Travel in THAILAND : Khon Kaen Province



Khon Kaen is the commercial, administrative, and educational center of the Northeast that is often used by travelers as a base for visiting many parts of upper Isan. Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand and is well known for the high quality silk that is produced in the province. Located in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s northeast region, Khon Kaen has been one of the fastest growing areas in Thailand. The Thai government nominated Khon Kaen as the export center for trade throughout the Indo-China Region and both Laos and Vietnam have consulates in Khon Kaen to process visa applications. Khon Kaen also contains the largest university in the northeast, Khon Kaen University, a major center of education and technology. Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I. But prehistorically, this town on the plateau has been home to various cultures as well as other fascinating creatures, heretofore unknown to the modern world. Artifacts have proven that millions of years ago the area was occupied by gigantic dinosaurs, several of which were endemic to the region. People in various cultures later occupied the plateau for thousands of years until the Ancient Khmer Empire expanded its presence into the area in the 12th century and ruled it for some time. The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all contributed to shaping the people and culture of Khon Kaen. A major source of local wisdom regarding the production of silk is in Amphoe Chonnabot, where excellent Mudmee Silk is delicately woven by hand using a special tie-dye technique, and Khon Kaen features both creature comfort, in the form of fine eateries and swanky hotels, and beautiful nature, including a variety of animal parks and a number of spectacular national parks. Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand, featuring a number of upscale restaurants and hotels, the largest university in the North East, and a busy airport. In addition to containing some fascinating historical and archaeological sites, Khon Kaen is also an excellent place to watch the production of Mudmee Silk or participate in outdoor activities within one of its several animal reserves or national parks. Accommodation As a popular tourist destination, Khon Kaen has a large variety of accommodation options including quality hotels and resorts as well as lodging in the national parks and with local villagers at various home stays. Transport As the commercial and political center of Northeastern Thailand, Khon Kaen can be reached via private car, public bus, train, or airplane. In Khon Kaen town there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk for local and regional transportation. Getting to and from Khon Kaen  By Train: Trains from Bangkok’s Hua Lumphong Railway Station bound for Udon Thani and Nong Khai travel via Khon Kaen. Leaving Bangkok daily, there are various kinds of trains available such as rapid, express, and air-conditioned diesel locomotive. For more information, call Tel. 1690, 0 2220-4334, 0 2220 4444. Khon Kaen Railway Station can be contacted at Tel.0 4322 1112 or www.railway.co.th. By Car: Khon Kaen province is 449 kilometers from Bangkok. Motorists should take Highway No.1 (Phahonyothin Rd.) north and turn right onto Highway No.2 (Mittraphap Rd.) at kilometer 107 in Saraburi province. Finally, follow Highway No.2 through Nakhon Ratchasima to Khon Kaen.  As Khon Kaen is a transportation hub of the Northeast region, motorists can also travel via the Saraburi-Lam Narai Road then turn right, through Mueang Khom-Dan Khun Thot-Chaiyaphum, to Khon Kaen. Or from Saraburi, motorists can travel via Lam Narai-Thepsathit-Chaiyaphum-Mancha Khiri-Phra Yuen to Khon Kaen. By Bus: A journey by bus from Bangkok to Khon Kaen takes 7 hours. Several ordinary busses, air-conditioned coaches, and 24-seat VIP coaches leave Bangkok’s Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) daily. For more information, call Tel. 0 2936 2852 to 66. Bus schedules from Khon Kaen can be checked at the Khon Kaen Bus Terminal (Tel.0 4323 7472, 0 4323 7300) and the Air-conditioned Bus Terminal (Tel.0 4323 9910) By Air: Thai Airways International operates daily flights on the Bangkok-Khon Kaen route. For more information, call Tel.1566, 0 2280 0060, 0 2628 2000 or Khon Kaen office at Tel. 0 4322 7701 to 5 or visit the website www.thaiairways.com. Thai Air Asia also operates flights on this route. Call for more information at Tel. 0 2515 9999 or visit the website www.airasia.com. Getting Around Khon Kaen Getting around the province is quite convenient as various kinds of vehicle are available. Regular busses, fanned and air-conditioned, operate in the city and there are busses leaving the capital for other districts all day long. Visitors can also use car rental services operated by many tour companies in town.  As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically also songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, samlors (pedal powered tricycle taxis) and tuk tuks are usually available for private charter as well. Activities As an up and coming province, Khon Kaen has a number of activities other, particularly in its spectacular natural parks, including jungle trekking. Attractions Once one of the fastest growing regions in Thailand, Khon Kaen has numerous attractions, ensuring that visitors with any interest, particularly in culture, history, or nature will find something to keep them entertained on their Khon Kaen holiday. The following are some of the most popular attractions in Khon Kaen Food & Drink Most restaurants in Khon Kaen serve a variety of cuisines, including Thai and international foods. Shopping As in most provincial capitals, Khon Kaen features a central market where locals can buy everything from groceries to household appliances and visitors can shop for clothing and other necessary supplies. In addition to the shopping venues listed below, there are often locally produced handicrafts available at central markets, the occasional night market, and from village workshops in smaller towns throughout the province. Tourist Information Centres Area of Responsibility: Khon Kaen, Roi Et, Kalasin, Maha Sarakham  Language Support: English Opening Hours: 08:30-16:30 Services & Facilities: Support tourism for Thai and Foreign visitors by providing brochures on tourism and creating and producing tourism media. Information : http://www.tourismthailand.org/