Issan Tour 10 days: Insight Exploration of Khmer & Thai Culture

This morning, we will depart Bangkok by car and head north towards the once-glorious capital city of Ayutthaya. Here, delve into the historical park’s captivating ruins, remnants of a bygone era. Witness magnificent temples like Wat Mongkol Bophit, Wat Sri Sanpetch, and Wat Panancherng, each boasting colossal bronze Buddha statues. Also of interest is Bang Pa-In, the present home to a collection of fine art accumulated by King Rama V.

Lunch at a local restaurant, savoring the flavors of Ayutthaya. 

In the afternoon, we continue our journey to Korat, stopping en route at Prasat Hin Phimai, the largest sandstone Khmer temple complex in Thailand. Dating back to the Angkorian period, this sanctuary is a testament to the vastness of the Khmer empire. Explore the magnificently restored and renovated ruins, preserved as a National Historical Park.

Upon arrival in Korat, check in to your hotel and prepare for an evening of culinary delights. Savor a delicious dinner featuring the famous local versions of pad thai (“pad mee Korat”), papaya salad, and barbecued chicken - a perfect introduction to Korat's vibrant food scene.  

Overnight in Korat.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Korat

Meals: Lunch, Dinner

Our first stop is the charming pottery village of Dan Kwian, renowned for its beautifully crafted ceramics and witnessing the unique techniques used to create these lasting works of art.

Along the way venturing east towards Buriram, stop at Wat Khao Angkhan. This lesser-known ancient temple from the same era as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, nestled amidst the remnants of an extinct volcano, offers a glimpse into the region’s forgotten past. 

Have lunch at a local restaurant.

The afternoon is reserved for the Phanom Rung Historical Park, one of the most impressive Khmer monuments in Thailand, and step back in time as you delve into the grandeur of the Khmer Empire. Following this, visit the nearby Prasat Muang Tam, an even older Khmer temple built by King Jayavarman V, providing a deeper understanding of the architectural evolution in the region. 

Overnight in Buriram.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Buriram

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Have breakfast at your hotel. After checking out, drive to Surin, a captivating city steeped in cultural heritage, for approximately 1 hour.

Upon arriving in Surin, head towards Silver Khwao Sinarin Village and delve into the world of “Pa Kuen Krub Ban”, a unique style of traditional Thai silverware meticulously handcrafted with exquisite lines. Witness the artistry firsthand and purchase unique souvenirs.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, journey to Ban Tha Sawang village and experience its exceptional silk weaving traditions. This project, supported by the Bureau of the Royal Household and Her Majesty the Queen”s Foundation, is a shining example of cultural preservation. Witness the ancient silk weaving process and beautiful golden brocade Silk fabric to gain an appreciation for the dedication of these skilled artisans.

Overnight in Surin.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Surin

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

Breakfast at your hotel, check out and buckle up towards Ubon Ratchathani.

Firstly, visit Tha Tum Elephant Village, home to the “Surin Project.” This collaborative effort between the Save Elephant Foundation and the Surin Provincial Administrative Organization aims to create a world-class sanctuary for rescued elephants, offering them safe and comfortable living conditions. Here, you will have the chance to meet these gentle giants up close, learn about their plight, and witness the dedication of the mahouts who care for them.

Continuing our journey, make a stop at Sikhoraphum Sanctuary. Discover a Khmer temple and the presence of Thailand’s only Apsara sculptures.

Lunch will be at a local restaurant.

After a meal, drive to Ubon Ratchathani to visit Wat Thung Sri Muang, a unique temple that blends Thai, Lao, and Burmese architectural styles. Then, have the final stop of the day in Khong Jiam District, nestled on the banks of the mighty Mekong and Mun Rivers. This easternmost town on the Siamese border boasts breathtaking scenery and a peaceful atmosphere. 

Overnight in Khong Jiam.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Khong Jiam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, depart to Pha Taem National Park to explore prehistoric cave paintings estimated to be between 3,000 and 6,000 years old. These captivating artworks depict figures of fish and animals, offering a glimpse into the lives of the region’s ancient inhabitants. 

Next, gain insights at the Visitor Center located atop a massive rock formation and then hike down the trail. Not only will you encounter these remarkable paintings, but you will also witness breathtaking views overlooking the mighty Mekong River and neighboring Laos. 

Lunch at a local restaurant.

Following our exploration, head down to a village nestled on the Mekong River below the cliffs and see a beautiful Lao-style temple. Here, a traditional local boat awaits to take on a tranquil journey along a narrow, scenic section of the Mekong. Afterward, we'll transfer by car to Kaeng Tana, the Moon River’s most impressive cataract and view the beautiful waterfalls.

Return to the resort for dinner.

Overnight in Khong Jiam.

Notes:

• Comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are recommended for the hike on the partially rocky surface
• Kaeng Tana is best visited during dry season

Accommodation: At a resort in Khong Jiam

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at your hotel. Continue northwards, through the majestic Mekong River and its breathtaking mountain backdrop following the river to Mukdahan. 

Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant near Indochina Market, taking in the iconic Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge spanning the mighty Mekong.

Next, delve into the heart of a traditional Lao - Issan village nestled on the Khorat Plateau, where you can immerse yourself in the warm hospitality of the villagers and learn about their traditions as well as local crafts.

Lastly, continues to Phra That Phanom, a revered sacred monument deeply cherished by both Thai and Laotian people for centuries. Explore this magnificent structure and soak in its spiritual significance.

Dinner and overnight in Nakhon Phanom.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Nakhon Phanom

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, immerse yourself in history at the House of Ho Chi Minh in Najok Village, a Vietnamese community within Nakhon Phanom. This residence held significance for the leader of the Vietnamese resistance against the French, who lived here for seven years (1924-1931).

Continue to Udon Thani, stopping at the “Phra That Choeng Chum,” a historical site in Sakon Nakhon. Lunch will be on the way.

Next, delve into the past at Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. Explore the village’s exquisite ancient pottery and uncover a wealth of artifacts like metalwork, stone tools, and even animal and human remains.

Arrive at the “Wang Nam Mok” Homestay, a haven for sustainable living and local traditions. Here, enjoy a warm welcome from the villagers and settle into your homestay accommodation. You will embrace the local way of life as you stroll through rice paddies, interact with residents, or even assist in preparing dinner.

In the evening, the villagers will perform the Baci Ceremony, a traditional blessing performed by the villagers to ensure your safe travels, good health, and good luck. Savor a delicious dinner of local specialties.

Overnight at the Wang Nam Mok Homestay.

Accommodation: At the Wang Nam Mok Homestay

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Your day begins with an early rise to join the homestay host for a unique experience - participating in the Buddhist morning alms-giving ceremony. Witness this daily ritual where locals offer food and necessities to monks as a good deed, and as a means of earning good karma.

Afterward, return to the homestay for a delicious local breakfast. Visit nearby temples and pay respects to the revered "Phra Chao Lan Thong” Buddha image. Immerse yourself in the authentic lifestyle at Nam Mok village and enjoy lunch prepared by the host family before bidding farewell  to them.

Then, continue driving to Loei Province. Along the way, stop to take a relaxing boat trip on the mighty Mekong River at Chiang Khan and visit the charming riverside town characterized by rows of teak wood shop houses.

After soaking in the town’s atmosphere, continue your journey to Dan Sai district, Loei province, where you’ll spend the night and enjoy dinner.

Accommodation: in Dan Sai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Our morning begins with a visit to Phra That Sri Song Rak, a majestic Lao-style pagoda gracing the banks of the Mun River. This revered site houses relics of the Lord Buddha and shares a similar grandeur with Phra That Phanom. While it’s a captivating sight year-round, the pagoda truly comes alive during the annual Phi Ta Khon festival held in May or June.

Make a visit to the Dan Sai Folk Museum with an excellent display of the history, culture and costumes associated with the Phi Ta Khon Festival as well as the old tradition of the Dansai District. Getting hands-on experience with mask painting  to remember your trip by.

Following a delectable lunch at a local restaurant, take a short stop at Wat Neramit Vipassana, known for its beautiful hall and pagoda crafted from laterite, a type of red soil. Here, you can also admire handicrafts created by the resident monks and novices.

Drive to Phu Rua High Altitude Agricultural Research Station, offering breathtaking panoramas. Nestled at an impressive 1,365 meters above sea level, Phu Rua’s summit boasts a vast plain.

Continue to Chateau de Loei and Vineyard, a pioneering establishment in the region that successfully cultivated a reputation for producing high-quality wines recognized internationally. Sample the region’s grapes, savor refreshing passion fruit juice, nibble on farm-fresh vegetables, and, of course, participate in a wine tasting. (Chateau de Loei is open daily from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM).

Dinner and overnight in Dan Sai.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Dan Sai

Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

After breakfast at the hotel, drive through spectacular mountain scenery to Phitsanulok. Visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, the most important monastery of Phitsanulok. 

Optional: After visiting Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, you can choose to continue your Northern Thailand adventure towards Chiang Mai and the Golden Triangle (not included in this tour). Alternatively, we can proceed to Sukhothai Airport for your flight back to Bangkok, where you can explore the vibrant capital city or connect to your onward destinations. 

Accommodation: N/A

Meals: Breakfast