A Far Eastern Odyssey

Inspired by Rick Stein's recent series, we have put together a special 3-week private tour "The Culinary Delights Of Southeast Asia", which follows his epic culinary journey through Indochina and Thailand. The tour offers the chance to learn about, and indulge in, the tantalizing cuisine of the region, and the opportunity to mix with local people to get a sense of their daily lifestyles.

Highlights of the tour include the temples of Angkor, the undeveloped Cambodian coastline at Kep, a 2-night cruise through the bustling waterways of the Mekong Delta, an overnight cruise around Halong Bay, and end in Bangkok for 3 nights. In between comprehensive private sightseeing our clients will experience a number of the culinary adventures Rick Stein experienced on his inspirational journey through the region. These include lunch at Sala Bai Cookery School & Restaurant in Siem Reap, a delicious meal of Khmer delicacies prepared by under privileged young Cambodians who are learning skills to develop a career in the hospitality industry. For an insight into Cambodian produce there is a visit to Kep's fish and vegetable markets, and a tour of a Kampot Pepper farm where the famous Kampot pepper is being re-introduced after years of dwindling interest. Also on Cambodia's South Coast is a private boat trip to Rabbit Island for a day to relax on this idyllic tropical island, and the region's signature dish of swimmer crab cooked with Kampot Pepper served at a beach shack. In Hanoi there is a "street food experience", where clients will be taken to the most trusted and hygienic food stalls in the atmospheric Old Quarter to try famous North Vietnamese delicacies including "Bun Cha Hang Manh" (vermicelli and grilled pork) and the ubiquitous noodle dish known as "Pho". Also in the Vietnamese capital there is dinner at Chac Ca La Vong Restaurant to try the deep fried catfish for which the restaurant has become famous. In addition to these dining experiences there are 3 carefully chosen cooking classes in Phnom Penh, Hanoi and Bangkok to teach clients the skills, and provide confidence, to cook Khmer, Vietnamese and Thai cuisine on their return home.

Prices are from £4,295 per person sharing which includes return international flights, 18-nights' accommodation and comprehensive private sightseeing with English speaking guides. Please see our website for more information.