Route: Bangkok - Korat - Khong Jiam - Pha Taem - Mekong - Nong Khai - Loei - Phitsanulok.
Begin your Thailand tour from Bangkok, a dynamic city that offers a fascinating mix of modernity and traditions amidst the glistening temples and palaces, towering skyscrapers and mega shopping malls. Stroll through narrow alleyways and rummage for interesting finds in the narrow alleyways and bustling markets in this city.
Heading in a northeastern direction, we will bring you up the Korat Plateau. Here you find the finest surviving samples of Khmer architectural achievements and grandeur in the Thai kingdom at Prasat Hin Phimai and Phnom Rung in Korat and Khao Phra Viharn in Sisaket. Also visit historical parks in Ubon Ratchathani and Nongkhai, where the prehistoric cave paintings, ancient relics and monuments attest to the splendors and majesty of the age-old civilization in the Isaan region.
Tour Itinerary:
Day 1: Arrival in Bangkok. Upon arrival in Bangkok, you will be welcomed by your guide and brought to Majestic Grande at Sukhumvit. In the afternoon, visit the spiritual heart of Bangkok, the Grand Palace which boasts of magnificent throne halls and the Emerald Buddha before admiring the magnificent reclining Buddha at Wat Po, Bangkok's oldest temple as well as the first school of traditional medicine and Thai massage. Overnight at Majestic Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok.
Day 2: Bangkok - Sightseeing. Today, experience the 'old Bangkok' in atmospheric Chinatown as you wander through the narrow alleyways and winding pathways to explore interesting shops, markets and temples. Learn about the traditional riverine lifestyles of Thailand as you idly sail along the bustling Chao Phraya River past quiet klongs (canals) on a long-tailed boat to Thonburi. In the afternoon, explore the city at your own pace. Overnight at Majestic Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok. Includes: (B).
Day 3: Bangkok - Khorat. Today, we will depart from Bangkok and head towards the northeastern provinces of Isaan. En route to Korat, explore and bear testimony to the stunning Khmer architectural flavors expressed by Phi Mai Khmer Temple Complex, which was laid out in the same concentric styles as Angkor Wat and lie on the Royal Road' leading to the ancient Khmer kingdom. Pay a visit to Ban Dan Kwian and witness the traditional techniques of crafting earthenware. Overnight at Royal Princess at Korat. Includes: (B, D).
Day 4: Korat - Khong Jiam. Unearth the pinkish sandstone ruins at Phnom Rung Khmer Temples, part of the series of impressive Khmer temple sanctuaries scattered along the Royal Road. Heading eastwards, we will stop briefly to admire the cliff carvings at Maw-I-Daeng before continuing to Khao Phra Viharn, where you can ramble through the weathered ruins at this majestic temple perched on a cliff edge that straddles the Thai-Cambodian borders. Note: In case Khao Phra Viharn is closed (which happens from time to time), we will visit Wat Thung Sri Muang and Wat Nong Bua in Ubon Ratchathani instead. Overnight at Tohsang Khongjiam in Ubon Ratchathani. Includes: (B).
Day 5: Khong Jiam - Pha Taem - Mekong - Khong Jiam. At Pha Taem Historical Park, scrutinize the pre-historic cave paintings depicting the daily scenes of the early humans as you listen to the narrations provided by the Fine Arts Department. Boarding the boat at Khong Jiam, leisurely cruise on a local boat along Mekong River before exploring Kaeng Tana, a rocky cataract that straddles the Moon River, forming breathtaking waterfalls. Overnight at Tohsang Khongjiam in Ubon Ratchathani. Includes: (B, D).
Day 6: Khong Jiam - Nong Khai. Following breakfast, proceed north along a scenic road by the Mekong River to Mukhdhan. At Ban Nong Hoi Yai in the Korat Plateau, gain an insight into the traditional Lao-Isan lifestyles as you witness and partake in the weaving process with the villagers. We will then bring you to view the ancient chedi at That Phanom and museum at Nakhon Phanom before arriving in Nong Khai, the northernmost province in Isaan, in the late afternoon. Overnight at Nongkhai Grand Hotel in Nong Khai. Includes: (B, D).
Day 7: Nong Khai - Loei. Stroll and browse through the riverside Tha-Sadet market, which is a treasure trove for Mekong paraphernalia and US military items. Uncover the garden of unique and majestic statues from the Buddhist and Hindu folklore at Sala Kaew Ku before heading to Phu Phra Baht Historical Park, an extensive archaeological site nestled in the mountains replete with unusual natural rock formations and terraces. En route to Loei, sail slowly along the Mekong River at Chiang Khan and be charmed by this riverside town characterized by rows of teak shop houses. Overnight at Best Western Phu Pha Nam (Phu Pha Nam Resort and Spa) in Loei. Includes: (B, D).
Day 8: Loei. In the morning, visit and sample Thai wine at Chateau de Loei Winery in the Loei province noted for its cool climate. At the agricultural center of Dan Sai, stop by the celebrated Phra Thai Si Songrak and the nearby hilltop Wat Neramit before visiting Dan Sai Folk Museum. When afternoon comes, head to Phra Phuttabat forest temple with the sacred silver buffalo before exploring the picturesque Kaeng Khut Khu rapids in the Mekong River. Learn the native culture and customs at a Black Thai tribal village and if time permits, a weaving village. Overnight at Best Western Phu Pha Nam (Phu Pha Nam Resort and Spa) in Loei. Includes: (B, D).
Day 9: Loei - Phitsanulok - Bangkok. Leaving Loei, we will drive through the spectacular mountain scenery en route to Phitsanulok. One of the principal attractions of this province is Wat Phra Si Rattana Mahathat, an imposing monastery that houses the famous and revered Buddha image of Phra Buddha Chinnarat. Transfer to Phitsanulok Airport for your return flight to Bangkok. Overnight at Majestic Grande Sukhumvit in Bangkok. Includes: (B).
Day 10: Departure from Bangkok. Following breakfast, spend time at your own leisure before transferring to the airport for your departure flight. Includes: (B).
Notes:
- The price is a guideline and will vary according to travel dates and room availability. The price is based on two people traveling together during high season and sharing a twin or double room.
- This price can be applied only for the hotel mentioned in the tour itinerary. Changing hotels and hotel categories will affect the tour price.
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Price Includes:
* Accommodation at selected hotels
* Meals as indicated in itinerary (B = Breakfast; L = Lunch; D = Dinner)
* Services of an English speaking guide during all tours and transfers
* Services of a driver and private air-conditioned vehicles during all tours and transfers
* Admission fees for all sights visited
* Government tax and all service charges
Price Excludes:
* Personal expenses such as telephone, laundry, etc
* Meals other than those mentioned above
* Airfare for Phitsanulok - Bangkok flight and domestic airport tax
* Other services not clearly indicated in the Inclusion above
Also see tour packages in:
Asia
Thailand
Cultural Journey
Sightseeing
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