The white and gold spire of Wat Phra That Phanom rising above its red-roofed cloister

Journeys / Lao-Thai cultural immersion

Heritage Circle

A week of ancient temples, traditional villages and heritage sites that show how close Lao and Thai culture are in the borderlands.

Wat Phra That Phanom

Schematic map of Isaan showing the Heritage Circle route
Schematic, not to scaleHeritage Circle

The route

Khon Kaen → Udon Thani → Ban Chiang → Sakon Nakhon → That Phanom → Roi Et → Khon Kaen

Duration
7 days
Distance
850 km
Best season
Nov to Feb

Highlights

  • Pilgrimage to Wat Phra That Phanom
  • Ban Chiang UNESCO World Heritage site
  • Natural indigo dyeing in Sakon Nakhon
  • A village mor lam performance

Included

Temple lodging, cultural guides, traditional meals. Buddhist merit-making ceremonies and basic Lao lessons.