Isaan Food Trails

📍 Bangkok city – Prasat Hin Phimai, Korat (322 km): 4.01 hr Prasat Hin Phimai – Korat town (61.2 km): 53 min Korat town – Atta Lakeside Resort Suite (112 km): 1.37 hr

Depart from Bangkok and drive through the mountains to Korat, the gateway to Thailand’s northeast plateau. Largely agricultural, Korat is the largest province in northeastern Thailand, and its inhabitants have a unique culture, architecture, and cuisine.

The first stop on the journey is Prasat Hin Phimai, the largest sandstone Khmer temple complex in Thailand, dating back to the Angkorian period when the Khmer Empire stretched across the region. The sanctuary has been magnificently restored and is preserved as a National Historical Park.

Then, proceed to Korat town for lunch. Guests should try the famous local version of Pad Thai, known as “Pad Mee Korat,” as well as papaya salad and barbecued chicken.

Depart for Khao Yai in the afternoon. The area surrounding Khao Yai National Park offers an ideal climate for grapevine cultivation, and wine from Khao Yai is gaining an international reputation.

Explore one of the area’s vineyards, set in a beautiful tropical hillside overlooking the Khao Yai mountains, and enjoy a wine-tasting session with a local expert.

In the evening, enjoy dinner at Lookkai Restaurant, a local fine-dining establishment in Khao Yai.

Overnight in Khao Yai

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Atta Lakeside Resort Suite – Ban Khwao District Chaiyaphum (198 km): 2.59 hr Ban Khwao District – Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum (158 km): 2.48 hr Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum – Khon Kaen (80.6 km): 1.34 hr

After breakfast at the hotel, guests depart for Ban Khwao in Chaiyaphum, which is famous for the quality of its silk and cotton weaving. Unique to the town is the art of “Mud Mee Silk,” a tradition that has been practiced in the area for generations.

Stop at a local home to see how traditional Isaan (northeast Thai) sausages are made. Guests will have the opportunity to observe the production process and learn how these sausages have become popular throughout Thailand.

Continue to Phu Wiang, where the first dinosaur fossil was discovered in Thailand. Visit the Dinosaur Museum, a geological learning center that houses a wide range of fossils and educational exhibits. Lunch is served at a local restaurant before guests continue to Khon Kaen in the afternoon.

Khon Kaen is the commercial, administrative, and educational center of the Upper Isaan region and is often used by travelers as a base for exploring other parts of northeastern Thailand and Indochina.

Walk through the local market to see a variety of Isaan foods on offer and experience the local way of life. A vast array of vegetables, fruits, herbs, spices, and authentic local dishes are available.

In the evening, enjoy a Vietnamese-Isaan dinner at a local restaurant.

Overnight in Khon Kaen

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Khon Kaen – Khao Suan Kwang District (58.6 km): 1.11 hr Khao Suan Kwang District – Ban Chiang Udon Thani (106 km): 2.13 hr Ban Chiang Archaeological Site – Wang Nam Mok (162 km): 2.31 hr

Depart early to visit the local morning market and sample some special local delights, such as grilled sticky rice cakes and grilled pork.

Then, take a walk through Khon Kaen town, visiting Phra That Kham Kaen at Wat Chetiyaphum, where the city of Khon Kaen is believed to have been founded in ancient times. Continue to Nong Wang Temple and climb the nine flights of stairs in the temple’s pagoda to enjoy panoramic views of the city and Kaen Nakorn Lake.

Depart for Khao Suan Kwang for lunch and enjoy Isaan’s famous roast chicken and papaya salad.

Then, continue to Baan Chiang Village, an archaeological site located in Udon Thani Province. Baan Chiang was discovered in 1957 by Stephen Young, a Harvard sociology graduate, but major excavations of the site did not commence until the 1970s.

The excavation uncovered evidence of prehistoric settlements dating back between 1,800 and 5,600 years. Baan Chiang is best known for the beautiful pottery created by the ancient villagers, but many other artifacts have also been discovered, including metals, charcoal, animal bones, and human skeletons. UNESCO registered Baan Chiang as a World Heritage Site in 1992.

Depart for Wang Nam Mok Homestay, an award-winning village that preserves its natural environment and creates employment opportunities for local people. Upon arrival, the villagers will offer guests a warm, traditional welcome. After checking in, guests have the opportunity to walk around the village, which is situated among rice paddies, and interact with local children playing or swimming after school. Guests can enjoy chatting, participating in their activities, or helping the hosts prepare dinner.

In the evening, the villagers perform the traditional Baci ceremony, blessing visitors with good luck, health, and a safe journey. Afterwards, enjoy a local dinner together.

Overnight at the Wang Nam Mok homestay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Wang Nam Mok – Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge Nong Khai (64.7 km): 1.07 hr Wang Nam Mok – Udon Thani Airport (116 km): 1.46 hr

Early in the morning, join your host for the Buddhist morning alms-giving ceremony, then return to your home for a local breakfast. After breakfast, visit the cultural route, exploring local temples and the village’s famous Buddha image, Phra Chao Lan Thong, followed by a visit to the Nam Mok village for a local experience. Enjoy lunch at the village before saying goodbye to your host family.

Continue to the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge and cross the border into Vientiane, or transfer to Udon Thani Airport for a flight back to Bangkok.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch