On today’s destination special we’re travelling far away to the warmer climes of South East Asia. To a country renowned for its opulent monuments, ancient ruins, floating markets, palm-fringed tropical beaches, turquoise seas, lush jungle, sumptuous cuisines and a people so friendly that the country is nicknamed The Land of Smiles. Of course, today we’re heading to Amazing Thailand.

I’m thrilled to say that chef and TV presenter John Torode returns to the podcast, having been so passionate about his extensive travels in Thailand back in Season 5 to share his Thai travel diaries, from Bangkok the bustling capital in the middle of the country, to Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai in the mountainous north, to its famous jungle-topped tropical islands that lie off its two golden sand coastlines in the south.

And then, I am joined by the wonderful Kay Plunkett-Hogge. Kay is a cookery writer, travel journalist and broadcaster who is Thai, she was born and raised in Bangkok, bi-lingual, and she now lives in the mountains of Chiang Dao, which is in the Chiang Mai province of the country, and she spoke to me from her home there.

I have never been to Thailand - it's somewhere I've always wanted to go, and so I ask Kay, as someone who has lived in Thailand most of her life, where I should go and what I should do on my first trip there. She takes us through a fantastic two week round trip itinerary for first timers, beginning and ending in Bangkok, as well as sharing some of her favourite spots and hidden gems. 

John Torode's Destination Recap:

• Pak khlong talat (Flower Market Bangkok)
• The Thai House, Bangkok
• Peninsula Hotel, Bangkok
• Chiang Mai
• Chiang Rai
• King’s Project, Chiang Rai
• Hyatt, Chiang Mai
• Southern Thai islands

Kay Plunkett-Hogge’s Destination Recap:

• Chiang Dao 
• Bangkok
• Chakrabongse Villas, Bangkok
• Old Chinatown, Bangkok
• Chiang Rai
• Phu Chaisai, Ching Rai
• Chiang Dao
• Chiang Mai
• Phuong Tong Restaurant, Chiang Mai
• Old day train, Chiang Mai to Bangkok
• Phuket
• Baan Bayan, Hua Hin
• Aksorn Restaurant, Bangkok
• 100 Mahaseth (Si Phraya), Bangkok
• Madrid Bar, Bangkok
• Isan
• Phanom Rung Historical Park

What an incredible flavour of an incredible country, thank you so much to both John and Kay for sharing their knowledge and passion for Amazing Thailand. 

If you’re inspired to find out more about Thailand, visit fanclubthailand.co.uk and check out your favourite travel magazines and newspapers who will no doubt offer some comprehensive destination guides.

And come and follow me on Instagram - I’m @hollyrubenstein. 

Have a very Happy New Year and thanks so much for listening. 

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