How should food-focused travellers plan Thailand?
Thailand is worth planning around meals. Bangkok, Chiang Mai, night markets, beach seafood and cooking classes all hit differently, so do not bury the food under transfers and day tours.
Answer
Food is one of the strongest arguments for travelling Thailand slowly. Bangkok gives scale and range: street stalls, mall food courts, old neighbourhoods, late snacks and serious restaurants without needing a formal food itinerary every hour. Chiang Mai changes the flavour of the trip, with northern dishes, markets and cooking classes that can be more useful than another rushed temple stop. The islands add seafood, simple beach meals and the pleasure of eating after a boat day. The mistake is treating food as a bonus while scheduling every evening around movement. Leave unassigned meals. Wander before choosing. Take a class if you want the food to follow you home rather than just photograph well.