Laos | The Tastes of Lao & Thailand

with chef Jeff Piper

Discover the hidden gastronomic gems of Lao and Thailand with Jeff Piper, creator of Canberra's celebrated Anise Restaurant and Thirst Wine Bar & Eatery, as he travels throughout Lao and Thailand. For the Asian foodie, this is a tour not to be missed!

Duration: 15 Days
Tour Code: ITW438
Trip Style: Superior - 4 star
Departure Dates: 21 Jul 2012
Price: $5,147
Places you'll visit:
  • Thailand
  • Laos

Highlights:
  • Superb colonial French-style and Basque influenced degustations
  • Outstanding traditional Lao specialties
  • Coffee tasting of Lao's popular coffee varieties
  • Some of the most interesting markets found anywhere in Asia
  • Thailand northern dishes as well as world class dining found in Bangkok
  • Two cooking classes - one each in Lao and Thailand
  • Excellent wines from around the world

Ideal for Solo Travellers

Solo travellers with an interest in cooking and local cultures would enjoy this tour, sharing an interest with fellow travellers.  There may be an opportunity to share a room with a person of the same gender.  Alternatively, a single room is available at an additional fee.

Trip Details

GROUP SIZE: small

Day 1, Sat 21 Jul:  Arrive Vientiane today.    

Arrive in Vientiane today. Transfer to hotel. Remainder of the day at leisure.

Day 2 - 4, Sun 22 Jul - Tue 24 Jul: Vientiane (3B, 2L, 2D)

Over the next three days we visit iconic attractions such as the ancient Wat Sisaket, the well stocked market, engage in a bit of excellent shopping as well as experiencing excellent cuisine including a delightful degustation experience at one of the best French restaurants, superb authentic Lao dishes and snacks as well as wine and coffee tasting.  We have planned a cofee tasting with the President of the Lao Coffee Federation and enjoy a beer Lao and snack whilst watching the sun set over the Mekong.

Day 5 -7, Wed 25 Jul - Fri 27 Jul:  Vientiane to Luang Prabang (3B, 1L,2D)

Fly to Luang Prabang the former northern kingdom and World Heritage town. Here we stay for three nights with plenty of time to explore the stunning ancient temples unique to this city, the abundant morning markets, taste local rice wine, participate in a local northern dishes cooking class, and even play with elephants at a sanctuary established to care for abandoned individuals.

Day 8, Sat 28 Jul: Mekong River Cruising. (B, L, D)

Depart Luang Prabang on board our very comfortable river boat, heading upstream to the Golden Triangle. Tonight we overnight in a comfortable river side lodge.

Day 9 - 10, Sun 29 Jul - Mon 30 Jul: Golden Triangle to Chiang Mai (2B, 2L, 1D)

Arrive Houei Xay and cross to Thailand and continue to Chiang Mai for two nights.  The following morning we visit the markets and nearby sights.  Then we travel out of town for a lunch featuring local Northern Thai style dishes.  Return to Chiag Mai to witness monks chanting their evening prayers at sunset before being hosted by a local family as we enjoy a northern style banquet.

Day 11, Tue 31 Jul: Fly Chiang Mai to Bangkok

In Bangkok Jeff will escort you to his favourite street stalls, as well as some of Thailand's world famous chefs. Bangkok is a treasure trove of culinary treats as well as historic and contemporary attractions. We will allow free time for shopping.

Day 12-14, Wed 01 - Fri 03: Bangkok (B, D)

Day 15, Sat 04 Aug: Trip ends in Bangkok (B)

Programme concludes after breakfast. Transfer to the airport for your onward journey.

YOUR TOUR HOST & CHEF - JEFF PIPER

Art galleries and museums don't feature prominently in Jeff's travel itineries. When he travels he wants to eat. Whether it's dinner at a Michelin starred restaurant in Paris, an elegant lunch on the banks of the Chao Phraya river in Bangkok or searching the street stalls of Chiang Mai for the best naam sausage to accompany a refreshing cold Singha beer, he's happy.

Jeff was previously the owner and head chef of Canberra's award winning fine dining restaurant, Anise and he recently opened the casual Thirst Wine Bar and Eatery, serving his take on Thai street food. He is a regular food and wine judge and has a wealth of experience travelling the wine regions of Europe and through the back blocks of Asia. His favorite destination? Thailand.

Inclusions

  • Delightful 4-star character accommodation including French colonial gems!
  • Services of chef Jeff Piper
  • Additional Tour Concierge as well as experienced English-speaking local guides
  • Two cooking classes - one each in Lao and Thailand
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    What's Not Included

    • Tips

    Terms & Conditions

    Click here for our Terms & Conditions

    For more information, availability and pricing and options, please contact our expert travel specialists at Inspired Travel Worldwide on (02) 9449 8598 or send us an email. We look forward to hearing from you.

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