Isaan Insight

📍 Bangkok city – Ayutthaya (80.7 km): 1.13 hrs. Ayutthaya - Prasat Hin Phimai, Korat (274 km): 3.30 hrs. Prasat Hin Phimai – Ban Dan Kwian Pottery Village (78.1 km): 1.07 hrs. Ban Dan Kwian Pottery Village – Hotel in Korat (22 km): 23 min

Depart Bangkok by car, driving north to Ayutthaya to visit the highlights of the historical park. Lunch is enjoyed at a local restaurant before continuing the journey to Korat in the afternoon. En route, visit Prasat Hin Phimai, the largest sandstone Khmer temple complex in Thailand, dating back to the Angkorian period when the Khmer Empire stretched across the kingdom. The sanctuary has been magnificently restored, and the renovated ruins have been preserved as a National Historical Park.

This evening, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, where guests should try the famous local version of Pad Thai

called “Pad Mee Korat,” along with papaya salad and barbecued chicken.

Overnight in Korat

Inclusions:

🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Korat – Wat Khao Angkan (124 km): 1.50 hrs. Wat Khao Angkan - Phanom Rung Historical Park (18.7 km): 30 min Phanom Rung Historical Park – Buriram (71.6 km): 1 hr.

After breakfast, the day begins with a visit to Dan Kwian Pottery Village before venturing east to Buriram. En route, stop at Wat Khao Angkan, a lesser-known ancient temple from the same era as Prasat Hin Phanom Rung, as well as the site of an extinct volcano.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Phnom Rung Historical Park, one of the most impressive Khmer monuments in Thailand. After this, visit the nearby Prasat Muang Tam, an older Khmer temple built by King Jayavarman V.

Overnight in Buriram.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Buriram – Surin (63.2 km): 1.10 hr

Breakfast at the hotel, then check out and depart for Surin, approximately a one-hour drive.

Upon arrival in Surin, continue to Silver Khwaosinarin Village, where exquisite silverware, or Pa Kuen Krub Ban, is meticulously crafted with unique and beautiful designs not found elsewhere. There will also be an opportunity to purchase some of these beautiful pieces.

Lunch at a local restaurant.

In the afternoon, visit Ban Tha Sawang in Surin Province, where you can witness the magnificence of the ancient silk weaving process and admire the beautiful golden brocade silk fabric. This weaving project is supported and promoted by the Bureau of the Royal Household and Her Majesty the Queen’s Foundation.

Overnight in Surin

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Surin – Sikhoraphum District (87.9 km): 1.20 hrs. Sikhoraphum District – Wat Thung Sri Muang (138 km): 1.54 hrs. Wat Thung Sri Muang – Khong Jiam District (73.2 km): 1.20 hrs.

After breakfast at the hotel, check out and continue en route to Ubon Ratchathani, with a stop at Sikhoraphum Sanctuary to see a Khmer temple featuring the only Apsara sculptures found in Thailand—similar to those at Angkor Wat. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant along the way.

The journey continues to Ubon Ratchathani, with an opportunity to visit local temples in town, including Wat Thung Sri Muang, built in a unique blend of Thai, Lao, and Burmese styles. Later this afternoon, the tour proceeds to Khong Jiam District, the easternmost town on the Siamese border, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Mun Rivers.

Overnight in Khong Jiam

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch

📍 Khong Jiam – Pha Taem National Park (51.5 km): 1.19 hr

Today’s adventures begin with a journey to Pha Taem National Park, where a number of prehistoric paintings can be seen. These paintings, estimated to be 5,000–7,000 years old, clearly depict fish and other animals, while some figures remain more ambiguous. The Fine Arts Department has proposed interesting theories, but ultimately their true meaning is still unknown.

The park’s main features are its unusual sandstone rock formations and cliffs, which display extensive rock paintings that can be discovered on a moderate hike.

(Note: Appropriate clothing and footwear are recommended for the hike on the partially rocky surface.)

Lunch at a local restaurant.

The journey then continues to a village on the Mekong River, just below the cliffs, where a beautiful temple in a distinct Lao style can be found. From here, board a local boat and travel along this narrow and scenic stretch of the Mekong River, bound for Khong Jiam. Upon arrival, a car will be waiting to transfer you to Kaeng Tana, the largest cataract in the middle of the Moon River. The cataract is formed by a massive stone platform lying across the river, forcing the water to flow through Kaeng Tana in the form of stunning waterfalls. (Note: Kaeng Tana is best viewed during the dry season.)

Return to the resort for dinner.

Overnight in Khong Jiam

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Khong Jiam – Mukdahan (197 km): 2.55 hr / Mukdahan – Phra That Phanom (53.5 km): 53 min / Phra That Phanom – Nakhon Phanom (55.7 km): 43 min

Enjoy a relaxing breakfast at the hotel before driving north through the beautiful Mekong mountain scenery, following the river to Mukdahan. Stop en route for lunch at a local restaurant near the Indochina Market, overlooking the Thai–Laos Friendship Bridge across the Mekong River.

Continue with a visit to a traditional Lao–Isaan village on the Korat Plateau, where age-old customs and crafts remain an integral part of daily life. Visitors are warmly welcomed to sit with the villagers and even try their hand at parts of the crafting process.

The day concludes with a stop at Phra That Phanom, a highly revered sacred monument that has been a place of devotion for both Thai and Laotian people for centuries.

Dinner at Nakhon Phanom.

Overnight in Nakhon Phanom

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Nakhon Phanom – Najok Village (2.8 km): 6 min / Najok Village –Ban Chiang Archaeological Site (197 km): 2.50 hr / Ban Chiang Archaeological Site – Wang Nam Mok (162 km): 2.31 hr

This morning begins with a visit to the House of Ho Chi Minh at Najok Village in Nakhon Phanom, a Thai community of Vietnamese origin. This site is of great historical significance, as President Ho Chi Minh lived here for seven years (1924–1931) while leading the resistance movement against the French.

Lunch is served en route to Udon Thani.

Upon arrival, visit the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1992. The village is best known for its beautiful ancient pottery, but excavations have uncovered many other fascinating artifacts, including metal objects, stone tools, soil samples, charcoal, animal bones, and human skeletons.

In the late afternoon, continue to Wang Nam Mok Homestay, an award-winning community recognized for preserving natural resources and creating sustainable livelihoods for local people. Upon arrival, the villagers extend a warm traditional welcome before guests check in at their homestay houses. Spend a relaxing afternoon exploring the village, set amidst scenic rice paddies, with plenty of opportunities for interaction—whether chatting with the locals, joining their daily activities, or helping to prepare dinner.

In the evening, enjoy the impressive traditional Baci Ceremony, in which the villagers bless visitors with wishes for safe travels, good health, and good fortune. The ceremony is followed by dinner together, featuring delicious local specialties.

Overnight at the Wang Nam Mok Homestay

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Wang Nam Mok – Chiang Khan District (Loei) (147 km): 2.22 hr / Chiang Khan District – Dan Sai District (140 km): 2.16 hr

Today begins with an early start, joining your homestay host for the Buddhist morning alms giving, before returning to the house for a typical local breakfast. After breakfast, visit the cultural route, including local temples and the village’s famous Buddha image, Phra Chao Lan Thong, followed by the Nam Mok local village experience. Enjoy lunch in the village before bidding farewell to your host family and continuing the journey to Loei Province.

Along the way, stop for a boat trip on the Mekong River at Chiang Khan and visit this charming riverside town, characterized by its rows of traditional teak shop houses.

Continue to Dan Sai District in Loei for an overnight stay.

Dinner at Dan Sai.

Overnight in Dan Sai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Dan Sai District – Phu Ruea National Park (40.8 km): 46 min / Phu Ruea National Park – Chateau de Loei (13.4 km): 15 min

Breakfast is served at the hotel. The first activity of the day is a visit to Phra That Sri Song Rak, located on the bank of the Mun River. This large Lao-style pagoda, similar to Phra That Phanom, houses relics of the Lord Buddha. While it is a remarkable site to visit year-round, it truly comes to life during the Phi Ta Khon festival, held annually in May or June.

Next, visit the Dansai Folk Museum, which features an excellent display on the history, culture, and costumes of the Phi Ta Khon festival, as well as the traditional customs of Dansai District. Visitors can enjoy a hands-on experience with mask painting, providing both a deeper understanding of the tradition and a memorable handmade souvenir to take home.

A short stop is made at Wat Neramit Vipassana, with its beautiful hall and pagoda, both constructed from laterite (red soil), as well as products created by the monks and novices.

Lunch is served at a local restaurant.

Driving to Phu Rua High Altitude Agricultural Research Station offers some superb views. Phu Rua’s summit is a large plateau at 1,365 meters above sea level. The site includes a royal commemorative garden and greenhouses dedicated to propagating potted plants. Both are open to the public for learning, and visitors are welcome to tour the flower gardens and fruit orchards.

Dinner at Dan Sai.

Overnight in Dan Sai

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast, 🥘 Lunch, 🍗 Dinner

📍 Dan Sai District - Phitsanulok (147 km): 2.056 hr / Phitsanulok – Sukhothai Airport (84.2 km): 1.15 hr

The day of departure begins with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a drive through spectacular mountain scenery to Phitsanulok. Visit Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, commonly known by locals as Wat Yai, the most important monastery in Phitsanulok and the home of the famous Phra Phuttha Chinnarat. The monastery was built during the reign of Phra Maha Thamma Racha I (Phraya Lithai) in 1357 A.D. It houses Phra Phuttha Chinnarat, regarded as the most beautiful Buddha image in Thailand.

Continue to Sukhothai Airport for a flight to Bangkok.

Inclusions:

☕ Breakfast