients. Lat will share her recipes and secrets as she leads the group through the cooking process step-by-step. Cook popular dishes such as green curry with chicken, pad Thai, coconut soup and other tasty items.

The time spent in the kitchen is about more than just food. Chit-chat with Lat, who will share her personal story of growing up in rural Thailand. She will also provide insight into local culture and explain more about the Thai obsession with food.

When the dishes are ready, sit down for a fantastic, organic meal. Savour the delicate flavours of authentic, fresh Thai cuisine.

Then say farewell to Lat and her team, returning to your hotel with a full stomach and a new appreciation for Thai food.