North Isaan & Mekong

We begin with an early pick-up from your hotel in Bangkok and drive north to Lopburi to explore Phra Prang Sam Yot – the city’s landmark and symbol of the province. This former 13th century Hindu shrine, built in the Bayon style of Khmer architecture, comprises three towers linked by corridors. In the 17th century it was converted into a Buddhist temple, with a hall added to house a grand Buddha image.We then continue past Phetchabun to Khao Kho District to visit Wat Phra Thad Pha Sorn Kaew – a hilltop Dharma practice centre founded in 2004, set amid mountains and decorated with more than five million mosaic tiles. We also visit the nearby hilltop cave associated with local sightings of a floating marble, believed by villagers to represent Buddha’s spirit. Breakfast and lunch included. Overnight in Khao Kho.

After breakfast at the hotel, we visit a British style flower garden with sweeping views of Pha Sorn Kaew. We then continue to Phu Ruea National Park in Loei – one of Thailand’s coldest provinces. The park’s northern edge borders Laos, its hills feed many local rivers, and the summit of Phu Ruea rises to 1,365 metres with broad views of the Huang and Mekong. Thanks to the cool climate, orchids bloom here year round. On the way, you can pause for a coffee if you wish.We carry on to Ban Na Aor, a cultural village that preserves traditional Thai–Loei houses and heritage, before travelling to Chiang Khan. As day turns to evening, we take in the Mekong River at sunset, then visit the lively night market at Khaeng Khut Khu to sample Chiang Khan’s specialities – ma prao kaew (wok fried coconut strips glazed with sugar), dark brown coconut sugar, roasted peanuts, and small deep fried river prawns served with cucumber dipping sauce or tossed into a spicy salad with chilli, garlic and lime. Lunch is included – overnight in Chiang Khan.

Rise early to join locals offering sticky rice to monks on their morning alms round. We cycle along the riverside promenade to Chiang Khan Walking Street, reaching the temple in good time. At Wat Sri Khun Muang (Wat Yai), we visit the Lanna–style monastery with its descending roofs and wall paintings depicting the Buddha’s ten existences. We then return to the hotel for breakfast — you can also catch sunrise along the riverbank.After check–out, we follow one of Thailand’s most scenic roads beside the Mekong. We stop at Wat Pha Tak Sua to take in the views from the 16–metre skywalk with glass floors and walls projecting over the cliff, then continue for a photo stop at the Sri Chiang Mai viewpoint before arriving in Nong Khai, 20 kilometres from the Laos border and gateway to Vientiane. The town reflects Isaan culture, shaped by Thai and Laotian heritage with a distinct identity in north–east Thailand. You can unwind by the river as the sun sets behind the Thai–Lao Friendship Bridge. Lunch included. Overnight in Nong Khai.

After breakfast at the hotel, we board a boat for an approximately 90–minute cruise along the Thai side of the Mekong. We stop at Tha Sadet Market – often called the Indochina Market – to see the blend of cross–border goods and local produce. We then leave Nong Khai for Sala Kaew Ku, an outdoor sculpture park of striking Buddhist and Hindu figures, some reaching 25 metres, colloquially known as Wat Khaek. Our journey continues to Ban Chiang in Udon Thani, a UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site discovered in 1966 and renowned for its distinctive red–painted pottery. We finish at the Thai–Chinese Cultural Centre, opened in 2013 to preserve the heritage of Udon Thani’s Thai–Chinese community, with a tranquil classical garden themed around the 24 manners of gratitude – the garden of a thousand–year–old morality. The day concludes with a drop–off at the airport or railway station for your onward travel. Breakfast and lunch included.