Thailand trip | Luxury Thailand trip at Michelin star level

You start your exclusive journey through Thailand with a visit to the Grand Palace, which is quite an experience, where in addition to all the pomp and circumstance, the local culture is well represented. The palace and its neighbouring temples are located on the Chao Praya River. You will visit Wat Pho where you can see the giant "Reclining Buddha", and Wat Phra Kaew, or the Temple of the Emerald Buddha.

For lunch, enjoy a gourmet experience at Rongros, a restaurant (listed in the Michelin Guide) located on the banks of the Chao Phraya River with breathtaking views of Wat Arun. The dishes, such as green curry with rib-eye and glass noodle salad, are carefully curated and the interior exudes vintage charm.

In the afternoon, explore Bangkok from the water on a tour by traditional longtail boat on the Chao Phraya River and through the narrow klongs (canals) of Thonburi. Along the way, you will get a unique glimpse of local life along the waterways, which has earned Bangkok the nickname "Venice of the East". The boat trip ends at Wat Arun (Temple of Dawn), famous for its 76-metre-high ceramic-decorated pagoda that shines in the sunlight.

The evening is marked by an exclusive dinner at R-Haan, a two-Michelin-starred restaurant. Here you will experience the true art of Thai cuisine. Served in traditional family style, the dinner brings the rich flavours and culinary heritage of Thailand to life in a sophisticated way.

Today, you’ll enjoy an enchanting visit to Ayutthaya, the ancient capital of Siam and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Your visit begins at the magnificent Bang Pa-In Summer Palace, originally built in the 17th century by King Prasat Thong. Today, the palace is still in use by the Thai royal family. The European architecture and lush gardens give it an almost Versailles-like atmosphere. You will then visit the ruins of the ancient city of Ayutthaya, where the remains of palaces, Buddhist temples and statues offer a fascinating glimpse into the city’s glorious past.

You’ll have lunch at Suriyan Chandra (a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide), which is housed in an old mill and is 130 years old. Delicate appetisers such as Toong Thong and the flower-shaped Chor Muang make for delicious starters, followed by main courses such as the delicious deep-fried snakehead fish with herbs and deep-fried prawns with tamarind sauce. Afterwards, you’ll enjoy a river cruise on the Noi River.

On the way back to Bangkok, you’ll stop at the lively Chang Chui Plane night market, and a table has been reserved for you at the spectacular Na-Oh Bangkok fine dining restaurant, which is housed in a giant Lockheed L-1011 TriStar aeroplane. An extraordinary culinary experience!

Your day begins with a visit to the Damnoen Saduak floating market, one of Thailand’s most iconic markets. Once there, you’ll board a traditional long-tail boat and sail through the bustling canals, where Thai-style canoes laden with colourful fruit, fresh vegetables, sweets and grilled meat weave their way amongst the traders. This is an authentic Thai experience that immerses you in the essence of local culture and traditions.

After the floating market, you’ll travel to the unique Maeklong Railway Market, a market literally built on the railway tracks. As soon as a train approaches, the vendors swiftly retract their awnings and move their goods out of the way, after which the market resumes immediately once the train has passed. Your guide will ensure you enjoy this unique experience safely and comfortably.

You will then be taken to Bangkok Airport for your flight to Khon Kaen, situated in the north-eastern region of Isan. Isan is the agricultural heart of Thailand, where 22 million people from diverse ethnic backgrounds live together harmoniously. The region is renowned for its rich biodiversity and culinary traditions, making Isan a top destination for gastronomic discoveries.

On arrival, you will be taken to Krua Supanniga by Khunyai Somsie (listed in the Michelin Guide) for a late dinner. This restaurant was founded in 2002 with the aim of preserving and sharing the traditional eastern Thai recipes of Grandmother Khunyai Somsie Jantra. An absolute must-try is the Chamuang Pork, a succulent braised pork dish with a slightly tangy Chamuang leaf infusion. You’ll dine in an atmospheric setting, with a choice of indoor or outdoor seating (including tables in a treehouse-style setting).

After breakfast, you’ll travel to Mekin Farm (Michelin Bib Gourmand), situated a 45-minute drive from Khon Kaen. Here, owner Pu-Chongrak runs a permaculture farm with vegetables, fruit, ducks and chickens. You’ll pick ingredients from the garden and cook together using local produce, in line with the concept: “We cook with what we have”. Enjoy lunch in an open pavilion or under the trees.

Afterwards, you’ll visit Phu Wiang National Park, famous for Thailand’s first dinosaur discoveries. Walk along the Dinosaur Nature Trail (3–3.5 km, 1–2 hours) past excavation sites and enjoy stunning views. For those who prefer not to walk, a visit to the Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum is an alternative. On the way back to Khon Kaen, stop at Rai Tong Mon Beer for an outdoor craft beer tasting. The day ends at the Ton Tann market, where you’ll discover the diversity of Isaan cuisine. Dinner is at your own expense at the market.

Optional: For those who still have energy to spare, a bar-hopping tour taking in hotspots such as Rusty Social Club, Hidden Town, The Gentle and Brooklyn is highly recommended.

Start the day with a light breakfast, as you’ll be visiting Baan Heng (Michelin Bib Gourmand), a local favourite, shortly afterwards to sample their famous Khao Aob (rice casserole with Chinese sausage and chicken). Next, enjoy a coffee tasting at Godfather Coffee, an industrially styled espresso bar with a Godfather film theme where the coffee is roasted in-house.

You’ll be taken to the Non-Na Café, situated just outside the city and surrounded by beautiful rice paddies, for an early lunch. This restaurant offers an extensive selection of Isaan dishes, including the delicious Miang Pla (deep-fried fish). Don’t forget to walk across the suspended footbridge above the rice fields for a unique view!

In the afternoon, you’ll visit the Treasury Museum, dedicated to Thai currency and the region’s economic history. Housed in the former Bank of Thailand building, the museum offers a fascinating insight into the development of Khon Kaen. Next on the programme is a visit to the imposing Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, an 80-metre-high, nine-storey chedi dating from the 1990s. Inside, you’ll find Buddhist relics and exquisite wood carvings, whilst the top offers a panoramic view of the city.

We have reserved a table for you at Food by Fire, on the 27th floor of Ad Lib Khon Kaen. Here you can enjoy a seven-course tasting menu, inspired by Isan culinary traditions such as fermentation and open-fire cooking. Round off your evening at Tawan Daeng, a lively club featuring live morlam music, a traditional musical style from Isan that blends classical and modern influences.

The morning is at leisure. After checking out, have lunch at Prasit Pochana (Michelin Bib Gourmand), a family-run restaurant serving traditional Isanese meat dishes since 1972. Enjoy fried, sun-dried beef slices, spicy pork sausage and sliced beef shank in a spicy, sour soup - all prepared with the best meat qualities (if you are vegetarian, we will lovingly offer an alternative restaurant).

You will then be transferred by private transfer to Khon Kaen airport for your domestic flight to Chiang Mai. Upon arrival, you will be received and transferred to your hotel. You will stay at the 137 Pillars Chiang Mai; a luxurious boutique hotel that combines colonial charm with modern elegance.

For the evening, we have reserved a table for you at Blackitch Artisan Kitchen (which is listed in the Michelin Guide). This intimate, minimalist restaurant offers a seasonal 10-course menu in which chef Phanuphol Bulsuwan combines influences from Thai, Japanese and Chinese cuisine. He works with local ingredients, fermented flavourings and house-made beers and sake for food pairings.

In the morning, you will visit Elephant Nature Park, where you will learn more about the elephants who find their well-deserved rest at this sanctuary after years of abuse in the tourism industry and logging. You will have the chance to spend time with the elephants in their natural habitat, with the welfare of the animals being paramount. The programme offers an intimate experience of up to 12 people, with no elephant rides or other harmful activities.

After this special visit, you will have lunch at Araksa Tea Garden, where you will learn all about the sustainable cultivation of Assam tea. You will even get a chance to pick tea leaves yourself and experience the process of tea making.

The day ends with a sumptuous dinner at Cuisine de Garden (a restaurant listed in the Michelin Guide), where chef Nan uses modern techniques to transform local ingredients into creative and playful dishes. Enjoy a 10-course menu focusing on the flavours of the season.

The journey continues by domestic flight to southern Phuket. After arriving in Phuket, you will be transferred to your hotel and have some free time to relax.

In the evening, you will go on a Street Food Michelin Tour through Phuket. During the tour, discover the vibrant flavours of the island, where you will have the chance to taste small local dishes. Your guide will take you through the lively streets, where you can discover a variety of delicious Thai snacks and dishes at local stalls. Taste the famous Roti Thaew Nam, a delicious thin flat bread that is fried crispy and served with a sweet condensed milk sauce, and sometimes with extra sugar or coconut. It is a popular street food treat, loved for its rich flavours and crispy texture.

Afterwards, dine at One Chun Café and Restaurant, an iconic restaurant in Phuket known for its authentic Phuketian and Southern Thai dishes. Located in a building from the 19th century, the restaurant serves family recipes that have been passed down for generations. Try the spicy dishes like the "Mu Hong", a dish with tender and tender pork belly, and other local specialities.

After breakfast, leave for the cooking school for a delicious morning Thai Cooking Class. Here you will learn the intricacies of Thai cuisine in a cooking class, complete with a visit to the local market to stock up on fresh ingredients. Guided by the chef, you will prepare traditional Thai dishes that you can taste for yourself later.

You will choose from a menu of options including Pad Thai, Tom Yum Goong, Massaman Curry and Mango with Sticky Rice. It is a hands-on experience where you prepare everything yourself and enjoy the tasty results. After the cooking class, you will enjoy a delicious lunch with the dishes you prepared yourself. Everything is taught in a friendly, informal setting, so you can easily recreate the recipes at home later.

In the evening, we recommend you experience a special dinner at PRU Restaurant, Phuket's only Michelin-starred restaurant, located at the luxurious Trisara Resort. Here you will enjoy a unique culinary experience, with the restaurant emphasising sustainable, locally produced ingredients from their own organic farm. Dinner here is a highlight for foodies, and you will no doubt be impressed by the chefs' innovative approach.

On your last day in Thailand, a fun experience is planned: a visit to the Chalong Bay Rum Distillery for a cocktail workshop! At the distillery, you will first learn all about rum production, and get a chance to take a behind-the-scenes look at the 'backstage' of a successful distillery. After the tour, you will get to work with a professional mixologist, who will teach you step by step how to make three refreshing cocktails, all using local ingredients. During the workshop, you can not only learn how to make the perfect cocktail, but you can also enjoy delicious appetisers to complete the experience.

After the workshop, there will be time to enjoy the cocktails you made yourself and you can do some rum and syrup tastings. The experience offers a unique glimpse into the craftsmanship of a distillery that has won international awards for its rum and gin. After this fun and educational experience, you will be transferred back to your hotel, where you will have the rest of the day at leisure.