Unseen Thailand – Isaan

Welcome to Thailand!

Encounter the glimmering Golden Buddha at Wat Trimit and the Reclining Buddha at Wat Pho. Finally, visit Wat Benchamabopit, one of Bangkok’s most beautiful temples, which is also known as the Marble Temple; marvel at the glistening white marble that makes up the entire building’s facade.

Cruise down the Chao Phraya River on the Tahsaneeya Nava, a teak wood river barge converted into a delightful cruise boat. The historic landmarks on the glistening riverbanks, from impressive neoclassical buildings and palaces to wooden homes on stilts, provide a dynamic, moving backdrop for your evening, as you pick out Temple of Dawn (Wat Arun), Wat Phra Kaew, and the Grand Palace amid bustling river traffic. This tour promises you traditional Thai dance as well as classical Thai ‘kim’ music on the cruise.

n the morning visit Vimakmek Teakwood Mansion. This is said to be the world’s largest golden teak mansion, built with nary a single nail. You will explore the royal residence built by King Rama V in 1901. An outstanding example of 19th century architecture, it is built entirely of precious golden teak.

Get set for the big match! Move one big step closer to the intensity of Thai boxing, otherwise known as Muay Thai, as you get off your sofa and sit ring-side just meters away from the heat, adrenaline and intensity of one-on-one combat. Learn a little about this native martial art and self-defense technique as you watch the bruises build and sweat fly. This ancient battlefield technique known as the “art of eight limbs” unfolds before your eyes!

 

Drive from Bangkok to Khao Yai. On the way stop at Wat Phraputthabat to see Buddha’s footprint. No, we aren’t kidding!

If Bangkok’s traffic has frayed your nerves, we have just the right remedy for you. Let’s go for a roudn of wine tasting at Grand Monte. Grand Monte Estate is uniquely located in Asoke Valley, Khao Yai and conveniently lies adjacent to Khao Yai National Park, approximately 160 kilometers from Bangkok.

After breakfast, let’s head to the Khao Yai National Park for soft trekking. Venture onto the winding trek trails through the dense jungle under the knowledgeable guidance of a park ranger. Look out for some of the illusive residents as you walk such as the endearing wild jungle elephants, vibrant hornbills, and the mischievous gibbons and macaques. Escape from the humidity of the forest canopy as you bath in the cool trickling waters of the Park’s many waterfalls.

If you hadn’t yet had your fill of wildlife, we have more. Set out on a night safari and the chance to see deer, civets, binturongs, and maybe even an elephant or two in their natural habitat.

Today, let’s visit Pimai Historical Park, which houses the Phimai Sanctuary, the largest and one of the most important Khmer historical sites in Thailand. Our culture fix continues with a drive to the Ku Ka Sing Historical Park in Roi Et.

And our tour operator has a little surprise for you here! No, we won’t reveal what it is, but let’s just say that it involves a little bit of cooking skills. We encourage you also to try your hand at weaving. Learn from the Thais as they teach you how to create magic from cloth.

In the morning, drive to Muang Mai Batik for a Batik painting class. Muang Mai Batik  combines unique skill with batik and Roi Et silk by using batik technique on silk.  Learn the technique from the expert, let your imagination grow and create your own masterpiece.

In the afternoon, visit the Mat Weaving village. Jump on a local style vehicle and start exploring this village.

Drive to Loei. Raft down Huay Krating Mountain Lake. Hugged by breathtaking views, the reservoir reminds you of the immense natural history of Thailand.

Afternoon check in to our tent at Sirila Farm and await dinner with campfire. The farm uses solar lamps and promotes sustainability. As you know, Trippin loves to promote responsible travel. The tents are  very comfortable, have their own private bathroom with an open air rain shower with hot water, and a nice veranda with rocking chairs from where you can enjoy the sunrise and sunset.

We will start with a biking-tour around the farmer village (or if you don’t want to bike or cannot bike we will take care for a traditional”song taew” transportation). You will not see many other tourists in this village and the people are happy to welcome you in their houses or just want to say hello and make some pictures with you. You will bike quietly along the village, see the rice fields, other plantations, the wooden houses, and the way of life of the local farmers.

And in case you have a fondness for more wildlife, we have a visit to the Monkey Mountain.

Overnight again, let’s stay at the Wang Saphung farm.  The farm is fully self supporting and runs on solar power. The plantations include agar trees, pine-apples, dragon fruit, mango, coffee, cashew nut, date palms, macadamia trees, and many more. Dinner involves a BBQ, some glorious sunset views, and some quiet and peace. Now, who wouldn’t want that?

Departure to the airport to catch your flight to Bangkok. All good things must come to an end. But don’t fear. The next journey is yours to take. And ours to make.