As the development center of the Northeast, Khon Kaen is the de facto capital of Isaan, and is the site of many important establishments. They include Ubolrat Dam, Khon Kaen University and a branch of Tourism Authority of Thailand. Khon Kaen is 449 kilometers from Bangkok.

 

What to see and what to do in Khon Kaen?

 

Bung Kaen Nakhon, a large, clean body of water covering an area of some 50 acres, is a popular place for relaxation for town people. It has a restaurant serving tasty dishes.

Khon Kaen National Museum, as the northeastern regional museum, puts on exhibition various discoveries from the Fine Arts Department. They include Ban Chiang artifacts and sculptured boundary stones found at Muang Fa Daet Sung Yang, Kalasin Province. Open daily except Mondays and Tuesdays.

Phra That Kham Kaen, located at Amphoe Nam Phong about thirty kilometers from town, is the principal sacred place of worship for the Khon Kaen people. The name of the province itself was derived from the word Kham Keen.

Ubolrat Dam, 50 kilometers from town, is the largest multi-purpose dam in the Northeast. Ubolrat Dam is 800 meters long and 32 meters high. The rock-filled structure's 410-square kilometer reservoir comprises a picturesque lake storing some 2,550 million cubic meters of water. The dam setting is suitable for recreation.

Phu Kao - Phu Phan Kham National Park is 56 kilometers from the city on Khon Kaen -Uhonrat Dam - Non Sang route. The park covers a total area of 320 square km. or 201,250 rai of Amphoe Ubonrat (Khon Kaen Province) and Amphoe Non Sang (Nong Bua Lam Phu Province). It was established as a national park on September 20, 1985. Most of the area is covered with Dipterocarps Forests with Mixed Deciduous Forests and Evergreen Forests in some parts. Various kinds of activities such as a jungle trekking, lodging at a guesthouse, camping in the forest and a campfire are enhanced by its landscape. In addition, the lifestyle of the area's ancient community, during the Ban Chiang Period, can be studied from paintings on a cave walls.

Chonnabot Silks, manufactured in Amphoe Chonnabot which is 16 kilometers along Route 2057 off Highway 2 at kilometer 399 marker, are favorite shopping items among all visitors to Khon Kaen. These include the famed Mud Mee or tie-dyed silk.

Mu Ban Tao or Turtle Village is two kilometers from Amphoe Mancha Khiri on the same turn as the village of Ban Kok.

Ku Puai Noi, in Wat Thai Ku Thong Amphoe Puai Noi, is a 12th century,Lop Buri (or Khmer) style santury built of laterite land sandstone. The stricture is distinguished by exquisite designs on door frames and walls. The sanctuary is surrounded by an Iarge stone wall with two major gates.

Chum Phae Ancient Town is located at Ban Na Pho, Amphoe Chum Phae, 80 kms. away from Khon Kaen. The town is locally known as Non Muang. Sandstone boundary stones, potsherds and skeletons of ancient people were unearthed here. These discoveries help trace this site from a pre-historic town up to the Lop Buri Period about 600 years ago.

Phu Wiang National Park covers some 75,000 acres. Surrounded by mountains that form a valley, it is rich in flora, fauna and beautiful waterfalls. Remains of dinosaurs were discovered there. A Buddha image carved on the face of a steep hill dates from the Dvaravati period. The park office is located 15 kilometers from Amphoe Phu Wiang.

Pha Nok Khao is an owl-shaped mountain on the boundary of Amphoe Chum Phae in Khon Kaen Province and Amphoe Phu Kradung in Loei Province.

Tham Pha Phuang Forest Park is some 120 kilometers from town on the Khon Kaen - Chum Phae highway with four kilometers on a side road to the Park. Its main important feature is a cave which can be visited by walking from the parking area to the other side of the hill where the entrance is located.

Silk Fair is held annually in late November or early December in front of city hall and in Ratchadanusorn Park. The events last 7 days and nights. The planned activities include Thida Mai (or Miss Silk parade), exhibition of silk products and a variety of local entertainments.