🚗 Freedom Journey Through the Heart of Isan – Between Royal Heritage, Highland Plateaus and Forgotten Traditions

This morning, meet at the car rental agency to pick up your vehicle at 8:00 AM.

Begin the day with a visit to the Bang Pa In Royal Palace, built in the 17th century and later restored and enlarged by King Rama IV in the 19th century.

This vast estate features eclectic architecture, blending Thai pavilions, European towers and landscaped gardens, and served as a summer residence for the royal family.

You then join Ayutthayaand board a traditional boat to tour the historic island.

As you drift along the water, let yourself be captivated by the slender silhouettes of temples, the stilt houses, and scenes of daily life, all bathed in the timeless atmosphere of the ancient capital.

Dive into the glorious past of the ancient capital of the Siam kingdom, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.

• Visit to the Wat Mahathat, famous for its Buddha head entwined in the roots of a tree

• Continue to the Wat Phra Sri Sanphet, emblematic royal temple of the city.

• At the end of the day, Wat Chai Watthanaram, majestic temple by the water, ideal for enjoying the sunset over the ruins.

Night at the hotel Baan Tye Wang.

Start the day with a visit to the Vin de Ray vineyard, an estate nestled in the heart of nature, which selects grape varieties specially dedicated to wine production.

From the entrance, you can see rows of vines stretching along the hillside in a pleasant natural setting. The estate, open to visitors, invites you to take a stroll among the vines where you can breathe the pure air of Khao Yai.

You can also enjoy delicious grape tarts, fresh grape juice and local wine, perfect to taste on site or to take away as souvenirs.

Then, head to Muak Lek, a neighboring village renowned for its high-quality dairy production.

Attend a visit to the processing workshops and discover the milk, cheese and yogurt manufacturing process.

Tastings and direct sales at local markets. An authentic immersion in the world of local agriculture.

End the day with a visit to the Wat Phra Phutthachai, a temple perched on a hilltop, famous for its Buddha footprint engraved in the rock.

Admire the panoramic view of the surrounding countryside and the ancient murals of this spiritually rich place.

Installation at Ioon Resort, in a superior room

After breakfast, head to Lopburi, an iconic city where Khmer influences, Buddhist heritage and royal architecture blend together.

Start the day with a visit to the King Narai National Museum, located in the former royal palace. It offers a wonderful insight into the history of Lopburi, from the Dvâravatî period to the Ayutthaya era.

Continue with the city's main temples, rich in symbolism and architectural diversity:

• Wat Phra Sri Rattana Mahathat: majestic ruins and striking sculptures

• Wat Nakhon Kosa: Khmer architecture with refined patterns

• Phra Kala Sanctuary: sacred site in the heart of the city

• Phra Prang Sam Yod: Lopburi's icon, famous for its three prangs and free-roaming monkeys

Continue your journey towards Si Thep, a UNESCO World Heritage site, fascinating testimony to the Dvâravatî civilization, which flourished between the 6th and 10th centuries.

Must-see: The ritual moats surrounding the city, The Khao Klang Nok stupa, massive and impressive, The Khao Thamorrat cave, adorned with bas-reliefs sculpted in stone.

Installation at the Feungfah Litz, in a superior double room

After breakfast, take the road for a day rich in spirituality, nature and Thai heritage.

Begin with a visit to the Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew, perched on a hill in Thang Daeng, in the province of Phetchabun.

Founded in 2004, this modern temple impresses as much with its serenity as with its bold architecture, blending colorful mosaics, jade Buddha statues and a sacred courtyard with Bodhi trees.

The main stupa, adorned with precious stones and enameled tiles, is one of the most photogenic in the region.

Head next to the neighboring province of Loei to explore the Phu Luang nature reserve, a vast mountainous plateau peaking at 1,571 meters above sea level.

Created in 1974, this protected area is home to an exceptional mixed forest (pines, savanna, tropical forest), as well as unique biodiversity, typical of the Luang Prabang ecozone.

Set off on a guided walk along marked trails, among wild orchids, giant ferns and panoramic views of the mountains in the northeast.

Night at Phurua Resort in deluxe room

This morning, head towards the majestic Wat Pa Phu Kon, a Buddhist temple perched in the heart of the mountains of Udon Thani.

The atmosphere there is filled with calm and spirituality. Admire the giant statue of the reclining Buddha in white marble and enjoy a spectacular panoramic view of the surrounding forest.

Continue your day with a stop at Wat Pha Tak Suea Skywalk, known for its impressive glass skywalk suspended above the cliffs, offering a breathtaking view of the Mekong and Laos in the background.

Continue your day at the Tha Sadet market, on the banks of the Mekong, in the center of Nong Khai.

Once the governor's residence, this place has become a lively market where Indochinese and Eastern European products mingle: local specialties, clothing, jewelry and much more.

As you stroll along the river, enjoy a pleasant pedestrian walkway or a cycle path offering superb views of the Mekong.

Just 1 km away, stop at Larn Phaya Nak Ku, a cultural esplanade adorned with two immense Naga statues spouting water — an unmissable symbol of Nong Khai and a perfect spot for your photos.

End your day with a visit to an artisanal rum distillery, renowned for its spirits crafted from locally-grown sugarcane.

Discover the production stages, from fermentation to bottling, and enjoy an exclusive tasting.

This company committed to sustainable practices blends traditional craftsmanship with modern techniques to produce high-quality rum.

For your night in Nong Khai night at the Pimali Resort in a deluxe villa.

After breakfast, set out to explore the Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, one of the most fascinating sites in northeastern Thailand. This remarkable location is known for its spectacular rock formations, which were once used as natural shelters and later transformed into places of worship.

Dating back 1500 to 3000 years BC, the site preserves ochre and red rock paintings, evidence of the presence of the region's earliest human communities.

Don't miss the small sanctuaries carved into stone dating from the Dvâravatî period, which enhance the spiritual dimension of the place.

In late morning, enjoy a boat excursion of approximately 90 minutes on the magnificent Kumphawapi lake, whose surface is covered with blooming lotus flowers, creating a dreamlike landscape conducive to contemplation.

In the afternoon, travel to Khon Kaen, one of the main cities of Isan.

Upon arrival, visit the Nong Wang Muang temple, a majestic nine-storey building built in a style inspired by traditional Laotian architecture.

From its summit, you will enjoy a panoramic view of the city and its surroundings.

Check-in at Manomon residence, in a luxury room.

Begin your day with a stroll across the Kae Dam bridge, an impressive wooden bridge nearly one kilometer long, connecting the villages of Ban Kae Dam and Ban Hua Khua. It crosses a peaceful marsh covered with lotus and aquatic plants.

Head towards Surin province, the cradle of the Kui people, renowned for their thousand-year-old relationship with elephants.

At the Elephant Study Centre, discover the traditions of mahouts, training techniques passed down from generation to generation, and observe elephants in their daily environment.

In the afternoon, discover the village of Ban Tha Sawang, a major center for traditional yok thong silk weaving, with sophisticated golden patterns.

This village, classified as an "APEC weaving village" since 2003, has gained national recognition for having provided outfits for heads of state at international summits.

Attend a weaving demonstration, meet the artisans and explore a tradition still alive and transmitted with pride.

Bamboo Conservation Farm

This morning, visit of Prasat Sikhoraphum, a Khmer temple built in the 16th–17th century of the Buddhist era.

Initially Hindu and dedicated to Shiva, it was later converted to Theravada Buddhism.

The complex comprises five brick sanctuaries on a single platform, with the main sanctuary in the center.

Not to be missed: the sandstone lintel representing Shiva Nataraja, the wall sculptures of apsaras and dvarapalas, as well as the lintels illustrating the Krishna-avatar, now preserved at the Phimai National Museum.

Then, head to the Khmer temple of Prasat Muang Tham, remarkable for its architecture blending Baphuon and Khleang styles (15th–17th century Buddhist period). Built as a Hindu sanctuary, it consists of five brick towers set on the same laterite base, with the main tower having retained only its foundations.

You will discover superb sculpted lintels depicting notably Indra on the elephant Erawan, deities above the demon Kala, and female figures in procession. Stucco fragments testify to the richness of the original decoration.

The complex also includes two brick viharn, a sandstone cloister, and a double enclosure. At the four corners, basins bordered by steps are adorned with five-headed nāgas, giving the place a sacred and majestic atmosphere.

Continue to the majestic Prasat Phnom Rung, one of the most impressive Khmer sanctuaries in Thailand. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries at the summit of an ancient extinct volcano (350 m altitude), its name in Khmer means "the great mountain".

Dedicated to Shiva, the temple symbolizes Mount Kailash, the dwelling of the god and center of the universe. The site comprises several ritual stages: monumental staircases, colonnaded walkways, and three naga bridges representing the passage to the divine world.

At the heart of the complex, the main pink sandstone prasat once housed Shiva's sacred linga. Its magnificently carved pediments and lintels – such as Shiva Nataraja or Vishnu asleep on Ananta – are among the masterpieces of Khmer art in Isan.

Today classified as a historical park, Phnom Rung offers a grand atmosphere, where history, architecture and spirituality converge in a striking natural setting.

Installation at the Moon River Resort, in a luxury bungalow

This morning, don't miss the morning market in Phimai.

It's the ideal place to discover local life, taste freshly prepared Thai specialties and observe the hustle and bustle of the market.

After breakfast, we head to the Prasat Hin Phimai, one of the largest and most impressive Khmer sanctuaries in Thailand. The name Phimai is believed to come from Vimaya or Vimayapura, mentioned in several Khmer inscriptions found on the site.

This temple stands out for its south-facing orientation, exceptional in Khmer architecture, probably to align with the ancient road connecting Phimai to the Khmer capital, Sothorapura.

The inscriptions and architectural style indicate initial construction in the 11th century, under the reign of Sūryavarman I, in the Baphuon style, then enriched with Angkor Wat elements. In the 12th century, under Jayavarman VII, the site was enlarged and dedicated to Mahāyāna Buddhism, the religion of both sovereigns.

🌸 Among the remarkable elements:

• the Naga bridge and successive galleries leading to the sanctuary,

• the main tower in white sandstone, spiritual center of the complex,

• the Prang Brahmatat, linked to local stories,

• the Prang Hin Daeng, adorned with bas-reliefs inspired by the Mahābhārata

• as well as the twin libraries and corner basins.

Outside the enclosure, you can still discover the city gates, including the majestic south gate aligned with the temple's axis, and the Arokayasala, a hermitage in Jayavarman VII style, testament to Phimai's role as a spiritual and cultural crossroads of the Khmer empire.

We continue our journey towards Ban Prasat, an archaeological site located in the village of Ban Than Prasat.

This archaeological site, excavated since 1983, has revealed continuous human occupation from 1,500 to 3,000 years ago, from prehistory to the Dvaravati and ancient Khmer cultures.

We then continue on the road towards the city center of Nakhon Ratchassima (Korat).

In the evening, stroll through the Saveone Night Market to discover local crafts and taste Thai specialties in a relaxed evening atmosphere.

Installation at Centara Korat, in a deluxe room

This morning, heading towards the Khao Yai National Park, with a first stop at the Ban Tha Chang spring, a true hidden gem just 9 km from the park's north entrance.

Here, crystal-clear waters with turquoise reflections, shaded by dense vegetation, form a natural pool perfect for swimming or a moment of relaxation.

2 nights at Lala Mukha Tented Resort, in a Savannah Deluxe tent.

Set out for a day of exploration in the heart of Khao Yai National Park, one of Thailand's oldest and most famous parks, where lush jungle, spectacular waterfalls and unforgettable encounters with wildlife blend together.

The morning begins with a gentle journey through grasslands and forests, a perfect time to observe animals waking up with the sun.

After a well-deserved lunch break, the tour continues towards the majestic Haew Suwat waterfall, made famous by the film The Beach.

As night falls, the experience takes on a new dimension with the night safari.

In the darkness, the forest comes alive differently: deer, civets, porcupines and owls emerge in the beam of the headlights, while the luckiest visitors may catch a glimpse of a wild elephant or a gaur.

This morning, take the road towards a vineyard estate in Khao Yai, for a final gourmet and sensory experience before your return to Bangkok.

Thailand was a pioneer in wine production between the 14th and 18th parallels, giving birth to "New Latitude Wines": quality tropical wines, cultivated under unique conditions.

You will discover:

• The grape varieties cultivated on site

• Other tropical plantations such as dragon fruit, passion fruit, etc.

A commented tasting of 3 wines:

• PB Khao Yai Reserve Shiraz

• Sawasdee Shiraz

• Sauvignon Blanc

Return of your rental vehicle upon arrival in the city.

End of your self-drive tour – Thank you for your trust, and see you soon for a new adventure in Thailand!