Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is the second-largest of the north-eastern provinces of Thailand. Neighboring provinces are Nongbua Lamphu, Udon Thani, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham, Buriram, Nakhon Ratchasima, Chaiyaphum, Phetchabun and Loei.

Khon Kaen is the commercial,administrative an educational centre of the Northeast,which is often used by travellers as a base for visiting many parts of upper Isan.

Khon Kaen National Museum houses objects from the Dvaravati period and bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang. Kaen Nakhon Lake in the centre of town is a popular spot for picnics and dining,while Wat That on its bank features typical Isan spires.

Khon Kaen is the centre of the northeastern silk industry with numerous villages producing their own mudmee designs.  Chonnabot is noted for its quality silks.  Every December the city hosts a Silk Fair,when all the best materials are on sale.

Unusual animals are popular in the province,with the cobra and the turtle villages high on tourist programmes.  In both villages, the residents live with their proteges,training them and putting on fascinating shows.  A dinosaur is the provincial symbol ever since remains of these great beasts were unearthed in Phu Wiang National Park,an area also famous for its flora,fauna and waterfalls.

Khon Kaen is 445 kilometres from Bangkok and has an area of about 10,886 square kilometres. It comprises the districts of Muang, Ban Phai, Phon, Nam Phong, Chum Phae, Phu Wiang, Mancha Khiri, Nong Ruea, Kranuan, Nong Song Hong, Chonnabot, Si Chomphu, Waeng Noi, Ubolratana, Ban Fang, Khao Suan Kwang, Phra Yuen, Waeng Yai, Pueai Noi, Phu Pha Man, Khok Pho Chai, Nong Na Kham, Sam Sung and Ban Haet.

Numbered songthaews charge 8 baht/person/trip (pay when you get out). Just wave your hand and the songthaew will stop to let you get on; ring the bell and it will stop again to let you get off. If you need to take a tuk-tuk the driver will normally quote 40 to 50 baht for trips within the city.