How to Explore Khon Kaen - Best Ways to Enjoy the Best of Khon Kaen on Holiday

Occupying the northeastern quarter of Thailand, Khon Kaen is one of the country's most underrated holiday destinations. While it may not be as popular as Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Pattaya, this charming Isaan town offers vacationers a wide variety of exciting activities and attractions. From travelling around like a local to hitting all the major highlights in and around the city, here's how to uncover the best of Khon Kaen during a getaway. 

Secure a Strategic Base 

Whether one is heading to Khon Kaen for a brief weekend holiday or a lengthy stay, the advantages that a strategic base can offer should not be underestimated. Regardless of whether it's the Avani Khon Kaen Hotel and Convention Centre or any of the other Khon Kaen hotels in Thailand, the perfect rest should offer easy access to the city's museums and main points of interest. A conveniently placed base hotel can also allow holidaymakers the chance to see more of Khon Kaen in a shorter time period as it won't be necessary to spend hours on the road travelling to various landmarks and attractions. 

Getting Around  

While the city is not served by a subway system or a bus service, tourists will find it easy to get around Khon Kaen City using Songtheaws, taxis and tuk-tuks. Khon Kaen, a metropolis with a grid-like layout, is easy to navigate using converted pickup trucks known as Songthaews, which operate on three central routes. These three main routes include commutes from the Central Plaza to the heart of Khon Kaen as well as transfers to Fairy Plaza and Khon Kaen University. Three-wheeler rides around the city are surprisingly less expensive than using taxi cabs unless passengers choose metered taxis. Renting a bicycle and touring the countryside of Khon Kaen can be a joyful experience for those with time to spare.  

Chanokchon, Songthaews in Khon Kaen 01, CC BY-SA 4.0 

Relax at Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake and Park 

Spread out around a lake that's nearly 100 ha in size, the Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake and the surrounding park make up one of Khon Kaen's top points of interest. Situated in the scenic southeastern fringes of the city, this park, with its own lake, is the ideal place to unwind after a busy day of sightseeing. 

Pay Homage to the Area's Iconic Temples  

No trip to Khon Kaen would be complete without exploring some of the area's finest religious institutions and ancient temples. Although the City Pillar Shrine down Thepharak Road is perhaps the best-known sacred shrine in town, it is the 9-storey stupa temple called the Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon that is the pride of the region. Lined with massive Buddha sculptures and spiritual relics, the ornate and elaborate temple is an architectural marvel for the ages while Wat Pa Saeng Arun is an equally staggering temple structure that's located near the city hall.  

Tour the Khon Kaen's Best Museums 

Whether one is a history buff or simply a curious traveller, a tour of the Khon Kaen National Museum is essential for all first-time visitors. Delving into the cultural and artistic history of the area from the Stone Age to modern times, the exquisite paintings, antiques and other objects on display celebrate Khon Kaen's illustrious past. The Treasure Hall Museum, on the other hand, documents the 5000-year-old history of the Isaan region and its cultural heritage. Open from 9 am to 5 pm, the Treasure Hall Museum is open every day except bank holidays. 

Shop Around  

Don't forget to stop by the city's biggest malls for some much-needed retail therapy during a getaway in Khon Kaen. Central Khon Kaen, Lotus's Khonkaen, Tukcom and Makro are some of the biggest malls in the city although more authentic retail experiences can be had at the night markets down Glang Mueang Road and in the Khon Kaen University area.