SE Asia Culinary Journey

Jan 20

Arrival day

Included: Dinner

Upon arrival, you’ll be picked up at the airport and taken to our hotel in the city center. After getting settled and having a good rest, we’ll start off with an evening orientation and a group dinner at one of the city’s best restaurants.

Jan 21

Highlights: Full-day tour of Bangkok's highlights and markets

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we'll dive into the heart of Bangkok, exploring its rich culture, delicious cuisine, and local hotspots. We'll start off at the Grand Palace, a mesmerizing blend of buildings and temples that were the royal abode for the Kings of Siam. While there, we'll also make a stop at Wat Phra Kaew, the residence of the revered Emerald Buddha, and marvel at the grandeur of the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Once we've soaked in the historical significance, we'll move on to the bustling flower market where you'll get hands-on experience in a garland flower arrangement workshop before grabbing lunch at a highly-rated local restaurant. After a break at the hotel to rest and recharge, our evening will take us on a culinary journey through Chinatown. We'll wander its narrow lanes, tasting a mix of time-honored and distinct dishes.

Jan 22

Highlights: Old-age traditions, cooking class in a local farm

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning we'll delve into some of Thailand's cherished traditions, beginning with a Joss Paper tour where we'll learn about its history and significance. This will be followed by an opportunity to burn the paper at a local temple, symbolizing sending good fortune to the afterlife. Next we'll transition to a local teahouse, immersing ourselves in the art and culture of tea-making, and savoring various brews. Our day continues to a homestay near Bangkok, where we'll get an authentic glimpse of the Thai countryside and its farm-to-table feeling. Engaging in a hands-on cooking class, we'll craft traditional dishes and Thai iced tea, which we'll enjoy for lunch. After returning to the hotel for some free exploration time in Bangkok, we'll finish our day with a meal at a trendy local restaurant, enjoying the city's contemporary culinary scene.

Jan 23

Highlights: Ayutthaya

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we'll head out to Ayutthaya, the former capital of Thailand. This place, once bustling with life and energy, met its unfortunate end in the 18th century. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing the remnants of its glorious past with temples and ruins that tell a story of their own. We'll explore places like Wat Mahathat, Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, and Wat Chaiwatthanaram, diving deep into their rich history. We'll then check into our local homestay in Ayutthaya, immersing ourselves in the local way of life. As the sun sets, we'll head out for a surprise evening activity, followed by a homemade dinner at our homestay.

Jan 24

Highlights: Flight to Kuala Lumpur, introduction tour

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Our day will begin with a short drive from Ayutthaya to Bangkok's airport. After hopping on our flight, in just a couple of hours, we'll find ourselves in the vibrant city of Kuala Lumpur, where we'll dive straight into the energetic pulse of KL by heading to Bukit Bintang. This lively part of the city offers a lively blend of shopping malls, street vendors, and bustling markets, giving you a real taste of Kuala Lumpur's day-to-day rhythm. As the evening approaches, we've got a special treat in store. We'll dine at a renowned local restaurant known for its traditional Malay dishes, adding a delightful end to our first day in the city.

Jan 25

Highlights: Food tour of Kuala Lumpur

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today, we're diving straight into Kuala Lumpur's renowned food scene. We'll kick off our day with a guided food tasting tour led by a local food enthusiast. As we navigate the city streets, you'll savor traditional dishes like nasi lemak, satay, and roti canai at some of the best local spots. After our food adventure, we'll make our way to the KLCC park. This lush, urban sanctuary is perfect for a leisurely stroll or simply to soak in the views of the iconic Petronas Towers. After spending some quality time at the park, you'll have some free time to keep exploring the city. As dusk sets in, our culinary journey continues as we head straight for a heartwarming traditional Chinese dinner. To wrap up our day, we're off to some of Kuala Lumpur's lesser-known speakeasies. Here, amidst an atmospheric setting, you can unwind with eclectic cocktails and enjoy the city's buzzing nightlife.

Jan 26

Highlights: Full-day tour of Kuala Lumpur

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll begin our day with a visit to the magnificent Batu Caves, a renowned site on the outskirts of Kuala Lumpur that features an enormous limestone hill, dramatic cave temples, and a colossal golden statue. As you climb the colorful steps, you'll be greeted by the awe-inspiring cavernous interiors adorned with vibrant murals. From there, we'll journey to watch some local artisans at work and witness firsthand the intricate process and the craftsmanship that goes into creating their unique works of art. Afterwards we'll head for the Thean Hou Temple. This serene temple, with its intricate architecture and beautiful altars, offers a peaceful break from the city's hustle. After absorbing the rich history and culture of the temple, we'll break for lunch and provide some free time for you to explore at your own pace or perhaps do a bit of shopping. As the day starts to wind down, we'll guide you to the best spot in town to capture Kuala Lumpur's magical sunset before heading for another culinary delight, specially curated for us by our local food enthusiast friends in KL.

Jan 27

Highlights: Tea Plantation, Honey Farm, Vegetable Farm

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

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. Once we arrive and check in, we'll have a bit of leisure time to grab lunch before we dive into the day's activities. First stop is a tea plantation. You won't just be sipping on tea, but you'll get an insider's look at how it goes from leaf to cup. Next we'll head over to a local honey farm where we'll get a hands-on lesson about how honey is made and the role bees play in keeping our planet healthy. You'll even have a chance to take a jar of the area's best honey with you! Finally, we'll wrap up our daytime adventure at a vegetable farm, so you can get a feel for local agriculture. Come evening, we'll sit down to a traditional steamboat dinner. It's like the Malaysian version of hotpot, brimming with comforting flavors that'll cap off the day.

Jan 28

Highlights: Mossy Forest, Strawberry farm

Included: Breakfast, Lunch

With a full day in the Cameron Highlands, we have some excellent activities lined up. First 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. Then we'll head straight to a local strawberry farm, where might 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. After a lunch break of local treats in the local market, we'll have some time to explore the town of Tanah Rata or relax back at the hotel before we make the trip to Singapore the next day.

Jan 29

Highlights: Drive to Ipoh, flight to Singapore

Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We'll start our day with a morning 2-hour drive to the nearby Sultan Azlan Shah Airport in Ipoh, where we'll board our 1-hour flight to Singapore. Once we're settled in our hotel, we'll head for lunch, followed by an orientation tour of Singapore. This city-state boasts a delightful mix of cultural influences, resulting in mouthwatering dishes like laksa, Hainanese chicken rice, and chili crab. From bustling hawker centers to refined restaurants, Singapore offers an array of dining experiences. Tonight, we'll dine at a local restaurant renowned for its variety of dishes, letting you dive into the authentic flavors of the region.

Jan 30

Highlights: Food tour of Singapore, sightseeing, farewell dinner, Gardens by the Bay lightshow

Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

We'll kick off the day in the city's heart with a stroll through the Colonial District, immersing ourselves in its rich heritage. Next, we'll dive into the colorful world of Little India, where every corner is alive with spice-infused aromas and vibrant Bollywood tunes. A quick stop at a hawker center will let us sample some local delicacies before we journey to Kampong Glam, a hub of Malay traditions. Our adventure then takes us down Orchard Road, where we might treat ourselves to a tasty dessert. To wrap up, the tranquil Botanical Gardens await, where we'll explore and appreciate its lush beauty. 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.

Jan 31

Highlights: Departure day

Included: Breakfast

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