LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION
Itinerary: Isan Special
TWO WEEKS/DAN SAI TO THAT PHANOM
This route brings you to some of the lesser known areas of northeastern Thailand (Isan), along with a leisurely sojourn along the Mekong River. Start in the agricultural centre of Dan Sai, Loei Province, with a look at Phra That Si Songrak, a striking stupa built by devout Lao and Thai Buddhists centuries ago, or better yet time your visit to coincide with the Phi Ta Khon festival usually held in June. Take in a possible side trip from Dan Sai to see the Lao-Thai border trade at nearby Na Haew.
From Dan Sai continue northeast to Chiang Khan , a mellow cotton-growing district of wooden architecture overlooking the Mekong River. Follow the Mekong downriver from Chiang Khan to Sangkhom, where little-visited waterfalls are close at hand, and to Si Chiangmai, a sleepy town opposite Vientiane, Laos, where spring-roll wrappers are made.
After Si Chiangmai continue eastward towards Nong Khai, with a stop-off at Wat Phra That Bang Phuan, an old and highly revered Lao temple, if you're inclined. In Nong Khai, Thailand's main overland/over-river gateway to Laos, you'll have a chance to sample delicious Lao and Vietnamese cuisine, visit a bizarre Hindu-Buddhist sculpture garden and browse the bustling Tha Sadet market.
Following the Mekong east - and, as it curves to the southeast - you can take advantage of a side trip to Wat Phu Thok, a meditation wat atop a lofty sandstone outcrop or speed along to the riverside towns of Nakhon Phanom and That Phanom. In both of these towns you can still see a few vestiges of Lao-French style architecture, and in That Phanom the very famous Lao stupa for which the town is named.
Bus from Loei to Dan Sai, then back to Loei for buses or sawngthaew onward to Chiang Khan, Sangkhom, Si Chiangmai and Nong Khai. Sawngthaew from Beung Kan to Wat Phu Tok. Bus to Nakhon Phanom and That Phanom.
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