Sizzlingly Fruity Bustling Bangkok and spectacular seascapes are the stunning backdrops to this spicy food lovers holiday in Thailand. Perfect for a winter break, this is an affordable 10-day trip, but you could do it with 5 days off work.
Plenty of swimming, snorkelling and pool time but this is no 'fly and flop', you're also going to discover the food of southern Thailand and how to cook it too. Day 1 Start on Friday if you'd like the 10 days for 5 days off work! Overnight flight from London Heathrow to Bangkok on a direct flight with Thai Airways or Eva Air. Regional departures are also possible (timings will vary). Or if you don't live in the UK, you can arrange own flights and start the tour in Bangkok. Day 2 This afternoon, you'll arrive at Bangkok airport and one of our drivers will meet you. He will drive to an old mansion converted into a boutique inn, Baan Pra Nond, located in the heart of Bangkok. Settle into your room and have a dip in the pool. Evening at leisure to stroll to our recommended restaurant nearby. Day 3 breakfast A day's sightseeing with a private guide, including a boat taxi on Bangkok's Chao Phraya River and visiting the famous Grand Palace set in landscaped grounds and the Temple of the Emerald Buddha. Day 4 breakfast
Day at leisure to explore Bangkok at your own steam. Have a look at the map and tips in your Tell Tale pack. Hop on the tourist-friendly Sky Train, you could take it to the modern Siam Square area which is nearby, or if you're more interested in tradition, you can even take it to near the famous Jim Thompson house.
If you prefer, you can swap this free day in Bangkok for an extra day in Krabi.
Day 5 breakfast
Time to pack up before one of our drivers takes you to Bangkok airport for an hour's flight to southern Thailand, to Krabi, the jewel of the Andaman sea.
One of our drivers will pick you up at the other end and take you on a 15 minute drive to an old palm plantation (away from the hustle and bustle of the busy areas) where you can settle into your comfortable air-conditioned bungalow and relax by the small pool. This evening, we'll take you to a night market in Krabi. One highlight in this area are the sizzling curries, and the way they make roti (similar to Malaysia which influences the cuisine of this area) is quite an art form. Graze from the stalls of delicious delights.
Day 6 breakast, dinner (self-cooked!)
Morning at leisure to enjoy the pool. Get sizzling in the afternoon, you're going to a cooking school to learn the basics of Thai cookery and how southern Thai food fits into it. You'll feast on your efforts at the end of the afternoon. This afternoon will be a 'join-in experience' at the cooking class (the rest of the tour is private, just for you).
This evening (and any others), you can take a local tuk tuk to the seafront which has plenty of restaurants - you will find it very touristy compared to your Tell Tale itinerary, however, if you'd like an alcoholic drink, you'll find it here (otherwise, Krabi is a traditional southern Thai/Muslim area).
Day 7 breakfast, lunch
Private boat trip. Explore the islands and hidden lagoons of the Andaman sea, snorkel amongst the tropical fish or lie back and enjoy the spectactular limestone karst scenery. You'll have a delicious Thai picnic lunch on a sandy island beach. Day 8 breakfast, lunch (self-cooked!)
This morning, our friend Eh and his sister Pah are going to pick you up and take you to Krabi's morning market (quite different from the night market). The stalls sell everything, seafood, Thai spices and exotic vegetables and of course the fruit. Fresh fragrant lemon grass is in regimental order, coconuts are stripped of their liquid and flesh, bunches of small live crabs, swinging on strings, hanging from the stalls and spices, cumin, cinnamon and bright orange, fresh turmeric root.
Then they'll teach you their secret (Southern) family recipes including Pah's delicious Massaman curry. Eh will also take you for a walk around their village.
Day 9 breakfast
Day at leisure. Enjoy the pool, take a tuk tuk to the beach, or ask us to arrange an activity (either in advance, or phone our Thai office at least a couple of days before). Day 10 breakfast Sunday if you started on a Saturday
Time to leave! 8am drive to Krabi airport for a short flight to Bangkok, connecting to the direct flight back to London Heathrow. You'll get back to Heathrow at 7:30pm UK time(same day).
This private tour costs £1,465* per person based on two people sharing a private tour. It includes direct flights from Heathrow to Bangkok with Thai Airways or Eva Air, internal flights, accommodation, activities and excursions, meals as specified and transfers in chauffeur-driven cars. Regional departures are available in the UK (timings may vary).
If you are not from the UK or you wish to slot this trip into other travel plans, then you are welcome to book the trip joining in Bangkok and finishing in Krabi for £825*. Your internal flight Bangkok/Krabi on Day 5 will be included. Your tour will end in Krabi on the morning of Day 10. We are happy advise or to book onward arrangements (subject to additional cost).
*This price applies on the majority of our bookings. Early booking is advised (it is possible to book with a deposit). However, travelling during peak periods, namely Easter, mid July to mid August and Christmas will likely cost more. Please allow approximately £25pp for entrance fees payable on the ground.
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