The Heart of Isan by Train with Homestay
Code: ISN006 |
| 5 D / 4 N ROUTING:
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Bangkok - Ayuthaya - Nong Khai - Nakorn Phanom - Ban Nong Hoi Real Thailand Experience - Homestay - Mukdaharn - Ubon Ratchathani - Khong Jiam - Bangkok |
| GETTING THERE: |
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| Day 1: Bangkok - Ayuthaya Temples - Bang Pa In by Boat - Night Train to Nong Khai |
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Your guide will meet you at the airport or your hotel in Bangkok and drive you 90 km north of Bangkok, to Ayuthaya, the former capital of Thailand (1350-1767). At these magnificent ruins you will see Wat Phra Sri Sanpetch with its three-spired pagodas, the large Buddha image of Phra Mongkol Bophit and visit Wat Chaiya Mongkol. This day also includes a short boat trip to Bang Pa-In, the former Royal Summer Residence of King Rama V, a quaint mixture of European and Thai architecture. You will have a chance to visit the interior of Chinese Wehat Chamrun Palace. Enjoy dinner in a riverside restaurant in Ayuthaya before transferring to the train station for the overnight sleeper to Nong Khai.
Meals: Lunch, Dinner
Accom: On board
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| Day 2: Nong Khai - Sala Kaew Ku Sculptures - Pu Langka - Ban Nawa - Nakorn Phanom |
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Upon arrival you will meet your guide at the station and drive to breakfast at a local restaurant before drive you visit Sala Kaew Ku / Wat Kaek to see the bizarre and surreal statuary. The statues were built by Luang Pu Bunleau, after leaving Laos following the Communist Revolution. This temple will astound and leave a lasting impression.
Continue drive to Nakorn Phanom. Stop first along the way at Pu Langka National Park, an interesting geological formation rising from the surrounding plateau. Hike to the top from Tat Po Waterfall (about 1 hour) to orientate yourself with the geography of the area and admire the fine view of the Mekong River and Laos. Continue to Ban Na Wa. This town has been known for its quality silk since Her Majesty the Queen began sponsoring international promotion of Thai silk. See the entire silk spinning and weaving process. The town also makes characteristic Isan musical instruments.
Continue drive to Nakorn Phanom. Visit Ho Chi Minh's old house at Nah Jok. Notice how well tended the farms are in this area. There is a large ethnic Vietnamese population in Nakorn Phanom. It has been estimated that one family in five here had at least one family member fighting for the North Vietnamese cause. So it is not so ironic that Vietnamese fighters came to Nakorn Phanom for their R&R, despite the fact that several thousand American Air Force personnel were stationed here. Enjoy a special dinner at the Nah Jok Prawn Farm Restaurant before returning to the hotel to relax. Spend the evening strolling around town and along the riverside promenade or sample the nightlife.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: Nakorn Phanom Riverview Hotel
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| Day 3: Nakorn Phanom - Thad Phanom - Ban Nong Hoi Yai & the REAL Thailand - Homestay |
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Early in the morning, observe or participate with villagers in the "Tak Baht" ritual of giving alms to the local monks when they pass by. Then return to the hotel for breakfast.
After breakfast, drive to Thad Phanom to see the Thad Phanom Temple, built 1500 years ago according to the official historical record (the local legend relates an earlier beginning.some 8 years after the Buddha's death!). You may see pilgrims from countries as distant as Sri Lanka & Japan! Have your fortune told in the Chinese "Siem Sii" tradition if it strikes your fancy! (Ask your guide how to do.) Then visit the museum, which houses many of the ancient artifacts held inside the Chedi, which collapsed during a typhoon in 1975. Lunch is at a local restaurant.
Continue drive to Ban Nong Hoi Yai, an ethnic-Lao village. At Ban Nong Hoi Yai, you will see the "Real Thailand" few foreigners have the privilege to experience. Sip from a sweet, young "Bar-B-Q-ed" coconut upon arrival. Walk around the village and learn about the actual process and work of growing and harvesting rice, care of livestock and the everyday life of a rural village, centered around the temple, surrounded by rice fields. See the entire hand-production process of making cotton fabric..from cotton boll to thread, and finally to lovely "Matmee" fabrics. Fall in love with the village children who, under the guidance of their teachers, and to the music of local musicians, will perform a number of traditional dances for you! Village elders will confer the "Bai Sii Su Kwan" welcome ceremony upon you. This is normally only done for and by villagers and their elders for themselves. It is generally performed for those going on, or returning from a long journey. Spend the rest of the day exploring the village to learn about rice farming and local culture. The origins of this ceremony are animist.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Accom: House’s villager
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| Day 4: Ban Nong Hoi Yai - Mukdaharn - Panna Monkey Forest Temple - Khong Jiam |
After breakfast drive to Mukdaharn for a walk through the Indochine Market. Local products from the surrounding Mekong Countries (Vietnam, China, Laos & Cambodia) make their way here and are sold to local people. Walk the length of the Mekong river-side market, to a breezy restaurant where we will enjoy lunch in a shady "sala" with a view of Savannaket, Laos.
In the afternoon continue to drive to Panna village. A typical Isan town, this place is distinctly different than most others: only 100 meters from the central market is a large monkey sanctuary. Visit the town and market first for snacks and a chance to use the toilet. Then walk to the sanctuary to feed the monkeys. (we recommend buying peanuts and bananas for the monkeys).
Continue drive to Khong Jiam and check-in at the resort. Dinner will be at your resort.
Accom: Toh Saeng Khong Jiam Resort
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner |
| Day 5: Khong Jiam - Pha Taem National Pre Historical Park - Ubon Ratchathani - Bangkok |
After breakfast, visit Pha Taem National / HistoriSNcal Park to view the pre-historic paintings and sandstone formations endemic to this area. First have a look at the visitor centre situated on this massive rock formation, then walk down the trail (some 500m) to see about 120m of paintings on the cliff-side. Some of the subject matter depicted there is easy to discern and interpret (elephant, fish & people). The subject matter in some other paintings is debatable. Spend the afternoon hiking and swimming in this exceptional park. It is noted for its sandstone formations, contrasting with the predominant laterite and limestone in this part of the country. Enjoy lovely views of the Mekong and Laos. Walk the length of the trail around the cliff if you like (about 2km +).
Drive down to the village called Ban Goom on the Mekong river below the cliff we have just visited. There is a lovely little - and very Lao style - temple here just where we will board our boat to Khong Jiam. Enjoy a ride on a local style Mekong river boat on this narrow and interesting part of the river.
At Khong Jiam, we will take lunch aboard a floating "raft restaurant", famous for the giant freshwater shrimp. Then continue the Laos border Market at Chong Mek. No visa for Laos is needed to walk into the Lao side and browse through the textiles, antiques, medicines, clothing and duty free. Spend as long as you like exploring. We recommend you take time to look over the Thai side also, as there are many interesting shops here also.
In the late afternoon, your driver will be waiting to drive you into Ubon Ratchathani in time to catch the overnight sleeper train or flight to Bangkok.
Accom: None
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch |
End of Services |
| Rates
and Other Information |
The Heart of Isan by Train with Homestay (CODE: ISN006)
Tariff: Based on Thai BAHT per person
on twin sharing room
CONVERT to currency of your choice.
Period |
1 Pax |
2 Pax |
3 - 5 Pax |
3 - 5 Pax |
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Now - 31st Oct 09 |
45,990 |
26,433 |
20,187 |
13,736 |
1,553 |
Tohsang Khong Jian Resort surcharge as follows;
- Songkran Festival (13-15 Apr 09) @ THB 500 /room/night
- Candle Festival (18 Jul 08) @ THB 500 /room/night
- Compulsory Gala Dinner on 31 Dec 08 @ THB 1,400 /person
- Peak Season surcharge (24 Dec 08 – 3 Jan 09) @ THB 500 /room/night
Price includes:
- Accommodations
- VIP sleeper train tickets: Ayutthaya – Nongkhai
- All land transport & transfers listed on the itinerary
- All meals as listed on the itinerary
- Services of an English Speaking guide throughout the tour
- All services as listed in the itinerary
- Insurance
Price does not include:
- Services or entrance fees not mentioned in the program
- Meals other than those mentioned in the program
- International airport departure tax and air tickets
- Domestic air-tickets
- Train ticket Ubon – Bangkok
- Hotel surcharge during on the peak season and festivals
- 7% VAT and 4% Credit card
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