Thailand Trips Kingdom and Cultures 10 Days / 09 Nights
Day 1: Bangkok - Ayutthaya - Lopburi - Phitsanulok (B/L)
Depart from Bangkok and head for the former capital of Thailand Ayutthaya. Here we make a stop to see three of the most important sights, which are, the gigantic bronze statues of Wat Mongkol Borpit, the three ancient pagodas at Wat Phra Sri Sanpet and Wat Pranangcheng.
Day 2: Phitsanulok - Sukhothai - Sri Satchanalai - Sukhothai (B/L)
After breakfast, we head north to travel back in time to the Sukhothai period. Sukhothai was the first capital of Thailand and nearby Sri Satchanalai was the northernmost outpost of the Sukhothai Kingdom. The Sri Satchanalai temples stand on the Khmer fort of Chalieng. Late afternoon, we return to Sukhothai for our overnight stay.
Day 3: Sukhothai - Phitsanulok - Dansai (Loei)(B/L)
Depart from the first Kingdom of Thailand and head into the area of the Khmer Empire, today known as Isan. Famous for its distinct music and culinary dishes, Isan offers a true rural Thai experience. En route, a stop will be made in Phitsanulok to visit a Folklore museum and a Buddha casting foundry before taking lunch. After lunch we continue through the northern countryside heading for Dansai, arriving mid afternoon. Overnight – Dansai
Day 4: Loei (B/L)
Exploring the Phu Ruea National Park Home to the highest peak in the area, 1365 metres above sea level, Phu Reau affords magnificent views across the mountains, whilst giving you the feeling of floating amongst the clouds. The park is home to a variety of wildlife including 26 different types of bird species and has an abundance of 'winter season' flora and fauna. Our day includes a short trek to the summit viewpoint of Yod Phu Reau, a visit to the world reknowned Chateau de Loei, Vineyard for fine wine tasting and stops at two of the most important temples around Dansai, before returning to relax at your hotel.
Day 5: Phu Reau - Chiang Khan (via Loei)(B/L)
Today we will take you through the heart of Loei, heading for the border town of Chiang Khan and for your trip 'Along the Mekong'. Our first stop will take you to a local orange producing farm, and then we head to the Ban Nong Bong plant market and Khamnuan Nusury home to cold climate flowers unique to this area. Arriving in Loei we have lunch, before heading to the Ban Kang Pla weaving group to see a demonstration on how the local fabrics are made. We then continue on towards Chiang Khan. After checking in, we head out onto the Mekong River, to take a cruise before sunset. Overnight Chiang Khan
Day 6 Chiang Khan – Pak Chom – Nong Khai (B/L)
This morning we head out downstream along the Mekong River’ heading for Pakchom. The two hour cruise will take you through some of the most beautiful and dramatic scenery on the Thai Mekong, as the river meanders along. From Pakchom we head onwards to Nongkhai, stopping on the way at Than Thong waterfall for swimming, and visit a meditation temple (Wat Hin Mak Peng) before arriving in time to experience the border market at Tha Sadet. Evening free to explore Nong Khai.
Day 7 Nong Khai – Ban Chiang – Khon Kaen (B/L)
After breakfast, we head out of Nong Khai towards Ban Chiang rural industrial village, stopping on the way to see Ban Na Kha, a local village well known for its cotton, silk and knit silk trading, then it’s on to one of the first ever settlements discovered in Thailand, Ban Chiang a village that became famous for the discovery of ancient artifacts dating back to the bronze age. Here you will see earthenware pots, tools and utensils which are now housed in the museum, along with the original excavation sites. Ban Chiang is now a UNESCO world heritage site. The nearby industrial village reproduces pottery with similar designs to those found at the site and here you will learn the traditional techniques used for clay molding, firing and how the distinct red painted designs are applied to create the finished product. We leave Ban Chiang, in mid afternoon heading for Khon Kaen arriving in time for dinner.
We start the day by visiting Hong Mun Mang, Khon Kaen’s city museum. Hong means a tower built to house treasures and has relics from the past through to the present, exhibiting the way of life of the region. The tower is located next to Kaen Nakhon Lake. Then we head to Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon the city’s main temple. This beautifully golden ornate temple has a nine story stupa which is an impressive
80 metres high. Murals within the stupa depict Khon Kaen’s history.
Leaving the city behind we head out passing rural villages stopping at Mat Mi Silk weaving community in Chonnabot. ‘Mat Mi’ has been the queen of Thai silk for generations, and the weavers here are some of the best in the whole country.Here you will see the whole process of silk weaving from silk worm rearing, reeling, the weaving to processing the final product.
Lunch will be taken nearby before heading for Phimai near Nakhon Ratchasima, arriving mid afternoon,
Phi Mai Khmer temple, was designed in the same style as Angkor Wat in Cambodia, this is the best preserved example of the Khmer times in Thailand. We include a visit to the museum located in the grounds which will help your understanding of the Khmer culture. We then continue on to Nakon Ratchasima and check in at our hotel for the night. Evening at leisure to explore this vibrant Isan town.
Today we make the short journey to beautiful Khao Yai National Park, on the way we’ll visit Ban Than Prasat, a bronze age excavation site and Ban Dan Kwein a fascinating pottery village with exhibits of both old and new creations, before arriving in Khao Yai in time for lunch.
After lunch and checking in at our hotel, you will have free time to explore the beauty of the park or take an optional mountain bike trek before an evening Night Safari where you will catch glimpses of the animals in their natural habitats and maybe a tiger or two.
Day 10 Khao Yai – Bangkok or Choose Koh Kood (Beach extension 4 nights) (B/L)
This morning we make a visit to one the main wine producing vineyards in the area, P.B Valley Khao Yai winery, which has been producing fine wines since 1998. Here we will take a tour, and discover the wine making process, with tasting. P.B Valley has won awards around the world and is internationally recognized as a fine wines produce Then we continue on heading either for Bangkok (end of tour), or south via Chantaburi to Trat for a well deserved beach extension on the beautifully relaxing island of Koh Kood.
Tour Cost: Please contact us: info@cambodiacycling.com
Recommended Hotels
Hotels |
4* |
3* |
Phitsanulok |
Topland |
Pailyn |
Sukhothai |
Le Charme |
Pailyn |
Dansai (Loei) |
Phu Phu Nam DLX |
Phu Phu Nam SUP |
Chiang Khan |
Chiang Khan Hill |
Chiang Khan Hill |
Nong Khai |
Grand hotel (DLX Room) |
Grand Hotel (SUP) |
Khon Kaen |
Charoen Thani |
Bussarakam |
Nakhon Ratchasima |
Sima Thani Hotel |
Hermitage |
Khao Yai |
Greenery Resort |
Grandview Resort |
Price Includes
Meals as mentioned (B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, Dinner = Dinner)
Tours and Entrance Fees
Transfers by Air-Con Vehicle
English Speaking Guide
Accommodation as specified based on two double rooms
All Government Taxes
Price Excludes
Personal Expenses
Drinks, Alcohol
Tips