King Cobras & Temples Tour

The day begins at Wat Chai Si, which is one of just a few temples in Thailand that still have old Isan-style mural paintings. We’ll then drive up the eastern shore of Ubonrat Lake, one of the largest lakes in Thailand, which is flanked the whole way by a stretch of the Phu Phan mountains. We’ll go up one of the peaks to meet Luang Pho Yai, a giant Buddha image, and take in a vast view of the lake and (when the skies are clear) the Phu Wiang mountains beyond the far shore. We’ll then explore an area of ancient rock that has been eroded into many small caves and natural bridges before heading to a bamboo weaving village that specializes in making sticky rice steamers, an essential utensil in every Isan kitchen.

We’ll also see people weaving reed sitting mats before heading to Ban Khok Sa-Nga, best known as the King Cobra Village, where most families keep king cobras in wooden boxes at their homes. We’ll see the snake show where local men demonstrate their bravery and keen sense of king cobra behavior by touching and even kissing king cobras. This is no fake snake charmer show such as is done in India – the snakes here still have their fangs and venom, as the handlers’ many missing fingers will show. Then, on the way back to Khon Kaen, we’ll visit Ku Pra Phachai, a restored ancient Khmer temple ruin, and stroll a village evening market.

If our itinerary doesn’t fit your exact needs and desires, please let us know. With advance notice we can usually modify things.