7 DAYS / 6 NIGHTS
 GRAND I-SAAN & THAI – LAOS BORDER ( NORTHEAST THAILAND )
Validity : 1 November 2006 – 31 October 2007
Departure : Any Day upon RequestStarting & Ending Bangkok

The I-Saan region, or Northeast Thailand, is one of the least visited regions of Thailand , but the region is rich in culture and history. From the Ancient khmer ruins of the Angkor period, to the pre-historic remains at Ban Chiang. This is part of Thailand not to be missed

Day 1 Bangkok-Saraburi-Phanom Rung-Surin (L / D ) Depart from Bangkok to Saraburi with a visti Phra Buddha Badh with its shrine of the holy footprint of Lord Buddha and Wat Theppithak with its huge sitting Buddha located on the hillside. On the way to Mauk Lek Valley, gateway to Thailand's dairy land with a visit to the colourful market with its array of fresh milk products, fruits and vegetables. After lunch at local restaurant, we drive to visit the fascinating Ancient Khmer ruins of Phanom Rung, which is located on an inactive volcano, and Muang Tham. Then proceed to surin where we stop overnight here. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation : Tong Tarin Hotel, Surin

Day 2 Surin – Khao Phra Viharn-Ubol Ratchathani (B / L / D ) Depart early morning to Phrasat Hin Sikhoraphum, the tallest of which reaches 32m., and Phra Sat Wat Kampaeng Yai, a striking 11 th century sandstone “Prang”. Then continue to the magnificent Khao Phra Viharn on the Phnom Donrak mountain range overlooking Cambodia. Picnic lunch will be provide. NB : Visits to Khao Phra Viharn are subject to border situations at times. Late afternoon, we will proceed to the town of Ubol Ratchathanl, you will admire Wat Supattaram Woraviham, the home of the Dhamayuthi sect in the mid-19 th century. The architecture of the main chapel is a mix of Thai, European and Khmer styles. Wat Thung Si Muang was constructed in the reign of King Rama lll (1824-51). The Temple is a mix of early Rattanakosin and Lao architecture. Along with the representation of a Buddha footprint in one of the buildings, there is a scripture hall built on stilts in the middle of a pond. The chapel's interior is covered with 150 year old murals. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation : Tohsang Hotel Ubol Town

Day 3 Ubol Ratchathani-Khong Jiam-Nakorn Phanom (B / L / D ) This morning after breakfast, we drive to visit Chong Mek on the Tai-Lao border, then Khong Jiam, the confluence to two rivers, the Mekong and the Moon River, often referred to as the “Two Colored Rivers”. Nearby you can admire Sao Chailang, the surreal rock formations and Pha Team Cliff to see some prehistoric paintings on the overhanging cliff. Then we will drive to Mukdahan with a stop at Mekong Market. Lunch en route at local restaurant. By late afternoon, proceed to Nakorn Phanom, you will visit 1500 years old of Phra That Phanom, and Renu Nakhon, known for the weaving of cotton and silk. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation : Nakorn Phanom River View Hotel.

Day 4 Nakorn Phanom-Sakon Nakorn-Ban Chiang-Nong Khai (B / L / D ) This morning, we drive to Sakon Nakorn visiting Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, whith a prominent Lao style chedi built in the Ayuthaya period and Phra That Narai Cheng Weng Castle, with exquisitely carved lintels portraying Shiva and a reclining Vishnu. Lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, continue driving to visit Ban Chiang Historical Park and Museum with its archeological sites and extensive Ban Chiang exhibits. Then proceed to Nong Khai, a Thai border town on Mekhong River bank near Laos, and stop to visit Tha Sadet, border market, Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation : Nong Khai Grand Hotel, Nong Khai

Day 5 Nong Khai-Udon Thani-Khon Kaen (B / L / D ) This moming, you can admire the early morning fresh market and Luang Pho Phra Sai, the main Buddha image of the province enshrined at Wat Po Chai. Then proceed to Udon Thani, en route visit Ban Na Kha Village where is well-known of “Khid”, an intricate cloth-weaving technique used to make cotton fabrics and Udon Sunshine Fragrant orchid Garden. Lunch en route at local restaurant. Then proceed to Khon Kaen. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation : Charoen Thani Princess Hotel, Khon Kaen

Day 6 Khon Kaen – Chonnabot-Korat (B / L / D ) This morning we will visit Khon Kaen  National Museum , with a collection from Davaravadi period. NB : Museum is closed on Mon. & Tue. Then continue to Chonabot which is known for silk weaving. Lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, continue to Pimai for visit Pimai Museum and Prasat Hin Phimai Historical Park , an 11 th Century Khmer sanctuary. We then continue to visit Prasat Hin Wan. Dinner at hotel.
Accommodation : Sima Thani Hotel, Nakorn Ratchasima

Day 7 Korat-Dan Kwain - Bangkok (B / L / D ) After breakfast, we drive to visit Wat Sala Loi, best known for its chapel built in the shape of a Chinese junk. Then visit Daan Kwian Pottery Village , famous for its beautiful earthenware. We then continue to visit Muang Sema, another ancient city with the largest sand stone Reclining Buddha in Dvaravadi period at Wat Thamma Chak. Also visit Prasat Muang Kaeng, 10 th century khmer sanctuary. Lunch en route at local restaurant. Late afternoon, arrive Bangkok and drop off at your hotel for extension.

PRICE INCLUDES
— Itinerary as listed above — Accommodation at hotels as listed or
similar — Meals as specified
— English speaking guide — Air – conditioned vehicle or pick up mini truck if necessary — Portage— Service charge & Tax (including VAT)

NOT INCLUDES
— Items of person expenses i.e. Mini-bar, telephone calls, etc
— Airfare and departure airport tax — Optional tours