Wonders of Isan, the great journey - Nomadays

Thailand

Wonders of Isan, the great journey

Authentic Thailand as few know it

Located at the borders of Laos and Cambodia, Isan is an unknown region in northeastern Thailand.

The green rice fields, the buffaloes emerging from the fields, the soft melody of Mor Lam accompanied by a khaen player, the elegance of finely embroidered sarongs, the traditional silk craft, the stilt houses hidden under shrub foliage… It is in Isan that the tradition of Thailand manifests in all its facets!

A journey rich in discoveries, where authenticity is the ...

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Day 1Welcome to Thailand!

Day 1Welcome to Thailand!

  • Welcome by our team, then transfer to your hotel. Rooms available from 2:00 pm.

    The rest of the day is free.

  • Overnight at Baan Vajra in a Deluxe room.

Day 2The "Venice of the East"

Day 2The "Venice of the East"

  • Departure in the morning to reach the pier and take the public boat-buses to the center, on the right bank and the Pak Klong Talad flower market district.

  • We start our day with a visit to the Grand Palace of Bangkok, built in 1782, which includes several magnificent buildings, including the Wat Phra Kaeo (Temple of the Emerald Buddha), which houses a beautiful Emerald Buddha dating back to the 14th century.

  • Then, we walk to Wat Pho, one of the oldest temples in Bangkok, to see its reclining Buddha.

  • We then cross the river by a small boat to visit Wat Arun, the "Temple of Dawn," located on the right bank.

  • Private traditional long-tail boat taxi ride on the Chao Phraya River, one of the most important rivers in the country. Discover the Venice of the East and the traditional life of the city's inhabitants, half of whom still live by the water.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    

Day 3Safari in Khao Yai National Park

Day 3Safari in Khao Yai National Park

  • This morning, we head to Khao Yai National Park where we set up in our large safari tents.

    According to your preference: In the afternoon, we begin our exploration of the national park: visiting caves, swimming in a spring, and observing the surrounding wildlife and flora.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    
  • In the evening, we set out for our first safari, a nocturnal one, to observe the wildlife inhabiting the national park.

  • 2 nights at Lala Mukla Tented Resort in a Safari-style tent. Savannah Deluxe Tent.

Day 4Safari and trek in Khao Yai National Park

Day 4Safari and trek in Khao Yai National Park

  • Guaranteed immersion in lush nature where animals are still in the wild.

    After breakfast, you will set out for a trek along the trail to Haew Suwat Waterfall.

    In the evening, you will explore the elephant zone. There are over 250 wild elephants in Khao Yai National Park. In addition to the large pachyderms, the park is also home to bears, gibbons, macaques, elk, deer, hornbills, and even a few crocodiles that you might spot along the trail in the wet, dense forest.

    Day accompanied by an English-speaking guide
    

Day 5Discovery of local activities

Day 5Discovery of local activities

  • After breakfast, you head to Buriram to experience community activities. You will learn to weave reed mats to create various items.

    Visit the Yonwithi community and then have lunch at a local restaurant before continuing with the tours.

    After lunch, you will go to the natural tie-dye workshop using unique, world-famous fermented baray mud paint.

    Next, you will visit the Prasat Muang Tam temple to trace the footsteps of the Khmer civilization.

    Enjoy a refreshing coconut drink by the city's moat.

    Visit can be done by bike, Thai tractor, sidecar, or Thai tricycle (saleng).
    

    To end the day, you'll take a tour of the rice fields before returning to the hotel.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • In the evening, you can join the community chef in preparing your dinner.

  • One night at 239 Homestay, a charming house where the members of the Ban Khok Mueang community will take care of you.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: 239 Homestay

Accommodation: 239 Homestay

Day 6On the way to Surin

Day 6On the way to Surin

  • Early in the morning, before starting the day's activities, we will feed the monks in front of the house.

    Next, you will begin with a sidecar tour to watch the sunrise over the palm trees along the ancient riverside.

    Afterward, enjoy a leisurely breakfast before continuing on your journey.

  • Then, you will visit a grand temple of Thailand's "royal route" of Khmer temples, including the major site of Phanom Rung.

  • Next, you'll make a brief stop at the Khwao Sinarin Silver Handicraft Village.

    This village, located in Tambon Khwao Sinarin, is renowned for producing unique local silver beads known as "Luk Pakueam." This process begins with silver plates being hammered into round or smooth beads. They are then enameled and crafted into various beautiful designs, such as horse competition crab eggs, Spanish cherry blossoms, and coin purses. These beads are commonly used to make women's jewelry, including bracelets, belts, necklaces, earrings, etc.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • One night at Slive Hotel

Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: 3-star hotel

Day 7Discovery of Ubon Ratchathani

Day 7Discovery of Ubon Ratchathani

  • New day bringing us closer to the Laotian border. Route to Ubon Ratchathani, the capital of its province.

  • Visit of Wat Thung Si Muaeng, a wooden temple on stilts built during the reign of Rama II (finished in the 19th century). A little further, we make a stop at the Ubon Ratchathani National Museum, with its interesting exhibition to understand the history of the region.

  • If the desire is still there, you can visit the amazing Wat Phra That Nong Bua temple, with its unique architecture.

  • Finally, before reaching our final destination of the day, Khong Chiam, we stop at the village of Phibun, famous for its production of gongs. Meeting with its artisans.

  • At the entrance of the town bordering Laos, we make a stop at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, a temple overlooking the town and the river.

    Check-in at our resort, where we enjoy the sunset over the Mekong.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • We stay for 2 nights at Tohsang Khong Jiam in a Deluxe Suite with a king-size bed.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: 3-star hotel

Accommodation: Tohsang Khongjiam Resort

Day 8Relaxation by the Mekong River

Day 8Relaxation by the Mekong River

  • Located by the Mekong, we head to explore Pha Taem National Park (possibility to visit for sunrise, to discuss with your guide the day before).

    On the way, stop at the Sao Chaliang site to see the mushroom-shaped rock formations.

    Further on, we take a walk along the cliffs (about 1.5 hours), where we can observe rock paintings dating back to 3000 BC.

  • This afternoon, optional activities (not included):

    • Kayaking on the Mekong River
    • Dyeing and weaving workshop
    • Cycling…
  • Before sunset, you can visit Wat Sirindhorn Wararam, which will appeal to even the most experienced photographers. The unique feature of this temple is that it lights up at night with its phosphorescent paintings.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Tohsang Khongjiam Resort

Accommodation: Tohsang Khongjiam Resort

1h 10m-80km
2h 40m-160km

Day 9The "3000 Holes"

Day 9The "3000 Holes"

  • If the season permits (from November to May only), we will visit the extraordinary site of Sam Phan Bok, also known as the "3000 Holes."

  • We continue our journey to a small community in the region where we will spend the night.

    The program includes exploring the village, visiting temples, and getting an introduction to local crafts:

    • Incense making
    • Small basket weaving
    • Textile weaving

    In the evening, before dinner, we will enjoy a demonstration of traditional "Mor Lam" dances, typical of the region.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Tohsang Khongjiam Resort

Dinner: Homestay

Accommodation: Homestay

2h 10m-141km
Kalasin

Day 10Cultural visit to Kalasin

Day 10Cultural visit to Kalasin

  • Early departure to Wat Phuttha Nimit. This temple features several architectural buildings and art objects, such as the ancient Buddha image and the sanctuary housing rare Buddha figures and amulets, as well as stone sculptures depicting the life of the Buddha.
    After lunch, we make a short stop at the Sirindhorn Museum. It is the most comprehensive paleontology museum in Southeast Asia. You can also get a close look at the work of researchers through dinosaur fossil research, study the operating room, and see the actual excavation pit where fossils of nearly complete dinosaur bones of Phuwiangosaurus Sirindhornae, a newly discovered dinosaur species, were first found in Thailand.

  • Check-in at Rimpao Hotel, in a Deluxe double room.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Homestay

Accommodation: Rimpao Hotel

Kalasin
1h 20m-80km

Day 11Drive to Khon Kaen

Day 11Drive to Khon Kaen

  • We leave our hosts and continue our adventure in Isan.

    On the way, we make a stop at Prasat Pueai Noi, the oldest Khmer-style ruins in the upper part of northeastern Thailand.

    We arrive in Khon Kaen, a tranquil city still relatively untouched by tourists, with a relaxed atmosphere. Yet, its history, culture, and landscapes are worth a stop during your exploration of Isan.

    We visit the Wat Nong Wang temple, situated on the lake's edge. This 9-story temple offers a magnificent view of the city and the surrounding area.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • One night at Wishing Tree Resort.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Rimpao Hotel

Accommodation: Wishing Tree Resort

1h 40m-100km
Udon Thani
4h-240km

Day 12By the Mekong River

Day 12By the Mekong River

  • Early departure for a boat excursion (about 90 minutes) on the magnificent Kumphawapi Lake, which at this time of year is covered in lotus flowers.

  • Next, we head to Wat Pha Tak Suea Skywalk, which offers a lovely viewpoint of the Mekong River.

    Lunch en road.

  • Check-in at a small hotel located by the river. It’s ideal to arrive before 5 PM to enjoy the sunset. The hotel offers a splendid view of the Mekong River and the mountains that border Laos and Thailand.

    There is an option to arrange a long-tail boat ride (about 1.5 hours) to witness this spectacle.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
Meal and accommodations

Accommodation: 2-star hotel

Day 13Visit to Chiang Khan

Day 13Visit to Chiang Khan

  • We start our journey at the fascinating Wat Pa Phu Kon temple, located in the heart of a wooded hill. This religious structure, dating from 2013, impresses with its architectural style.

  • Drive to the village of Ban Na Sao, known for its Phi Khon Nam festival, held in May.

    On the eve of the rainy season, this traditional and colorful festival aims to invoke the water spirits for bountiful harvests.

    Upon arrival, we are introduced to the craft of making masks, the centerpiece of the costume worn by the locals for the occasion.

  • During the day, we visit the small community of Tai Dam, an ethnic group originally from Laos. This will be an opportunity to learn more about their culture and observe the creation of traditional textiles.

  • In the evening, we stroll through the old town, where the night market takes place every evening.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • 2 nights at the hotel in a Deluxe room with a city view.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: 2-star hotel

Accommodation: With a view

Day 14Chiang Khan

Day 14Chiang Khan

  • We start the day at Kaeng Khut Khu, an island in the Mekong River between Thailand and Laos, recognizable by the color of its rocks.

    The Kaeng Khut Khu site is especially beautiful during the dry season.
    
  • We continue to Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Kwai Ngen, or 'temple of the Buddha's footprint on the silver ox mountain.' Situated atop a hill in the midst of the forest, the temple houses a footprint of the Buddha and offers a spectacular view of the valley. Additionally, many rabbits inhabit the monastery, adding to the charm of the place.

  • We then head to the Chiang Khan Skywalk. This impressive glass bridge offers breathtaking views of the Mekong Valley.

  • In the evening, we head to the docks to watch the sunset over the Mekong River.

    There is an option to have dinner on the boat (not included).

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: With a view

Accommodation: With a view

1h 30m-80km

Day 15The exceptional nature of Loei

Day 15The exceptional nature of Loei

  • For early risers, there is the option to attend the almsgiving ceremony, which takes place in the street around 6 AM. Afterwards, we will head to the local market.

  • We head towards Loei and its many beautiful national parks. Today, we are going to Phu Ruea National Park.

  • Phu Ruea National Park offers stunning views of northeastern Thailand. Beautiful trails through nature lead you peacefully to the summit. If we have time, we can visit the Khrating Reservoir to relax on a boat-restaurant and swim.

    Return to the hotel.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • One night at Phuruarounmai Resort in a Deluxe room with a balcony.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: With a view

Accommodation: Phuruarounmai Resort

Day 16**Suan Hin Ngam** and **Phu Pa Po**

Day 16**Suan Hin Ngam** and **Phu Pa Po**

  • This morning, we explore Suan Hin Ngam Park and its impressive rock formations. We walk along the ridges and enjoy the view of the entire valley.

    Next, we head to Phu Pa Po to observe the curious plateau summit of the mountain.

    We then proceed to our hotel.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Phuruarounmai Resort

Accommodation: Phuruarounmai Resort

1h-55km
Loei Airport
1h-500km

Day 17Return to Bangkok

Day 17Return to Bangkok

  • After breakfast, your driver will take you to Loei airport, where we board our flight to Bangkok.
    The rest of the day is free before your international flight.

    Day accompanied by a driver and an English-speaking guide
    
  • Option to extend the stay to a beach destination to end the trip on a relaxing note.

Meal and accommodations

Breakfast: Phuruarounmai Resort