SE Asia Culinary Journey (2024)

Today we'll begin by immersing ourselves in Bangkok's culture and cuisine on a full-day tour. Our first stop will be the stunning Grand Palace, a complex of ornate buildings and temples that served as the official residence of the Kings of Siam. We'll also visit Wat Phra Kaew, home to the famous Emerald Buddha, and admire the majestic Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. After taking in the city's top attractions, we'll dive into the vibrant and bustling food scene that the city is famous for. Our expert guide will lead us through the labyrinthine Chatuchak Market, where we'll sample a variety of delicious street food from the most sought after food stalls. We'll also visit the colorful flower market and the lively Chinatown, where we'll spend time food-tasting in a hidden food market that serves up some unique fusion cuisine. In the evening, we'll head to a famous local restaurant in a neighborhood far away from the tourists crowds, followed by some fun local nightlife.

In the morning you'll begin with a unique food tour that includes Bangkok's famous floating markets. We'll start with a boat ride through the canals, where you'll witness the vibrant and colorful atmosphere of these bustling markets. We'll sample a variety of delicious Thai dishes, such as boat noodles, grilled seafood, fresh tropical fruits and traditional sweets. Upon return from the markets, you'll have several optional activities that your tour leader will arrange for you, depending on your interests. In the evening, get ready for a meal at Jay Fai, one of the most famous street food restaurants in Bangkok, to savor some of the most iconic dishes of Thai cuisine. This legendary eatery is run by a charismatic 72-year-old woman who has been perfecting her recipes for over 50 years. We'll try some of her signature dishes, including crab omelet, drunken noodles and stir-fried crab meat with curry powder. It's a dining experience that you won't forget!

Today we'll take a full day trip to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. Once a thriving city, it was destroyed and abandoned in the 18th century. It is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with mesmerizing ruins and temples. We'll visit the iconic sites such as Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, and learn about the rich history of this ancient site. We'll return to Bangkok in the evening, where you'll have a free evening before we head to Malaysia the next day.

After a short 2 hour flight to Kuala Lumpur, we'll check in to our hotel and get settled in our rooms. Once we're ready, off we'll go into the heart of KL for lunch, where the city's famous food hawker markets await. After lunch, we'll go for a walk through the center of KL, known as Bukit Bintang, where all kinds of stalls, massive shopping malls, street vendors and markets all come together to create quite a scene. Our evening meal will be a traditional Malay dinner at a famous award-winning local restaurant.

We'll begin the day with a guided tour of Kuala Lumpur's iconic landmarks and attractions. We'll visit the Petronas Twin Towers, the tallest twin towers in the world and learn about their unique design and construction. We'll also have a chance to soak up a little nature in the beautiful KLCC Park nearby. Next, we'll explore the lively Central Market where traditional crafts are on display, the beautiful Jamek Mosque (one of the oldest and most important mosques in Kuala Lumpur) and the Batu Caves on the outskirts of the city. After a late afternoon rest, we'll head out for another dining treat that is specially arranged for us by our local foodie friends in KL.

Today we'll get a little more specific with the food culture as we begin with a food tasting tour led by a local foodie guide. You'll sample a variety of traditional dishes, such as nasi lemak, satay and roti canai, at some of the city's most iconic food stalls and markets. In the afternoon, you'll also have some free time to enjoy the city on your own if you wish. Once the evening comes around, we'll head to the Petaling street market for a traditional Chinese dinner, before visiting some of Kuala Lumpur's hidden speakeasies, where you can sip on unique cocktails while taking in the city's vibrant nightlife scene.

Our journey this morning begins with a 3.5-hour drive out of the city and into the tranquil countryside as we head to the Cameron Highlands. Our first stop in this region known for its rolling green hills and laid-back way of life, will be at a tea plantation, where we'll enjoy a guided tour of the fields and learn about the entire tea-making process. After sampling a variety of tea, we'll head to the nearby local markets for lunch, where we'll dine on a variety of traditional Malaysian dishes, including piping hot noodles, succulent satay skewers and fresh seafood. We'll then check in to our hotel and you'll have some free time to explore the beautiful surroundings with a nature walk or wander through the nearby villages. In the evening, we'll all gather for a traditional steamboat dinner, enjoying the warm, comforting flavors of the Malaysian hotpot.

With a full day in the Cameron Highlands, we have some excellent activities lined up. First, we'll visit a local strawberry farm, where we'll have the opportunity to pick fresh strawberries straight from the fields. We'll learn about the process of cultivating these delicious berries and have a chance to taste some of the sweetest strawberries in the region. Next up...a journey to the Mossy Forest, an enchanting ecosystem filled with a diverse range of plants and wildlife. We'll take a relaxed hike through the forest, marveling at the abundance of flora and fauna that thrive in this misty, ethereal environment. After a lunch break of local treats, we'll head to a honey farm to discover the fascinating process of honey production. We'll sample the finest honey in the region and learn about the essential role of bees in our ecosystem. We'll even have the opportunity to take home a jar of delicious honey as a sweet souvenir. We'll then return to our hotel for a relaxed evening before we make the trip to Singapore the next day.

We'll start the day with a 3.5-hour ride to the Kuala Lumpur airport. We'll have a quick lunch before boarding our 1 hour flight to Singapore. Once we land, we'll transfer straight to our hotel so that we can get settled before heading out. Singapore is world-renowned for its mix of cultural influences, resulting in an eclectic array of dishes such as laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, and chili crab. From hawker centers to Michelin-starred restaurants, Singapore offers a diverse range of dining options to satisfy any palate...and we're going to experience much of it! We'll start with dinner at a local restaurant serving up a variety of dishes, with a long line of people always waiting to get inside for a delicious meal.

Today we'll have a full and exciting day in this city! Our food tour will take us to a variety of neighborhoods, including Chinatown, Little India and Kampong Glam, each offering their own distinct flavors and culinary specialties. We'll sample food everywhere we go, as we also learn about the each area's history and culture. During the tour, we'll visit temples, mosques, markets, famous Orchard Avenue, the botanical gardens and more, giving you a complete experience of this city. After the day's tour comes to an end in the evening, we'll head over to the Marina Bay Sands - a luxury hotel with incredible views from the rooftop. This is where we'll have our farewell group dinner, right in one of the city's absolute best restaurants. After dinner, we'll walk over to the Gardens by the Bay nearby. From here we'll witness the delightful night-time display of sound and light as we wander through the three magical waterfront gardens, all offering a perfect end to our magical trip through the region.

You will be picked up at the hotel by a private driver who will take you to the airport for your departing flight.