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Khon Kaen -
The cultural hub of Thailand
Khon Kaen: This is your ultimate resource for attractions and events including temples, local food National Parks, lakes and snakes in the Issan city. Also, access details for hotels and transportation are here.
Do not come between January & May,
Agricultural burning makes the area hard to see, also the air quality is extremely hazardous.
Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen is not a typical tourist destination, but it offers some attractions and activities to make your visit enjoyable. You can explore the local culture, history, and food at the museums, temples, and markets. You can also relax at the parks, lakes, and spas. Khon Kaen is a pleasant place to stay if you are looking for a different perspective on Thailand
Nong Waeng Temple
A Buddhist temple. It is famous for its nine-story stupa, which houses relics of the Buddha and offers a panoramic view of the city. The temple also features a museum, a library, and a meditation hall. The temple was built in 1979 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the founding of Khon Kaen. It is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the province and a symbol of the local culture and history.
The Khon Kaen's lake
Next to Nong Waeng Temple, is not just a tourist attraction, but also a relaxing spot to enjoy nature. You can take a stroll, bike around the lake, or try the pedal boats for fun on the water. There is also a small park where you can rent bicycles and tandems.
There are many lakes in Khon Kaen and lots of nice restaurants around them.
Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan
A unique attraction that combines religious elements, recreational facilities and wildlife. You can admire the impressive statues and structures that represent Buddhist teachings, you can interact with some of the animals that live there too. The place is very spacious and requires a lot of walking, so be prepared with comfortable shoes and water. You can easily spend half a day exploring the different areas and learning about the culture and history of this place.
Wat Thung Setthi
Maha Rattana Chedi Si Tri Lokkathat (Wat Thung Setthi) (มหารัตนเจดีย์ศรีไตรโลกธาตุ) (วัดทุ่งเศรษฐี). This stupa symbolizes the harmony of the three realms: heaven, earth, and hell. Inside the stupa, you can admire the beautiful Buddha image, Phra Ong Dam, and test your Dhamma knowledge in a puzzle room. You can also learn about the three sacred pagodas of the three realms: Chedi Chula Mani in heaven, Naga Chedi in hell, and Maha Rattana Chedi Si Tri Lokkathat on earth. It's said that if you worship this stupa, you'll get the blessings of all three pagodas.
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If you want to learn more about Thai culture and religion, you should visit some of the temples in Khon Kaen. There are over 20 temples in the city, each with its own history and architecture. You can admire the beautiful Buddha statues, colourful murals, and intricate carvings. Some of the most famous temples are Wat Nong Wang, Wat Thung Setthi, and Wat Phra That Kham Kaen. You will be amazed by the richness of the temple culture in Khon Kaen.
King Cobra Village (หมู่บ้านงูจงอาง)
In Ban Khok Sa-nga nearby the city. You can see amazing snake shows where people dance and box with king cobras. Some of the performers are very famous. You can also go to Wat Si Thamma, where the King Cobra Club of Thailand has a snake show and a snake museum. The show is open every day from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can also watch other snake shows by the villagers on the way.
Phu Pha Man National Park
Located in Dong Lan Forest. Phu Pha Man is named after a mountain range resembling a large, steep curtain, the national park has a cool, humid climate most of the year. Two main tourist routes offer access to its scattered attractions.
Tham Khang Khao (Bat Cave) on Phu Pha Man, where millions of bats emerge nightly, forming a 10-kilometre-long colony in flight.
Nearby, Tham Phra (Buddha Cave) presents a challenging climb to Phu Pha Man's peak, revealing stunning formations within. Accessible by car, it's best visited in winter to avoid slippery conditions.
Tham Phu Talo, only reachable by car during the dry season, is a majestic cave experience with natural stalagmites and stalactites.
Lastly, Tat Fa Waterfall, originating from Huai Tat Fa, cascades over five levels, accessible by foot after driving to Ban Tat Fa.
The Dinosaur Museum (ศูนย์ศึกษาวิจัย และ พิพิธภัณฑ์ไดโนเสาร์ภูเวียง)
This is a research and study centre that provides knowledge on geology to the public. The museum’s building is divided into 3 zones: service, education and exhibition zones.
The exhibition zone shows the origin of the universe, rocks, minerals, fossils, and models of dinosaurs.
Ton Tan Market (ตลาดต้นตาล)
A new tourist attraction with many shops, food stalls, and entertainment. You can enjoy the fresh air and the green scenery on more than 40 rai of land.
There is also plenty of parking space for over 1,500 cars.
The market is open every day from 4.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m.
Isaan food
Isnt for everyone but some people love it, a cuisine that uses a lot of herbs, spices, and fermented stuff to make the dishes more flavorful and last longer. It's really hot and humid in Isaan, so they have to preserve their food somehow, hence why it's often fermented.
You can find a lot of Isaan food stalls in Bangkok too, where people love to eat it.
The best way to enjoy Isaan food is with sticky rice and some fresh veggies like cabbage, basil, and long beans.
It's a simple but satisfying meal that you should try!
TRANSPORT
From Bangkok to Khon Kaen, you have different options to choose from.
You can fly, take a bus, a train or a taxi.
Flying is the quickest way. It only takes an hour to get there by plane from Bangkok.
Taxis from airport
Taking a bus is the cheapest option, but it takes a long time. You have to sit on the bus for more than 11 hours. A train is a good compromise between price and speed.
Taxi or private car - Taxi or private cars can be hired for a more comfortable and convenient journey but can be more expensive than the other options.
To explore your choices and book your tickets online, simply use the Asian Public Transport link below.
ACCOMMODATION
Central Khon Kaen has the best hotels, restaurants, and shops alongside top attractions.
Khao Suan Kwang: This area is located just north of Central Khon Kaen and is home to luxury hotels and resorts. It is also close to many of the city’s top attractions, including the Khao Suan Kwang Zoo and the Khao Suan Kwang Waterfall.
Nai Mueang is perfect for budget-friendly accommodation and is close to museums and night bazaars.
Khon Kaen University is suitable for those looking for budget-friendly hotels
Are you searching for a unique way to experience Khon Kaen? If so, you might want to consider exploring the short-term rental options available. These rentals include traditional Thai houses that offer an opportunity to live like a local. By staying in one of these rentals, you can make your visit even more memorable.
TOURS
Ayutthaya
Lop Buri
Nakhon Sawan - Bang Mun Nak
Phitsanulok
Sukhothai
Lampang - Chao Son
Chiang Mai
Driving option: Khao Yai
Looking for a memorable and enriching travel experience? You might want to consider customising your own tour to the north of Thailand. This tour will take you on a fascinating journey through the historical and natural wonders of central Thailand, before ending in the lively city of Chiang Mai.
You will begin your tour in Ayutthaya, the former capital of Siam, where you will marvel at the ancient ruins of temples, palaces, and monasteries that testify to the glory of the past. Then, you will travel to Lop Buri, a city with a unique Khmer-style temple and monkeys that live among the locals.
From Lop Buri, you will head to Nakhon Sawan and visit Bang Mun Nak, a town that preserves the traditional wooden architecture and culture of Thailand. You will enjoy authentic Thai cuisine and hospitality as you explore this quaint town.
Your next destination is Phitsanulok, the birthplace of King Naresuan the Great, one of the most revered monarchs in Thai history. You will visit Wat Maha That, a temple that houses one of the largest Buddha statues in Thailand. Then, you will continue to Sukhothai, the first kingdom of Siam, where you will admire the beautiful ruins of the Sukhothai Historical Park.
After Sukhothai, you will visit Lampang, a town known for its exquisite ceramics and rich heritage. You will learn about the history and culture of this region and see how the locals make their pottery.
Your tour will conclude in Chiang Mai, the cultural capital of northern Thailand. You will explore the vibrant city and its historic temples, as well as enjoy the nightlife and shopping options.
This tour is a perfect way to experience the diversity and beauty of central and northern Thailand. You will discover the amazing history, culture, and nature of this region and create unforgettable memories.
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