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Khon Kaen Province is a rising star on Thailand’s travel map. Blessed with natural beauty and the unique cultural identity of the Isan region, the province is also experiencing strong economic growth. Join Asia King Travel to explore Khon Kaen, where you will surely want to visit after reading this article.
The area that is now Khon Kaen Province was influenced by the Dvaravati Kingdom of Mon people around the 8th century. By the 11th century, it was annexed by the Angkor Empire. After the decline of Angkor’s glory, the province became part of the Lan Xang Kingdom, attracting many Lao settlers who brought their culture with them.
The establishment of Khon Kaen Province can be traced back to the reign of King Rama I of Siam in 1783, when a group of Lao people migrated from Vientiane to the west and founded a new village called Khun Kaen (Khon Kaen). Later, Siam officially recognized the area as part of the kingdom, and Khon Kaen gradually developed into an important administrative center in the Isan region.
Today, Khon Kaen is the capital of Northeastern Thailand due to the development in transportation and trade. The province is also called "University City" because it hosts many prestigious universities and has a progressive academic environment.
The beauty of Khon Kaen, Thailand
Khon Kaen Province is located in the center of the Isan region, 450 kilometers northeast of Bangkok and 650 kilometers east of Chiang Mai. But don’t let the distance deter you, as getting here is quite convenient.
The fastest way to get there is to fly to Khon Kaen International Airport. The airport offers many domestic flights, but international flights are not frequent. Therefore, you will usually need to connect via Bangkok or Chiang Mai before catching a flight to Khon Kaen.
At Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal, many buses are heading to Khon Kaen. Ticket prices range from 420 to 700 THB, depending on the company, bus type, and seat. The journey takes approximately 6 to 7 hours.
Taking the train from Bangkok to Khon Kaen is an interesting option. The journey starts at Hua Lamphong Station and ends at Khon Kaen Station, which is close to the city center.
There are several types of trains: Express trains with soft seats and some sleeper cars, Special Express Sleeper trains with air-conditioned beds, and Ordinary trains with hard seats and basic facilities. Ticket prices range from around 250 to 1,200 THB. Soft seats or air-conditioned sleepers are the most comfortable choice for international travelers.
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Hua Lamphong Station
The peak tourist season in Khon Kaen and the Isan region falls between November and February. During this period, temperatures are pleasant, ranging from 20–30°C, with dry weather.
It’s also the time when many major cultural festivals take place, the most notable being the Khon Kaen Silk Festival. The festival focuses on promoting the local silk industry, while also showing other activities such as parades, traditional mor lam music performances, and mass dances.
Nam Phong National Park is about 50 kilometers from central Khon Kaen. It is a nature reserve featuring primeval forests, limestone mountains, and small waterfalls. There are many easy trails leading to scenic viewpoints and waterfalls. The most famous attraction here is the dam on Ubolratana Lake.
The lake was formed by the Ubolratana Dam on the Chi River, serving both as an important water source and a power generator for the region. The scenery here is picturesque, with a calm lake surface reflecting the sky and the surrounding green mountains. Visitors often choose to rent a boat to cruise on the water, take a walk along the shore, or simply enjoy a picnic amidst the peaceful nature. There are also recreational spots and food stalls around the lake.
Nam Phong National Park
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Wat Nong Wang is the largest temple in Khon Kaen. Its highlight is Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, commonly known as the Nine-Story Stupa, which features a different architectural style compared to other stupas in Thailand.
The stupa was completed in 1996 to commemorate the 50th anniversary of King Rama IX’s reign and the 200th anniversary of Khon Kaen’s founding. Each side of the stupa measures 50 meters, and it stands 89 meters tall. The nine tiers of the stupa are gradually smaller like a pyramid.
Golden ancient pagoda of Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon
Dinosaur enthusiasts are sure to love this place. Dinosaurs once roamed Thailand, and Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum was built right on an archaeological site. The museum’s fascinating exhibits attract many visitors who come to see real dinosaur fossils. There are also interactive activities such as simulated fossil digging and laboratory observation.
The public is familiar with Ban Khok Sa-nga's King Cobra spectacle. In the Village, almost every family breeds king cobras beneath their homes. The event features a range of performances, such as fighting between a man and a king cobra and snake dancing, to enhance its allure.
Thailand's Cobra Village and Its Snake Fighters
Wat Si Thamma is a location that hosts a snake display presented by the King Cobra Club of Thailand in addition to housing several snake breeds in cages with educational signage on snakes. The exhibition is open every day from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Before reaching Wat Si Thamma, tourists can see locals in the village do snake acts and make donations for an admission charge if they so choose.
Leng Yentafo is a signature dish of Khon Kaen. Although it originated in Bangkok’s Chinatown, it has become very popular here. Also known as “pink noodle soup”, the dish gets its eye-catching pink broth from fermented red bean curd and a blend of flavorful spices. The broth has a rich taste, and the noodles are typically served with shrimp balls, fish balls, and diverse types of meat, depending on the restaurant.
This street-style grilled chicken dish captivates diners with its perfectly balanced Thai-style marinade, where spicy and slightly sweet are perfectly blended. The chicken is marinated and slowly grilled over charcoal, typically served with sticky rice and Jaew dipping sauce (though it’s delicious even on its own).
The best grilled chicken can be found in Khao Suan Kwang District in the north of the province. It’s so good that you might finish half a chicken in no time!
Khao Suan Kwang Gai Yang
Khon Kaen is your perfect base for exploring the Isan region. Here, there are many attractions just as impressive as those in Chiang Mai or Bangkok, promising you an unforgettable experience. Contact Asia King Travel and start your journey to the Land of Smiles today!
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