Day 3 : Surin - Khao Phra Viharn - Ubon
Ratchathani - Khong Chiam
After breakfast, depart for Khao Phra Viharn, one of the most
spectacular locations of any monuments in South-East Asia, at the
top of a steep escarpment and majestically overlooking Cambodia.
Although physically standing on Cambodian territory, the only
practical access is from Thailand and therefore no visa is requried.
This unique constellation makes a visit to this hilltop temple even
more challenging and fascinating. After lunch at local restaurant,
proceed to Khong Chiam via Ubon Ratchathani. Dinner.
Overnight : TOHSANG KHONGJIAM HOTEL, which is beautifully
overlooking the Mekong River.
Day 4: Ubon Ratchathani - Mukdahan - Nakhon
Phanom
After breakfast, depart to Pha Taem National Park to see the
pre-historic cliff paintings, which date back some 2000 to 3000
years. After familiarizing yourself at the Visitor Center located on
top of this massive rock formation, walk down the trail from where
you will not only see the cliff paintings, but can also enjoy superb
views of the Mekong river and neighboring Laos. Proceed to Mukdahan
for lunch at local restaurant. After lunch visit the famous
Indochina market where products from the Mekong countries (Vietnam,
China, Laos and Cambodia) are sold to local people. Continue to
Nakhorn Phanom. En route visit the famous Thai temple Wat Phra
That Phanom. Arrive in Nakorn Phanom, a small and charming town
on the Mekong River and check in at Nakorn Phanom River View
Hotel.Enjoy a late afternoon boat ride on the mighty Mekong River to
see the panoramic view of the rugged Central Laos Limestone
Mountains and the simple and laid-back way of life of people along
the river. Dinner
Overnight: Nakorn Phanom River View Hotel/Nakorn Phanom
Day 5: Nakorn Phanom - Sakhon Nakhon - Udon
Thani - Bangkok
After breakfast, visit the former house of Ho Chi Minh, the famous
Vietnamese hero, who lived here for 7 years in the 1920s. We then
continue the journey to visit Wat Phra Thad Choeng Chum,
which is an ancient Sakon Nakhon historical site. This
plaster-covered brick pagoda has a square base and is 24 meters
high. The chapel houses the holy Luang Pho Ong Saen Buddha image.
Afterwards you will visit Phra Thad Narai Cheng Weng
sanctuary, built by and named for the wife of a 10th-11th century
Khmer ruler. Local people now call it "Phra That Na Weng".
Originally part of a Khmer Hindu complex, the prang has exquisitely
carved lintels portraying Shiva and a reclining Vishnu. Lunch will
be served at a local restaurant, after which you will visit Baan
Chiang National Museum near Udon Thani: Ancient artifacts, including
tools, utensils, pottery and jewelry, between 4000 and 7000 years
old, were unearthed in the immediate vicinity. The distinctive
pottery, with its fingerprint whorl decorations, is believed to be
the world's oldest decorative earthenware. Nearby burial pits, left
as they were after excavation, in the compound of Wat Po Si Nai,
show how valuables, including earthenware pots, were buried with the
dead. Evidence of primitive bronze casting technology was discovered
in the area, and in 1992 UNESCO declared Ban Chiang a World Heritage
Site. Continue the drive to Udon Thani town for an early dinner
prior to your transfer to Udon Thani airport for an evening flight
back to Bangkok (TG 019 20:25-21:25hrs). Upon arrival in Bangkok,
transfer to your hotel.
