Khon Kaen Travel Guide

A comprehensive travel guide for Khon Kaen, including a list of places to visit, hiking/biking routes, activities, food and drink scene, where to stay, local culture and customs, safety and health, transportation options, nearby destinations and more.


Khon Kaen Travel Guide

Khon Kaen is a city in Central Isaan, located in the northeastern region of Thailand. It is a bustling city known for its rich culture and history, delicious food and outdoor adventures. In this comprehensive travel guide, we will provide you with everything you need to know to plan your perfect trip to Khon Kaen.

List of Places to Visit in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen offers a variety of cultural and natural attractions. Here is a list of the must-visit places:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Phrathat Kham Kaen: a Buddhist temple with a four-sided chedi (stupa) and beautiful views of the city.
  • Bueng Kaen Nakhon: a man-made lake where you can relax, jog or go for a boat ride.
  • Khon Kaen National Museum: a museum that showcases the history, culture and tradition of Khon Kaen and northeastern Thailand.
  • City Pillar Shrine: a sacred site that houses the city’s guardian spirit.
  • Wat Nong Wang: a Buddhist temple that features the city’s tallest chedi and a beautiful golden statue of Buddha.

Natural Attractions of Khon Kaen: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Phu Wiang National Park: a national park filled with natural beauty, amazing wildlife and dinosaur fossils.
  • Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park: a park with panoramic views and the perfect place for hiking and picnicking.
  • Kaen Nakhon Lake Park: a park with beautiful greenery, a jogging track and an outdoor gym.
  • Khon Kaen Zoo: a zoo that is home to a variety of animals and offers an opportunity to see some of the local flora and fauna.
  • King Cobra Village: a village that offers entertainment, snake shows and snake farm tours.

Hiking/Biking Routes of Khon Kaen

  • Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park: offers some of the best hiking trails with breathtaking views of the countryside.
  • Phu Wiang National Park: a great place to go hiking and observe the wildlife in their natural habitat.
  • Bueng Kaen Nakhon: a perfect place to rent a bike and explore the scenic views of the lake.

Best Things to Do in Khon Kaen: Activities and Tours

  • Visit the local markets: Khon Kaen has an abundance of markets that offer traditional Thai food and handmade souvenirs.
  • Join a cooking class: this is a great way to get to know the local ingredients and learn how to cook traditional Thai dishes.
  • Attend a Thai massage class: learn the art of Thai massage in one of the many local massage schools.
  • Visit the silk village: Khon Kaen is known for its silk industry, and you can visit the local village to see how it is made and buy some souvenirs.
  • Join a local festival: Khon Kaen is home to many festivals that showcase the local culture and traditions.

Week-Long Itinerary for Khon Kaen

Day 1: Visit Phrathat Kham Kaen and explore the city center. Day 2: Go hiking in Phu Wiang National Park. Day 3: Visit the Khon Kaen National Museum and City Pillar Shrine. Day 4: Go on a bike tour around Bueng Kaen Nakhon. Day 5: Join a cooking class or attend a Thai massage class. Day 6: Visit Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park and have a picnic. Day 7: Visit the silk village and local markets.

Food and Drink Scene of Khon Kaen

No trip to Khon Kaen is complete without trying the local food and drinks. Here are some must-try dishes and local beverages:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Som Tam Thai: a spicy papaya salad.
  • Laab Muu: minced pork salad with herbs and spices.
  • Khao Neow: sticky rice served with a variety of dishes.
  • Tom Saap: a spicy and sour soup made with pork, lemongrass and chilli.

Local Beverages

  • Chang Beer: a popular Thai beer.
  • Thai Iced Tea: a sweet, milky tea usually served with condensed milk.
  • Nam Manao: a lime juice with ice sugar and salt.

Where to Stay in Khon Kaen: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Khon Kaen offers a variety of accommodation options at different price points. Here are some options:

  • Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid: a luxury hotel with all the amenities you need.
  • Glacier Hotel: a mid-range hotel in the heart of the city.
  • Be My Guest Hostel: a budget-friendly hostel with a chilled-out vibe.
  • Baan Marpraan: a guesthouse located on a peaceful street that offers a homely experience.

What to Buy in Khon Kaen: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

  • Khon Kaen silk: buy locally made silk products, including scarfs, bags and dresses.
  • Thai snacks: Khon Kaen has a variety of delicious snacks that are perfect for taking back home.
  • Thai spices and sauces: take home some of the local spices and sauces to recreate the flavors of Khon Kaen at home.

Local Culture and Customs of Khon Kaen

Thai culture is unique, and it’s important to respect and appreciate it. Here are some customs and traditions to keep in mind when visiting Khon Kaen:

  • Take off your shoes when entering homes, temples or places of worship.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites.
  • Respect the monarchy and do not criticize the king or the royal family.
  • When receiving or giving items to someone, use both hands.
  • Avoid pointing your feet at people or religious objects.

Best Time to Visit Khon Kaen

The best time to visit Khon Kaen is during the cool season, from November to February. The temperatures are pleasant, and there is little rainfall. However, the rainy season from June to October has its charm, with the countryside turning green and lush.

Do’s and Don’ts of Khon Kaen

Do:

  • Learn a few basic phrases in Thai.
  • Try the local food and drinks.
  • Visit the cultural and historical sites.
  • Respect local customs and traditions.
  • Try to bargain when buying souvenirs or products.

Don’t:

  • Touch someone’s head or point with your feet.
  • Speak loudly in public places.
  • Show disrespect to religious sites.
  • Participate in any illegal activities.

Safety and Health

Safety in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is a generally safe city, but like any other place, it’s important to keep a few things in mind:

  • Avoid carrying large sums of money or valuable items.
  • Be cautious of pickpocketing in crowded areas.
  • Take care when crossing busy streets.
  • Do not carry drugs or engage in illegal activities.

Health in Khon Kaen

It is important to take steps to protect your health when traveling to Khon Kaen:

  • Be careful of what you eat and drink, especially when it comes to street food.
  • Use mosquito repellent to protect against mosquito-borne diseases like dengue fever and malaria.
  • Pack any necessary medication or consult a medical professional for any health issues.

Getting to Khon Kaen: Transportation Options and Logistics

Airports Near Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen can be reached by plane via Khon Kaen Airport (KKC), which is located about 15 km from the city center. Several airlines, including Thai Airways and Nok Air, operate daily flights to and from Bangkok.

Bus Stations Near Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen has a central bus terminal that connects to destinations throughout the region, including Chiang Mai, Bangkok, and Udon Thani.

Other Options

Taxis and tuk-tuks are readily available in the city, and Grab is also a popular ride-hailing app for getting around.

How to Get Around in Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is easy to navigate and offers many options for getting around:

  • Tuk-tuks and taxis are widely available.
  • Rental bikes and motorbikes are available at many hotels and guesthouses.
  • Public transportation, including buses and songthaews (pickup trucks with benches), are available.

Where to Go Next from Khon Kaen: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Khon Kaen is a great base for exploring the northeast of Thailand. Here are a few nearby destinations:

  • Nong Khai: a town on the Mekong River that is famous for its festivals and the Friendship Bridge connection to Laos.
  • Udon Thani: a bustling city known for its vibrant night market, temples and the Ban Chiang archaeological site.
  • Loei: a province with beautiful mountains, waterfalls, and national parks.
  • Chiang Khan: a small town on the Mekong River known for its traditional wooden houses and stunning sunsets.

Conclusion

Khon Kaen is a fascinating city with a unique culture and history that is worth exploring. We hope this comprehensive guide has given you all the information you need to plan your perfect trip to Khon Kaen. Enjoy your travels!

Khon Kaen Airport Khon Kaen Airport Khon Kaen Train Station Khon Kaen Train Station A songthaew on route 3 in Khon Kaen A songthaew on route 3 in Khon Kaen Most of the murals at Wat Chai Si were painted over 100 years ago and feature scenes from Sinxay at Wat Sanuan Wari. Most of the murals at Wat Chai Si were painted over 100 years ago and feature scenes from Sinxay at Wat Sanuan Wari. Phra That Kham Kaen Phra That Kham Kaen Wat Sanuan Wari Wat Sanuan Wari