Savory Southeast Asia: Thailand and Singapore - Absolute Asia Tours

DAY 1: ARRIVE SINGAPORE

Upon arrival our representative will meet and assist you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel. The balance of the day is at leisure for rest and relaxation.

First Class Option: The Elizabeth | Royal Crowne Plaza

Deluxe: Ritz Carlton Millenia | The Regent Singapore

DAY 2: SINGAPORE

Singapore is Southeast Asia's melting pot, where multiculturalism has thrived for decades and continues to flourish. This diversity is embraced and celebrated by the Chinese, Malay, Indian (Tamil), and Middle Eastern communities that make up the bulk of this city-state's population. With creative fusion cuisine that reflects these communities, Singapore is an ideal place to begin a gastronomic journey. Moreover, Singapore's affluence entices travelers in pursuit of varied cultural experiences, urban sophistication, and comfort.

After a leisurely breakfast, your private driver and guide will take you on a tour of the city, including the European Quarter, the beautiful Botanic Gardens, the waterways that traverse the city, and the city's epicurean landmarks. Visit neighborhood markets where locals haggle and scout out the best and freshest produce. Explore Little India and its narrow streets overflowing with gold and spices, saris and jasmine garlands. Also visit an herbalist in Chinatown, where you will gain insight into the traditional concepts of yin and yang in Chinese health and cuisine. In the evening enjoy a Chinese herbal cuisine dinner at the Imperial Herbal Restaurant. This restaurant is well known for its masterful technique of incorporating traditional herbal medicine into its creative dishes, providing a unique dining experience that is both pleasing to the palate and healthy for the body. (B, D)

DAY 3: SINGAPORE

Begin today's culinary adventure with a walk through the Spice Garden at Fort Canning Park. Here, learn about various exotic spices that are essential ingredients in Southeast Asian cuisine. Afterwards, proceed to the 'Academy at-sunrice', located beside the Spice Garden. The Academy is the world's first Pan-Asian culinary center, where cuisines from throughout the region are studied and taught. Enjoy a class conducted by one of the region's most experienced chefs. Learn Asian culinary techniques, ingredients and serving styles, as well as the history, etiquette and culture of the various countries. In the evening enjoy the fruits of your labor as you sample the various dishes that were prepared during the day. (B, D)

DAY 4: SINGAPORE

This morning you will be transferred to the historic and elegant Raffles Hotel, home to the Raffles Culinary Academy. Experience the hotel's centuries-old tradition of culinary excellence through one of the Culinary Academy's cooking and lifestyle classes. Discerning food enthusiasts, from amateur chefs to discriminating gourmands, will appreciate this quintessentially 'Raffles style' culinary experience. After the cooking class, the rest of the afternoon is at leisure for some last minute shopping in one of Asia's most popular shopping destinations. (B,L)

DAY 5: SINGAPORE - CHIANG MAI

After checking out of your hotel, you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Chiang Mai, Thailand. On arrival you will be transferred to your accommodation. The rest of the evening is at leisure, or you may choose to visit the nearby Night Bazaar, where a vast array of handicrafts and delicacies from Northern Thailand are available. (B)

First Class Option: Westin Chiang Mai

Deluxe: Regent Chiang Mai Resort & Spa

DAY 6: CHIANG MAI

After breakfast this morning, explore the lovely mountain city of Chiang Mai. Start at Wat Chedi Luang, the original home of the Emerald Buddha. From here continue to the Doi Suthep Mountain, arriving at Wat Prathat near the summit. The temple is situated 1000 meters above sea level and provides a beautiful panoramic view of Chiang Mai. This afternoon is free for independent shopping or relaxation. (B)

DAY 7: CHIANG MAI

This morning you will be transferred to the Chiang Mai Thai Cookery School for a full day cooking class. This family-run cooking class begins with a tour of a local market, followed by a demonstration of the following popular Northern Thai dishes: red curry fish, chicken in coconut milk soup, fried mixed mushrooms with baby corn, fried noodles with thick sauce, papaya salad and sticky rice, and steamed banana cake. The rest of the afternoon and evening is at leisure. (B, L)

DAY 8: CHIANG MAI - BANGKOK

This morning you will be transferred to the airport for your flight to Bangkok, where you will be met and transferred to your hotel. This afternoon, set out on a private tour of the city of Bangkok, the bustling, colorful capital of Thailand. Begin with a longtail boat cruise along the Chao Phraya River and its residential canals (klongs). Stop at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, and then continue to the Grand Palace, the ceremonial home of the Thai Royal Family. Located within the Grand Palace is colorful Wat Phra Kaew, the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, which houses the country's most sacred religious image: a 26" high jade Buddha effigy discovered when lightening struck an ancient stupa in northern Thailand in the 15th century. Also visit the nearby flower market. In the evening you will be treated to an elegant Thai dinner at Baan Khanitha, one of Bangkok's most talked about dining venues. This restaurant is set in a Thai house and is renowned for its innovative chefs and the wide selection of dishes they create. (B,D)

First Class Option: Merchant Court Hotel | Royal Orchid Sheraton

Deluxe: The Peninsula | The Oriental

DAY 9: BANGKOK

After breakfast this morning, you will be transferred to the Peninsula Bangkok for a cooking class with one of the hotel's chefs. After the cooking demonstration, enjoy a sumptuous lunch at the hotel. After lunch, visit the home of the legendary Jim Thompson, an American who almost single-handedly rebuilt the Thai silk industry after World War II. His home is filled with an incredible collection of Asian art and antiques and is a must for any art aficionado. There will be time to shop for exquisite Thai silks here. The remainder of the day is at leisure. (B,L)

DAYS 10: BANGKOK

At approximately 8:30am this morning, you will be met by your guide at your hotel and transferred to Phra Pinklao Pier to board the long-tail boat for the one hour boat ride to the Thai House Cooking School property in Nontaburi, located outside of Bangkok. Upon arrival, you will have a short visit around the farm and then head to the "open air" kitchen to start your lessons. Your instructor will introduce you to the use of herbs and spices, seafood soups, spicy salads, curries, and noodle dishes. Spend the rest of the day learning to prepare favorite Thai dishes. Head back to Bangkok later in the afternoon. (B, L)

DAY 11: BANGKOK

Start the day early with an early-morning drive into the countryside to Damnoen Saduak, the most colorful floating market of the Kingdom. Here you will see and experience a uniquely Thai scene, where locals and visitors alike buy and sell goods and snack from their longtail boats. With the assistance of your guide, learn about and sample the many local delicacies, such as exotic fruits and coconut pancakes, for sale in this market. Later, return to Bangkok and visit the exclusive Prasart Museum, the private home and collection of Khun Prasart. The rest of the afternoon is at leisure for relaxation or last minute shopping.

This evening, enjoy a delicious Thai dinner at Celadon Restaurant, located in the Sukhothai Hotel. Beautifully decorated, the teak-rich Celadon is arranged as several pavilions set on stilts in a lily pond. The dishes are elegant and imaginative at the same time -- a perfect, fitting experience for your final night in Bangkok. (B,L,D)

DAY 12: DEPART BANGKOK

Today you will be transferred to the airport for your departure flight. (B)