From Bangkok to Isaan
Bite-sized trip
Day 1 – Morning train ride to Isaan
Today you will travel by train to Isaan. If you are coming from Bangkok, the journey is around four hours. From Khao Yai, it takes 1.5 hours. Either way, you’ll be treated to incredible views of small villages, lush green rice fields, dusty country roads and friendly locals going about their day. When you reach Sikhiu, you will be met by a driver who will take you to today’s lunch spot, hidden amongst the rice fields. A local Thai lady has prepared a delicious lunch for you. Have a seat and listen to her tales of growing rice and life in the countryside. It’s the perfect way to immerse yourself in the local culture.
Afternoon: Phanom Rung
After lunch, you’ll head to Phanom Rung – an ancient temple complex that was part of the great Khmer kingdom and shows strong similarities with the temples of Angkor Wat. The Hindu building was dedicated to the god Shiva and is supposed to represent the holy Kailash mountain. The temples are built on an old volcano, surrounded by rice fields. The entire area that you have visited today used to be part of the ‘Royal Way’, where the temples of Phanom Rung were connected to the temples of Angkor Wat. After exploring the temples, it’s time to head to your small guesthouse run by friendly and hospitable locals.
Day 2 – Explore rural Isaan by bike
The following day you will be given a map of the local area with directions and background information. Time to grab a bike from your guesthouse and head out to explore Isaam! You’ll cycle past local crafts, village life and the beautiful ruins of Prasat Muang Tam, before stopping for lunch at a typical Thai café. Soak up the rural atmosphere and then head back to your guesthouse in the afternoon for some relaxation.
Optional – Local cooking class
If you’d rather spend the afternoon learning to cook Thai dishes, then we can arrange this for you. A big Thai favourite is Som Tam (Papaya Salad) which comes from this region, along with many spicy dishes, grilled chicken, soups and fresh vegetables. You can learn to prepare an Isaan meal with a local who loves to share their passion for this part of Thailand. You’ll not only get to cook in a traditional kitchen, but you’ll also get to taste a cocktail infused with local herbs. Zaeb Lai! – which means ‘very tasty’ in local slang.
Day 3 – Onto Chanthaburi
The following morning, after breakfast, you will travel south with your driver. The landscape varies throughout your journey: high rocks, deep valleys and lush green rice fields. You’ll reach an orchard around noon, where lunch has been prepared for you, using local produce. After a delicious, fresh meal, you’ll get some time to explore the orchard and taste some of the unique fruits that grow here. Chances are you won’t have seen, let alone tasted any of these before, with vibrant colours, distinct flavours, unusual shapes, raw or pickled; really a feast for your taste buds! After a short drive, you’ll arrive at your accommodation for the night in Chanthaburi. It’s a comfortable hotel with a museum featuring an exhibition on the various local projects the hotel is collaborating on. For dinner tonight, there are plenty of restaurants within walking distance, for another delicious meal.
Day 4 – Departure from Chanthaburi
Today, it’s time to head off to your next exciting destination in Thailand. You’ll catch the bus back to Bangkok, which takes around four hours.
If you’d prefer to see the white beaches of Eastern Thailand, then we can arrange a transfer to Koh Samet, Koh Chang, Koh Mak or Koh Kood. If it’s jungles and rainforests you’re after, then we can arrange your travel northwest to Khao Yai National Park, where you can go on safari and spot wild elephants!
Accommodation
For this bite-sized trip we offer the following options
Flavours of Isaan - Cook, Taste and Sip
A big Thai favourite is Som Tam (Papaya Salad) which comes from this region, along with many spicy dishes, grilled chicken, soups and fresh vegetables. You can learn to prepare an Isaan meal with a local who loves to share their passion for this part of Thailand. You’ll not only get to cook in a traditional kitchen, but you’ll also get to taste a cocktail infused with local herbs. Zaeb Lai! – which means ‘very tasty’ in local slang.
