Day1 |
Day 1 Bangkok – Saraburi – Khao Yai (L,D) |
Depart Bangkok early in the morning and head to Saraburi. Visit the Phra Buddha Badh with its shrine of the holy footprint of Lord Buddha and various large temple bells around the compound. Continue to Khao Yai National Park with a stop at a local fruit market. Watch the bats migration from the cave before sunset. For your comfort and stay, overnight at Greenery Khao Yai Hotel or similar. |
Day2 |
Khao Yai – Korat – Nakhon Ratchasima - Korat (B,L,D) |
Visit Krong Keo Waterfalls with the original bamboo suspension bridge and the Haew Suwat Waterfalls before proceeding to Korat. Visit the city highlights including the Tao Suranaree Memorial, built in commemoration of her brave deed. Continue to Nakhon Ratchasima to visit Phimai Historical Park. This is one of the largest Khemer sanctuary in Thailand and one of the finest example of classical Khemer architecture. It was once linked by a direct road to Angkor itself. Marvel at the magnificent structure and the detailed restoration that has been done. And then the Sai Ngam Banyan tree sprawled in tangles extended. Check in to Simar Thanee Hotel or similar in Korat to for overnight. |
Day3 |
Korat – Village of Dan Kwain - Surin (B,L,D) |
After breakfast, depart Korat and drive north through the pottery production village of Dan Kwain. Make a quick stop there to get some beautifully done clay handicraft pieces before continuing uphill to Prasat Phanom Rung. This finely restored temple was originally built in the 12th century on an extinct volcano by order of the Khemer King. An impressive 200 metre avenue adorn with superb stone carvings lead to the main building. Many fine carvings and friezes adorn the temple and the main phrang of the temples. These carvings depict daily life at that time and also mythical beast of the Ramayana story. The temple has been restored to a very fine condition through a combination of local and international effort. Every year, many locals still come to
see sunrise over the temple on summer solstice morning. Then travel down to Prasat Muang Tham, a Khemer temple, the oldest sanctuary that is well preserved. Afterward, proceed to Surin where the elephant round-up festival is held every year in November. For your comfort and stay, overnight at Tarin Hotel or similar in Surin. |
Day4 |
Kantharalak – Khao Phra Viharn – Ubon Rachathani (B,L,D) |
| After breakfast, drive to Khao Phra Viharn via Kantharalak. This Khemer temple is situated on a cliff 544 metres high, which overlooks Cambodia from the top. The temple was once a very important place of worship with one of the longest path way from the foot of the cliff to the central temple complex. It is now in ruins due to the years of recent war and not much restoration has been done on this temple at all. Nonetheless, its location and grandeur can still be felt as one walks up the long passageway pass the various groups of smaller temples to the main complex. It is definitely worth the walk all the way to the top of the cliff where the central temple complex is located. Picnic lunch at a nearby national park before continuing to Ubon Rachathani. Overnight at Thorsaeng Hotel or similar. |
Day5 |
Ubon Rachatani – Khong Chiam – Mekong River (B,L,D) |
Breakfast at the hotel before starting to explore the various places of historical interest in Ubon Rachatani. The museum has a good collection of artifacts and archaeological discoveries of the area. There are also old temple of interesting architectural features and importance. Later, proceed to Khong Chiam where we will take a boat trip along the Mekong River. Here you will see the meeting of the 2 colors river - the Khong river and the Moon river. On the other side of the Mekong river is Laos.
Take a walk in the Pha Taem National Park to see the different rock formations and columns formed by erosion and natural phenomena. One of the most important discoveries of the national park are the pre-historic cave paintings that dates back 3000-4000 years ago, reflecting the ancient way of life of the people who once used to live in this area. Return to hotel for overnight. |
Day6 |
Khong Chiam - Bangkok (B) |
| Following breakfast, departure for Bangkok by road. Alternatively, take a short flight to Bangkok or other destination in Thailand. Additional cost for flight from Ubon to Bangkok is USD $ 55 per person, each way (price subject to change). |
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