One Month Itinerary for Isaan

For a complete travel guide to Buriram, check out:Discover Buriram: 11 Awesome Things to Do and More

Day 3-4: Buriram (2 Nights)

Next up, we are visiting Buriram, a small province in southern Isaan, best known for its beautiful Khmer ruins, its football team Buriram United (for those who are soccer fans), and perhaps most unexpectedly, as the hometown of the world-famous K-pop star LISA.

Start early in the morning from Korat and drive to the Wetland and Sarus Crane Learning Center, located on the banks of the Chorakhe Mak Reservoir just outside Buriram City, about a 2-hour drive from Korat. This is one of my personal favorite spots, where one can peacefully enjoy the wetland views while observing the vibrant bird ecosystem being carefully preserved here.

Next, drive up to Khao Kradong Forest Park for a beautiful view of the surroundings from its lookout point, where you’ll also find a large golden Buddha image. Fun fact: the park sits atop an extinct volcano, and you can still spot its caldera hidden among the lush forest. Be sure to take some time to track it down while you’re here.

Spend the rest of the day exploring other attractions in the city, such as the Chang Arena, a major venue that often hosts big events; Buriram Castle, an open-air community mall where you can take a break and enjoy lunch; the Buri Ram Northeast Culture Center for a dose of local history; or, if you’re there on a weekend, head to So Krao Walking Street and eat your way through the lively night market.

On the next day, spend your time exploring the stunning temples and Khmer ruins that Buriram is famous for, starting with Wat Khao Angkhan, an ancient temple built atop an extinct volcano. What makes this temple stand out is its striking red exterior, a rare sight in Thailand. From here, you’ll also be treated to sweeping views of the surrounding landscape, including the volcano’s caldera, now filled with water in the distance.

Next, we headed over to the true highlight of Buriram, the Phanom Rung Historical Park, an impressive 10th–13th century Khmer temple complex located on top of another extinct volcano. I told you there are lots of extinct volcanoes here 😂. This is one of the most impressive and best-preserved Khmer temples in Thailand and one that you should not miss.

The temple is famous for its well-preserved rock carvings, as well as the unique walkway and stairway that lead up to the temple, thanks to its photogenic location. This is something that I have not seen at Khmer ruins anywhere else but here, and I have seen much of the ruins in Thailand and Cambodia.

One of the coolest aspects of this temple is the fact that it was built in a way that aligns with the sun so that during the equinoxes, sunlight illuminates the main sanctuary through all 15 doorways, a phenomenon that draws quite a crowd of local tourists and photographers.

I was there during one of the equinoxes in April when the sun aligns perfectly through the doorway at sunrise, and it was mayhem 😂. There were so many people all waiting to take that one photo where the sun shines through the doorway.

The best part about visiting during this time is that you’ll get to witness the incredible light and sound show at the Climbing of Phanom Rung Festival, a spectacular 3-day celebration filled with ancient markets, parades, and traditional performances.

It’s similar to the Phimai Festival, but held at a different time of year and featuring unique shows of its own. Both festivals are worth experiencing, but if you happen to be here in April, don’t miss the unforgettable Phanom Rung Festival.

After exploring Phanom Rung, head over to Prasat Muang Tam, which is arguably my favorite Khmer temple in the area, even more so than Phanom Rung. I love its spacious, open atmosphere, the peaceful mornings with hardly any crowds, and the intricate architectural details scattered throughout.

It’s also much more accessible than Phanom Rung, since it’s located right in the middle of town rather than perched up in the mountains. The temple itself is surrounded by ponds where you can stroll around and enjoy the scenery without having to deal with the crowds like at Phanom Rung. I went there in the early morning after sunrise, and I had much of the place to myself.

Before heading back to Buriram for the night, be sure to stop by Laksna Restaurant in Nang Rong, a town not far from Phanom Rung Historical Park. Their delicious broth and tender, succulent braised pork leg are absolutely to die for. It's great for lunch or dinner as you explore Phanom Rung and its surrounding areas. You can then spend the rest of the day relaxing and get ready for a long drive tomorrow to Surin and Si Saket.

Where to Stay in Buriram?

Fortune Hotel Buriram

Modena by Fraser Buriram

For a complete travel guide to Surin, check out:Visit Surin: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More

Day 5-6: Surin & Si Saket (2 Nights)

On this day, we’ll be driving through Surin, a small province with a handful of charming attractions, before continuing on to Si Saket, where we’ll spend two nights. That should be plenty of time to explore both provinces since they’re relatively small. It’s going to be a long drive though, so be sure to set off from Buriram early in the morning.

First stop is Phanom Sawai Forest Park, a temple complex built within a forest park about an hour's drive from Buriram. The area features a network of walking trails that guide you through peaceful mountain scenery and tranquil religious sites scattered along the way.

Next up, you can drive to Surin City and check out what's happening there, starting with Surin National Museum, a great place to learn more about the province’s cultural and historical heritage. The museum comprises a section dedicated to each era of discovery, all filled with displays and artifacts from that time. From the prehistoric skeleton remains to the variety of indigenous people living here, you will gain a much better understanding of what makes Surin stand out from the rest.

After you are done with the museum, you can continue to Prasat Sikhoraphum, an impressive Khmer ruin built in the 12th century by the very king who commissioned Angkor Wat. The place features five brick towers in a quincunx pattern on a laterite base, a configuration you can only find among Khmer temples located in modern-day Thailand. It is one of the most well-preserved Khmer temples in Surin, and worth a stop as you drive towards Si Saket.

From here, we will be entering Si Saket, and before you enter the city's premise, be sure to stop by and check out Wat Pa Sri Mongkhon Rattanaram first. At first glance, it seems like a random temple in the middle of nowhere, but it’s actually one of the most beautiful in the province. The temple features stunning cave-like prayer halls filled with intricate sculptures covering every surface, from floor to ceiling. It's quite a sight to behold.

And of course, do not miss Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, one of the largest, well-preserved, and most revered archaeological complexes in Si Saket. The temple was built in the 11th Century as a Hindu Temple but was later converted into a Buddhist temple during the reign of King Jayavarman VII, who also built Angkor Wat.

What’s cool about this temple is that after the ruins were rediscovered, a modern temple was built around them. The site remains an active place of worship to this day, while the ancient Khmer structures have been preserved and protected within these modern temple walls.

Now that you have arrived in Si Saket, you can settle in at your accommodation and head over to Koh Klang Nam in the evening for a stroll along the bank of this artificial island in a lake. Here, you will find a beautiful and spacious green park with several attractions like an observation tower, an aquarium, and a network of walking paths that run along the bank of the reservoir that you can enjoy.

At the center of Koh Klang Nam, you’ll find Si Saket Tower, an observation tower where you can take an elevator to the top and enjoy panoramic views of Si Saket City. The tower also houses the city’s museum on the first and second floors, where you can learn more about the city’s history, its people, local cultures, and much more.

If you want to go up the tower, keep in mind the closing time is 4 PM on weekdays and 6 PM on weekends, so if you are planning to go up the tower for a great view of the surroundings in the evening, be sure to get there before closing time. The entrance fee is only 30 THB per person!

For dinner in Si Saket City, you might want to check out Khao Kha Moo Yunnan. They serve the famous Thai braised pork leg dishes but with a twist, and I really enjoyed it. The city is very quiet at night, so you can spend the rest of the night resting at your accommodation and preparing for a full day of exploration the next day.

For the next day, we will be spending the entire day exploring Si Saket and its border area, which is quite a long drive, but first, we have to have breakfast at Chio Kee, a local breakfast place that has been in operation since 1942! They serve Thai traditional breakfast dishes like Khai Grata (egg on a pan), congee, and different types of rice menus, as well as coffee, Thai tea, and more.

Once you are done, make your way to Pha Mor E Daeng, an old national park where Prasat Preah Vihear is located. Unfortunately, the temple is no longer part of Thailand but now belongs to Cambodia, so you can only enjoy the cliffside area and see the temple from afar. That said, the viewpoint overlooking the vast Cambodian lowlands is absolutely stunning and well worth the visit.

We've also built stunning walkways along the ridge of the cliff, where you can stroll and take in the breathtaking scenery. There are also impressive Bas Relief stone carvings of Hindu gods on one of the cliff faces, which are definitely worth checking out. It’s quite a sight to behold.

Once you are done at Pha Mor E Dang, you can head back to the city but not before stopping by at Wat Lan Khuad, or the Million Bottles Temple, which, as the name suggests, is built using all kinds of leftover bottles. They really took recycling to the next level here.

Inside these structures, you’ll find that the walls, pillars, altars, even the entrances, are all built using glass bottles. From what I observed, they used green beer bottles and brown Red Bull bottles to create contrast: green for the roof and decorative elements, and brown for the walls and pillars. It's pretty cool to see.

After visiting the temple, spend the rest of the day relaxing at your accommodation in Si Saket and preparing for the drive to Ubon Ratchathani tomorrow, one of the liveliest cities in Southern Isaan.

For a complete travel guide to Si Saket, check out:Discover Si Saket: 11 Amazing Things to Do and More

Where to Stay in Si Saket?

Gallery Design - SHA Extra Plus

Boonsiri Boutique Hotel

For a complete travel guide to Ubon Ratchathani, check out:Ubon Ratchathani: 14 Amazing Things to Do and More

Day 7-8: Ubon Ratchathani (2 Nights)

For today, we are going to drive to Ubon Ratchathani, one of the liveliest provinces in Southern Isaan with a ton of things to do and see. The area is known for its delicious array of unique Thai cuisine inspired by both Laos and Vietnam, its abundance of waterfalls and natural attractions, and its beautiful temples, including one that actually glows in the dark.

It should take about 1 hour to get from Si Saket to Ubon Ratchathani City. For Ubon Ratchathani, I highly recommend you spend one night in the city, booking one of these available accommodations, and another night at this accommodation in Khong Chiam near the border between Thailand and Laos, so you can continue on your journey to Amnat Charoen, our next province, without having to drive back and forth.

There are several attractions around Ubon Ratchathani City worth visiting, such as Wat Nong Pah Pong, a beautiful forest temple with a stunning golden pagoda; Wat Phra That Nong Bua, a highly revered temple featuring a giant stupa decorated with intricate designs inside and out; and Huk Mun Market, a riverside night market perfect for an evening drink while watching the sunset over the Mun River.

While you are in the city, you might also want to check out Wat Thung Si Mueang, home to the beautiful wooden library built on stilts in the middle of a pond, Thung Sri Mueang Park, where you will find an elaborate golden monument glistening in the sun, and Ubon Ratchathani National Museum, a great city museum where you can learn more about Ubon Ratchathani province as a whole.

For eateries, you can have breakfast and lunch at Ubon Ocha, a local eatery that has been serving delicious meals at the same spot for decades. One of their standout dishes is Guay Jub Yuan, a Thai-Vietnamese-style noodle soup. You can choose from a variety of meats, including pork, chicken (they even offer chicken feet for the adventurous!), Vietnamese sausage, and more.

For an afternoon coffee or evening drinks, other than Huk Mun Market, you can also check out Impresison Sunset, a vibrant cultural hub housed in this renovated four-story building. Here, you'll find a charming café, a lively bar with outdoor seating and live music at night, an airy rooftop bar where you can hang out, and an art gallery to explore.

On the second day, you will be spending the night at Klong Chiam, located not too far from Chong Mek, the main border crossing between Thailand and Southern Laos. It should take about 1.5 hours to reach the town, but be sure to stop at all the tourist attractions along the way.

On your way east, make sure to stop by Sirindhorn Dam Nature Skywalk, a beautiful walkway with a grand view of the reservoir there, Tat Ton Waterfall, a beautiful waterfall with a wide epic cascade, and of course, Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao, the famous glow-in-the-dark temple!

Built atop a hill overlooking the Thai-Lao border, this incredible temple is best known for the luminous paint used to decorate its exterior. It’s a one-of-a-kind glow-in-the-dark temple that you won’t find anywhere else but here. The luminous paint is used to create intricate patterns on the floors and walls of the temple grounds, and, of course, the best time to witness this glowing spectacle is after sundown.

Around sunset, you’ll see tourists from all over Thailand gathering around the temple to watch the magic unfold. In my opinion, the best time to visit Wat Sirindhorn Wararam is about 30 minutes after sunset. That’s when the blue hour sets in, casting the perfect light for photography.

The temple is only around a 30-minute drive from Khong Chiam so you can leave the temple for the end of the day and spend the day visiting tourist attractions near Khong Chiam first like the Two-Color River Viewpoint, Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, and Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai.

If you have extra time, you can venture further north to visit spots like Sao Chaliang with its striking rock formations; Sang Chan Waterfall, best visited during the rainy season since it dries up otherwise; and Thung Na Mueang Waterfall, a pretty waterfall tucked within the lush forests of Ubon Ratchathani.

Once you are done, you can come back to Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao for a beautiful blue hour before retreating for the day.

If you wish to go to Pakse, Laos, spare at least 2 - 3 days as there's quite a lot to do there and bring your passport! You can follow my Thailand-Lao Border Crossing guide where I illustrated how I crossed the Chong Mek Border Crossing from Thailand to Laos and vice versa. For things to do in Pakse, you can also check my Pakse travel guide out as I listed my favorite things to do, how to get around, and more.

For a complete travel guide to Pakse, check out:Exploring Pakse: 10 Best Things to Do and More

Where to Stay in Ubon Ratchathani?

V Hotel Ubon Ratchathani

Day 9: Amnat Charoen & Yasothon (1 Night)

After you are done with Ubon Ratchathani, the next day, you can start your journey from Khong Chiam and make your way to 3000 Bok, one last attraction in Ubon Ratchathani to visit before we make our way across the province line into Amnat Charoen.

3000 Bok or Sam Phan Bok is a dried riverbed famous for its unique rock formations. Here, you will find thousands of cylindrical depressions carved into the sandstone bedrock by the erosive forces of the Mekong River over millennia. Once you arrive, you can park your car at the village nearby. There, you have the option to either hire a song-taew to take you around the area and see some of the place's finest features, or you can opt to walk around by yourself. Expect to spend at least 30 minutes to a few hours here.

Afterward, continue driving northwest until you reach Chedi Hin Phan Lan Khon, officially entering Amnat Charoen, a small province that even Thai people know very little about. There isn't a lot to see in this province, but the stone temple at Chedi Hin Phan Lan Khon left quite a lasting impression on me, which is why I recommend stopping by as you pass through the province.

The chedi’s exterior is beautifully decorated, with small stones forming elaborate patterns across its walls. It is surrounded by some of the most creative and beautifully made stone sculptures of mythical creatures from Buddhist lore, all adorned with the same intricate stonework. It's truly quite a sight to behold.

Once that is done, you can drive south from the stone temple and visit Pha Chuen Warin, a stunning cliffside viewpoint located within Phu Sing–Phu Pha Phung Forest Park on top of the highest mountain in the province, offering a breathtaking view of the landscape surrounding it. You can spend about an hour here before continuing your journey to Yasothon.

For lunch, you can stop by Malila Cafe, a lovely little restaurant in the city center. They serve a variety of both Western and Thai dishes with excellent quality and reasonable prices, located in Amnat Charoen City. You will also get to see the sleepy main city of the province as you drive through it.

For a complete travel guide to Amnat Charoen, check out:Visit Amnat Charoen: 9 Best Things to Do & More

After lunch, continue driving west and you will arrive in Yasothon, a small but charming province best known for its deep-rooted history in folklore involving a toad prince, and the site of the famous Rocket Festival, or Bun Bung Fai Festival. Before we enter Yasothon and learn all about it, be sure to drop by That Kong Khao Noi, or as I called it, the leaning tower of Yasothon, an ancient Khmer-style stupa believed to have been built between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Once done, you can then visit the Phraya Kankak Museum, located on the banks of Klong Chiam Lake. The museum is housed inside a building shaped like a giant orange toad. Yes, you read that right! This brightly painted toad is just standing there, right in the heart of Yasothon City Center, and this is where you can learn more about how the rocket festival came to be, as well as other interesting sides of Yasothon's history.

Located right next to Phraya Kankak Museum, you will also find Wiman Phaya Tan, a massive naga structure that is also a museum dedicated to telling the story of the rain god that fought with Phraya Kankak in the folklore. The naga structure you see is a depiction of the rain god that you read about at Phraya Kankak, and you can learn more about it here.

After you are done with the museums, you can come and visit the charming Yasothon's Old Town, home to a handful of well-preserved colonial-era architecture, including ancient Indochinese painted wooden houses and Sino-Portuguese style buildings, which offer a glimpse into the town's rich history.

There's also a history museum here called Singha Tha Museum where you can learn more about the old town. They close at 4:30 PM, so it might be too late when you arrive. However, since you are spending overnight here, you can leave it for the morning.

If you’re visiting on a Wednesday evening, the entire old town transforms into a lively walking street, filled with people and vibrant events to keep you entertained. If not, it’s still a charming and peaceful place to explore while in Yasothon.

While here, be sure to visit Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang, one of the town’s oldest and most sacred temples. The temple features a beautiful white Prathat pagoda and a wooden library built on stilts in the middle of a pond, similar to the one in Ubon Ratchathani, but here, you’ll also find a shrine inside where locals come to pray.

For a complete travel guide to Yasothon, check out:Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Yasothon?

Day 10-11: Roi Et (2 Nights)

And we’ve finally arrived in Roi Et, one of my favorite cities in Isaan. The city center is newly developed, featuring iconic landmarks like Roi Et Tower, a 101-meter-high observation deck shaped like a traditional votive instrument, and a beautiful walking path around Bueng Planchai that is reminiscent of Singapore’s Marina Bay. Roi Et is the kind of city I could definitely see myself living in.

Since we will be spending 2 nights in Roi Et, we can afford a few side trips to day. Instead of heading west directly to Roi Et City, I recommend you drive southwest down to Wat Ku Phra Kona first to check out its stunning 11th-century Khmer ruins. It should take about 40 minutes from Yasothon to get to this temple.

While in the area, be sure to visit Wat Burapha Ku Ka Singh, another impressive Khmer ruin. It’s a bit larger and comparable in size to the ruins you saw in Si Saket and Surin. It’s amazing to see such Khmer architecture all the way here in Central Isaan.

After the side trip, you can make your way to Roi Et City, visit some of the tourist attractions inside the city like Wat Burapha Phiram with its giant Buddha image, Roi Et National Museum to learn more about the history of the province, or stop for lunch at Tumkratoei for some traditional Isaan dishes.

In the afternoon, you can drive to Wat Pa Non Sawan located just outside Roi Et's city premises. Wat Pa Non Sawan is probably one of the most colorful and quirky temples you can visit in Roi Et. It’s best known for its vast collection of vibrant statues and carvings that depict everything from the life cycle of the Buddha to mythical creatures of Buddhist theology, like nagas, giants, and more.

I’ve visited many temples across Thailand, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this one. The sheer number of colorful statues is mind-boggling. You’ll be surrounded by statues of all shapes and sizes, painted in a vibrant palette of colors. In the center, a tower allows you to climb up and take in the entire scene from above. It's truly quite a sight to see!

In the evening, you can then proceed up the Roi Et Tower and check out the view 101 meters above the city at sunset. When you are done, you can go and stroll around Bueng Planchai, a lake with what is arguably one of the best-developed lakeside parks in Thailand. It features fountain shows, stunning walkways over the water, and a lively evening atmosphere that reminded me of the Marina Bay area in Singapore. Yes, it's that incredible!

After sundown, the area comes alive with people jogging along the paths, beautiful lights illuminating both the park and Roi Et Tower, and fountain shows synchronized to music in the background. What a perfect way to enjoy the evening before ending the night in Roi Et.

For the second day in Roi Et, I highly recommend spending the entire day resting and enjoying a slow, quiet day in the city. By this point, on the 11th day of nonstop traveling, you’ll definitely need it to recharge and avoid the temple fatigue I often experience on long trips like this.

There are a few other temples in Roi Et that we’ll visit later, as they’re located on the far end of the province, and it's actually closer to Mukdahan than to Roi Et city center. Since we’ll be heading to Mukdahan in a few days, we can make a side trip to see these temples and complete our exploration of Roi Et later.

For a complete travel guide to Roi Et, check out:Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Roi Et?

Le Park 23 Boutique Resort

Day 14-15: Maha Sarakham & Chaiyaphum (2 Nights)

After the second night in Roi Et, we can continue our Isaan journey to Maha Sarakkam, another small province sandwiched between the larger and more popular neighboring provinces that not many people know about. We will be checking out some of my favorite places in Maha Sarakham today, before we head over to Chaiyaphum to spend the night.

First and foremost, I recommend you stop by Mai Kae Dam Bridge, a beautiful wooden bridge built by the local community and temple to connect neighborhoods across a peaceful pond filled with blooming lotus flowers and birds.

Since you will be here in the morning, just after sunrise, you should have the whole place to yourself. You will also see plenty of birds flying around, and local farmers and their water buffalos heading out into the field for the day. It's really quite a peaceful experience in the morning.

If you want to see a cool-looking temple, you can also stop by Wat Nong Huling, also known as "Wat Ruea", which translates to Boat Temple. This temple is exactly what you’d expect - a temple shaped like a boat. Well, technically, it’s a royal barge, fully decked out with gold-colored decorations from top to bottom. The amount of detail put into building this boat temple is truly mind-boggling!

From here, you can continue driving southwest until you arrive at Phra Borommathat Nadun, one of the most sacred and highly revered temples in Maha Sarakham, best known for the massive white pagoda that stands on the very site where archaeologists unearthed an ancient relic stupa containing the Buddha’s remains inside, likely dating from the Dvaravati period (circa 6th–8th centuries).

There’s quite a lot to see here. Behind the pagoda, you’ll discover a quiet Buddhist park perfect for a peaceful stroll. The park is beautifully decorated with Buddhist sculptures, waterfalls, and fountains, all set beneath a canopy of shade trees, making it a great escape from the midday heat.

After a little detour, you will then be driving all the way to Chaiyaphum, which will take about 3 hours. You can break this trip by visiting Phra That Inthaplang, a temple featuring one of the most unique architectural designs in the area, with inspiration drawn from contemporary styles, Isaan traditions, and even ancient Khmer architecture, located along the way.

For a complete travel guide to Maha Sarakham, check out:Visiting Maha Sarakham: 9 Amazing Things to Do & More

After arriving in Chaiyaphum City and checking into your accommodation, head out in the late afternoon to Thung Bua Daeng, Ban Maklua. Take a peaceful stroll along the wooden bridge that stretches across a lake covered in blooming lotus flowers, with birds chirping all around, and stay to watch the sun set over the water.

Afterward, head back to the city and stop by the Chaiyaphum Night Bazaar, a small yet charming market filled with street food carts and casual street-side restaurants serving affordable local dishes, and more. It’s a great spot to enjoy a lively atmosphere and grab some dinner before retreating for the night.

Since we are spending 2 nights in Chaiyaphum, we can spend the rest of the next day exploring the rest of the province has to offer starting with Pha Hua Nak Viewpoint for a beautiful sunrise. While here, you can also check out Mo Hin Khao with its beautiful rock formations, the highly revered Wat Phra That Chaiyaphum, and Tat Ton Waterfall.

After exploring the area, head back to the city for an early lunch before making your way to Sai Thong National Park, home to the breathtaking Haam Hod Cliff, one of my favorite viewpoints in the province. The park is also known for its wild Siam tulip flower fields, perfect for a relaxing stroll. Plan to spend around 1–2 hours here.

From there, continue south to Pa Hin Ngam National Park, another scenic spot filled with blooming flowers, fascinating rock formations, and the dramatic Sut Phaendin Cliff. This place is especially magical in the late afternoon as the sun begins to dip toward the horizon. Expect to spend about 2–3 hours exploring.

By the time you are done with both national parks, it should be evening, and you can head back to Chaiyaphum City and relax for the rest of the night. The next day, we are going to visit Khon Kaen, one of the largest cities in Isaan!

For a complete travel guide to Chaiyaphum, check out:Discover Chaiyaphum: 12 Incredible Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Chaiyaphum?

Day 16-17: Khon Kaen (2 Nights)

As one of the largest provinces in Isaan, Khon Kaen offers some of the best things to do in the region. It is also home to Phu Wiang National Park, a place rich in both nature and history, best known for its dinosaur excavation sites and Thailand's first dinosaur museum, which you can explore. This is where we will begin our journey in Khon Kaen. From Chaiyaphum, it takes about 2 hours and 15 minutes to reach Phu Wiang National Park.

One of my favorite spots in Phu Wiang National Park is the Tat Fa Waterfall, hidden deep within the park’s lush forest. I recommend stopping here first since it’s the furthest attraction inside the park. From there, you can make your way back out and visit other highlights such as Chom Tawan Cliff and the Phu Wiang Nature Trail.

The Phu Wiang Nature Trail is a great place to hike and discover actual dinosaur excavation sites on foot. The trail runs in a loop and takes about 3 hours to complete, but you can also do just half of it as I did and visit only Excavation Site #1, where you can see real dinosaur skeletons. The other sites display plaster replicas, with the original fossils preserved in the museum.

After you are done with the hike, you can proceed to Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, Thailand's first dinosaur museum, and stroll around its wonderful exhibitions and dinosaur skeleton collections. There should be a restaurant on site where you can grab a quick lunch before you continue to Khon Kaen City.

From Phu Wiang, it should be another hour's drive until you arrive in Khon Kaen City, where you can spend the rest of the day relaxing and exploring the city. Places like Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, and Columbo Craft Village, should keep you occupied until evening comes, where you can then head over to Bueng Kaen Nakhon Night Market to find some street food for dinner.

If you’re looking to splurge on a delicious organic meal for dinner while you’re here, I highly recommend checking out Greenleaf Restaurant, located not too far from Columbo Craft Village. All their dishes are made with organic ingredients and are completely free from MSG, something that’s still quite rare to find in Thailand. The menu is extensive, so you’ll have no trouble finding something you’ll enjoy.

For the next day, you can go and hike around Hin Chang Si View Point in the morning. The viewpoint is located within Nam Phong National Park about 50 km away from Khon Kaen City, and you can expect to see some really stunning lake views, hiking trails, and wonderful rock formations.

There is also a 1.7-kilometer nature trail that passes by a large rock, where the reddish marks from elephant scratching are still visible, hence the name Hin Chang Si, which means "the rock where elephants scratch" in Thai. Along the way, you’ll also encounter many other fascinating rock formations in a variety of shapes. The entire trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete, so be sure to allow enough time if you plan to hike it.

After this, you can head over to Khon Kaen Zoo, one of Thailand's best zoos, set in the middle of a lush green hill covering a large span of land where you can see all kinds of rare animals like giraffes, zebras, and various bird species such as flamingos and lemurs.

One of my favorite exhibits is the "Primate Kingdom" zone, which showcases many beautiful and playful species like the red-shanked douc langur, one of the most stunning monkeys you'll find, along with several types of lemurs that are rarely seen in the wild anymore.

The zoo is massive, and you can either walk the whole loop yourself or go on a hop-on hop-off bus that takes you around to each stop. You can expect to spend at least 2-3 hours here. After you are done with the zoo, you can head back to Khon Kaen City and enjoy free time for the rest of the day.

For a complete travel guide to Khon Kaen, check out:Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Khon Kaen?

The Terminal Khon Kaen Hotel

Ad Lib Hotel Khon Kaen

For a complete travel guide to Kalasin, check out:Kalasin Guide: 8 Best Things to Do & More

Day 18-19: Kalasin & Mukdahan (2 Nights)

From Khon Kaen, we will be heading to Mukdahan through Kalasin, and our first stop of the day is Phra That Yaku, one of the oldest and most sacred temples in Kalasin province.

It is believed to have been built between the 7th and 11th centuries during the Dvaravati period. Around the monument, other archaeological remnants, such as Bai Sema stones or boundary stones that were used to define sacred areas in Buddhist temples, can also be found. The whole area is a very quiet and peaceful place to stroll around.

After you are done, you can drive through Kalasin and see just how sleepy the main city of the province is. You can choose to stop at Kalasin Museum if it's open, or you can head straight to Sirindhorn Museum, arguably one of the best dinosaur museums in Thailand, even more so than the one in Khon Kaen, thanks to its impressive setting, a vast collection of dinosaur fossils, and a layout reminiscent of museums you often find in Europe or the US, with wide hallways, an easy-to-follow route, and more.

Known as the most comprehensive dinosaur museum in Thailand, the museum is built directly above the Phu Kum Khao dig site, where fossils of sauropod dinosaurs like Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae were discovered. Inside, you will find a vast collection that includes fossils, life-size dinosaur skeletons and reconstructions, and interactive displays covering paleontology, geology, and evolution.

Once you are done with Sirindhorn Museum, you can then proceed to Mukdahan where you can choose to stop at Wat Phuttha Nimit, a beautiful forest temple, or Phu Faek Forest Park, where you can see the real dinosaur footprints. And this is not just some small footprints, but a real big one, as you can see from the photo above. I really enjoyed it!

Before leaving Kalasin, you might also want to drop by and check out Wat Wang Kham, a beautiful temple built in an architectural style that draws from traditional Lan Xang architecture and is modeled after the famous Wat Xieng Thong in Laos.

Just before reaching Mukdahan, be sure to go and check out the remaining Roi Et’s attractions that I mentioned earlier like Waterfall Cave Soda and Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon. These spots are so close to the border between the two provinces that it would be a shame to drive past without seeing them.

Waterfall Cave Soda is a beautiful cave located inside a temple where several shrines are built alongside a massive rock cliff. The main shrine is situated behind a waterfall you can hike to. It is very scenic and peaceful, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is strongest.

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon on the other hand, is a gigantic temple built on a mountain opposite Waterfall Cave Soda. You can even see the spire of its pagoda from the Waterfall Cave Soda parking lot, which shows just how large the temple is. I've never seen any temple as epic as this one in Isaan, so be sure not to miss it!

After you are done, it should take about 1 hour before you arrive in Mukdahan, where we will be spending 2 nights. Mukdahan is a small, but charming province by the Mekong River with many places to see and things to do, as well as a perfect place to do a little side trip into Laos again. You can check into your hotel in Mukdahan and retreat for the day as we will reserve all of its tourist attractions for the next day.

After spending the first night here, you can begin your day by heading north to visit Kaeng Kabao, a stunning viewpoint on a cataract located in the middle of the Mekong River. Aside from that particular feature, here, you will also find a lovely white marble Naga statue standing right on the bank of the Mekong River, where you can relax and enjoy a little morning stroll.

After visiting Kaeng Kabao, we can follow the Mekong River down south and explore several attractions along the way, including the Our Lady of the Martyrs of Thailand Shrine, a striking church with a modern design; Wat Phra Si Maha Pho, which features one of Mukdahan's finest French colonial buildings; and the Indochina Market, a bustling market with great views of the Mekong River and Savannakhet on the opposite bank.

You can stop for lunch in Mukdahan City Center at Good Mook Cafe before heading to the Ho Kaeo Observation Tower. From its observation deck, you can enjoy panoramic views of Mukdahan, and the museum on the first and second floors offer more insights into the city’s history and culture.

The rest of the afternoon, you can go up Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom and check out the view from there, then head over to Phu Pha Thoep National Park for some hiking before coming back to Mukdahan City and resting for the day.

For a proper dinner with a stunning view of the Mekong River, you can’t go wrong with Zaab Rim Khong, a local restaurant located right on the riverbank just outside Mukdahan City Center. The restaurant serves a wide selection of dishes, from fresh seafood to rare delicacies like wild meat and local freshwater fish. It's the perfect place to have dinner and enjoy drinks by the river at sunset.

For a complete travel guide to Mukdahan, check out:Exploring Mukdahan: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Mukdahan?

Day 20-21 (Optional): Savannakhet, Laos (2 Nights)

If you have time to spare, I highly recommend taking an international bus to cross the border into Savannakhet in Laos and spending a few days there. The border crossing between Mukdahan and Savannakhet is one of the easiest and fastest between the two countries, taking about one hour from Mukdahan Bus Station to Savannakhet Bus Station, including border-crossing time.

Savannakhet is also very walkable, with many of its attractions concentrated within the riverside area. They also have some really beautiful French colonial buildings, as well as some very charming and quirky attractions to see within the city like Theater “Lao Chaleun”, a lovely and charming old theatre turned into cafes and restaurants during the day and in the evening, a bustling street food market that extends all the way to the Mekong River.

You can also spend some time exploring Savannakhet’s stunning French colonial buildings, which are scattered throughout the city but most concentrated around the square in front of St. Teresa's Catholic Church.

Another interesting spot is the Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum. It’s much smaller than the dinosaur museum in Thailand, as you can see all of its exhibitions in 10 minutes or less, but the staff there are very friendly, and you’ll appreciate the charm of a tiny museum like this. Laotians are some of the friendliest people out there, for real!

To get from Mukdahan to Savannakhet and back, it's also pretty straightforward. With a passport in hand, you can just go to Mukdahan Bus Station and buy a bus ticket at an international bus kiosk inside the bus terminal. They have buses running between 6:15 AM to 5 PM almost every hour every day, so there's no need to book anything in advance, unless you are traveling during big holidays like New Year's or Songkran.

Once you cross the border, the bus will take you to Savannakhet Bus Station, which is only about a 25-minute walk from the city center, so all you really need to explore the city is your own two feet and you are good to go.

For a complete border-crossing guide between Mukdahan and Savannakhet, check out:How to Get From Bangkok/Mukdahan to Savannakhet, Laos & Vice Versa

You can spend your first day walking around and exploring the city’s attractions. In the evening, be sure to visit the night market and stroll along the Mekong River while watching the sunset. From there, you can see Mukdahan’s observation tower and the white Buddha of Wat Roi Phra Phutthabat Phu Manorom!

Two days should be enough to see most of Savannakhet’s attractions. You can stay longer if you want to relax and enjoy the peaceful vibe Laos is famous for before heading back to Mukdahan to continue your journey. It’s possible to do it as a day trip if you start early enough, but you’ll have to rush to catch the last bus back at 7 PM, which isn’t ideal. I recommend staying at least two nights here.

For more things to do in Savannakhet, check out:Explore Savannakhet: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Savannakhet?

Pilgrim's Kitchen & Inn

For a complete travel guide to Sakon Nakhon, check out:Exploring Sakon Nakhon: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Day 22-24: Nakhon Phanom & Sakon Nakhon (3 Nights)

After Mukdahan, we can continue up along the Mekong River into Nakhon Phanom, another of my favorite provinces in Isaan. This wonderful city is home to a diverse mix of people due to its location on the Mekong, making it a cultural melting pot influenced by Thai, Lao, and even Vietnamese heritage, as many migrants have settled here throughout history.

Our first stop of the day is Wat Phrathat Phanom Woramahawihan, one of the 7 sacred Prathat pagodas in Nakhon Phanom, and this is the largest and most famous of them all. According to the ancient chronicles discovered in Nakhon Phanom and Laos, they mention the 7 sacred sites that travelers should visit when they stop by Nakhon Phanom as they traverse the Mekong River, and to this day, people from all over Thailand come here to make merit every day.

It's a beautiful pagoda in its own right and definitely worth seeing as you make your way to Nakhon Phanom, but first, we are going to do another side trip, this time we are going through Sakon Nakhon, which is a small but charming province with many sights worth seeing.

From Wat Phrathat Phanom Woramahawihan, it should be about one hour's drive before you arrive in Sakon Nakhon City. Before entering the city's premise, you can drop over to Wat Tham Pha Daen and check out the viewpoint and its beautiful collection of religious sculptures and beautiful architecture.

Once you are done, you can hop over to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan, a beautiful stunning temple highly revered by the locals. Around here, you should be able to find a place for a quick lunch before we head over to the other side of the city located on the opposite bank of Nong Han Lake.

One of my favorite places in Sakon Nakhon, and a spot unique to this province, is Tha Rae, a historic Christian town that is home to the largest Catholic community in Thailand. It takes about 30 minutes to reach from the city, and once there, you’ll be surrounded by several stunning French colonial buildings, including a cafe where you can relax.

While here, be sure to also check out Cathedral of St. Michael the Archangel, one of the oldest and largest Catholic cathedrals in Thailand, and Kasetsart University Lotus and Waterlily Park, a charming park featuring a spacious lotus pond with boardwalks and pavilions perfect for relaxing.

After you are done with all that, you can then proceed to Nakhon Phanom which should take about 1 hour to get to. If you are there on the weekends, you are in for a treat! One of the highlights of traveling to Nakhon Phanom is visiting the Nakhon Phanom Walking Street, one of the liveliest riverside walking streets in Isaan.

At the market, you'll find rows upon rows of stalls and shops running parallel to the Mekong River, selling everything from street food to souvenirs and more. The walking street stretches from the Vietnamese Memorial Clock Tower all the way to the Phanom Naga Statue and beyond, taking up almost 1 km of road along the Mekong River, right in the heart of the old town.

If you arrive in the city between 5 PM and 10 PM, be sure to check out the market and stroll around to find street food that catches your eye. Pick a few dishes you want to try, then head over to the peaceful Nakhon Phanom River Walk, where you can sit, relax, and enjoy your food while watching the Mekong River before retreating for the night.

The next morning, we will begin exploring Nakhon Phanom properly, but first, have breakfast at Prungsuk Breakfast Shop and take a coffee break at Thai Samakkee Cafe. Both are located in the center of Nakhon Phanom Old Town, with Thai Samakkee Cafe featuring a balcony that offers a great view of the Nakhon Phanom Clock Tower, the city’s most recognized landmark.

Once that is done, we can visit the main attractions in the city, starting with the Old Town Hall Museum, where you can learn about the city’s history; the Chaloem Phra Kiat National Library, housed in a striking French Colonial–style building with a bright yellow façade and classic crimson roof; and St. Anne's Cathedral, another beautiful Catholic church worth seeing.

After that, you can venture outside the city to explore attractions such as Hồ Chí Minh’s House and the Hồ Chí Minh Museum. Both sites are dedicated to preserving the history of Ho Chi Minh, the founder of the Republic of Vietnam, who lived here in the 1930s after being exiled from Vietnam by the French.

You can spend the rest of the day and the next day relaxing in Nakhon Phanom. We are now on the 24th day of the itinerary, so you deserve another rest day of doing nothing. Go for a walk along the Mekong River, enjoy your time trying out all the food in the city, and simply recharge your energy as we have about 6 provinces to go!

For a complete travel guide to Nakhon Phanom, check out:Visit Nakhon Phanom: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Nakhon Phanom?

VELA Dhi Nakhon Phanom

Fortune River View Hotel Nakhon Phanom

For a complete travel guide to Bueng Kan, check out:Discover Bueng Kan: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Day 25-26: Bueng Kan (2 Nights)

Bueng Kan is one of Thailand’s newest provinces and has quickly become a hotspot for tourists seeking adventure, thanks to its stunning mountains and fascinating caves. You will have to start early for this one by waking up at 5 AM and making your way to Bueng Kan by 6 AM. You should get to our first stop at 8 AM.

Our first stop is Naka Cave, one of the province’s most famous attractions. The cave is renowned for its formations that eerily resemble the sacred serpent, Naga, with rocks shaped like naga heads, stones resembling scaly serpent skin, and more. It is believed to bring you luck and wealth if you hike to it and pray, so you will see many locals visiting this cave all year round.

Hiking Naka Cave requires at least half a day, as you will be visiting a series of attractions around the mountain, and it can take from 5 to 7 hours depending on how fast you hike and the places you want to see. You will need a guide to get around the mountain, which you can find at the entrance. It's 500 THB per guide for around 5 - 7 people.

I was traveling solo and paid for the entire trip myself, and I can honestly say it was worth every dime. The experience was incredible, and the hike was absolutely stunning from start to finish, even though it rained most of the time.

For this, I highly recommend visiting the cave early in the morning. Since Nakhon Phanom is about 2 hours away, start your journey around 6 AM to arrive at Naka Cave by 8 AM, and plan to finish the hike by 1 PM. The earlier you start, the better, as it can get quite hot later in the day. The park opens at 6 AM and closes at 2 PM, so plan accordingly. Also, be sure to wear proper hiking shoes, as this is real jungle hiking! Flip-flops are a definite no-go.

If you are done with the hike before 2 PM, you can go on and hike Tat Kinnaree Waterfall as well, to check out the Dolphin-shaped rocks. It should take an extra hour or 2 for this waterfall. After that, you can spend the night at Panicha Ville Hotel in Bueng Khong Long, the closest town to Naka Cave. There's not a whole lot happening in this town, but you can always find food along the lakeside road.

The next day, you can go and visit the rest of Bueng Khan starting with Tham Phra Waterfall, an epic waterfall where you will have to take a boat to get to it, Namtok Chet Si Waterfall or the 7-colored waterfall located not too far apart, and one of my favorite places, Phu Thok Temple, the most stunning hiking spot in Bueng Kan.

Phu Thok is the name of the mountain, and at its base sits a forest temple established by a highly revered local monk. The mountain is divided into seven levels, with Level 5 being the level you can choose to start walking around the mountain along the wooden cliffside walkways, which is hands down my favorite part of the hike. The views along the cliffside walkways are absolutely incredible! Expect to spend about 2 - 3 hours at Phu Tok Temple alone.

Once that is done, you can then go visit the Three Whale Rocks, an iconic collection of 3 massive rock formations that resemble whales, located deep within a forest park amidst the thick jungle of Bueng Kan. To get around, you will need to hire a driver, which you can share with other travelers, to take you up and down the mountain. It's 500 THB for the driver.

The views from the whale rocks are absolutely breathtaking, and the stops we made along the way were also quite interesting. I’d say it was worth every penny! You can expect to spend around 2 hours here. Once you’re done, head over to Bueng Kan City to spend the night. Here are some hotels you might like in the city center.

Where to Stay in Bueng Kan?

Day 27-28: Nong Khai & Udon Thani (2 Nights)

Today, we’re going to explore Nong Khai and spend the night in Udon Thani. From Bueng Kan, it’s about a 2-hour drive to Nong Khai City, where you can begin exploring the attractions, starting with Sala Keo Kou, a Buddhist park filled with beautiful sculptures and statues, similar to the one in Vientiane, Laos.

You can also stroll along the Mekong River and check out the Naga Statue and Tha Sadet Market, a bustling local market with shops selling affordable goods, restaurants, and cafes. While here, be sure to go and enjoy a cup of Vietnamese coffee at Cafe Viet before continuing your exploration of the city.

If you want to see some rare aquatic species like the Mekong Catfish, the largest freshwater fish in the world, you might want to drop by and check out Nong Khai Aquarium. There are many other species from different regions around the world as well, but the highlight for me was seeing the catfish swimming around a naga statue that was put inside the central tank. Whoever came up with the idea of putting a naga statue underwater is a genius!

For a complete travel guide to Nong Khai, check out:Explore Nong Khai: 12 Best Things to Do & More

Once you are done, you can head over to Phu Phra Bat Historical Park, which is our first attraction inside Udon Thani province and one of my favorite things to do here. The historical park is about 1 hour from Nong Khai, which is actually a little closer than if you were to drive from Udon Thani City.

I can't think of any places that combine nature, history, and religion quite the same way as Phu Phra Bat. The park features a collection of massive rock formations that people throughout history, from prehistoric times to the rise of Buddhism, made into a place of shelter. You will find Buddha images carved into rocks, a shrine built on top of a tall rock, and much more.

You can spend about 2 to 3 hours hiking around the historical park, as there is quite a lot to see, including the iconic mushroom-shaped Nang U Sa’s Tower, Wat Look Koei, a peaceful temple built into a rock, and many more. Once you’re done here, continue south toward Udon Thani City.

From the historical park, it’s about a one-hour drive to Udon City, where you can check in to your hotel and relax for the rest of the day. If you arrive before 6 PM, consider an early dinner at KAO.PIAK.SEN, a popular Thai-Vietnamese restaurant in the city. Keep in mind that they close at 6 PM, so be sure to get there on time.

For the next day, you can spend the morning exploring the city, starting with a breakfast at King Ocha, and then visiting the City Museum to learn more about the history of Udon Thani, stroll around Thai-Chinese Cultural Center and its wonderful park and peaceful zen garden, and more.

After you are done with the city, you can spend the rest of the day exploring Phu Foi Lom National Park, a wonderful viewpoint with flowers blooming all over and all of its incredible waterfalls like Koinang Waterfall, and Namtok Than Ngam. Also, check out Wat Phu Thong Thep Nimit as you make your way back to the city to spend the night as well.

For a complete travel guide to Udon Thani, check out:Discover Udon Thani: 10 Awesome Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Udon Thani?

Day 29-30: Nong Bua Lamphu & Loei (2 Nights)

On this day, we are going to drive from Udon Thani to Loei via Nong Bua Lamphu, which has quite a few stunning viewpoints and cave temples you can visit along the way.

Your first stop is Phu Phan Noi, a beautiful viewpoint offering panoramic views of the landscape surrounding Nong Bua Lamphu City. Since we won’t be stopping in the city itself, as there isn’t much to do there, this is a great opportunity to get a good look at the city before we pass through it.

After Phu Phan Noi, you can continue west to get to Pha Chor Cave, one of my favorite cave temples here. To get to the top, you are going to have to climb a steep limestone mountain, which is very tiring, but the stunning 360° view of the surroundings is well worth the sweat in my opinion.

Another great stop as you continue west is Wat Tham Erawan, a temple built into a massive opening on the side of a limestone cliff that you can spot from miles away. To get up there, you are going to have to scale 600 steps. It’s a bit steep, but once you’re there, any tiredness instantly fades as you see the giant Buddha image and the vast cave system behind it that you can explore further.

For a complete travel guide to Nong Bua Lamphu, check out:Visit Nong Bua Lamphu: 8 Incredible Things to Do & More

From Wat Tham Erawan, it’s about a 45-minute drive to Loei City, where you can stop for a late lunch. Afterward, head to Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, one of my favorite viewpoints in the city. It's going to take you about 45 minutes to hike all the way to the top without a break and another 30 minutes to get down.

You can even stay up there to watch the sunset as I did. However, keep in mind that we won't be staying overnight in Loei City today, as we'll be sleeping by the Mekong River in Chiang Khan, which is about 30 minutes away, so be sure to plan your time accordingly.

After visiting Phu Bo Bit Forest Park, continue north to Chiang Khan, about a 30-minute drive from Loei City. You’ll arrive in one of the most picturesque and photogenic cities on this itinerary, best known for its stunning riverside views along the Mekong River, lively and charming walking streets lined with traditional wooden houses, and a relaxing atmosphere, which is perfect for slowing down after all the places we’ve just visited.

Once you get to Chiang Khan, you can retreat for the day or you can find something to eat at Chiang Khan's Walking Street, one of the most famous walking streets in Isaan. It opens every day, but it is especially lively on the weekends, so be sure to spend some time here before retreating for the day.

The next day, you can visit tourist attractions near Chiang Khan, such as Skywalk Chiang Khan with its incredible views over the Mekong River, Kaeng Khut Khu, a lovely viewpoint featuring an open-air museum and walking paths, and Tai Dam Museum House, a house museum dedicated to preserving the history and traditions of the Tai Dam people, an ethnic group who migrated to this part of Thailand from Laos and Vietnam over a century ago via the Mekong River.

You can spend the rest of the day relaxing by the Mekong River and enjoying the stunning views until evening, when you can visit the walking street again. If you wake up early the next day, at 6 AM, you can also participate in almsgiving, where you donate food to the monks who often walk along the main street where the walking street is held.

For a complete travel guide to Loei, check out:Exploring Loei: 10 Best Things to Do & More

Where to Stay in Chiang Khan, Loei?

Chiangkhan River Mountain Resort

Day 31-32: Phetchabun (2 Nights)

And now, we have arrived at our last province, Phetchabun, which is technically not part of Isaan but lies in the southern part of Northern Thailand. Since it’s right next to Loei and on the way back to Bangkok, you might as well stop here and spend a few days relaxing in its rolling mountains and cooler climate.

From Chiang Khan, it should take about 3 hours to drive to Phetchabun province, but we can break the trip down a bit and stop at places like Wat Phon Chai in Dan Sai, which is where the famous Phi Ta Kone Festival is held every year. There's a small museum you can visit inside the temple where you can see these colorful ghost masks on display.

Other stops you can check out along the way are Phu Tub Berk, a high mountain top with a great view of the surroundings, but it's gonna add a few hours to your day and only ideal if you start your day early, Lom Sak and its awesome weekend walking street, and more.

For accommodations in Phetchabun, I highly recommend staying in Khao Kho, near Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew preferably. This way, you can visit the temple in the morning and explore the rest of the Khao Kho region, which is my favorite part of Phetchabun. You can find some of these accommodations here. You can stay 2 nights so you can relax a little before driving back to Bangkok.

On the next day, you can visit Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew first thing in the morning, which is especially stunning as clouds often roll over the mountains at this time. This is probably one of the most photogenic temples in Thailand, with its colorful architecture, a mountainous backdrop, and massive layered Buddha images at its center.

If you drive further, you can also go and have coffee at Pino Latte Restaurant & Cafe where you can get a really nice view over the valley with a glimpse of Wat Phra That Pha Sorn Kaew from afar. It's a bit expensive, so you can just grab a coffee, enjoy the view, and continue exploring the rest of Khao Kho.

There are many things in Khao Kho that will keep you occupied for the whole day like Khao Kho Flower Terrace, a colorful flower field with a bistro overlooking all of it, Windfarm Field Khao Kho and its stunning mountain view with all the wind turbines in the background, Khao Kho Sacrifice Memorial and its Weapon Museum, where you can learn more about the history of the mountain, and more.

It should take you the entire day to explore Khao Kho thoroughly. Once you are done, you can come back to your accommodation and spend the rest of the day relaxing and preparing for the long drive home the next day.

For a complete travel guide to Phetchabun, check out:Discover Phetchabun: 10 Incredible Things to Do and More

Where to Stay in Khao Kho, Phetchabun?

บ้านสุขอรุณ เขาค้อ Baan Sook A Roon KhaoKho

Sirinati Ban Thung Samo Khao Kho

Day 33: Back to Bangkok

From Khao Kho, it will take about 5 hours to get back to Bangkok, so make sure you get enough sleep the day before. We still have a few stops along the way, which should keep the journey interesting. From Khao Kho, you can make your way down the mountain, head south through Phetchabun City Center, and take the highway all the way back to Bangkok.

You can stop at New Bua Tong Restaurant for an early lunch and try their delicious Wichian Buri grilled chicken, a traditional dish originating from that part of Phetchabun, known for its aromatic flavor and crispy skin. Pair it with sticky rice and Jaew spicy dipping sauce for a real treat!

From there, you can drop by and check out Si Thep Historical Park, one of the oldest and newly discovered historical sites in Phetchabun, that was only inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List in 2023.

The history of this place goes all the way back to the 5th Century CE, during the Dvaravati period, before the rise of the Khmer Empire. The historical site is split into 2 parts: the inner city part and the outer city part, each with significant attractions I highly recommend you check out.

It should take you about 1-2 hours to explore both places, and once you are done, you can continue south for another 3.5 hours to reach Bangkok, ultimately completing this itinerary in full. Congratulations! You are now one of the few people who have visited all the provinces in Isaan. Not many people, including Thais, can say they have done what you just did, so take that as a proud achievement. You are truly an explorer of Thailand!

For a complete travel guide to Bangkok, check out:Exploring Bangkok Like a Local: 16 Must-Do Activities

Where to Stay in Bangkok?

Niras Bankoc Cultural Hostel

Siri Heritage Bangkok Hotel

Sala Rattanakosin Bangkok