Isan Khmer Ruins & Mekong Loop

An extensive Isan route heading east from Khao Yai to Phimai and Phanom Rung, continuing to the Mekong River, and then north to Khon Kaen and Udon Thani.

An off-the-beaten-path route through Thailand's northeast. Start with the jungles of Khao Yai, explore Khmer stone sanctuaries at Phimai and Phanom Rung, view the Mekong River and prehistoric rock art at Pha Taem, and head to Khon Kaen and Udon Thani, finishing at the Ban Chiang Archaeological Site and the Red Lotus Lake. Phanom Rung is about 30 km from the Thailand-Cambodia border; check travel advisories before setting off. This long-distance self-drive route is perfect for returning travelers and history buffs.

The Red Lotus Lake is in bloom from around December to February, while March to May is extremely hot; check border situation updates.

Day by day

Day 1 · Bangkok East to Khao Yai

Khao Yai（Wat Thep Phithak Punnaram (Great White Buddha)、Primo Piazza）

Drive from Bangkok to Thanarat Road in Khao Yai (approx. 2.5–3 hours). Visit the white giant Buddha and the local town in the afternoon.

Stay: Thanarat Road and Mu Si

Day 2 · Khao Yai National Park

Khao Yai（Khao Yai National Park、Haew Suwat Waterfall、Pha Diao Dai Viewpoint、Nong Phak Chi Wildlife Observation Tower）

Drive from Thanarat Road to the park's northern gate (approx. 30 minutes). Drive within the park (approx. 80 km for the day).

Feeding wildlife is strictly prohibited. Keep your distance and yield to wild elephants.

Stay: Thanarat Road and Mu Si

Day 3 · Nakhon Ratchasima to Phimai Historical Park

Nakhon Ratchasima & Phimai（Thao Suranari Monument & Chumphon Gate、Phimai Historical Park、Phimai National Museum）

Drive from Khao Yai to Nakhon Ratchasima (approx. 1.5 hours), then continue to Phimai (approx. 1 hour, total approx. 150 km).

Stay: Phimai Town

Day 4 · Phanom Rung & Prasat Muang Tam

Buriram（Phanom Rung Historical Park、Prasat Muang Tam）

Drive south from Phimai to Nang Rong (approx. 2.5 hours), then continue to the historical park (approx. 40 minutes). Return to Nang Rong for the night.

Located near the Thailand-Cambodia border; check opening status and local situation beforehand, and do not travel further south.

Stay: Nang Rong (Gateway to the Stone Sanctuaries)

Day 5 · Elephant Village to Ubon Ratchathani

Buriram（Surin Elephant Village (Ban Ta Klang)） → Ubon Ratchathani（Wat Thung Si Mueang）

Drive from Nang Rong to Ban Ta Klang (approx. 1.5 hours), then take Route 226 to Ubon Ratchathani (approx. 3.5 hours).

Stay: Mun River Old Town

Day 6 · East to Khong Chiam & Two-Color River

Khong Chiam（Kaeng Tana National Park、Wat Tham Khuha Sawan、Khong Chiam Two-Colored River）

Drive from Ubon Ratchathani to Khong Chiam (approx. 1.5 hours). Spend the afternoon along the river viewing the Two-Color River and Wat Tham Heo Sin Chai.

Stay: Khong Chiam Town

Day 7 · Pha Taem Rock Art to Wat Sirindhorn Wararam

Khong Chiam（Pha Taem National Park、Sao Chaliang、Soi Sawan Waterfall） → Ubon Ratchathani（Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Prao）

Drive from Khong Chiam to Pha Taem (approx. 40 minutes). In the afternoon, head south to Wat Sirindhorn Wararam (approx. 40 minutes) and return to Khong Chiam for the night.

The glowing murals at Wat Sirindhorn Wararam are only visible after sunset; allow plenty of time for the return drive.

Stay: Khong Chiam Town

Day 8 · Across Isan to Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen（Wat Nong Wang (Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon)、Bueng Kaen Nakhon）

Drive from Khong Chiam via Ubon Ratchathani and Yasothon to Khon Kaen (approx. 380 km, 6 hours). This is a full day of driving.

Rural roads in Isan lack streetlights at night; try to arrive before dark.

Stay: Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lakeside

Day 9 · Khon Kaen North to Ban Chiang

Udon Thani（Ban Chiang National Museum、Wat Pho Si Nai Excavation Pit、UD Town & Night Market）

Drive from Khon Kaen to Udon Thani (approx. 2 hours), then head east to Ban Chiang (approx. 1 hour). Return to Udon Thani in the evening.

Stay: UD Town and Central Plaza

Day 10 · Red Lotus Lake & Departure

Udon Thani（Red Lotus Sea (Nong Han Kumphawapi)）

Drive to the lake in the early morning (approx. 45 minutes) for a boat tour. Return to the city in the morning to return your rental car at Udon Thani Airport.

There are no flowers outside the blooming season; if traveling in November, visit Phu Phrabat instead.