Issan Tour 9 Days: Trip To Thailand's Northeastern Area

Pick up from Bangkok’s hotel in the morning, and then transfer you to Nakhon Ratchasima, also known as Korat. This is a large north-eastern province in the heart of "Issan", roughly 260 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, and boasts a rich history deeply connected to the Khmer kingdom. 

Explore the numerous historical sites that tell the story of this powerful civilization. Be captivated by Korat's diverse landscapes, from forests, mountains to waterfalls and reservoirs. Immerse yourself in the region's traditional way of life at Dan Kwian, a community renowned for its exquisite hand-crafted clay pottery. Along the way, stop at Muak Lek fruit market. Upon arrival in Korat, check in at hotel and have lunch at a local restaurant on your own. 

The afternoon unfolds with a visit to Prasat Phanom Wan. This captivating Khmer sanctuary is located at Ban Makha around 15 kilometers from the city on the Nakhon Ratchasima - Khon Kaen Road. Believed to be constructed in the 15th Buddhist century, this temple offers a glimpse into the region's rich Hindu and Buddhist heritage. Though partially ruined by time, the main square pagoda facing east and the tiered pagoda in front, connected by a well-preserved pathway remain intact.

Before returning to Korat, visit the Thao Suranari memorial, dedicated to the revered Thai heroine called “Ya Mo.” Every year, a festival is held from March 23rd to April 3rd to commemorate her bravery. After that, we'll head back to your hotel for a relaxing evening.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Korat

Meals: N/A

After breakfast, explore Phimai sanctuary, the largest sanctuary in Thailand with an area of 1020x580m. This colossal rectangular complex was once a significant city within the Khmer Empire during the 11th century. Explore the historical park’s captivating landscape: towering sandstone Prangs (towers) and a gallery. Take in the intricate carvings depicting scenes from the Hindu epic Ramayana, showcasing the park's exquisite architecture.

Then visit the Phimai Museum, situated near the Archaeology Division. Established in 1975, the museum houses an impressive collection of art and artifacts unearthed from the Phimai Sanctuary. This is a museum for Lower Issan whose cultural treasures include Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Buriram, Surin and Si Sa Ket. There are well displayed exhibits with plentiful historically valuable relics here.

Before lunch, journey to Sai Ngam, a breathtaking riverside location. Here, Banyan trees, their branches and leaves intertwined by nature create a mesmerizing spectacle. The Banyan trees are believed to be over 350 years old and are probably the largest Banyan trees in Southeast Asia. Lunch at a local restaurant.

After that, set off for Chonnabot district in Khon Kaen, discover its world-famous “Mudmee” brand of Thai cotton and silk. This unique textile boasts a captivating production process involving tie-dyeing the fabric strands before weaving them together. Immerse yourself in the town's tranquil atmosphere as you explore the textile industry. Visit the “Thai Silk Exhibition Hall” (Sala Mai Thai) to delve deeper into the town's history and its livelihood, as well as witness skilled weavers practicing their craft in some shops.

Chonnabot provides a glimpse into a traditional Thai way of life existing in harmony with modern times. Here, you can purchase locally-produced goods at various outlets, often at competitive prices. After exploring the charming workshops, we'll drive to Khon Kaen.

 Accommodation: in Khon Kaen

Meals: Breakfast

After breakfast, head to visit Wat Nong Wang overlooking the picturesque lake and Khon Kaen city. This temple was built in 1793 by the city’s first Governor to celebrate the 50th year of the king on the throne and the 200th anniversary of Khon Kaen. 

Next, embark on a journey to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park - located 42 km northwest of Udon Thani. This vast expanse at the foot of Phu Phan Hill boasts numerous historical sites within walking distance such as prehistoric cave paintings, ancient Lopburi Bodhisattva statues, the revered Lang Chan Buddha image and a stupa to shelter a Buddha footprint. Explore the park’s fascinating rock formations and captivating mural paintings.

Enjoy your lunch time at a local restaurant on your own and continue to Udon Thani.

This city holds remnants of its past as a significant US military base during the Vietnam War, evident in its bars, cafes, and hotels catering to veterans. Today, Udon Thani serves as a gateway to the world-famous Ban Chiang archaeological site, a premier Bronze Age excavation located about 47 kilometers east of the city center. While there is little attraction to see for most travelers, it offers a few interesting temples and a unique historical charm.

Accommodation within Udon Thani

Meals: Breakfast

Our day begins with breakfast and a departure from Udon Thani. The first stop is Ban Chiang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient artifacts. Here, we'll delve into Asian crafts and culture like beautiful ceramics and intricate art objects crafted from clay, stone, and even animal bones.

Next, we continue to Sakon Nakhon, located at Amphur Muang Sakon Nakhon Province and visit Phra That Narai Cheng Weng. This sandstone stupa, built on a laterite base, boasts exquisite carvings. The lintel depicts Lord Krishna killing a lion in the Bapuan Khmer art style, reflecting the Khmer influence prevalent in Issan’s ruins. This 16th-17th century Buddhist sanctuary is located just 5 kilometers from town on the way to Udon Thani.

Following, we will move on to Phra That Choeng Chum, a historic site deeply woven into Sakon Nakhon's identity. This 24-meter-high, square-based brick pagoda is adorned with plaster and houses the revered Luang Pho Ong Saen statue. Afterward, you'll have time to enjoy lunch at your own pace at a local restaurant. 

Next, journey to Nakhon Phanom and take a long-tailed boat cruise along the mighty Mekong River, soaking in the breathtaking views of the Laotian mountains that line the opposite bank. After this unforgettable experience, transfer to your hotel in Nakhon Phanom for the night.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Nakhon Phanom

Meals: Breakfast

Drive from Nakhon Phanom City to the village of Najok where Ho Chi Minh resided for seven years. Tour his former house and stroll through this unique village whose residents are of Vietnamese origin. “House of Ho Chi Minh”, a Thai Village with Vietnamese origins located in Najok Village, Nakhon Phanom Province, holds great historical significance as President Ho Chi Minh stayed here for 7 years (1924-1931). These were the years when he was playing a leading role in fighting against colonial French administration.

On the way to Mukdahan, stop at Wat Phra That Phanom - the sacred precinct of the Phra That Phanom chedi, located in the southern district of Nakhon Phanom Province, northeastern Thailand. This revered temple is said to house The Buddha's breast bone, making it a highly significant pilgrimage site for Theravada Buddhists.

The Lao King Setthathirath of Lanxang constructed it originally during the 16th century. Annually, a festival is held to honor That Phanom temple which lasts over a week and attracts thousands of people who make pilgrimages to worship there.

Upon arrival in Mukdahan, check out the Indochina Market at the center of the town, which serves as an important trade hub for goods produced locally such as hand-woven Mudmee silk, triangular pillow Knit and the traditional cloth called Pha Khao Ma, attracts customers from all over Issan.

Here, you can find not only Issan delicacies but also products from neighboring countries like Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia, and China. Take your time to explore and find the perfect souvenirs before enjoying your lunch time at a local restaurant on your own.

After that, drive to Khong Jiam, the easternmost district of Ubon Ratchathani Province, which nestles on the banks of Mekong, bordering Laos. This scenic spot is perfect for sightseeing of the “bicolor river” Mae Nam Song Si where the Mekong and Mun Rivers meet. Khong Jiam also serves as an ideal base to explore the surrounding area, including natural wonders like Pha Taem National Park, Kaeng Sapu, and Kaeng Tana National Park.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Khong Jiam

Meals: Breakfast

Our day begins with a drive to Khao Phra Viharn National Park, a protected area bordering Cambodia. While access to the Preah Vihear Temple itself might be restricted, the park offers numerous ruins of the 11th century Khmer Empire. Nestled in the Phanom Dong Rak mountain range, Prasat Khao Phra Viharn boasts breathtaking waterfalls, hidden caves, and a lively border market where Thailand and Cambodia meet. Have lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, transfer you to Surin. En route, stop at the Prasat Sikhoraphum (or Prasat Ra-Ngang), a Hindu-style temple complex renowned as Surin's most beautiful place of worship. Its five pagodas were intricately crafted from sandstone and laterite. Depending on time, we might also visit Ban Buthom Basketry Village, in Tambon Muang Thi on the Surin-SiKhoraphum road, where skilled artisans handcraft beautiful baskets from rattan - a charming glimpse into local life. 

Arrival in Surin city.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Surin

Meals: Breakfast

Following breakfast, we will journey to Baan Ta Klang Elephant Village, situated within an ancient Kui village. This place has been home to elephants for centuries, dating back to when their ancestors found refuge in the dry evergreen forest. This area provided abundant food for retired war elephants - once offered as tribute to Ayutthaya instead of being conscripted.

Surin province is famous for its annual elephant festivals, attracting visitors all around the world. Here, you can experience Thailand through a traditional lens, with elephant rides available.

Pay a visit to the on-site museum and enjoy an elephant show to learn about the history of elephants in Thailand. Afterward, you can choose to have an optional elephant ride (at your own expense). 

Enjoy lunch time in Baan Ta Klang Elephant Village and then come back to your hotel.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Surin

Meals: Breakfast

Visit the Queen Sirikit Sericulture Center (closed on Sunday). Here, you will witness the process of silkworm breeding and silk cloth making. Then just a short distance away, explore Ban Tha Sawang village - located in Tambon Tha Sawang, renowned for its ancient-style weaving plant. Here, skilled artisans handcraft silk garments using delicate threads, natural dyes, and intricate patterns passed down through generations.

Discover the village's unique “Pha Yok Thong” cloth, a masterpiece woven with pure silver threads and shimmering golden silk. Next, visit Ban Phluang, a Khmer temple dating back to the 16th-17th centuries. This small sanctuary boasts intricate details on its four pagodas, each crafted from sandstone and adorned with captivating floral and human figure designs.

Continue to Muang Tham, a remarkable complex of Khmer religious structures. It consists of five brick stupas sharing a single base, surrounded by two exquisitely carved sandstone walls with archways on all four sides. These walls create a gallery named “Rabiang Khod”, where reliefs on the outer walls and archways depict stories rooted in Hinduism. 

Lunch on your own at a local restaurant.

After lunch, discover Phanom Rung Historical Park, one of the most diverse national parks and certainly one of the most important and most visited Khmer sites in Thailand. Nestled atop Phanom Rung Hill, an extinct volcano, this park houses the largest number of Khmer monuments in Thailand. Nearly two decades of meticulous restoration have brought these structures back to their former glory, offering a truly impressive scenery. After all, drive to Korat.

Overnight in Korat.

Accommodation: At a hotel in Korat

Meals: Breakfast

In the morning, drive to the south of Korat to visit the renowned pottery village of Dan Kwian. Here, witness the art of crafting unique ceramics and pottery using the special black bronzed clay from the Mun River. Renowned for their durability and beauty, Dan Kwian's ceramics hold a place of pride throughout Thailand, available in Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and even international markets.

Following this, we will head back towards Bangkok. Along the way, have a stop at the cascading Jed Sao Noi Waterfall. Nestled amidst lush greenery and flowing alongside a gentle stream, this 9-tiered wonder is a must-visit for nature enthusiasts, providing breathtaking scenery, vibrant plants and birdlife, and the soothing waterfall.

After that, get to Bangkok, arrive around noon and transfer to your hotel or to the airport.

Accommodation: N/A

Meals: Breakfast