North Isaan and the Mekong, Small Group Tour

North Isaan and the Mekong, Small Group Tour

59 Views
4 Days From

$932

North Isaan and the Mekong, Small Group Tour

4 Days Starting in Bangkok and ending in Udon Thani

Visiting: Thailand

Tour code:

36371

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Physical rating:

VERY_EASY

Age range:

10-

Tour operated in:

English , French , German , Spanish

Trip Styles:

Adventure Tours

From: $932

NB: Prices correct on 05-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

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.

Highlights

  • Khao 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

Itinerary

Expand All

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


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)


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)


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)


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
  • Italian, French, German or Spanish-speaking guide on request

*Different languages can be combined in our vehicles. There will be a separate guide for each language.

ACCOMMODATION: 

  • 3 nights accommodation

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*

MEALS:

  • 3 breakfasts
  • 4 lunches 

TRANSPORT:

  • Air-conditioned 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, alms giving, boat trip on Mekong, Wat Sri Khun Mueang, Sala Kaew Kou, Ban Chiang, Thai-Chinese cultural centre

What's Not Included

  • Expenditures of a personal nature, drinks and meals if not stated explicitly in the programme
  • Gratuity for driver and guide
  • Optional tours 
  • 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)
  • Local conditions prevalent at the time of travel may result in modifications to the tour contents without prior notice. 
  • 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*

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*

Videos

Check out our Q&As

  • Is a Meet & Greet Service provided by a company representative included in the tour?

    No

  • Are flights included in this tour?

    No, not international nor domestic flights to/from Thailand are not included

  • Will I know the names and details of all the accommodation before I depart?

    Yes, we will inform you about the confirmed hotel's list with a personalized welcome letter sent to your own email address

  • Are all entrance fees included in the price?

    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 Chiang, Thai-Chinese cultural centre

  • Are airport transfers included in this tour?

    No Arrival transfer included as the tour starts with a pick up from your hotel in Bangkok; Departure shared transfer from Udon Thani Airport or Railway station

  • What is the fitness level required to do this tour?

    Low

  • What is the maximum group size?

    25 people

  • Are children permitted to take part in the tour?

    Yes, any age

  • Will there be an escort accompanying this tour?

    Operated with English/Italian/French/German or Spanish-speaking guide

  • Is there a supplement for solo travellers?

    If a solo traveler is allowed for the tour, a single room with a specific rate will be available for you to book. If single room should not show available, solo traveler booking is on request

  • 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.

1 Select your preferred date

Tuesday - Friday

Jan 14, 2025 - Jan 17, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Jan 28, 2025 - Jan 31, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Feb 11, 2025 - Feb 14, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Feb 25, 2025 - Feb 28, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Mar 11, 2025 - Mar 14, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Mar 25, 2025 - Mar 28, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Apr 08, 2025 - Apr 11, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Apr 22, 2025 - Apr 25, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

May 13, 2025 - May 16, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

May 27, 2025 - May 30, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Jun 10, 2025 - Jun 13, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Jun 24, 2025 - Jun 27, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Jul 08, 2025 - Jul 11, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Jul 22, 2025 - Jul 25, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Aug 12, 2025 - Aug 15, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Aug 26, 2025 - Aug 29, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Sep 09, 2025 - Sep 12, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Sep 23, 2025 - Sep 26, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Oct 14, 2025 - Oct 17, 2025
$932

Tuesday - Friday

Oct 28, 2025 - Oct 31, 2025
$932

Book with Confidence

  • Low Deposit

    Destination Services Thailand requires a minimum deposit of 20% or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of destination services thailand charges.

    Up to 16 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 15 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

Similar Tours