GM #siamstr Review of holiday trip with family – Northeastern Thailand (5 Days 4 Nights)
Day 1: Travel to Kalasin Province
- Depart from Lopburi and visit Wat Pa Wang Nam Yen (Wat Phutthawanaram) in Maha Sarakham. The temple features the magnificent golden Phra That Si Maha Sarakham Chedi, visible from afar, and Thailand’s largest wooden sermon hall built with 112 giant pillars. Inside enshrines a gold-adorned Buddha image made of pure gold.
- Visit Phra That Yakhu, a sacred pagoda containing relics of a highly revered monk. “Yakhu” refers to the title of an esteemed monk in ancient Isan. An annual bathing ceremony is held here every May.
- Enjoy lunch at Suk Plai Na Restaurant, surrounded by natural scenery.
- Check in at Suan Plai Tawan Resort, Kalasin — a cozy resort with a café and plenty of photo spots.
Day 2: Travel to Bueng Kan Province
- Visit Wat Phra That Muen Hin (Wat Luang Pu Sila) in Kalasin, founded by Luang Pu Sila Sirichanto, who named the temple after a vision of thousands of stones underground. The temple houses Phra That Muen Hin Wachirasophon Yan, containing 11 relics of the Lord Buddha.
- Continue to Wat Phra That Choeng Chum, Sakon Nakhon — an important sacred stupa built to enshrine the footprints of four Buddhas. Inside houses Luang Pho Phra Ong Saen, a beautiful Chiang Saen-style Buddha image.
- Check in at Lake House Naka Cave, a peaceful accommodation by Bueng Khong Long Lake, offering a stunning sunset view and close proximity to Naka Cave.
Day 3: Naka Cave & Travel to Nong Khai Province
- Explore Naka Cave, located in Phu Langka National Park. The cave connects the legend of Phaya Naga (Serpent King) with geological phenomena. Local lore says it is the resting place of Grandfather Ululu, a cursed Naga turned to stone, with the curse to be lifted after 10 years — coinciding with Bueng Kan’s 10th anniversary in 2020.
Scientifically, the “Sun Crack” phenomenon caused serpent-like rock patterns resembling scales, making the cave a sacred and famous destination.
- Visit Wat Kham Chanod, a mythical “floating forest” believed to be the entrance to the Naga Underworld — the realm of Phaya Sri Sutho and Nang Sri Pathumma. Visitors come here to worship and make wishes for prosperity.
- Check in at Amanta Hotel, Nong Khai — located in the city near the Mekong River, across from Laos.
Day 4: Travel to Chiang Khan, Loei Province
- Visit Wat Pho Chai, home to Luang Pho Phra Sai, the revered Buddha image of Nong Khai, and recognized as a third-class royal temple.
- Visit Phra That Klang Nam, also known as Phra That La Nong, originally built on the Mekong bank but collapsed into the river in 1847 due to erosion. The pagoda remains visible when water levels drop; a replica has been rebuilt on land.
- Visit Wat Pha Tak Suea, founded in 1934 by Luang Pu Phet Patheepo. It features a Skywalk viewpoint overlooking the Mekong and houses the Buddha’s relics.
- Visit Wat Pa Phu Kon, a stunning temple surrounded by mountains, renowned for its Reclining Buddha Image (Phra Phuttha Saiyas Lokanat Sattha Maha Muni) and sacred relics.
- Check in at Chiangkhan Riverwalk Hotel, located by the Mekong and the Walking Street — perfect for evening strolls and river views.
Day 5: Return to Lopburi
- Early morning almsgiving to monks.
- Drive back to Lopburi safely — End of the trip.
“Amazing Thailand - A land of Smile”⛰️🛕🌞🙏🇹🇭❤️
