North Isaan and the Mekong, Small Group Tour
North Isaan and the Mekong, Small Group Tour
North Isaan and the Mekong, Small Group Tour
4 Days Starting in Rim Si Muang and ending in Mak Khaeng Sub-district
Visiting: Rim Si Muang, Tambon Khao Kaeo, Nai Mueang, Mak Khaeng Sub-district
Tour operator:
Tour code:
27693
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
2 - 8
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Explore the lesser-known northern regions of Thailand along the River Mekong and discover their main cultural attractions during this magical four-day tour of the country. This beautiful part of Thailand is overflowing with elaborate monuments, verdant dreamlike landscapes, eclectic markets, and a spectacular natural river setting. Get closer to the mix of Thai and Laotian cultures and see how it makes this area different from other parts of Thailand. Visit the natural miracles at Khao Kho and Chiang Khan, get closer to religion while exploring Nong Khai, stroll the bustling streets of Udon Thani, and much more. Enjoy this memorable trip that gives you the opportunity to explore and understand the culture in northern Thailand. This tour is operated in a small group of up to 8 passengers.TOUR HIGHLIGHTSKhao Kho: This beautiful natural attraction presents a perfect combination of gentle mountains, scenic drives, and lovely pine forests. This is a perfect spot for nature lovers and photography enthusiasts.Chiang Khan: The natural scenery on the Mekong riverbank, picturesque teakwood houses, and the relaxed, sleepy atmosphere make this historic town a fantastic destination.Nong Khai: Located on the banks of the Mekong and at the Laotian border with Vientiane, this small city is an important gateway to the Isaan region.Udon Thani: One of the four major cities of Isaan, Udon Thani is home to a large expat population.Â
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Bangkok – Lopburi – Khao Kho (450Km – 6 Hrs)
Location: Rim Si Muang
Accommodation Name: Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort
Begin the journey with an early pick-up from your hotel in Bangkok. Drive to Lopburi to visit Phra Prang Sam Yot, the city’s best-known landmark and the symbol of the province. This former Hindu shrine was built in the 13th century in the classic Bayon style of Khmer architecture. The compound comprises three towers linked by corridors. In the 17th century, the shrine was converted into a Buddhist temple, and a hall was built to house a grand Buddha image. Continue towards the north, passing Phetchabun to arrive at the Khao Kho District. Visit Wat Phra Thad Pha Sorn Kaew, founded in 2004 as a Dharma practice centre and located on a hilltop, amid mountains. The centre has a peaceful atmosphere and boasts over five million mosaic tiles. Visit also the hilltop cave where many villagers used to see a flying marble hovering in the sky, believing it was Buddha’s spirit. Breakfast and lunch are included.
Overnight in Khao Kho.Â
Day 2 : Khao Kho – Phu Ruea National Park – Loei – Chiang Khan (240Km – 4 Hrs)
Location: Tambon Khao Kaeo
Accommodation Name: Chiangkhan River Mountain
Start today with breakfast at the hotel, followed by a visit to a beautiful British-style flower garden, featuring an idyllic setting with panoramic views of the Great Mountain, ‘Pha Sorn Kaew’. Our next stop is the famous Phu Ruea National Park, located in the district of Loei, one of the coldest provinces of Thailand. The northern part of the park shares a border with Laos. Its hills contain the headwaters of many rivers in Loei. The highest peak in the park, Phu Ruea, reaches 1,365 meters above sea level and the summit offers a good viewpoint of the Huang and Mekong rivers. Due to the cool climate, the area is rich in orchids which flower throughout the year. Stop on the way for an optional coffee break, before continuing to Ban Na Aor, the cultural village that preserves the ancient Thai-Loei culture and houses. Afterwards, travel to the local town of Chiang Khan. Relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery along the Mekong River during sunset. Then, visit the local market that comes to life every night at Khaeng Khut Khu, and indulge in the culinary delights of Chiang Khan. Taste ma prao Kaew (wok-fried strips of coconut with a sugar glaze), as well as the dark brown coconut sugar and roasted peanuts. You can also try small, deep-fried river prawns served with cucumber dipping sauce, or mixed in a fiery salad with chilli, garlic and lime. Lunch is included.
Overnight in Chiang Khan .Â
Day 3 : Chiang Khan – Nong Khai (200Km – 3.5 Hrs)
Location: Nai Mueang
Accommodation Name: Nong Khai Royal Nakhara
Wake up early to join the locals who practise the Buddhist tradition of offering sticky rice to monks during their morning alms rounds. Ride a bike along the riverside promenade to Chiang Khan Walking Street to be in front of the temple early in the morning. Visit Wat Sri Khun Muang or Wat Yai, one of the most important religious buildings, and see the ancient monastery admiring its descending roof in the Lanna style. The wall paintings in the monastery tell the story of Buddha's ten existences. Return to your hotel to enjoy a tasty breakfast and a wonderful sunrise on the river banks. After check-out, we continue along the Mekong River, on one of the most scenic roads in Thailand. We make a stop at Wat Pha Tak Sua to admire the views from the 16-meter-long skywalk, hanging over a cliff and featuring glass floors and walls. Continue the drive, and enjoy a photo stop at the viewpoint in Sri Chiang Mai before you reach Mueang Nong Khai. This bustling Thai town serves as the gateway to Laos and Vientiane, and it is located only 20 kilometres away from the border. Nong Khai is the ideal representation of the beautiful Isaan culture. Known for its kindness, the culture has evolved from its mixture of Thai and Laotian heritage and now dominates northeast Thailand, having a distinct identity from the rest of the country. Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the small city as the sun sets behind the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge. Lunch included.
Overnight in Nong KhaiÂ
Day 4 : Nong Khai –Depart Udon Thani (70Km – 1.5 Hrs)
Location: Mak Khaeng Sub-district
Begin the day with a delicious breakfast at the hotel. Then hop aboard a boat for an approximately 90-minute trip along the Thai side of the River Mekong. Make a stop to the Tha Sadet Market, the epicentre for local trade between this region of Thailand and neighbouring Laos. The market here is often called the ‘Indochina Market’ because the goods sold are primarily sourced from across various regions, but there are also a lot of local products on offer. Depart from Nong Khai and visit the Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park, containing an impressive collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures. Although not a temple, the park is known colloquially as Wat Khaek (‘Indian Temple’) and some of the sculptures are 25 metres high. Continue to Ban Chiang, an archaeological site in the Nong Han District, Udon Thani, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Discovered in 1966, the centuries-old site is known for its attractive red painted pottery. The last stop of the day is the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre, opened in 2013, aiming to preserve the art, culture, lifestyle, and philosophical principles of the ancestors of today’s Udon Thani Thai-Chinese community. The delicate central garden imitates the Chinese style and has the theme of '24 manners of gratitude, the garden of a thousand-year-old morality'. We end the trip with a drop-off at the airport or railway station to continue with your individual travel plans.Â
Breakfast and lunch included.
What's Included
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Operated with an English-speaking guide
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Italian, French, German or Spanish-speaking guide on request
Guides who speak Italian, French, German, or Spanish are available upon request.
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3 nights accommodation
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4 lunches
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3 breakfasts
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Air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme
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All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary
Entrance fees and activities such as visits to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Pha Son Kaew, a botanic garden, Phu Ruea National Park, Ban Na Aor cultural village, a bike tour, alms giving, a boat trip on the Mekong, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, and Ban Chiang are included.
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Italian French German or Spanish-speaking guide on request
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All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary: Phra Prang Sam Yot Wat Pha Son Kaew botanic garden Phu Ruea National Park Ban Na Aor cultural village bike tour alms giving boat trip on Mekong Wat Sri Khun Mueang Sala Kaew Kou Ban Ch
What's Not Included
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Gratuity for driver and guide
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Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
Personal expenses, drinks, and meals not explicitly mentioned in the programme are not included.
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Optional tours
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International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees
Flight tickets, airport taxes, and visa fees are not included.
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Expenditures of a personal nature drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
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International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees.
Mode of Transport
Travel in air-conditioned comfort with transportation and transfers as stated in the programme, including a scenic boat trip along the Thai side of the River Mekong.
Accommodation
Enjoy comfortable stays at the Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort in Khao Kho, Chiangkhan River Mountain in Chiang Khan, and Nong Khai Royal Nakhara in Nong Khai, offering a blend of modern amenities and local charm.
Check out our Q&As
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What kind of transportation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes air-conditioned transportation and transfers as stated in the programme.
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Are meals included in the tour package?
Yes, the tour package includes 3 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
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What kind of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 3 nights of accommodation.
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Is there a guide available during the tour?
Yes, the tour is operated with an English-speaking guide. Guides speaking Italian, French, German, or Spanish are available on request.
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What activities are included in the tour?
The tour includes visits to Phra Prang Sam Yot, Wat Pha Son Kaew, a botanic garden, Phu Ruea National Park, Ban Na Aor cultural village, a bike tour, alms giving, a boat trip on the Mekong River, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, and Ban Chiang.
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Are there any additional costs not included in the tour price?
Yes, gratuity for the driver and guide, expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme, optional tours, and international or domestic flight tickets, airport taxes, or visa fees are not included.
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What is the starting point of the tour?
The tour starts in Rim Si Muang.
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What is the endpoint of the tour?
The tour ends in Mak Khaeng Sub-district.
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What can I expect on the first day of the tour?
On the first day, you will be picked up early from your hotel in Bangkok and driven to Lopburi to visit Phra Prang Sam Yot. You will then continue to Khao Kho District to visit Wat Phra Thad Pha Sorn Kaew. Breakfast and lunch are included, and you will stay overnight in Khao Kho.
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What activities are planned for the second day of the tour?
On the second day, you will visit a British-style flower garden, Phu Ruea National Park, and Ban Na Aor cultural village. You will then travel to Chiang Khan, where you can enjoy the local market and culinary delights. Lunch is included, and you will stay overnight in Chiang Khan.
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What will I experience on the third day of the tour?
On the third day, you will participate in the Buddhist tradition of offering sticky rice to monks, ride a bike along the riverside promenade, and visit Wat Sri Khun Muang. You will then continue along the Mekong River, stopping at Wat Pha Tak Sua and Sri Chiang Mai before reaching Nong Khai. Lunch is included, and you will stay overnight in Nong Khai.
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What is included on the final day of the tour?
On the final day, you will have breakfast at the hotel, take a boat trip along the Mekong River, visit Tha Sadet Market, Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park, Ban Chiang archaeological site, and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre. The tour ends with a drop-off at the airport or railway station. Breakfast and lunch are included.
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How does Today Voyages work?
We are an Online Travel Agency, specialized in Group Vacations and Private Vacations. We have been in business for over 30 years through our sister company Go West Tours and, throughout the years, have developed an extensive network of trusted professionals around the world and a structured methodology to screen our suppliers. Today Voyages offers a selection of tours that are designed, managed and operated by our network of trusted Tour Operators and DMCs. Our database is connected with our partners so that when you make a booking with us this will immediately be received and processed by the Tour Operator.
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Where should I buy the flights to reach my destination?
Today Voyages does not sell flights directly. None of our tours come with flights included. Why? Because we prefer to give full flexibility to our valued customers to select the airlines and the booking platform they prefer. As soon as your flight is booked and confirmed, we invite you to update your flight plan within your Today Voyages booking confirmation page by entering your flight number, departure and arrival times, as well as your Passport information (if needed). None of these fields are mandatory but we highly encourage you to provide as much information as possible. This will allow us to provide you with the excellent service you are looking for.
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What is an additional excursion or tour optional?
Certain tours might show a selection of additional excursions/optional activities that you may want to add to our standard itinerary. These services are priced separately and can be added to the cart before completing the booking. We believe these optional services to contribute to making your vacation unforgettable; however, you are in no way obliged to purchase them. All our tours are awesome with our without optional services!
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What is the difference between Group Vacations and Private Vacations?
If you purchase one of our Group vacation packages, you will be escorted by a professional tour guide and will be traveling with other like-minded travelers you may not know. The group size depends on the tour you select. If you purchase one of our Private vacation packages, you will be traveling only within your group of friends. You may or may not be escorted by a professional tour guide; this depends on the type of private tour you are interested in.
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When and how will I receive the travel documents (vouchers)?
If you book one of our Group or Private tours, you will receive your travel documents via email approximately 20 days prior to travel date. If you reserve one of our Vacation Rentals, you will hear back from the property manager via email a few days prior to checking-in. We recommend checking your emails on a regular basis as this is our most reliable method of communication. If you have questions or need additional support, you can always chat with us or email us directly.
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What happens if a Group tour does not get confirmed?
It is very simple... you will be offered an alternative departure date or be refunded the full amount you pre-paid. No questions asked!
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What happens after I book?
The majority of our tours are confirmed at the time of booking. This means that, after submitting the payment online, you will receive an order confirmation email; make sure to save this email and to note down your confirmation number for any future communication with us. Some tours may be sold on a 'on request' basis. This means that for these tours we reserve the right to check the availability of your spot(s) with the Tour Operator before confirming the tour to you. As soon as you submit the payment online for a 'on request' tour you will receive an email notification that confirms your order request. Within 72 hours, you will receive either a confirmation email or a denial email. Do not worry... we will do everything we can to confirm your tour!
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Free Date Changes
Today Voyages allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 65 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Today Voyages requires a minimum deposit of 30% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 30 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of today voyages charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 30 days before tour starts: Forfeit 50% of booking price.
At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.