Joanna James
One of the four major cities of Thailand’s Isaan region, Kon Kaen is not your typical tourist destination – which is why exploring it promises to be far more rewarding! From museums, temples, and national parks to explore by day, and fantastic restaurants, bars and nightclubs to let loose at after dark, things to do here are endless. Read on to discover more.
Quite similar to a walking street complete, Ton Tann Green Market comes replete with vendors selling art and handicrafts along with plenty of entertainment to enjoy. Ton Tann Green Market is a daily bazaar and is an attractive open space great for leisurely browsing and shopping. The largest open-air market, this particular attraction has a lot of activities for everyone to enjoy ranging from live music, delicious street food to indulge in, appreciating the work of up-and-coming artists and much more.
Located approximately 85 km from the city of Khon Kaen, a visit to the Ba Luang Waterfall Forest Park makes for a fantastic one-day getaway in the lush local forests of tropical Thailand with an opportunity to cool off in the waterfall. An easy hike to the top of the waterfall will take you through 12 stages and offer nature enthusiasts the chance to learn more about the indigenous flora and fauna of the region. Check with your hotel the likes of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel and Convention Centre if they could arrange for a visit to this beautiful park during your stay.
Among the more popular things to do in Khon Kaen include making the time to explore the most famous temple in Khon Kaen – Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon. Also known as the Wat Nong Wang, this beautiful nine-storied temple is located right next to Kaen Nakhon Lake. The temple houses relics of the Lord Buddha and important Buddhist scriptures. Upon reaching the topmost floor (which is where the relics of the Lord Buddha are located) one can soak in some truly panoramic vistas of the sprawling city of Khon Kaen. The temple is open to the public daily from 8.00 am in the morning to 5.00 pm in the evening.
Located on Capitol Avenue just opposite Khon Kaen Industry Offices, the Konkaen Walking Street is a treat to explore. The open-air market of sorts spring to life every Saturday come evening time and includes a plethora of stalls and shops selling everything from mouth-watering dishes and snacks, to affordable souvenirs, and entertainment in the form of folk music performance and more.
Situated on Lang Sun Ratchakan Road, the sprawling Khon Kaen National Museum is renowned for housing precious art pieces dating from prehistorical to historical periods. Interesting exhibits to take in during your time there include art pieces from the periods of Sukhothai and Ayutthaya along with the stone lintels from the region’s Khmer ruins.
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