5 Activities You Can Do in Khon Kaen - Making the most of this beautiful city

If you happen to be passing through over the weekend, head over to the local horse races. Held every Sunday, the races start around noon, but get there earlier to grab some delicious Thai food, study your programme guide and then place bets. Even if you are not that into gambling, it is still exciting to amid the crowds as locals scream and shout as their horses approach the finish line. If there's one thing that Thais take seriously, it's their horse bets. There's a 30-minute break between races, so plan to spend at least a few hours at the track. To avoid the uncomfortable heat, visit during the cooler months, or head to the tracks late noon. You'll miss the first races, but at least you'll be able to watch the rest in relative comfort.

Markets are possibly the best way to experience how locals live and go about their days, and the Ton Tann Night Market is no different. However, unlike traditional Thai night markets, this one is a bit more upscale. You will find that in addition to the street vendors and aromatic food stalls, there are also a number of boutique shops, an area for live performances, as well as cafes and bars. The Ton Tann Night Market is also extremely clean, and well lit with lanterns throughout, making it a great place to spend your evenings.

Thailand has its fair share of beautiful temples, and after travelling through the country you would probably have seen more than a few, but don't let that stop you from visiting Wat Nong Wang. The temple has 9 tiers, each one adorned with beautiful Buddhist relics and intricate details. Learn about the long history and culture of the temple as you climb up each tier. Once you reach the top floor, head over to the observation and take in the spectacular panoramic views of the city and Lake Kaen Nakhon. If you happen to be staying at nearby hotel, like the AVANI Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Center, stop by during the evening when the entire temple is lit up with sparkling lights.

There are plenty of things to do in Khon Kaen, and eating is one of them. There are many prawn farms around Khon Kaen, and they're the perfect place to lunch on fresh prawns, cooked just right on a bbq. Sit back with a book and sip on a cold drink as the delicious aroma of sizzling prawns makes its way to your table.

There are actually quite a few lakes in the city, but Bueng Kaen Nakhon, located in the city centre, is one of the best. There are a number of restaurants, and coffee shops located along the banks, and come evening, several street food vendors set up to serve an array of local delicacies, including bbq chicken satays, pad thai and freshly made papaya salad. Bueng Kaen Nakhon is roughly 4km long, and is a great place for cycling, and even if you're feeling adventurous, there are paddle boats for rent.