Trails of the Khmer Empire..3 Days/2 Nights



This tour offers an ideal overland journey to the border of Laos near Ubon Ratchathani, the crossing point to Pakse where you can join the Vat Phou Cruise. Along the route through the I-Saan you will visit the impressive remnants of the Khmer empire that once reached out to part of today’s Thailand. Day 01 Bangkok – Nakorn Ratchasrima – Surin (L/D) Depart Bangkok via Saraburi and Pak Chong for Chok Chai to visit a famous Pottery Community at Baan Daan Kwian. Continue via Nakorn Ratchasima to the Pimai Historical Park to visit Prasat Hin Pimai, one of the most splendid examples of classical Khmer religious architecture that can be found outside Cambodia. The main shrine is rich of Hindu and Mahayana Buddhist Iconography, including of the Hindu Gods Shiva and Vishnu and scenes from the Great Hindu Epic, the Ramayana. Lunch at a local restaurant After lunch, depart Pimai for Phnom Rung Historical Park. Prasat Phnom Rung is a Khmer sanctuary located on the hilltop of the dead ancient volcano. The main shrine contains bas relief depictions of episodes from the Hindu Epics; Ramayana and Maha Bharata. Late afternoon, leave Phnom Rung for Surin. Dinner & overnight at The Thong Tarin Hotel. Day 02 Surin – Sri Saket – Ubon Ratchathani – Khong Chiam (B/L/D) Breakfast. Depart Surin with a short stop at the basket & rattan wickerwork village at Baan Bu Thum. Proceed to Sri Khoraphum to visit the Khmer Ruin Prasat Sri Khoraphum with its fine lintel carving over the gate of the main shrine. Continue to U-Thumporn Pisai and visit Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, an Ancient Khmer Sanctuary which was originally built in the 11th Century as a Hindu Shrine dedicated to Shiva, one of the mightiest Hindu Gods. Continue with transfer via Sri Saket, Warin Chamrab, Ubon Ratchathani to Khong Chiam, the most eastern point of Thailand for lunch. Lunch at a local restaurant. After lunch, see Sao Chaliang, the natural rocks formation forms a mushroom-like mass where the fossilized of seashells, pebbles and sand grains can be seen in the stone slabs. The geologists believe that this area must have been on the seabed about 1,000,000 years ago. Proceed to Pha Taem, the riverside cliff overlooks the Mekong River. The cliff boasts prehistoric rock painting, believed to be between 3,000 and 4,000 years old of animals, fish and hunting scenes. Afterwards, transfer to Baan Woen Buek to enjoy a leisurely cruise along the Mekong River admire “the Two-Coloured Rivers” at the meeting point where the muddy brown water of Mekong River and the blue crystal clear water of Mun River convene. Late afternoon, transfer to The Toh Saeng Khong Chiam Resort and check-in. Dinner & overnight at The Toh Saeng Khong Chiam Resort. Day 03 Khong Chiam – Departure (B) Breakfast. Check-out and transfer to the Mek Border Pass will be provided for those who have an onward connection travel the Vat Phou Cruise. Those who don’t have any onward conjunction travel schedule will be at leisure until departure and transferred to either Ubon Ratchathani Airport or Railway Station to return to Bangkok either by flight or by train (air or train fare not included). Rates are approx $304 pp however they are seasonl also contact us for dates/space PRICE INCLUDES: - Tours & transfers as per the itinerary by air-conditioned vehicle with local English speaking guide. - Baggage handling. - Admission fess as per the itinerary - 3 days 2 nights accommodation with daily breakfast - Services and meals as state in the program - Service charge and applicable government tax. PRICE EXCLUDES: - International airfare & international airport tax - Domestic airfare Ubon Ratchathani – Bangkok v.v., - Domestic airport tax - Train fare Ubon Ratchathani – Bangkok v.v., - Optional tours and/or supplementary services - Other meals or services than mention in the program - Expenditure of a personal nature. - Compulsory meals during festive event. REMARKS: - Prices include the current applicable government tax at 7% VAT. Should the government revise or adjust the tax structure of the Kingdom, we reserve our right to adjust or revise accordingly.