Southern Isan Private Tour (Sisaket - Ubon Ratchathani): Pay homage to Luang Pu Suang, the Earthly Angel, complete highlights of Ubon Ratchathani and Sisaket

We pick you up at Ubon Ratchathani International Airport at the scheduled time, or at your desired destination. We then take you to enjoy lunch at Samchai Kai Yang / or according to your preference.

Wat Phra That Nong Bua, located in Mueang District, is one of Ubon Ratchathani's renowned and significant temples. It features stunning and captivating architecture: “Phra That Chedi Si Maha Pho,” the relic stupa for the Year of the Small Snake (Snake). It was built to commemorate the 25th century of Buddhism in the year 2500 BE, modeled after the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodh Gaya, India. Inside, the temple enshrines holy Buddha relics and features 2 large, magnificent Naga statues standing at the entrance to the white stupa, exquisitely contrasting with intricate gold patterns. On the exterior are bas-relief carvings telling stories of the Ten Jataka Tales (Ten Lives of the Buddha). Below, surrounding the relic stupa, are Buddhist disciples, with the base of Phra That Chedi Si Maha Pho supported by Nagas, Garudas, and Yakshas (giants).

Wat Maha Wanaram (Wat Pa Yai) is an ancient and revered city temple of Ubon Ratchathani. Originally, it was merely an insight meditation monastery established around the time Ubon was founded in 2322. Later, during the reign of the 2nd city ruler, Phra Phrom Worarat Suriyawong (Thao Thit Phrom), it was elevated to temple status as the city's 2nd official temple and named Wat Pa Luang Mani Chot. However, villagers called it Wat Nong Taphang or Nong Saphang after the nearby marsh, as evidenced by stone inscriptions behind Phra Chao Yai In Plaeng.

Wat Nong Pah Pong: Pay respects to Luang Por Chah Subhaddo. This temple was built by Luang Pu Chah for meditation practice and spiritual cultivation to achieve the true cessation of suffering, following the teachings of the Lord Buddha. Luang Pu emphasized strict monastic discipline and a simple lifestyle, living in the forest close to nature. Throughout his life, Luang Pu Chah led by example for his disciples, monks, novices, and lay followers.

Afterward, depart for Sisaket Province and stay overnight at a hotel in Sisaket Province.

Start our journey by stopping to pay respects at Wat Maha Phuttharam (Wat Phra To), a royal temple. This is an ancient and significant temple in Si Sa Ket Province. In B.E. 2322, Phraya Wiset Phakdi (the second governor of Si Sa Ket) relocated the town from Ban Non Sam Kha Sa Kamphaeng to Si Sa Ket. At that time, Luang Pho To was discovered abandoned in the heart of the red forest (Pa Daeng). A temple was therefore established under the name Wat Phra To or Wat Pa Daeng, and later renamed Wat Maha Phuttharam. Luang Pho To is a large Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, revered as the sacred symbol of Si Sa Ket and deeply venerated by locals and visitors alike.

Stop to pay respects to Luang Pu Suang at Wat Phrai Phattana. This was originally the residence of Luang Pu Suang, the saint of southern Isan whose great compassion and benevolence in helping those in hardship earned him deep love and devotion from the local people and disciples, leading him to be known as the "Angel on Earth." The physical body of Luang Pu remained undecomposed, so his disciples placed it in a glass coffin for devotees and visitors to pay homage, pray for blessings, and walk under the glass coffin for good fortune.

Wat Pa Si Mongkhon Rattanaram is located at Ban Sim, Moo 8, Khok Chan Sub-district, Uthumphon Phisai District, Si Sa Ket Province. It was founded in B.E. 2536 through the donation of land by Mr. Huai Pengphan and Mrs. Samai Pengphan, parents of Phra Khru Wichitwinaikhun, the abbot of Wat Pa Si Mongkhon Rattanaram, to serve as a meditation retreat. Later, through the abbot's dedication and the faith of devotees, it was officially established as a recognized temple named Wat Pa Si Mongkhon Rattanaram on December 15, B.E. 2543.

Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai is located in Uthumphon Phisai District, Si Sa Ket Province. It features a Khmer sanctuary and historical site over 1,000 years old, representing the largest and most complete stone sanctuary in the province. Inside the temple lies the undecomposed body of Luang Pu Khrueang Suphattho, the former abbot of Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai and a renowned monk of Si Sa Ket Province. In addition, there are many sacred sites to visit, including the Naga ordination hall enshrining a replica of the Mahamuni Buddha, a large statue of Luang Pu Khrueang, and the Silver and Gold Cave.

Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Noi is located within the grounds of Wat Thepprasat Sa Kamphaeng Noi in Ban Klang, Khayung Subdistrict. It consists of a laterite prang (tower) and vihara. In front of the prang is a large pond, and the prang, vihara, and pond are all enclosed by laterite walls. A doorway lintel once depicted Varuna, the god of rain, seated on a pedestal carried by 3 swans above the head of a Kirtimukha, crafted in the Baphuon art style dating back to around the 16th Buddhist century. It is believed that this stone sanctuary was originally a religious shrine, and later in the 18th Buddhist century during the reign of King Jayavarman 7, it may have been restored or newly expanded, as evidenced by Bayon-style architecture. In those days, such structures were known as an “Arogyasala”, meaning a hospital or community healthcare clinic.

Travel to Ubon Ratchathani and stay overnight at a hotel in Ubon Ratchathani Province.

Stop for breakfast at Pak Mor Robot, Sam Chai Coffee, or Kuay Jab Ocharos.

Then travel to Phibun Mangsahan District to pay respects at Wat Sa Kaeo and visit Kaeng Sapheu. At Wat Sa Kaeo, worship "Phra Phue," the sacred symbol of Phibun Mangsahan District. Legend has it that both people and animals were in awe of this pool, believing it to be a sacred body of water because a crystal-like orb of light was occasionally seen rising from the pool and shooting 1 kilometer westward, landing on the hill now known as Phu Khao Kaeo. At other times, a crystal orb of light floated from Phu Khao Kaeo and landed back in the pool, giving it the name Sa Kaeo (crystal pool). When a temple was built on the hill, it was named Wat Phu Khao Kaeo, and when a temple was built near the pool, it was named Wat Sa Kaeo.

Continue to Kaeng Sapheu, rapids filled with alternating large and small boulders that form a natural barrier across the Mun River. As the current flows against the rocks, it produces white foam and a constant waterfall-like sound. Today, it is a bustling market for local souvenirs. Don't forget to sample the traditional steamed buns (salapao) beside Phibun Bridge.

Ban Sai Mun Gong-Making Village is a community where crafting gongs is a local profession. Brass sheets are fashioned into single-knob gongs that are more durable and longer-lasting than Burmese gongs. The gongs made here are in high demand across Thailand and are exported internationally to countries including Laos, Myanmar, Cambodia, the United States, France, England, the Netherlands, and Russia.

Pay respects at Wat Tham Khuha Sawan, pay homage to the preserved body of Luang Pu Khamkhaning Chulamani, and view the largest gong in the world.

Depart for Khong Chiam and have lunch there.

Visit the 2-color river at Wat Khong Chiam, a natural phenomenon where 2 rivers converge, creating a distinct contrast in water colors between the Mun River and the Mekong River. Especially during the rainy high-water season, you can clearly see the 2 merging rivers flowing side by side in two distinct colors. Locals call this “Khong is khaki, Mun is indigo”.

Stop by Khwam Song Cham (Memories) Cafe.

Travel to Wat Phu Phrao to watch the sunset at Wat Sirindhorn Wararam Phu Phrao and see the glowing tree. The temple features a viewpoint overlooking the Mekong River, and the area behind the main sanctuary offers a picturesque vantage point looking across to Laos and the Chong Mek international border checkpoint, along with a reservoir at the foothills resembling a lake. At sunset, we can admire the large sun casting a truly magnificent scene, followed by viewing the glowing Kalpapruek tree in the evening.

Return to your hotel in Mueang District, Ubon Ratchathani Province, or stay overnight in Khong Chiam as you prefer.

Stop for dinner at Sin Ratchabut Night Market or in Phibun Mangsahan.

In the morning, stop for breakfast at Pak Mor Robot, Sam Chai Coffee, or Kuay Jab Ocharos. Then shop for local souvenirs before we transfer you to Ubon Ratchathani International Airport or your requested destination at the scheduled time.

(This itinerary is subject to change as appropriate.)