Follow the Mighty Mekong River
North East Thailand – I Saan
Follow the Mighty Mekong River – T-0006
Weekly tours leave every Tuesday and Thursday from Bangkok, Thailand.
We are pleased to offer this tour into a part of Thailand not often visited by tourists. The north east region of Thailand known as I-Saan shares it border with Cambodia and Laos, has it own culture and influence from the ancient Khmer Rouge period, and is an ideal tour for people who would enjoy experiencing this part of Thailand at a fairly relaxed pace.
This I-Saan region is the poorest part of the Kingdom of Thailand. The local Thai are very friendly and welcoming to tourists while at the same time adhering too many of their unique cultural traditions and values.
Our tour will leave Bangkok and travel North East following the Mekong River and end in Phitsanulok where we will take a train to Chiang Mai or back to Bangkok.
Transportation is via an air-conditioned minibus with a personal driver and an English speaking tour guide. Of course we can include beach vacation for you as an extension, please contact us for a proposal.
Day 1: Bangkok – Korat with stop in Chachoengsao and Khao Yai National Park
After breakfast your guide will meet you in the lobby of your hotel for the start of your journey. On route to Nakhorn Ratchasima (Korat) we will visit the 100 year old floating market located about 40 km from Bangkok. You will enjoy the hustle and bustle of this busy market-on-water. Many Thai people will visit this market on day outings from Bangkok.
Our second stop will be in Chachoengsao where we will enjoy lunch. This city lies on the bank of the Bang Pakong River and was established in 1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakrapat and has a large population of ethnic Chinese. Today, the town is famous for Wat Sothon Wararam Worawihaan, also known as King Rama IX temple. Here is housed one of the most sacred Buddha images in the country. A stop here is a must!
After lunch we will head off to Khoa Yai National Park for a walking tour. This Park is the oldest and largest park in Thailand and is unique in that wildlife still roams free. The park is home to a wide variety of fauna and flora. You may see elephants and even get a glimpse of tigers. Another feature of this park is its waterfalls, we will visit one of these.
Our next stop is at our Hotel in Nakon Ratchasima.
~A delicious and authentic Thai lunch is included~
Day 2: Korat – Phanom Rung Historical Park
After breakfast we will travel toward the mighty Mekong River. Heading east, we will stop at Phanom Rung Historical Park, a temple complex dating back 1000 years and built on top of an extinct volcano. Originally it served as a Hindu site. During the 15th century it was converted to a Buddhist sanctuary. You will find traces of both Hindu and Buddhist influences in this complex. Most of the buildings, as well as the Grand Stairway, are constructed of laterite and sandstone and boast beautiful and elaborate designs depicting descriptive motifs reciting the history, purpose, actions and beliefs of the ancient people who lived and worshipped here. As you walk through this impressive complex you will notice that the carved motifs lead you to the main pagoda which is laid out according to the Hindu belief of the layout of God Shiva’s heaven. Linger in this ancient temple complex and absorb the atmosphere of this significant spiritual site.
After our visit to Phanom Rung Historical Park we continue to our hotel nearby.
~A delicious and authentic Thai lunch is included~
Day 3: Phanom Rung – Ubon Ratchasima
Today we continue our journey to Ubon Ratchasima. After breakfast our driver will take us on a leisurely drive through the Isaan countryside, through local villages and productive rice fields where you will see the local Thai people going about their business.
~A delicious and authentic Thai lunch is included~
Day 4: Ubon Ratchasima – Mukdahan_- Nakhon Phanom
We leave our hotel after breakfast and follow the Mekong River to our destination city of Nakhom Phanom. Our first stop is about 90 km. Northeast of Ubon at Pha Taem National Park. Here we find ourselves in one of the oldest agrarian region, an area also known as the ‘Cradle of Northeastern Civilization’. Recently, archaeological discoveries suggest that humans were in this region as long as 14,000 to 6,000 years ago. Sheer cliffs are the result of violent earthquakes long ago. On and near these cliffs 300 prehistoric cave paintings were discovered, dating 3,000 to 4,000 years old and in pristine condition. A walkway was built on the edge of the cliffs and offers a stunning view of the Mekong River and Laos. Another point of interest is the sand stone foundation of a prehistoric village.
We continue our travels north to the city of Mukdahan, a town on the border with Laos. It has a local reputation for its excellent Indochina Market. We will stop here to visit the market and take a leisurely stroll along the banks of the Mekong River. We will observe the Laos city of Savanakhet just across the river on the opposite bank.
After lunch we will travel further north to What Phra That Phanom considered to most important Theravada Buddhist structure in the Northeast of Thailand. Built in the 16th century by the Laotian King, Setthahirath of Lanxang, it is believed to contain an ancient relic: Buddha’s breast bone.
After our visit to this temple we arrive at our overnight location in Nakhon Phanom.
~Lunch in Mukhadan is included~
Day 5: Nakon Phanom – Nong Kai
Today we continue our journey along the Mekong River to the northeastern city of Nong Kai on the border of Vientiane, Laos. Our first stop this morning is a visit to Wat Maha That Temple located on the riverside of Nakon Phanom. This town was settle in 607 AD and the temple was built by the order of a Vientiane (Laos) General who brought his troops here to settle the area. You will notice that the temple is built in the Laos style of architecture.
Continuing along the Mekong River we will journey through a lovely, scenic route, passing through many local villages providing ample opportunity to stop along the way to take photos. Nong Khai was once part of the Vientiane (Wiang Chan) Kingdom (1353 – 1694) and is ideally situated on the Mekong River. The city boasts and influence of French-Chinese architecture. A promenade beside the bank of the river is a nice place for a relaxed stroll, discovering shops and restaurants along the way.
We will overnight in Nong Khai.
~Lunch is included in your tour~
Day 6: Nong Kai – Chiang Khan
Following breakfast, our first stop today is a visit to Sala Kaew. A visit to Nong Kai is not complete without a stop at this bizarre complex. The park was built over a period of 20 years by Luang Pu Boun Leua Sourirat, a mystic who spent much of his life absorbing knowledge from an ascetic hermit who lived in a cave in Laos. The park is his impressive attempt to bring this knowledge to life. Here you will see over 100 sculptures ranging from modest in size to much larger than life, with the tallest sculpture reaching 25 meters. All of the sculptures depict ancient beliefs including animist folklore, Hindu mythology and Buddhist traditionalism.
Along the way to Chiang Khan we will pass through several small villages and the famous open air market in Tha Bo. This market along the main street of town, offers more wild plants and herbs than any other market along the Mekong River. This part of Thailand is well known for its vegetable cultivation, with tomatoes and cabbages being at the top of the list.
We will arrive in Chiang Khan, a small village situated along the Mekong River. Here we will spend the night and have time to relax. Chiang Khan has a night market which is worth a visit.
We will overnight in Nong Khai.
~Lunch is included in your tour~
Day 7: Chiang Khan – Phitsanulok
Today we travel along one of the most beautiful, scenic routes in Thailand. The road takes us through lush, green jungle and through several National Parks. We will stop at several parks, one of which is Thung Salaeng National Park where we will admire the Keang Sopha Waterfalls, also known as the ‘Niagara Falls of Thailand’. Depending on time of year and the swiftness of the river, there will be time for a refreshing dip in the cool, clear water of the river.
We will overnight in a resort outside the city of Phitsanulok where your accommodation will consist of cabins with a view of the gardens or the river.
~Lunch and dinner are included in your tour.
Day 8: Phitsanulok – Sukothai
After breakfast we will travel to Sukhothai. This city was the first capital of Thailand (then known as Siam) and flourished from the mid 3th Century to the late 14th. Century. This period in the Thai history is one where people were at peace and happy. The city was abandoned after the influence and power of Ayutthaya. The ruins which remain are in original condition and a visit here is an impressive and awe-inspiring experience.
We will overnight in Sukothai.
~Lunch is included in your tour~
Day 9: Sukothai – Phitsanulok
After breakfast we will return to Phitsanulok for a visit to What Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat, the most significant temple complex in this part of the Thailand. The complex houses the most beautiful Buddha image in the country and every Thai citizen tries to visit this temple at least once in their lifetime. The Buddha image is only next in importance to the Emerald Buddha image in Bangkok.
After our time at What Phra Sri Ratana Mahatat, your guide will take you the train station in Phitsanulok where you will continue your journey by train, either to Chiang Mai or back to Bangkok.
Note:
In Thailand most hotels have a check in time of 1300hrs and a check out time of 1200hrs.
This tour may be extended to include a stay in Chiang Mai or a beach location of your choice. Please contact us to discuss plans and make arrangements.
Due to local conditions, weather, road construction etc., the route or hotels may need to be changed. We reserve the right to make these changes if deemed necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of our guests and staff. The original intention of the tour will always be maintained, and, should this be unavoidable, we will do our best to substitute a hotel of the same quality.
Included in the tour
All meals mentioned in the program, entrance fees and transfers as described. Excursions as described are accompanied by a professional, English speaking tour guide. Transportation is via air conditioned minibus and 2nd class air conditioned day train. Should the train be fully booked, a substitute air-conditioned day bus will be booked instead. Accommodation are in good tourist class hotels with private bathrooms and a daily breakfast included. Where lunch and/or dinner is included in the tour, water will be provided.
Excluded in the tour
Meals, transfers and flights not mentioned in the program. Personal expenses, visa costs, baggage handling and optional excursions. During dinner and lunch, all beverages are excluded. We encourage all of our clients to have travel, medical, cancellation and other insurance in order before traveling to Thailand.