Head off the beaten track with this three-day adventure in Thailand’s northeastern region of Isaan. Explore tropical national parks, discover ancient Khmer cities clawed back from the jungle, visit beguiling Buddhist temples, meet local artisans, and cruise the mighty Mekong River at the confluence of the Thai and Laotian borders. This programme packs a lot into a brief space of time in Thailand’s last genuine hidden gem.  

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Khao Yai National Park: Trek through the rainforest to admire the stunning Heu Narok waterfalls and learn all about the conservation efforts to help endangered wildlife.

Khmer heritage: Isaan boasts an unrivalled collection of ancient Khmer architecture as you’ll discover during visits to archaeological sites such as Prasat Hin Phimai, Phanom Rung, Prasat Muang Tam, and Sikhoraphum. 

Rural retreat: visit the remote village of Ban Sai Mun and get close to the villagers’ way of living.

Mekong River: enjoy a boat tour at the confluence of the Mekong and Mun rivers, and from the boat admire a Laotian village.    

Pha Taem National Park: This magical reserve by the border with Laos features famous ‘mushroom rocks’, prehistoric rock art, and stunning panoramic views from its elevated positions.

What’s included?

TOUR GUIDE: 

• Operated with English, Italian, French, German and Spanish-speaking guide

ACCOMMODATION: 

• 2 nights’ accommodation

MEALS:

• 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners 

TRANSPORT:

• Air-conditioned transportation, transfers as stated in the programme
• A surcharge will be applied for pick up transfers on day 1 to/ from outer hotels in Bangkok 

ENTRANCE FEES AND ACTIVITIES:

• All entrance fees as indicated: Khao Yai National park, Prasat Hin Phimai, Phanom Rung, Prasat Muang Tam, Sikhoraphum, Wat Kamphaeng Yai, Ban Sai Mu village, Mekong cruise and Pha Taem National Park

Exclusions

• Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
• Gratuity for driver and guide
• Optional tours 
• International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees
• Pick-up from outer Bangkok hotels

Please note

• BANGKOK SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT: On arrival at Bangkok Airport please collect your luggage and proceed to the exit in the Customs Hall and make your way to the meeting point at gate number 6 (six) inside the terminal. You will be met by a representative of Destination Services who will be holding a sign with your name on it. Should you fail to meet our guide, please contact the ATTA (Association of Thai Travel Agents) counter at the arrivals hall. They will contact our airport rep and somebody will be with you for assistance as soon as possible 
• The visit to Wat Kamphaeng Yai is subject to the verification of the times during the day
• Day 3: Arrival at Ubon Ratchathani centre around 18:00 hrs or drop off at the Ubon Ratchathani airport (recommended departure flight after 08:00 pm)
• Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice

What do I need to bring?

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1  Nakhon Ratchasima:

• Standard Hotel Category = Kantary Korat or similar 3.5*

Day 2 Ubon Ratchathani:

• Standard Hotel Category = Tohsang City Hotel or similar 3.5*

Cancellation policy

Once ordered, this tour cannot be cancelled or refund or amended at any circumstances.

Day 1 :  ARRIVAL BANGKOK – NAKHON RATCHASIMA [KORAT] (375km – 3.5 hrs)

Morning pick-up from 07:00 from hotels in Bangkok (collection from outer Bangkok hotels or the airport will be subject to supplement charges). Head towards the rural province of Prachinburi, reaching the southern entrance of the Khao Yai National Park, the country’s best-known nature reserve and among the most important in Southeast Asia. Enter the park and head for the beautiful Heu Narok waterfall following an exhilarating three-kilometre trek along a special track in the forest. Visit the park’s headquarters, where you can observe the results of scientific studies conducted on various rare species of animals in the park and now in danger of extinction. Exit the park in the north, along the way admiring the magnificent mountainous landscapes. Continue to Isaan’s biggest city, Korat (the popular name for Nakhon Ratchasima), with a late afternoon arrival. Wrap up the day with dinner. 

• Overnight  in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima)

Day 2 :  NAKHON RATCHASIMA [KORAT] – UBON RATCHATHANI (440km – 7 hrs)

After waking up to breakfast at the hotel, discover the wonders of the Khmer Empire at Prasat Hin Phimai. Nowadays it’s a small town, but in the era of the Khmer Empire, it was an important principality directly connected through the ancient Dharmasala route to the legendary Angkor in Cambodia. Continue the Dharmasala route, descending towards the southeast to the magnificent temple of Phanom Rung, in Buriram Province. Phanom Rung has bequeathed us with some of the finest carvings in bas-relief, one of the best examples of Khmer artisanship in Southeast Asia. Next, visit the ruins of the temple of Prasat Muang Tam, another splendid jewel of Khmer art. Enjoy lunch en route before continuing to Ubon Ratchathani, in the heart of Isaan, and make a few stops of high historical and architectural interest. Just beyond the city of Surin are the ruins of Sikhoraphum, one of the most ancient Khmer temples, dating back to the 10th century AD. Near the provincial capital of Sisaket, we find Wat Kamphaeng Yai. In modern Thai, it means ‘great wall’, which denotes the majesty of this place of worship built between the 11th and 12th centuries. Arrive in Ubon Ratchathani late in the afternoon. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

• Overnight in Ubon Ratchathani. 

Day 3 :  DEPART UBON RATCHATHANI

Have one last breakfast at the hotel followed by a morning departure that will take you to the Mekong, one of the great Asian rivers, which divides Thailand from Laos. Stop along the way at the village of Ban Sai Mun, where local artisans produce bronze gongs used in Buddhist temples throughout the country. Admire the artisans at work as they make moulds and decorate the bronze discs in makeshift and rudimentary laboratories. Continue to Khongjiam, the confluence of the Mekong with the Mun, the main river of the Isaan plateau. Enjoy an exciting river cruise sailing to the meeting point of its two sources. Crossing unspoiled natural landscapes, reach the opposite bank of the river where you can see a Laotian village and marvel at the flow of life along the river. Stop for lunch en route and then head towards the Pha Taem National Park and the bizarre rock formations of Sao Chaliang. Hike to the top of Lan Hin Taek, which ends in a cliff overlooking the forest below. Proceed to the visitor centre and stop for a panoramic view of Laos. Explore the Pha Taem National Park further before transferring back to Ubon Ratchathani later in the evening to culminate your experience of Isaan.