Khon Kaen is an easily accessible city in the North East region, smaller than Udon Thani and Ubon, and with good links to Bangkok and the surrounding towns and provinces. You can walk around Khon Kaen and compare the older and newer elements to this university city.
The south of the city offers a glimpse of Ye Olde Thailand, where communities of residents live in small houses that happily stand unfazed by the growing pace of urban dwelling in 2010. Cycle around these treelined streets and stop for a traditional Coffee Boran, a famous Thai iced coffee, which provides a much needed caffeine fix enhanced by a scoop of condensed milk.
The highlight of this area is the stunning Wat Nongwang, one of the most impressive I have encountered throughout Thailand. This glistening gold and red 9-tiered pyramid structure has a stairway enabling you to walk to the top and capture views of the surrounding countryside.
Other buildings of note in Khon Kaen include the City Pillar Shrine, Wat Chai Si, Wat Pa Saeng Arun, Khon Kaen National Museum and Treasure Hall. The museum is notable for its bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang.
You will no doubt see some dinosaur symbols in the region, as the great beasts were once roaming the neighbouring region of Phu Wiang. In fact, they are older than the buses that now roam throughout Isaan! Phu Wiang National Park is an easy drive from Khon Kaen, and offers camping and walks that take you high up to view the fauna and peaks of the region. Don't forget your camera! Phu Pha Man National Park is also worth a visit, primarily for its limestone cliff and jungle. Snake lovers can satisfy their cravings by driving to King Cobra Village in nearby Tambon Sai Mun.
For those who prefer to spend an afternoon sipping raspberry smoothies or eating hazlenut cupcakes, visit Central World shopping centre in the north of Khon Kaen. This newly built shoppers' paradise has a state of the art multi screen cinema, countless restaurants offering all types of cuisine, clothes shops and even a firing range where the family can realise their childhood ambitions of firing a pistol or machine gun!. Just remember to keep the safety catch on.
Near Central World can be found a nightlife area complete with karaoke venues and bars catering to eager foreigners and expats who seek an alternative to visiting shrines and museums.
Hotels are scattered throughout the city, catering for budget travellers and those who want a spa and swimming pool on site. Condos are found to provide long term stays.
