Southern Isan Private Tour (Ubon Ratchathani - Sakon Nakhon): Sacred Temples, Blessing & Good Fortune

Phu Phan Rajanives Palace

Upon arriving in Sakon Nakhon, start your trip auspiciously by visiting the home of the Father: "Phu Phan Rajanives Palace." Built in the Phu Phan mountain range in 1975 (B.E. 2518), with King Rama IX personally selecting the site for the palace. Stop to take photos in front of the grounds.

We take you for lunch.

Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan

Next, travel to "Wat Phra That Choeng Chum Worawihan" (approx. 50 minutes' drive), one of Isan's most revered temples and a sacred site, as the saying goes: “What greater merit could there be than paying homage to the stupa built over the footprints of all 4 Buddhas?”

Phra That Choeng Chum is a brick-and-mortar stupa with a square base, standing approximately 24 meters high, featuring a smooth, unadorned lotus-bud spire. The golden umbrella pinnacle atop the stupa is made of pure gold weighing 247 baht. It enshrines the footprints of the four Buddhas: Kakusandha, Konagamana, Kassapa, and Gautama (or Sri Ariya Metteyya).

It is believed that paying homage to Phra That Choeng Chum brings supreme auspicious blessings to oneself and one's family, ensuring prosperity and protection from harm.

We take you out for dinner together, followed by check-in at your hotel in Sakon Nakhon.

After breakfast at your hotel, we take you to the Luang Pu Man Phuritatto Museum, located within Wat Pa Sutthawat. Inside the museum is a life-size statue of Venerable Luang Pu Man seated in meditation, along with a glass display case containing his bone relics, which have transformed into clear white crystals, set on an elevated marble base. There is also an exhibition of his eight monastic requisites and his life story from birth until his passing.

Throughout his monkhood, Luang Pu Man Phuritatto undertook solitary forest dhutanga meditation practices in remote highlands, forests, and caves across northern and northeastern Thailand. Monks and lay devotees deeply revered his strict practice and profound Dhamma teachings, which have been passed down through generations, nurturing many monks along the path.

Paying homage and asking for blessings from the relics of Luang Pu Man Phuritatto is believed to bestow great merit, providing an inspiring example of practice, protection through his virtues, and guiding the mind firmly toward Buddhist principles.

Wat Tham Pha Daen

Next, travel approximately 20 km to "Wat Tham Pha Daen" (approx. 30 minutes' drive), an ancient temple in Sakon Nakhon with a history spanning over a century. A must-visit attraction for merit-makers and travelers alike, featuring breathtaking scenery, a lush variety of beautiful plants, and the highlight—a massive sandstone cliff carving of the Reclining Buddha.

We take you for lunch.

Phaya Tao Ngoi

We take you to visit another unique place of faith in Sakon Nakhon: the legendary Phaya Tao Ngoi (approx. 30 minutes' drive). This sacred site is said to bring good fortune to believers and has become an immensely popular attraction among lottery hopefuls and fortune seekers in Sakon Nakhon, after many visitors who came to pay respects returned home with great luck.

"Phaya Tao Ngoi" is a central spiritual landmark for the people of Sakon Nakhon. According to legend, the story of Phaya Tao Ngoi began around 400 years ago during a war between Siam and Laos. The defeated Lao people were relocated to Thailand. When they reached Lam Nam Phung—a large river teeming with turtles—ancestors recognized that the land was fertile with abundant crops and ideal for settling down, so they founded a community and named it "Ban Tao Ngoi" (Turtle Perch Village).

Later, the villagers wished to create an emblem for Tao Ngoi District, so they sculpted a giant turtle statue in the public park behind the Tao Ngoi District Office.

This massive turtle statue features scutes on its shell decorated with images of revered monk masters. On the turtle's back rests a sculpted lotus flower containing gold necklaces, Buddha amulets, and various sacred talismans, all sealed securely inside.

Those who placed the amulets inside believed it would protect against sickness, and devotees believe that paying homage here grants longevity like the mythical giant turtle, with everyone returning home blessed with good luck and prosperity.

Conclude your trip with wonderful memories as we transfer you back to your designated destination.

(This itinerary may be adjusted as appropriate)