Guesthouse In Thailand

 Your transport for tours (click here)

 Day tours from the guesthouse (click here)

"Thai House" special 4 day holiday package (click here)

Elephant tours (click here)

9 day "Rocket Festival and tour (click here)

Tours out from "Thai House" (click here)

Festivals in Thailand are numerous, some are unique to the "Phu" and others are just Thai. They normally have there roots in Buddhism teaching, such as the “Bung Fai” day. (Rocket Festival). Rocket day can only be described as amazing, dangerous and simply exciting. It is in fact held over three days. All over Isaan you will find Rocket Festivals of different sizes. Our local one is held in “Ban Kutwah” ten minutes from our village. The first day is very full and starts with a street carnival. Many floats and dancing parades come down the road to the beat of local music. It is something to see, I can tell you. Imagine big trucks full of boys and girl bands belting out very loud local music using there own amplified musical instruments, followed by a stream of dancers in unison to the music. Then followed by huge floats depicting the mythological stories associated with “Bung Fai”. This carnival goes on all day and into the night. The next day is “Rocket launch day” Out into the Paddies go the rocketeers. Youth from local villages going to compete to see whose rocket will stay up the longest. These are NOT toys, these are homemade monsters, some weighing in at 2 tonne and carried onto the launch pad by 8 or 9 people. Imagine a Catherine wheel laying on its side, (yes, like a UFO) The audience holding its breath some 500 metres away. The green flag goes up to give the all clear and two rocketeers will light the fuses. WHOOSH!!! As the boys run for cover up she goes, the crowds cheering it on, up, up, and away. However as they say, “What goes up”! the crowds watch to see the way the wind is blowing and get ready to make a run for it if the remnants start heading there way. This day is not without its dramas and danger. Some rockets explode on the ground, some as low as 20 metres of the ground. It is amazing to see a tonne of gunpowder explode like that. I have attached a movie of one exploding to give you and idea. However, for the audience 500 metres away it is safe.

The rockets keep on coming all day and the next. Whilst all this is going on there is a fair ground atmosphere happening in other parts of the village. There are stalls selling drinks and food, bumper cars and side shows even a house of mirrors. It is one very memorable day. This year I had with me two guests from the Resort. John and Norma came especially for Rocket Day. They are still talking about it, “It was amazing” said john. “Can you imagine this ever happening in England” I for one can’t imagine it anywhere else but Isaan.

Festivals seem to have been an invention of the Thais, if there’s an excuse for one then the Thais will have it. They just like to party seriously.

If your serious about visiting us during a Festival then contact me by email simply_siam@hotmail.com

SUGGESTED TOURS

Itinery for Rocket day (9 day tour)

Mid May 

Day one

Pick up at Khon Kaen Airport at 19.40pm. Two hour drive back to Resort. Arrive 21.40 for well deserved rest. Maybe a hot chocolate.

Cost: room “Chalet” 1200bht including Breakfast for two (Option “Villa” 700 bht inc breakfast)

Pick up at airport 2000bht including petrol.

Day Two

This is “Carnival Day”

Breakfast poolside at 8am followed by a tour of our farm and forest.

11am a short drive to Ban Kutwah to get a good position to view the Parade. This starts at approx 12 noon. You can hear it coming, big trucks loaded up with bands playing a mixture of new and old music, all with a foot tapping rhythm. The trucks are followed by long processions of dancers all dressed in traditional “Phu Thai” clothing, absolutely beautiful. The dancers are then followed by the most amazing floats. The parade goes on for two hours or more so there is time for a lunch and maybe a beer at many of the side walk venues. We return to the Resort at 4 pm for a swim or relax at the Bar.

Dinner at 7pm

Cost: Dinner for two 300bht Approx

Room: 1200bht (Inc breakfast)

The Carnival: 1000 bht per person includes lunch and soft drinks 

Day Three

This is “Rocket Day”

Ready for breakfast at 8am and then a short drive (15 minutes) to Ban Kutwah, our venue for today’s activities. We will spend the day at Kutwah, see the rockets zoom off into the blue yonder and generally laugh ourselves crazy. Arrive back home for our evening meal.

Cost: Dinner for two 300bht Approx (depending on the dish)

Room 1200bht (Inc breakfast)

Rocket Day: 1000 bht per person Inc lunch and soft drinks

Day Four

A little more relaxed. Get up when you feel like it, and have breakfast when you’re ready. Then off to Kutwah for more of the same until lunch time.

12.30pm we will leave for lunch at the Prawn Farm, this is a very special meal, Noi and Pumpkin will join us. Back to the resort or if you feel full of energy, back to Kutwah.

Dinner at 7pm

Cost: Lunch 500bht Maximum (for two) plus drinks.

Room 1200bht (Inc breakfast)

Dinner for two 300bht plus drinks

Day Five

Breakfast when you’re ready but not too late as we plan for a foraging trip with “Darwin” and Noi. Back for lunch and then some free time, maybe a visit to Mukdahan?

Dinner at 7pm

Cost: room 1200bht (Inc breakfast)

Lunch 200 bht for two

Dinner 300 bht for two

Day Six

Ready for breakfast at 8 am. Depart the Resort at 10am (approx) head toward Mukdahan and then Nakhon Phanom. Stay the night in Nakhon. On the way we shall stop at a variety of places of interest, “That Phanom”, Mekong river roast pork lunch and more.

Costs: the room for tonight is approx 1200bht in a nice hotel on the river bank. Meal costs pay as we go but about the same as our resort (as a guide line)

Transport 2500bht (excluding petrol) includes drivers room costs and meals.

Day Seven

Up for a long drive to Nong Khai. Lots to see on the way. We should arrive late afternoon. Check in at a nice hotel on the river, next to the market. Meal on the river boat tonight.

Costs: Transport 2500bht (excluding Petrol) includes drivers room and costs.

Day 7  22/5/2008

Sometime to be spent in Nong Khai at the “sculpture Park” and Temple.

Then a drive toward Chiang Mai, leaving Nong Khai about 2pm. A four hour scenic drive to Khon Kaen to catch an evening flight to Bangkok

Costs: Transport 2500bht (excluding petrol)

The Rocket that went wrong!!! 

"This is Houston. We have lift off"

A couple of "Rocketeer" losers. Dumped in a mud pool for the effort.

(yes, they are wearing skirts)

Option 1 Elephant Round Up Mid November

We have very limited space on this once a year festival. This silk producing  Isaan town of  Surin is host to this amazing event. The round up is steeped in history and is very colourful.  The forested area bordering Thailand and Cambodia is the domain of Suay, a tribe of Elephant catchers. They were much in demand at the beginning of the 20^th century to catch wild Elephants that worked to establish the emerging farms and logging in the area. The festival and shows are held in the Surin Stadium from the 3^rd week of November.

Day One

8am. An early full breakfast at the resort.

9.30 Be ready for our departure by mini coach. Today we will drive to Surin. We will stop for lunch at a small village called Ban Tha Klang, or “Elephant village” this is a Suay settlement. Today is just a short stop as most of the Elephants are in Surin town. After lunch we head a further 60 kilometers to arrive at our hotel for the night. The afternoon will be spent at the Stadium to watch the re enactments and special shows with over 100 Elephants.

Tonight we have free, there is lots of night life in the area if you want to kick up your heels.

Day Two

8.30am Breakfast at the Hotel then a short drive to the stadium. A full day of Elephant excitement. Lunch at the stadium and then a visit to the Elephant Museum. Tonight we can go to the”Night Market” or head to the entertainment area for another night on the town. (Or both).

Day Three

8.30am Breakfast at the Hotel. Today we drive toward the border of Cambodia and Thailand. About 60 kilometers south of Surin we arrive at Phnom Rung, the site of a Khmer Temple. Similar to Angkor Wat and built at the same period this magnificent building is no ruin. The site is well maintained and in pristine condition. We will lunch in the ground.

After lunch we will take a 3 hour scenic drive back to the Resort.

Option 2 The Elephant and Temple tour

This tour runs all year round. We will be away for 3 days 2 nights.

Day One

8.30 am Breakfast at Thai House Resort.

9.30 Be ready for our departure by mini coach. Today we will drive to Surin. We will stop at a small village called Ban Tha Klang, or “Elephant village” this is a Suay settlement. Here is where the Elephants are trained and kept during the months prior to the “round up”. After a lunch at the village you can take a ride on an Elephant and see them eat. It is then a further 60 kilometers to Surin and our hotel for the night. Tonight we have free, there is lots of night life in the area if you want to kick up your heels. Or you may want to visit the vibrant night market.

Day 2

9.00 am Breakfast at the Hotel. We will visit the Elephant museum that displays many of the accessories used by the Suay to capture the Elephants. We can also visit the bustling morning market.

11.00 am Today drive toward the border of Cambodia and Thailand. About 60 kilometers south of Surin we arrive at Phnom Rung, the site of a Khmer Temple. Similar to Angkor Wat and built at the same period this magnificent building is no ruin. The site is well maintained and in pristine condition. We will lunch in the grounds.

After lunch we will head for Buriram and visit the Isaan Culture Centre. Tonight we stay at Buriram.

Day 3

9.00am Breakfast at the hotel and then depart for our way back to the Thai House resort. On our drive we can stop at villages to view handicrafts and take a peep first hand at Isaan culture. Lunch at a small village and then arrive back for pre-dinner drinks and a re-cap of the tour.

Tour Costs

Cost per person.(minimum 2 people)

Option 1 9800 bht per person (Euro Approx 

Option 2 9600 bht per person              

Includes

All hotels after our departure from “Thai House Resort”

All meals (excluding Alcoholic drinks)

All entrance fees

All transport including petrol

All guiding

All taxes (if required)

 "Big Boy" at the "Elephant Village" 

On arrival "Day One"

Meet and Greet on “The Deck”. Complimentary drinks and an overview of our "Phu Thai" Culture and how "Thai House" fits into the village. If you are not  tired we can take a stroll around the area and get aquainted with the locals. Back to freshen up before an Isaan Thai dinner.

Costs

Room 1500 bht (double) “Chalet villa”

Meal for two, Approximate 400 bht including drinks.

Day 2

Up early (7.00 am) for a big Western breakfast (Egg Bacon, the works) served on "The Deck"

Departure time 10am. We are going to visit Thailands “Jurassic Park” Arrival at 11.30 and a talk given by the Scientists at “Jurassic Park”.

We then take a short drive (15 minutes) to Lam Pao Dam. Here we are towed out in a house boat to relax on the lake, do some fishing and enjoy a fish meal. All washed down with a cool drink. Back to the Resort to arrive at 3.30pm

Tonights dinner will be prepared by you. (with Nois help) We shall sample two

receipes of “Phu Thai” cuisine. A copy of which is in English to make things easier.

Dinner

Pre dinner drinks on "The Deck"

Followed by Your very own cooked "Isaan Meal"

Cost

Room 1500 bht

English breakfast for two 200bht
Meal for two (Approximate). 400 bht including drinks.
Tour  1200 bht per person (includes Lunch) excludes drinks.

Day 3

Up early for a big Western breakfast (Egg Bacon, the works) served on "The Deck". Then relax for an hour or go for a stroll.

Day Tour

We depart at 9am. 1 hour drive to the Indochina Market on the banks of the Mekong at Mukdahan.  Maybe purchase some local handicrafts. We then visit a cultural museum to learn more about the local tribes and there customs.  Followed by Lunch at the “Riverside restaurant”. Sample local cuisine at its best, overlooking the Mekong with views to Lao.

Drive back to the village for an afternoon Phu Thai Culture Show. Includes a dancing demonstration, tea or coffee, local Handicraft products (for sale) and a cooking demonstration by Noi of  typical Phu Thai food.

Pre Dinner Drinks on the “The Deck”

Dinner

Thai cuisine

Cost

Room 1500 bht

English Breakfast for two 200 bht

Meal for two (Approximate)  400 bht including drinks.

Tour  900 bht per person (includes Lunch) excludes drinks.

Day 4

Up early for a big Western breakfast (Egg Bacon, the works) served on “The Deck”. Then relax for an hour or go for a stroll.

Today can be spent with Noi  foraging for herbs in the forest, preparing them and cooking different very local dishes.  There will be some unusual ingredients including Bamboo, Frogs, unseen herbs and spices. Bring your hiking shoes the terrain is tough. “Darwin” our monkey will lead the way.

Lunch is “very Phu Thai”  

Optional Day Tour

Mini Coach pick up at 9am. A beautiful drive through the villages and countryside to visit the magnificent  Pahnaamyoi Temple. This temple has been in the building stages for 25 years, it was originally commissioned by the Royal family and is an amazing sight. Then a short drive to a Local open air restaurant  for lunch.

Back to the Resort for a true Thai cooking lesson. Noi will help you cook your own Thai meal for dinner tonight

Pre Dinner Drinks on the “The Deck”

Dinner tonight is definitely Thai.

Costs
 
Room 1500 bht

English Breakfast for two 200 bht

Dinner for two (Aprox) 400 bht including drinks.

Tour 1500 bht per person (includes Lunch) excludes drinks.

                                    Phanom Yoi Temple

Day Tour "A"

Departure time 10am. We are going to visit Thailands “Jurassic Park” Arrival at 11.30 and a talk given by the Scientists at “Jurassic Park”.

We then take a short drive (15 minutes) to Lam Pao Dam. Here we are towed out in a house boat to relax on the lake, do some fishing and enjoy a fish meal. All washed down with a cool drink. Back to the Resort to arrive at 3.30pm

Tonights dinner will be prepared by you. (with Nois help) We shall sample two

recipes of “Phu Thai” cuisine. A copy of which is in English to make things easier.



Pre Dinner Drinks on the “The Deck”
Dinner

Your very own Isaan Thai meal.

Costs

Room 1500 bht

English Breakfast for two 200 bht

Meal for two (Approximate). 400 bht including drinks.

Tour  1200 bht per person (includes Lunch) excludes drinks. (minimum two people)

Day Tour "B"

We depart at 9am. 1 hour drive to the Indochina Market on the banks of the Mekong at Mukdahan.  Maybe purchase some local handicrafts. We then visit a cultural museum to learn more about the local tribes and there customs.  Followed by Lunch at the “Riverside restaurant”. Sample local cuisine at its best, overlooking the Mekong with views to Lao.

Drive back to the village for an afternoon Phu Thai Culture Show. Includes a dancing demonstration, tea or coffee, local Handicraft products (for sale) and a cooking demonstration by Noi of  typical Phu Thai food.

Pre Dinner Drinks on the “The Deck”

Dinner
Thai cuisine

Costs

Room 1500 bht

English Breakfast for two 200 bht

Meal for two (Approximate)  400 bht including drinks.

Tour  1200 bht per person (includes Lunch) excludes drinks.  (Minimum two people)

 Day Tour "C"

Mini Coach pick up at 9am. A beautiful drive through the villages and countryside to visit the magnificent  Pahnaamyoi Temple. This temple has been in the building stages for 25 years, it was originally commissioned by the Royal family and is an amazing sight. Then a short drive to a Local open air restaurant  for lunch.

Back to the Resort for a true Thai cooking lesson. Noi will help you cook your own Thai meal for dinner tonight

Pre Dinner Drinks on the “The Deck”

Dinner tonight is definitely Thai.

Costs
 
Room 1500 bht

English Breakfast for two 200 bht

Dinner for two (Aprox)400 bht including drinks.

Tour 1500 bht per person (includes Lunch) excludes drinks. 

We have been developing interesting Tours out from "Thai House". The following programs can be modified to fit your own interests.

South East Isaan

Day One

Depart "Thai House" at 10am and head toward Mukdahan. We will stop at Mukdahan for coffee and visit the Indochina Market. After this break we will travel to Amnat Charion for lunch. On the way to our first evening stop we will visit a beautiful Temple in a small village surrounded by Paddy Fields. Then on to our overnight stop at "Pahna" We stay at the "Phana Resort" and our evening meal will be at the local village eatery, Isaan style. A busy day so not a late night. (Unless you want to!)

Day two

We leave early from "Phana" and arrive in "Khong Jiam" for breakfast Thai Style. Today can be spent lazing around the beautiful swimming pool at "Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort" or getting to know the area. Khong Jiam is located by the banks of the Mekong and Moon Rivers. It is "unseen" Thailand. Small eateries line the banks of the rivers offering fish from the Mekong and Moon. It is easy to get around here, you can't get lost and the locals always welcome a visitor. Tonight we eat at the "Cafe De Khong" This is the Resort restaurant and you will sample the best cuisine of the area. Simply delicious. After dinner, if you are ready to party, you may want to also sample the local lively bars.

Day Three

After a big breakfast at the Resort be ready for our departure at 10am. Today we will travel to Ubon Ratchatani. This Isaan city is a modern bustling Mecca. Full of markets, Supastores and a very lively Night Life. The alternative to this part of the Tour is to head further South close to the border of Cambodia and Thailand. We can visit many "Unseen" Thailand places of interest including Khmer Temple sites and forest waterfalls. We would then drive to Ubon for a nights rest before a departure back to the "Thai House" Guesthouse.

Cost

Single person 4 Days 3 Nights   12300 Bht (includes accommodation, transport, breakfast and guiding)

Couple 17100 Bht

 The Mekong River at Khong Jian

 The pool at "Tohsang Khong Jiam Resort"

The gardens at Phana Resort