North Isaan and the Mekong, Private Tour

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~~$1201~~

$1144

North Isaan and the Mekong, Private Tour

4 Days Starting in Bangkok, Thailand and ending in Udon Thani, Thailand

Visiting: Khao Kho, Chiang Khan, Nong Khai

Tour operator:

Destination Services Thailand

Tour code:

422522

Group Type:

Private

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-99

Special diets catered:

Vegetarians, Meat

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Interests:

Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Wildlife Tours

Activities:

Boat/Cruise Excursion, Walking

From: $1201 $1144 Travel Club discount: -$57

NB: Prices correct on 21-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

Tour Overview

Embark on a captivating journey through North Isaan and the Mekong on this private tour, exploring Thailand's hidden gems. Begin in Bangkok and travel to Lopburi to visit the historic Phra Prang Sam Yot. Discover the serene beauty of Khao Kho with its gentle mountains and pine forests, and marvel at the panoramic views from Phu Ruea National Park. Experience the charming town of Chiang Khan with its picturesque teakwood houses and relaxed atmosphere along the Mekong River. In Nong Khai, visit the impressive Sala Kaew Ku sculpture park and enjoy a scenic boat trip on the Mekong. Conclude your adventure in Udon Thani, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ban Chiang and the Thai-Chinese Cultural Centre. Enjoy comfortable accommodations, air-conditioned private transportation, and guided tours with included meals and entrance fees.

Highlights

Khao Kho: This beautiful natural attraction presents a perfect combination of gentle mountains, scenic drives, and lovely pine forests.
Chiang Khan: The natural scenery on the Mekong riverbank, picturesque teakwood houses, and the relaxed, sleepy atmosphere make this historic town a fantastic destination.
Udon Thani: One of the four major cities of Isaan, Udon Thani is home to a large ex-pat population.
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.
Phra Prang Sam Yot: Visit this 13th-century former Hindu shrine in Lopburi, which was later converted into a Buddhist temple.
Phu Ruea National Park: Explore this park in Loei, known for its cool climate, rich orchids, and panoramic views from the summit of Phu Ruea.
Sala Kaew Ku: Discover this sculpture park in Nong Khai, featuring impressive Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, some as high as 25 meters.
Ban Chiang: Visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site in Udon Thani, known for its ancient red painted pottery.

Itinerary

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Day 1 : Bangkok – Lopburi – Khao Kho (450Km – 6 Hrs)

Location: Khao Kho

Accommodation Name: Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 2 : Khao Kho – Phu Ruea National Park – Loei – Chiang Khan (240Km – 4 Hrs)

Location: Chiang Khan

Accommodation Name: Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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.

Day 3 : Chiang Khan – Nong Khai (200Km – 3.5 Hrs)

Location: Nong Khai

Accommodation Name: Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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 Khai

Day 4 : Nong Khai –Depart Udon Thani (70Km – 1.5 Hrs)

Location: Nong Khai

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

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. Breakfast and lunch included.

What's Included

Tour Guide

Operated with an English-speaking guide. Operated with Italian/French/German or Spanish-speaking guide upon an additional cost (optional extra).
Accommodation

3 nights accommodation. Day 1 Khao Kho: Standard Hotel Category = Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar 3.5*. Day 2 Chiang Khan: Standard Hotel Category = Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar 4*. Day 3 Nong Khai: Standard Hotel Category = Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar 3.5*.
Meals

3 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
Transport

Air-conditioned private transportation and transfers as stated in the programme.
Entrance Fees and Activities

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, almsgiving, boat trip on the Mekong, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, Ban Chiang, Thai-Chinese cultural centre.

What's Not Included

Personal Expenditures

Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme.
Gratuity

Gratuity for driver and guide.
Optional Tours

Optional tours.
Flights and Visa Fees

International or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees.

Requirements

Comfortable and light clothing is the most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.

Please Note

Day 1: The tour starts at 7:00 am so we recommend booking a hotel stay in Bangkok as it is not included
Day 4: Drop off at Udon Thani airport or train station. (Recommended departure flight from Udon Thani after 19:30 hrs, or overnight train from Udon Thani to Bangkok departure at 19:59 hrs, not included)
We reserve the right to change itineraries and activities due to weather conditions, technical problems or security reasons
Early check-in, late check-out, connecting or adjoining rooms in the hotel are subject to availability and not guaranteed
In many hotels in Thailand, the triple rooms are a double room with an additional bed or sofa bed. Their comfort conditions are lower than the international standards of the triple room
No refund for unused services. Splitting of the package is not allowed

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Khao Kho

Standard Hotel Category = Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar 3.5*

Day 2 Chiang Khan

Standard Hotel Category = Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar 4*

Day 3 Nong Khai

Standard Hotel Category = Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar 3.5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre-night in Bangkok

Superior Hotel Category = Century Park or similar 4*

Mode of Transport

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned private transportation and transfers as stated in the programme, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.

Accommodation

Enjoy 3 nights of comfortable accommodation with stays at the Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort in Khao Kho, Chiangkhan River Mountain in Chiang Khan, and Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel in Nong Khai, offering 3.5 to 4-star amenities.

Accommodation options

ACCOMMODATION OPTIONS

Day 1 Khao Kho

Standard Hotel Category = Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort or similar 3.5*

Day 2 Chiang Khan

Standard Hotel Category = Chiangkhan River Mountain or similar 4*

Day 3 Nong Khai

Standard Hotel Category = Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel or similar 3.5*

OPTIONAL EXTRA

Pre-night in Bangkok

Superior Hotel Category = Century Park or similar 4*

Check out our Q&As

What type of transportation is provided during the tour?

Travel in comfort with air-conditioned private transportation and transfers as stated in the programme, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable journey throughout the tour.
What kind of accommodation can I expect during the tour?

You will enjoy 3 nights of comfortable accommodation with stays at the Imperial Phukaew Hill Resort in Khao Kho, Chiangkhan River Mountain in Chiang Khan, and Nong Khai Royal Nakhara Hotel in Nong Khai, offering 3.5 to 4-star amenities.
Are meals included in the tour package?

Yes, the tour includes 3 breakfasts and 4 lunches.
What activities and entrance fees are included in the tour?

All entrance fees and activities mentioned in the itinerary are included, 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, almsgiving, a boat trip on the Mekong, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, Ban Chiang, and the Thai-Chinese cultural centre.
Is there a tour guide provided?

Yes, the tour is operated with an English-speaking guide. Guides speaking Italian, French, German, or Spanish are available at an additional cost.

What should I wear during the tour?

Comfortable and light clothing is most suitable for travelling in Thailand. Visitors should not wear sleeveless shirts, shorts, short skirts, or skimpy clothing when visiting temples, religious, or official buildings. Shoes should be removed before entering a temple or private house. Sun protection, sunglasses, a hat, and mosquito repellent can be very useful during your stay.
Are there any specific recommendations for the start and end of the tour?

The tour starts at 7:00 am on Day 1, so it is recommended to book a hotel stay in Bangkok as it is not included. On Day 4, the drop-off is at Udon Thani airport or train station. It is recommended to book a departure flight from Udon Thani after 19:30 hrs or an overnight train from Udon Thani to Bangkok departing at 19:59 hrs.
Are there any exclusions in the tour package?

Yes, the tour package does not include personal expenditures, drinks and meals not stated explicitly in the programme, gratuity for the driver and guide, optional tours, and international or domestic flight tickets and airport taxes or visa fees.
What documents will I receive before I travel?

Booking confirmation with Itinerary and confirmation vouchers
Is there any option for solo traveller?

Yes of course. Please note that the default selection shows the price per person per double room. For solo travellers, you will have to select a single room when available.
What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

You can change it by logging into your profile and click on Bookings. Please check your cancellation policy.
When are there specific hotel names confirmed?

Confirmed hotel names are informed latest 10 days prior to client's arrival
What does the price include?

What is included is stated specifically on the product Description. Gratuities are at your discretion. Prices do not include (unless stated otherwise) - gratuities to the guide, driver or tour manager.
Are flights included in the tour?

No, they are not included
Are Visa fees included in the price?

No, visa fees are not included
Do you offer any travel insurance?

We do not offer Travel Insurance but would strongly recommend that you purchase a comprehensive Travel Insurance Policy prior to departure.

Reviews of this operator

Emma

Super!!

04-Oct-2022

Tour guide war super nett! Hotels wurden aufsteigend immer besser. Hätten uns über mehr ortstypisches essen gefreut und nicht nur touristische restaurants mit an europäer angepassten speisen. Alles in allem war es eine schöne reise mit toller route :)

Lucas

Fabolous company and staff

15-Dec-2022

Fabulous company and English-speaking guide. Great Tour minibus. Your every wish is considered.

Gabrielle

Shear pleasure

18-Nov-2022

Taking this tour with Destination Services Thailand was a shear pleasure. The response time before and during our trip was phenomenal. Our request of having two single beds and German speaking tour guides throughout was met without any problems. One minor hiccup in Bangkok was remedied immediately after our arrival in Chiang Mai.(Our included transportation from the hotel to the airport in Bangkok didn't show up on time. Therefore, we had to take a taxi and paid ourselves for the fare. Upon our arrival in Chiang Mai, our local tour guide reimbursed us immediately). Again, excellent service! Except for this one, all the pick ups occurred on time. The included meals were always freshly prepared, delicious and plentiful and the hotels met the 4* standard. To sum it all up: my brother and I had a memorable, wonderful experience and would recommend Destination Services Thailand to anyone without hesitation. Thank you to all that contributed to our marvelous trip.

Pavel R.

Awesome experience

26-Nov-2022

Grear tour. Our guide was very knowledgeable, had great English and was very helpful at every stage of the tour. Having AC on the bus, cold water and cool towels by our driver was super comfortable.

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~~$1201~~ $1144