Duration: 5 Days / 4 Nights	Tour Code: TH-09
Departure: Any Day of the Week

INTRODUCTION

One of the hubs of culture in Thailand, I-San or northeastern region endows many fascinating attractions which represent the Khmer influence over the region. Archeological sites found in the region are the testament of the exuberant past of this area. The glorious past has originated the charming culture and tradition to its people who still follow the trace of their ancestors. On this tour, you can admire the region's hidden culture on your own eyes through many Khmer sanctuaries as well as local people's lifestyle at various villages.

TOUR ITINERARY

Day 1: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Korat (/L/D)
Depart from Bangkok for Ayutthaya which is beautifully located on an island at the confluence of three rivers. Visit Wat Chai Wathanaram located on a magnificent position on the West bank of the Chao Phraya River. Drive through the historical park of this former capital of Siam and then continue to Phimai via Korat. En route make a quick stop at Wat Thep Phitak Punnaram to see the impressive white marble Buddha nicely located on a hill and visit of a local fruit market at Klang Dong. After lunch at a local restaurant, visit Phimai, a charming little town on northeast of Korat which is widely well-known for the magnificent Khmer sanctuary of Prasat Hin. Visit its museum and Historical Park. In the late afternoon, return back to Korat, make a short stopover at one of the biggest Banyan Trees in Thailand. Check in at Sima Thani Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 2: Korat - Buriram - Surin (B/L/D)
After breakfast, visit to the monument of Thao Suranari or Khun Ying Mo, situated in front of the old gate of "Pratu Chumpon" on the west of the city. This monument was erected in 1934 to commemorate the heroic deed of Khun Ying Mo, wife of the Deputy Governor of Khorat during the reign of King Rama III, who managed to save the city from the invasion of the Laotian army led by Prince Anuwong of Vientian. Walk around the local groceries morning market and continue to visit Wat Sala Loi, located on the bank of Lam Takhong River. The main chapel, which received many awards from various architectural associations as a modern leading design of religious monument, is constructed in the shape of a Chinese Junk. Then proceed to visit the pottery village of Dan Kwian. The region of Korat is famous for its beautifully crafted pottery. Proceed to Nang Rong for lunch at a local restaurant. Continue to Phanom Rung, which is the finest Khmer Temple in Thailand. It not only gives a good idea of Angkor Wat in Cambodia but also similar in layout to Phimai, both monuments are believed to be the prototype for the famous Angkor Wat. Close by is Muang Tam, another impressive Khmer temple predating Phanom Rung by about 120 years. Then continue to Surin and check in at Thong Tarin Hotel for dinner and overnight accommodation.

Day 3 : Surin - Sri Sa Ket - Ubon Ratchathani (B/L/D)
After enjoying delicious breakfast, depart for Khao Phra Viharn, one of the most spectacular locations of any monuments in South-East Asia, situated at the top of a steep escarpment and majestically overlooking Cambodia. Although physically standing on Cambodian territory but the only practical access is from Thailand, therefore, no visa is required. This unique constellation makes a visit to this hilltop temple even more challenging and fascinating. After lunch at local restaurant, proceed to Khong Chiam via Ubon Ratchathani. Dinner and accommodation are at Tohsang Khongjiam which beautifully overlooks the Mekong River.

NOTE: In case of the closure of Khao Phra Viharn, the following alternative program will be provided on this 3rd day:

After breakfast depart Surin with a short stop at a basket weaving and silk weaving village, before arriving at Prasat Sikhoraphum with its fine lintel carvings and Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, which was originally built in the 11th century as a Hindu Shrine dedicated to Shiva. Continue to Ubon Ratchathani for lunch. After a short visit to Wat Thungsrimuang, continue to Khong Chiam, Thailand's easternmost town, situated on the confluence of the Mun and Mekong Rivers. Dinner and accommodation are at Hotel Tohsang Khongjiam, which beautifully overlooks the Mekong River.

Day 4: Ubon Ratchathani - Mukdahan - Nakhon Phanom (B/L/D)
After the delicious breakfast, depart to Pha Taem National Park to see the pre-historic cliff paintings, which date back some 2,000 to 3,000 years. After familiarizing yourself at the Visitor Center located on top of this massive rock formation, walk down the trail from where you will not only see the cliff paintings, but can also enjoy superb views of the Mekong River and neighboring Laos. Proceed to Mukdahan for lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch visit the famous Indochina market where products from the Mekong countries (Vietnam, China, Laos and Cambodia) are sold to local people. Continue to Nakhorn Phanom. En route visit the famous Thai temple Wat Phrathat Phanom. Arrive in Nakhorn Phanom, a small and charming town on the Mekong River and check in at Nakorn Phanom River View Hotel. Enjoy a late afternoon boat ride on the mighty Mekong River to see the panoramic view of the rugged Central Laos Limestone Mountains and the simple and laid-back way of life of people along the river. Dinner and stay overnight at Nakorn Phanom River View Hotel.

Day 5: Nakorn Phanom - Bangkok (B/L)
After breakfast, drive to the village of Ban Nong Hoi Yai where you will experience the "Real Thailand" in a way only few foreigners ever will. Besides watching the village ladies carrying out traditional activities such as cotton weaving and basket weaving from bamboo, you will also have the opportunity to enjoy the sights and sounds of local village children as they dance to the music by traditional instruments played by the village elders. The highlight of this visit is a "Bai Sii Su Kwan" blessing ceremony performed by the village elders. Return to Nakhon Phanom for a short stop at the former house of Ho Chi Minh, the famous Vietnamese hero, who lived here for 7 years since 1920s. After a yummy lunch at local restaurant, transfer to Nakorn Phanom Airport for an afternoon flight to Bangkok. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel in Bangkok.

Private Tour: Departure - Any Day of the Week

* Price quoted in Thai Baht

Group Tour: Guaranteed Departure every Sunday (Min. 2 persons)

* Price quoted in Thai Baht

Tour includes:

• Roundtrip transfers by air-conditioned car/minibus/coach
• English-speaking guide
• Baggage handling,
• Admission fees on sites mentioned,
• Full broad meals (4 breakfasts, 5 lunches, 4 Dinners),
• Hotel Service Charge and Government Tax

Tour excludes:

• Domestic air ticket,
• Other meals not mentioned in the program,
• Other optional tours and personal expenditures.

Note:  Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on road and weather conditions and availability of rooms.

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