Our journey begins at Pak Klong Talad, Bangkok’s largest flower market and a riot of colour and scent. As we wander through the bustling stalls, we’ll take in the vibrant energy of local vendors arranging fragrant jasmine garlands, exotic orchids, and freshly cut roses. It’s a lively introduction to Thai daily life and a charming setting to ease into the city. 

We then pause at a nearby café for a refreshing drink and a chance to try our hand at folding a lotus petal offering – a simple, meditative craft that forms part of traditional Thai rituals. This small gesture connects us to a deeper spiritual rhythm that still threads through modern Bangkok. 

From here, we step into Wat Pho, home of the impressive 46-metre-long reclining Buddha. The statue’s enormous golden form and mother-of-pearl inlaid feet are stunning, while the peaceful temple grounds provide an oasis of calm amid the capital’s energy. 

For lunch, we dine riverside at Phraya Palazzo, a Michelin Plate restaurant serving elegant Thai cuisine in a restored heritage mansion. With views across the Chao Phraya, it’s a chance to relax and reflect on the morning’s discoveries. 

In the afternoon, we explore the Grand Palace – a dazzling complex of ornate buildings, golden rooftops, and sacred halls. Within its walls lies the Temple of the Emerald Buddha, Thailand’s most revered religious site. 

As the day softens, we board a long-tail boat for a slow cruise along the Chao Phraya River, leaving Bangkok’s modern skyline behind for Thonburi’s narrow canals. Wooden houses, old temples, and glimpses of everyday life line the waterways. We finish at Wat Arun, the Temple of Dawn, its towers glowing against the evening sky. Here, we have the chance to give alms and receive a blessing – a quiet, moving end to our first day in the Thai capital.

This morning we take part in a private cooking class set within a beautifully preserved mansion in Bangkok’s Bang Rak district. With its early 20th-century architecture and quiet setting, the space offers a calm and characterful backdrop to learn the art of Royal Thai Cuisine. This is a fully private experience, allowing for a more in-depth and personal introduction to Thai culinary traditions. 

Our day begins with a short visit to the nearby Bang Rak Morning Market. Accompanied by our instructor, we’ll explore stalls selling fresh produce, herbs, pastes, and spices, observing the daily rhythms of local shoppers and stallholders. This visit offers insight into how Thai cooking begins – with a focus on freshness, variety, and seasonality. 

Back at the mansion, we’re welcomed into a dedicated teaching kitchen where we are introduced to the set menu for the day. Each dish is first demonstrated by our instructor, who explains the methods, ingredients, and cultural background behind each one. We then move to our own workstations, where we prepare the same dishes using traditional techniques. The session is entirely hands-on, with support provided throughout. 

The menu has been carefully chosen to reflect the balance and complexity of Royal Thai Cuisine, and the class is suitable for all levels – whether this is your first time cooking Thai food or you’re simply curious to refine your skills. The private format means we can go at a relaxed pace, with time to ask questions and observe the finer details of preparation. After the cooking session, we sit down in the home’s elegant dining space to enjoy the dishes we’ve made. It’s a rewarding and enjoyable way to connect with Thai food culture – not just through taste, but through understanding the care, skill and rhythm that goes into every plate.