KHMER HIGHLIGHTS
Phimai temple - Phanom Rung & Muang Tham Khmer sites - Dan Kwien Pottery village
The opportunity to visit two of the most important Khmer temples in the Far East, whilst staying overnight in a unique location with very knowledgeable, English-speaking and warmly welcoming hosts.
Day 1
Meals: Lunch and Dinner
Pick up from Sida bus stop or Bua Yai train station and transfer to homestay.
Drive to the village of Ban Prasat to see the remains of a 3000 year old agricultural-ceramic culture in the excavation pits. Also visit the village raffia-weaving co-operative. A short distance from Ban Prasat is Sai Ngam, reputedly the oldest and largest banyan grove in Thailand. Here, you can visit the fortune teller and temple hidden inside its gnarled branches, browse the market stalls and join in the local tradition of releasing a fish and making a wish before sitting down for lunch at one of the lakeside stalls, renowned for serving high quality traditional Isan food.
The afternoon will be spent exploring the dusky-pink sandstone architecture at Phimai, one of the most important Khmer temples in the country, built during the 10th, and 11th centuries. The temple at Phimai, like many other Khmer monuments in this part of Thailand, predates the famous Angkor Wat complex in Cambodia. When the Angkor empire was at its peak and encompassed parts of Thailand, Phimai was directly connected to the Angkor capital by road.
On the way home, time permitting, take time out to visit the 11th century Hindu Temple at Prang Ban Sida and hand-feed the tame catfish in the pond.
Your evening meal and overnight accommodation will be provided at the homestay, where you can relax in front of the TV or chat to your hosts about the idiosyncrasies of living in rural Thailand.
Day 2
Meals: Breakfast and Lunch
Following an early breakfast leave the guesthouse to travel to the Phanom Rung Historic Park. Built at the same time as Angkor Wat, Phanom Rung was originally a temple glorifying the Hindu deity Siva. Standing on an extinct volcano, 383 metres above sea level, the complex holds an extraordinary collection of Khmer art. Here, in the cool shade, with a view of Cambodia's mountains to the southeast, you will enjoy a packed lunch and a cold drink. Alternatively, there is a good restaurant in the complex which serves genuine Isan food. You will need to choose the night before.
After lunch, a short drive takes you to Muang Tam "the lower city". Predating Phanom Rung by about 120 years, this lovely Khmer temple was constructed from sandstone and laterite. Its major features are five brick prangs surrounded by lotus-filled ponds. On the way back to Khorat, you will visit the famous Dan Kwian Pottery.
Dan Kwian village has been producing its distinctive rust-coloured pottery for hundreds of years and a tour of the working areas provides an insight into the skilful process of shaping, decorating and firing the earthenware. This is a wonderful opportunity for buying souvenirs - exquisite products at rock bottom prices. You will also stroll through the rarely-visited museum of agricultural carts and equipment where exquisitely carved wooden carts rests among the many coloured bougainvillea - a cool and tranquil end to the day.
Tour ends in the afternoon.
Transfer to bus- stop at Sida or Bua Yai train station for onward journey OR stay an additonal night OR combine with one of our other tours.
PRICES
2-4 persons: 6,956 baht per person
Children under 4 - FREE in parents' room. Children between 4 and 12: 70% when sharing same room with 2 adults and one extra bed is required.
Services included in the price:
All meals as outlined in the itinerary
Admission fees where applicable
Optional extra: TAT Official Guide at Phimai and Phanom Rung 1,000 Baht per historical site.
Services not included in the price:
Alcoholic drinks. Flights, trains, bus fares and other transport costs other than those outlined in the itinerary.
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