Joanna James
Khon Kaen is among the major cities in Northern Thailand, and it is one of the more rural places located in the Isan Region. However, you can find plenty of things to do on a budget, like visiting parks and beautiful temples.
Khon Kaen has many beautiful temples that you can visit. As a country steeped in spiritualism, it is a good way to get children acquainted with the different cultures and beliefs. With 95% of the population being Buddhist, you will encounter many gorgeous temples throughout the country, and this region is no exception. Visit Wat Nong Wang, Wat Pa Saeng Arun, and Wat Thung Setthi; these are some of the popular temples to visit in the region.
This is a scenic area near Wat Nong Wang with lots of shade and a walking area around the lake. There are plenty of spots to sit in solitude and quiet reflection, as well as a cycling track and a few exercise machines dotted around the lake. There is a walkway over the water and a large statue of a dinosaur and a few temples overlooking the lake. It's a lovely way to spend a hot day in the cool shade overlooking the water.
This walking market can be lots of fun and opens up only on Saturdays after 4 pm. This is a colourful and interesting place to spend a Saturday night with lots of stalls, featuring food, sweets, handmade crafts and trinkets, plus all kinds of restaurants nearby as well. There are live performances and dances on certain nights, adding to the ambience of the place.
Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan is a wonderful place to spend a whole afternoon as this is not quite your average temple! The premises has a shrine for the Buddha, an amusement park, monuments, sculptures, animals, and plenty of plants and cultivations. Bring along some walking shoes, as the temple grounds are massive! There are even statues of cartoon characters and animals within the area. You can expect to see crocodiles, rabbits, ostriches, chickens and all kinds of animals living freely. It is a great place for meditators, and you can even speak to the resident Buddhist monks for advice to help further your practice or join the monks for the evening chanting. Camping and volunteering are allowed for people of all religions, and free meals are provided for guests. However, arrangements will have to be made beforehand.
The city shrine in Khon Kaen is located opposite the Municipal Building and near the train station. A hotel in Khon Kaen won't be too difficult in this area; the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre can be a great option to stay central to the city and visit all the major sites on the island. The shrine is lovely, with gardens, a beautiful temple, and statues, and it gets visited during all times of the day by worshippers and tourists. At night, the structures, sculptures and trees around the place get illuminated. It is indeed a lovely place to spend a peaceful night in Khon Kaen.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
