Introduction

The northwest Thai city of Khon Kaen still sees very few foreign visitors, yet it has all the delightful appeal of a big metropolis, with many opportunities to learn more about Thailand's distinctive culture. Let’s explore this wonderful province with Asia King Travel!

History of Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen was impacted by central region culture during the Dvaravati period. The earliest inscription discovered in Khon Kaen is eight centuries old and written in the Old Mon language, indicating that Mon people lived in the region at that time.It is thought that the Dvaravati Mon people were the ancestors of the Nyah Kur people, and that the Dvaravati culture had a great influence on the area. Numerous inscriptions from the 10th and 11th century show that the region was influenced by the Khmer people. Before Central Thai rule overtook the region, Lan Xang held control over it.

The beauty of Khon Kaen - ThailandThe beauty of Khon Kaen - Thailand

When Rajakruluang moved there with 330 people in 1783, the region's first city was founded. The city of Khon Kaen was established in 1797.

Best time to visit Khon Kaen

In Khon Kaen, the average temperature varies not much. With humidity taken into account, the majority of the year feels hot, and there is a good possibility of precipitation for almost half of it. 

The months of April, May, and June are the hottest if you're seeking for the warmest times to visit Khon Kaen. View the average monthly temperature in the section below. The hottest month of the year is usually mid-April, when highs hover around 98.7°F (37.1°C) while nighttime lows are seldom lower than 76.9°F (24.9°C).

How to get to Khon Kaen

Travelers can get to Khon Kaen from Bangkok via bus, train, cab, or airplane. The fastest route is to take a flight, which takes only one to two hours to reach Khon Kaen, though you must get to the airport 1-3 hours in advance to check in. Trains and buses take about the same amount of time, about seven to eight hours.

Where to visit in Khon Kaen

1. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon

This temple gathers Buddhist texts and houses the relics of the Buddha. Engraved on every floor's door panel and window are images from the Jataka stories, the life of the Buddha, seven-day Buddha images, and the sixteen realms of Brahmas. The Buddha's remains are housed in a movable seat on the top floor, which is also a beautiful location from which to observe a broad vista of Khon Kaen town.

Golden ancient pagoda of Phra Mahathat Kaen NakhonGolden ancient pagoda of Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon

2. Phrathat Kham Kaen

It is a town sacred site and is located at Wat Chetiyaphum, Ban Kham, Mu 1, Tambon Ban Kham, Amphoe Nam Phong, Khon Kaen province. Ban Kham was a city for two millennia, beginning in -43 CE. Inside the stupa are Buddha pictures and relics today. Every year on the Full Moon day of the sixth lunar month (May), the Phrathat Kham Kaen Homage Paying and Celebration Festival is held.   

Phra That Kham Kaen is a historic Thai Buddhist temple in Khon KaenPhra That Kham Kaen is a historic Thai Buddhist temple in Khon Kaen

3. Maha Rattana Chedi Si Tri Lokkathat 

This is a magnificent stupa that perfectly combines Isan folk art with modern art. Based on the notion that the three worlds - heaven, the human world, and the underworld - converge, the stupa was constructed. Beneath the Chedi, there is a Dhamma puzzle room and the beautiful Buddha picture, Phra Ong Dam. 

Maha Rattana Chedi Sri Trai Loka Dhatu located in Khon Kaen province of ThailandMaha Rattana Chedi Sri Trai Loka Dhatu located in Khon Kaen province of Thailand

When paying respect to the Chedi, visitors can discover more about the three main pagodas of the three worlds: Maha Rattana Chedi Si Trai Lokkathat (human world), Naga Chedi (underworld), and Chedi Chula Mani (placed on the second heaven of Buddhist Cosmology). Worshiping this specific pagoda is said to be equivalent to worshiping the three holy pagodas of the three realms.  

4. King Cobra Village

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 FightersThailand'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.

5. Ubolratana Dam

In addition to serving as a recreational area for Khon Kaen residents, it serves as a multipurpose dam for the production of electricity, agriculture, fisheries, flood control, and transportation. 

Ubol Ratana Dam - Electricity Generating Authority of ThailandUbol Ratana Dam - Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand

Restaurants, lodging, and various activities, like a boat excursion for sightseeing, appreciating a garden of plant species found in literature, a garden with dinosaur sculptures, and a golf course service, are all available inside the Dam's boundaries.

Read more at: Surin Attractions

In conlusion, Khon Kaen in Thailand is a promising travel destination where you can expect an exceptional experience woven from a harmonic blend of natural beauty, cultural depth, and friendly friendliness. Get in touch with us right now for a fantastic trip across this enchanting province.