Talk:Khon Kaen/Listings

Get in

By car

Khon Kaen province is 449 kilometres from Bangkok. Motorists can head north by going through Highway 1 (Phahon Yothin Rd.) and turn right onto Highway 2 (Mittraphap Rd.) at kilometre 107 in Saraburi province. Then go 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 Rd. then turn right through Mueang Khom-Dan Khun Thot-Chaiyaphum to Khon Kaen. Or from Saraburi, 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 bus, air-conditioned coaches and 24-seated VIP coaches leave the 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 Air-conditioned Bus Terminal (Tel.0 4323 9910) By train: Trains bound for Udon Thani and Nong Khai go via Khon Kaen. Leaving Bangkok Railway Station daily, there are various kinds of trains available such as rapid, express, and air-conditioned diesel trains. 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 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.

Transportation in the province

Getting around the province is quite convenient as various kinds of vehicle are available. Tuk Tuk or motorised tricycle’s fee starts at 30 baht, while pedal tricycle’s fee starts at 20 baht for a service within the municipality. Various regular buses, fanned and air-conditioned, operate in the city. There are also buses leaving for other Amphoes all day long.

Get around

See

Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen

City Pillar Shrine (ศาลเจ้าพ่อเทพารักษ์หลักเมือง) The sacred shrine is located in front of Sala Suk Chai, , on Thepharak Road in the compound of the Khon Kaen Municipality Office. A famous monk and former governor of Khon Kaen placed a stone inscription from an ancient site in Amphoe Chum Phae here for a Buddhism rite and set up the city pillar shrine.

Khon Kaen National Museum (พิพิธภัณฑสถานแห่งชาติ ขอนแก่น) Located on Lang Sun Ratchakan Road, the museum exhibits antiques and precious art pieces from pre-historical to historical periods as well as a skeleton of the New Stone Age man and tools found at Ban Chiang.

Visitors should not miss to see sandstone Sema boundary markers from the Semas Dvaravati period. The boundary markers were carved delicately featuring the life of the Lord Buddha. These were discovered at Fa Daet Song Yang ancient city in Kalasin province.

Other interesting exhibits include stone lintels from Khmer ruins in the region as well as art pieces from other periods namely, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, and native tools. These exhibits well facilitate study in history, archaeology and the lifestyle of Isan. The museum is open daily from 9.00 am. to 4.00 pm. Admission fee is 30 baht. For more information, call Tel. 0 4324 6170.

Bueng Kaen Nakhon (บึงแก่นนคร) Acquiring an area of 603 rai, the lake is in the municipality of Amphoe Mueang. By the lake is a monument of Chao Phia Mueang Phaen, founder of Khon Kaen. The shady park around the lake decorated with sculptures always attracts people to relax and enjoy recreation.

Treasure Hall (โฮงมูนมังเมืองขอนแก่น) Established to strengthen the local identity and serve as a study centre, the local museum exhibits the history of the city as well as the people’s lifestyle from the yesteryears through the contribution of senior citizens. The exhibitions include Khon Kaen town, history of Khon Kaen and ancient culture dating back to over 5,000 years ago, city establishment, city outlook and Khon Kaen lifestyle, and culture and tradition of Khon Kaen at present. This hall is open daily during 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. except Sunday and public holidays. Admission fee 90 baht.

Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon or The 9-storey stupa (พระมหาธาตุแก่นนคร หรือพระธาตุ ๙ ชั้น) Located in Wat Nong Waeng, a royal temple on Klang Mueang Road, the Phra Mahathat houses relics of the Lord Buddha and important Buddhist scriptures. Doors and windows of the 9 storeys of the stupa are beautifully carved, featuring the life and former reinearnations of the Lord Buddha, 16 classes of visible deities in the Brahma’s world, and Buddhist rites. Murals within the stupa feature history of the town. The top floor, on the 9th storey, houses relics of the Lord Buddha. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town from there.

Khon Kaen University (มหาวิทยาลัยขอนแก่น) Located on the hill called ‘Mo Din Daeng’ over 5,000 rai plot of land, the university is the largest education centre in Isan, particularly on the areas that directly involve and benefit Isan people. How to get there: the university is located 4 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Visitor can access from Mitraphap Road (Khon Kaen-Udon Thani route) or Pracha Samosorn Road (Khon Kaen-Loei route).

Art and Cultural Centre (หอศิลปวัฒนธรรม) Located in the compound of Khon Kaen University, the Isan barn-style building features local knowledge in different areas; namely, arts, geography and history through a modern display. The centre can be accessed through the Si Than Gate.

Sim Isan (Wat Pa Saeng Arun) (สิมอีสาน) Sim Isan – a term for northeastern ordination hall or Ubosot – is situated within Wat Pa Saeng Arun, Tambon Phra Lap, Amphoe Mueang, approximately 3 kilometres from Khon Kaen City Hall on the Khon Kaen – Kalasin route. The Sim Isan’s outstanding features lie in its typical shape and style, solidity, shelter as well as beauty of the murals of Mudmi patterns of the province’s famous tie-dyed silk. This has been intended for later generations to learn, treasure as well as conserve local architecture, in addition, to being a significant touristic site of the province.

Wat Chai Si and Its Murals (วัดไชยศรีและฮูปแต้มสินไซ) The temple is located at Ban Sawathi, Tambon Sawathi, and, being of archaeological, historical as well as social environmental importance, was declared a national ancient monument on 20 August, 2001. The ordination hall – Sim or Ubosot – of this temple houses magnificent mural paintings, both inside and outside, by a folk artisan from Maha Sarakham known as Thong Thipcha. The building originally had a northeastern roof style with an extended roof on each side. Later, a new roof of the Rattanakosin style replaced the old dilapidated one. In 1993, the Fine Arts Department had the roof extended to provide the murals shelter from sunlight and rain, as well as the surrounding landscape improved. There is also a folk museum nearby where rare folk equipment and utensils of the Northeast are collected. The museum is open daily during 8.00 a.m. ��� 5.00 p.m.

Amphoe Nam Phong (Highway 209 and 2183)

Huean Lao (เฮือนลาว) The private museum is located at 188 Mu 5, Tambon Khok Tha, Amphoe Nam Phong, featuring Isan lifestyle, typical house, local wisdom, native arts and culture in the past. It is open on weekends and public holidays from 10.30 a.m. to 4.00 pm.

Phrathat Kham Kaen (พระธาตุขามแก่น) Located in Wat Chetiyaphum, the Phrathat is believed to be the origin of Khon Kaen city since ancient times. Phrathat Kham Kaen can be date the 20th century A.D. According to legend, a back to king who ruled Mori town in the Khmer kingdom assigned 9 senior monks to bring relics of the Lord Buddha to be placed in Phrathat Phanom. On the way, the caravan spent a night here, setting a camp by the heartwood of a dead tamarind tree. The caravan reached Nakhon Phanom on the next day just to learn that Phrathat Phanom had already been completed, so they returned on the same route with a wish to place the relics at their hometown instead. On the way back, they were surprised to find the dead tamarind tree buddingly lush. Therefore, they decided to build a Phrathat here and placed the relics and Buddha images inside, naming Phrathat Kham Kaen which means the stupa of tamarind heartwood.

The Phrathat is now well renovated and landscaped. A celebration is held annually on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month. Phrathat Kham Kaen is 12 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Visitors can get there via Highway 209 (Khon Kaen-Kalasin route). After crossing the Nam Phong River, turn left and keep going for another 14 kilometres.

Ku Prapha Chai or Ku Ban Na Kham Noi (กู่ประภาชัย หรือ กู่บ้านนาคำน้อย) According to archaeological finds, the Khmer ruins were hospital built during the reign of Jayavarman VII in the 13th century. The principal tower has a square plan with a front porch, with a rectangular building known as ‘Bannalai’- a library – in the southeast. These two laterite buildings were surrounded in by a stone wall with a single front entrance on the east. To the northeast outside the wall, there is a pond lined with laterite.The ruins are now well conserved by the temple nearby.

How to get there: visitors can go via Highway 209 and then turn left on the road parallel to the irrigation canal, and turn right across the bridge into Ban Na Kham Noi. The Khmer ruins are located in the temple, Wat Ku Ban Na Kham Noi. Motorists can also cross the irrigation canal first and go on for 6 kilometres, then turn left and keep going for one kilometre.

King Cobra Village (หมู่บ้านงูจงอาง) Ban Khok Sa-nga in Tambon Sai Mun is famous for its strange pets, king cobra, kept at every house. The villagers formally earned extra income by selling herbal medicines by travelling around through villages. By 1951, a local doctor, Ken Yongla initiated a cobra show, which was successful to attract clients to the village. Anyway, a cobra show was too dangerous as the snake can spit its poison for two metres making a man blind. So he changed to conduct the show with a king cobra and inherited such skill to the villagers.

Today, after the harvest season, with better transportation, villagers of Khok Sa-nga always travel around to organise a snake show and offer their herbal medicine. In the village, a snake show is held at Wat Si Thamma, performing different series of show such as snake dancing and boxing between king cobra and man. Exhibitions regarding the king cobra as well as nursery are located nearby.

How to get there: Ban Khok Sa-nga is 49 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Visitors can go via Highway 2 and make a right turn at kilometre 33 to Highway 2039. At kilometre 14, opposite Phang Thui police box, turn right onto a soil road. Then keep going through Ban Na Ngam and make a left turn at the intersection, continue for another 600 metres.

Prem Tinsulanonda Military Fort aand Hall of Honour (ค่ายเปรมติณสูลานนท์ และหอเกียรติยศรัฐบุรุษ พลเอกเปรม ติณสูลานนท์) The hall of honour features the biography and achievement of statesman Gen. Prem Tinsulanonda who devoted himself for developing Thailand in different areas. Group visitors can contact in prior at the Prem Tinsulanonda Fort, Tel. 0 4324 2005.

Amphoe Ubolratana (Highway 2 and 2109)

Ubolratana Dam or Phong Nip Dam (เขื่อนอุบลรัตน์ หรือ เขื่อนพองหนีบ) Built across the Nam Phong River, the dam was completed in 1964. Ubolratana dam plays significant roles in generating electricity, fishery, irrigation, flood prevention, transportation, and recreation for the people of Khon Kaen. The beautiful lake over the dam is a nice area for relaxing as restaurants, accommodation, park, and boat rental service and golf course are available. For more information, call the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, Ubolratana Dam office at Tel. 0 4344 6231 or Bangkok office at 0 2436 6046 to 8.

How to get there: the dam is 50 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Visitors can go via Highway 2 and turn left between kilometres 470-471. The dam is 24 kilometres away.

Wat Phra Phutthabat Phu Phan Kham (วัดพระพุทธบาทภูพานคำ) is located on the hillside of Phu Phan Kham Mountain. The temple has a white gigantic Buddha image called Luangpho Yai or Luangpho Khao, of 14 m in height. The Lord Buddha’s footprint can be found in a nearby area. The flight of 1,049 stairs leads the way up to the temple’s front. The temple overlooks beautiful views.

Bang Saen II and Hat Chom Thong (บางแสน 2 และหาดจอมทอง) the beaches are in Ban Hin Phoeng, Tambon Tha Ruea, 53 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. As part of the lake over Ubolratana Dam, the beaches are quite picturesque particularly when the sun sets behind the mountain ranges. There are various water sports available such as water bicycle, banana boat, and scooter. Visitors can enjoy fish a menu of freshly caught from the lake. During the holidays, the beaches are always quite lively.

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเก้า-ภูพานคำ) The park acquires a total area of 320 square kilometres or 201,250 rai, in Amphoe Ubolratana and Amphoe Non Sang of Nong Bua Lam Phu province. Most area is deciduous dipterocarp forest, which always changes its hue by early November. The national park headquarters at Phu Phan Kham by the lake has a picturesque sunset view. Camping ground is available. The attractions in the park include traces of a pre-historical community of the same period as Ban Chiang such as cave paintings and carvings footprints of dinosaurs that are presumed to be the same species as those found in Phu Wiang. For information, call Tel. 08 1221 0764 or National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.

How to get there: from Khon Kaen, head for Ubolratana Dam until reaching Ubolratana Market 50 kilometres away. Then go via the Ubolratana-Non Sang Road, the park headquarters is 6 kilometres away. Motorists can also reach the park through the Udon Thani-Loei Road, then go through Amphoe Non Sang and get onto the Sok Chan-Ubolratana Dam Road. Bus on the route Ubolratana Dam-Non Sang also reach the park. The buses leave from Ubolratana Market.

Amphoe Nong Ruea

Nam Phong National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำพอง) acquiring a total area of 197 square kilometres, the park covers a large area in Khon Kaen namely; Nong Ruea, Ubolratana, Phu Wiang, Ban Fang, Mancha Khiri, and Khok Pho Chai as well as two Amphoes in Chaiyaphum province, Ban Thaen and Kaeng Khro. The park headquarters is located by the lake over Ubolratana Dam. Forest in this national park is watershed of the chi and Phong Rivers. The deciduous dipterocarp and dry everygreen forests in this mountain range are a major source of herbs. There are viewpoints in the park. ‘Hin Chang Si’ is a group of rocks, where wild elephants use for scratching their flanks. This point has a scenic view of the Uboltatana lake and Khon Kaen city. Hin Chang Si viewpoint can be accessed by car, eight kilometres from Sok Tae Reforestation Park. From the head quarters, walking to Hin Chang Si takes around two hours. Some 30 minutes on foot from Hin Chang Si is Plan Chat viewpoint. Pha Sawan is another viewpoint from where visitors can witness beautiful scenery of the lake. The cliff is a two-hour walk from the headquarters. Another interesting attraction in the park is Phon Kham, crater-like rock well. For more information, call Nam Phong National Park at Tel. 0 4324 8006 or of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department in Bangkok at Tel. 0 2562 0760 or www.dnp.go.th.

How to get there: Nam Phong National Park can be reached from two routes.

1. From Khon Kaen, go via Highway 12 to Chum Phae District, then turn right at kilometre 30 to Ban PHue for another 19 kilometres via Highway 3034 (Nong Saeng-Tha Ruea). This route is 49 kilometres.
2. From Khon Kaen, bound for Amphoe Ubolratana via Highway 2, heading for Udon Thani, then turn left to Amphoe Ubolratana. In the Amphoe, use Highway 3034, which lies along the lake over Ubolratana Dam. This route is 65 kilometres long.

Amphoe Phu Wiang (Highway 12 and 2033)

Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ไดโนเสาร์ภูเวียง) is part of the Phu Wiang Dinosaur Fossil Study and Research Centre. It was founded by the Tourism Authority of Thailand (TAT), Khon Khaen Province, and the Department of Mineral Resources, with an aim to study and publicise knowledge on mineral resources. The museum building is divided into three sections: service, academic, and exhibition. The exhibition room displays the Earth’s origin, rocks, minerals, fossils, dinosaur models, etc. It is open daily except Wednesday, from 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. For more information, contact the Phu Wiang Dinosaur Fossil Study and Research Centre at Tel. 0 4343 8204-6.

Phu Wiang National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูเวียง) This national park always reminds tourists about dinosaurs. Indeed, nobody had formerly ever though the Isan plateau was once home of dinosaurs. Until 1976 when a uranium survey team discovered a piece of fossil, which was examined by French specialists and declared that it was a left knee bone of a dinosaur. After that, serious execration has never ended until now.

On the hill Pratu Ti Ma, which was the first site, geologists have found fossils of a dinosaur, 15 metres high with a long neck and tail. This is a kind of plant-eating dinosaur never found else where before, so it was named Phuwiangosaurus Sirindhornae to honour H.R.H Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn. In this site, over ten teeth of a meat-eating dinosaur have also been found. So geologists’ scientists presumed that the long-necked dinosaur was prey for these teeth’s owner. Among these teeth, one is different. After a study, scientist found that it belonged to a new species of dinosaur never found before. So it was named ‘Siamosaurus Suteethorni’ after the discoverer, Mr. Warawuth Suteethorn.

All the three sites are not far from the headquarters, and tourists can also visit the second and third sites nearby. Fossils of Siamotyrannus Isanensis found here are the oldest one, dating back 120-130 million years. This indicates that tyrannosaurus originated in Asia. These fossils are now displayed in the museum of the Department of Mineral Resources.

At the 8th site, there are 68 footprints of dinosaurs, dating back 140 million years ago. Most of them belong to the world’s smallest species of meat-eating dinosaur, which walked on two legs. Among such footprints, there is one bigger footprint, assumed to belong to Carnosaurus.

These sites are 19 kilometres from the headquarters. It takes an hour to get there by car and four-wheel drive vehicle is recommended. In many sites, geologists found fossils of dinosaur babies, small crocodiles and mussels dating back to 150 million years ago.

Besides fossils of dinosaurs, there are also traces of ancient civilizations in this area including a high relief of the reclining Buddha on the cliff, at the crest of Phu Wiang Mountain. The Buddha image was carved in the 9th century, mirroring an influence from Indian art. Nearby is Tham Famue Daeng, Dang, or Red Palm Cave, at Ban Hin Rong. The cave wall houses prehistoric paintings of cave men’s hands from sprays of red ochre.

Natural attractions in the park include waterfalls and field of wild flowers. Namtok Thap phaya Suea is a small waterfall near to Tham Famue Daeang. Namtok Tat Fa is a 15-metre high waterfall that can be accessed by car. The waterfall is 18 kilometres from Amphoe Phu Wiang. Some 5 kilometres from Namtok Tat Fa is Namtok Tat Klang which is a 8-metre high waterfall. Savanna and rock plateaus are always blanketed with wild flowers in full bloom by the end of the rainy season.

Phu Wiang National Park acquires a total area of 380 square kilometres in Amphoe Si Chomphu and Amphoe Chum Phae.

How to get there: from downtown Khon Kaen, visitors can get there via Highway 12 and connect to Highway 2038, bound for Amphoe Phu Wiang. From Amphoe Phu Wiang, talk the Phu Wiang-Ban Muaeng Mai Road, passing the national park unit, Pak Chong Phu Wiang’ at kilometre 23. Turn left at kilometre 30 at Ban Pho Reservoir and the national park’s headquarters is 8 kilometres away. The headquarters features an exhibition about the dinosaurs and fossils found in the area. For group tourists requiring a guide, contact the headquarters in advance at Tel. 0 4324 9052. .

Amphoe Chum Phae (Highway 12)

Non Mueang Ancient Town (เมืองโบราณโนนเมือง) The ancient town is located at Ban Na Pho, 80 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Legends say the hill known as Non Mueange was the location of an ancient town. Acquiring a 216 rai area, the oval hill has double moats. Archaeologists have found sandstone Sema boundary markers in Dvaravati style in the town and nearby. Potsherds were scattered around. Some were painted in red, and some decorated with incising and cord-marked patterns.

In the soil layer of the Dvaravati period (7-11th century), none of the funeral-related artifacts was found. So, archaeologists presumed that the funeral of this town changed after the arrival of Buddhism. In deeper soil, more interesting historical evidence was found. Archaeologists found that there used to be a human settlement here since the late pre historic period. They discovered human skeletons dating back 2,500 years ago. Funeral tools and utensils were buried together with the bodies. The utensils found included pottery decorated with painted, incising and cord-marked pattern, bronze and animal-bone bangles, shells, colorful beads, as well as iron tools such as hoe, sickle, and animals’ bones; namely deer, barking deer, and different fishes. These artifacts prove that people in this community lived on agriculture until the Lop Buri period (11-12th century).

How to get there: Motorists can get there via Highway 12, Khon Kaen-Chum Phae Road, then make a left turn at Chum Phae Post Office, continuing for another 5 kilometres.

Amphoe Phu Pha Man (highway 12 and 201)

Phu Pha Man National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูผาม่าน) The obvious natural landmark of this park is the towering limestone cliff that looks like a huge curtain. Lush jungle and mixed forest keep this place cool almost all the year round. Acquiring a total area of 218,750 rai, the park covers areas in Amphoe Phu Pha Man and Amphoe Chum Phae of Khon Kaen as well as Amphoe Phu Kradueng of Loei.

Attractions in this national park are rather scattered; therefore, travel routes can be divided into two routes.

Amphoe Phu Pha Man route – From Highway 12 (Chum Phae-Phetchabun) travel along Highway 201 and continue for another 10 kilometres before turning left to Amphoe Phu Pha Man.

• Tham KlangKhao The cave is in Phu Pha Man Mountain, 2.5 kilometres from Amphoe Phu Pha Man. The cave’s entrance is some 100 metres above ground level. Inside is the habitat of millions of bats, whose accumulated droppings cause a strong smell.

Every evening, around 6 pm., these bats always leave the cave in line, over ten kilometres long. It takes some 30-45 minutes until the last bat leaves the cave.

• Tham Phra (ถ้ำพระ) Near to Tham Klangkhao, this cave has a natural tunnel sloping up to the crest of Phu Pha Man, but it is quite difficult to get through. The cave houses beautiful stalagmites, stalactites, and big stone pillars. The cave entrance can be accessed by car in any season. Winter, from November to February, is the best period to visit the cave.

• Tham Pu Ta Lo (ถ้ำภูตาหลอ) The cave is in Ban Wang Sawap, 17 kilometres from downtown Amphoe Phu Pha Man. Cars can access to the cave entrance only in the dry season, from November to April. The cave has a spacious chamber, covering over a one rai area. With flat soil ground and 5-7 metre high ceiling, good ventilation allows visitors to enjoy admiring the cave comfortably. Stalagmites and stalactites remain untouched. Some glittering stones look like rock crystals.

• Namtok Tat Fa (น้ำตกตาดฟ้า) Tat Fa creek, natural borderline between Amphoe Phu Pha Man of Khon Kaen and Amphoe Nam Nao of Phetchabun, cascades through five steps to form this waterfall. The last step is the most impressive one with a height of 80 metres. The rainy season, from late May to early October is the best period to visit the waterfall. Namtok Tat Fa is in Ban Dong Sakhran, Mu 7 Tambon Wang Sawap, some 40 kilometres from downtown Amphoe Phu Pha Man. Cars can reach Ban Tat Fa, then visitors have to trek to the waterfall.The headquarters route-From the former route, going through Highway 201.

• Namtok Tat Yai (น้ำตกตาดใหญ่) The big waterfall originate from Tat Fa Creek. The creek cascades through small waterfalls before going through a big cliff at 80 metres high. Namtok Tat Yai is the highest waterfall in the park.

• Namtok Tat Rong (น้ำตกตาดร้อง) With a height of 60-70 metres, the waterfall originates from Phong River that runs from Phu Kradueng. The waterfall borders Phu Kradueng National Park and Phu Pha Man National Park. A folk tale says the waterfall can sing as water runs upon a piece of thin stone, the falling water veers off into different rock holes nearby and fills the forest with strange sounds.

• Tham Phaya Nakharat (ถ้ำพญานาคราช) As winding as a giant naga, the one-kilometre long cave is naturally decorated with glittering curtain-like stalagmites and stalactites. Cars can access to the cave entrance.

Tham Lai Thaeng (ถ้ำลายแทง) Some 800 metres from Tham Phaya Nakharat is tham Lai Thaeng whose wall has ancient paintings on some two-square metre area. The paintings contain some 70 pictures of humans, animals, and others, mirroring culture and life in the pre-historical period dating back to over 2,000 years ago.

The national park has not any accommodation and facility for tourists. Visitors should prepare everything by themselves. For more information, please contact the Department of National Park, Wildlife and Plant Conservation Department at Tel. 0 2562 0760. Tham Pu Lup (ถ้ำปู่หลุบ) The cave is on Highway 201. Its five chambers are all decorated with glittering stalagmites and stalactites. The cave contains water the year round.

• Pha Nok Khao (ผานกเค้า) The towering cliff of black rock by the Phong River looks like an owl or Nok khao in Thai. It is 125 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Tourists can get there via Highway 2 and 201 (Khon Kaen-Wang Saphung). Pha Nok Khao is on the left of Ban Dong Lan. The best location to see the owl-shape cliff is at the orchid nursery of the Forestry Department on the other side of the road. There is another nearby place of interest known as Namtok Tat Ron, or Namtok Tat Hong as it is called by local dialect name. The 70-matre high waterfall is located in neighboring Loei province on the boundary of Phu kradueng national Park, Phu Pha Man National Park and the Phong River. The sound made by the waterfall when cascading onto a huge a large stone slab beneath is how the waterfall derived its name.

Amphoe Mancha Khiri (Highway 12 and 2062)

Chang Kra (ช้างกระ) Having grown wild over a century ago in Wat Pa Mancha Khiri over 4,000 Chang Kra orchid-Rhyncostylis gigantean (Lindl.) Ridl.-are in full bloom on the branches of some 280 trees every year during January and February. These wild orchids always fill the whole area with their mild fragrance.

How to get there: the temple is only a kilometre from downtown Amphoe Mancha Khiri, 57 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. From Bangkok, motorists can drive via Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) then turn left to Amphoe Chonnabot, via Highway 229 (Chonnabot-Mancha Khiri). The entrance to the temple is on the left before reaching Amphoe Mancha Khiri or some 35 kilometres from Mitraphap Road. From Khon Kaen, motorists can go via Highway 2731 and 2062 through Amphoe Phra Yuen.

Tortoise Village (หมู่บ้านเต่า) The villagers keep a large amount of tortoises as their mutual pets. The brownish yellow shelled tortoises, called Tao Phek in local dialect, always travel around in the village to be fed.

How to get there: from downtown Khon Kaen, motorists can drive via Highway 12( Khon Kaen –Chum Phae) for ten kilometres then turn left to Highway 2062 (Khon Kaen-Mancha Khiri) for another 54 kilometres. The entrance to the tortoise village is on the left at Ban Kok, two kilometres prior to Amphoe Mancha Khiri. It is easy to notice with two tortoise replicas on the roadside opposite to Wat Si Sumang. Turn left through Ban Kok, the tortoise village is 50 metres away.

Sim (ubosot of Wat Sa Thong Ban Bua (สิม (โบสถ์) วัดสระทองบ้านบัว) This Sim, ordination hall, is architectural heritage of Isan with outstanding local characters. The exterior is decorated with colourful mural and glass. The Sim houses a rare Isan-style sandstone Buddha image. In 2002, the Sim was awarded a precious architecture, heritage and cultural conservation of the Asia Pacific by UNESCO.

Amphoe Khok Pho Chai (Highway 12, 2062, and 229)

Wat Udom Khongkha Khiri Khet (วัดอุดมคงคาคิรีเขต) Good for meditation practicing, the temple is located deep in lush forest in Tambon Ban Khok. Luangpu Phang, a Buddhist monk famous in meditation, once lived here. Today, Buddhists come to visit the temple and pay respect to his monument in the temple compound.

How to get there: visitors can go via Highway 12 (Khon Kaen-Chum Phae) for 14 kilometres then turn left to Highway 2062 (Ban Thum-Mancha Khiri Road) for another 44 kilometres and get on highway 229 (Mancha Khiri-Chaiyaphum Road) for 12 kilometres and turn right into the temple, 12 kilometres away.

Amphoe Chonnabot (Highway 2 and 229)

Sala Mai Thai (ศาลาไหมไทย) Located in Khon Kaen Vocational College, Sala Mai Thai is part of the project to celebrate the 60th birtday anniversary of Her Majesty the Queen (August 12, 1992). The silk centre was established to support Her Majesty the Queen’s mission to promote silk and silk products from Isan as well as conserve the traditions. The centre feature the silk production process from dyeing to weaving, tools for silk production and rare equipment, and different ancient silk textiles various pattern. The centre also exhibits the world’s most expensive Mudmee silk textile woven by the people of Chonnabot people. The silk textile has won Asian award in silk contest.

Sala Mai Thai is open daily during official hours, Monday to Friday during 8.30 a.m. to 4.30 p.m. For more information, contact the Khon Kaen Vocational College, Amphoe Chonnabot, Khon Kaen 40180 at Tel. 0 4328 6160. How to get there:. From downtown Khon Kaen, visitors can go via Highway 2 (Khon Kaen-Korat) for 44 kilometres. Turn right at Ban Phai Intersection to Highway 229 and go for another 11 kilometres. Sala Mai Thai is on the left, opposite to Kong Kaeo Lake.

Amphoe Pueai Noi (Highway 2, 23, 2301 and 2297)

Prasat Pueai Noi or Phrathat Ku Thong (ปราสาทเปือยน้อย หรือ พระธาตุกู่ทอง) Though this Khmer ruin is smaller than many others found in the Northeast region, it remains in good condition. Prasat Pueai Noi was built in the 11-12th century in a mixed style between Baphuon and Angkor Wat as a shrine honouring Hindu Gods. According to cosmology, the central tower or Prang Prathan stands for Mount Sumeru which is the centre of the cosmos where the gods stay. The ruins were built in a typical Khmer style for religious purposes. The Naga was delicately carved on the gable of the main prang whose stone lintel featuring a reclining Narayana or visanu remains in good condition. Gopuras the entrance gate-with windows on both sides, are located on the east and the west. The base of the walls was carved in a lotus pattern.

How to get there: from downtown Khon Kaen, motorists can go via Highway 2 (Khon Kaen-Ban Phai) for 44 kilometres and connect to Highway 23 (Ban Phai-Borabue) for another 11 kilometres, then turn right to Amphoe Pueai Noi for another 24 kilometres.

Amphoe Nong Song Hong (Highway 2 and 207)

Wat Sa Bua Kaeo (วัดสระบัวแก้ว) The temple is located at Ban Wang Khun. The mural and sculptural works of this temple is worth a visit. Crouching guardian lion replicas are on both sides of the stairway leading up to the Ubosot, ordination hall, with sculptures of men stretching their legs in front in front. Luangpho Phui, preceptor of the temple, created all of these sculptures. Murals on four walls of this concrete ordination hall, both exterior and interior, feature the people’s lifestyle, history of the Lord Buddha, heaven and hell and folklore. The pictures are separated by the so-called Sinthao line, a flash-shape pattern which is widely found in murals from the Ayutthaya and Rattanakosin periods, not in the Isan region. By the unique brushwork, the murals mirror freedom of the artist in expressing emotion into the pictures, trees and animals, like Western impressionists. The favorite colors include yellow, indigo, red ochre, green, blue and black.

How to get there: From downtown Khon Kaen, visitors can go via Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road), heading to Amphoe Phon for 75 kilometres, then turn left to Highway 207 bound for Amphoe Nong Song Hong for another 17 kilometres. At kilometre 27-28, turn right at Ban Wang Khun and go ahead for a kilometre.

Amphoe Ban Phai (Highway 2)

Scientific Centre for Education, Khon Kaen Province (ศูนย์วิทยาศาสตร์เพื่อการศึกษาจังหวัดขอนแก่น) Located on a 51 rai plot of land, the centre is a knowledge hub in science and technology for children, youth, students, and the public. The 2-storey building has various exhibitions regarding science and environment as well as the Scientist Princess Room which features history and performances of Prof. Dr. Princess Chulabhorn and the Primeval World Room which features dinosaur and fossils.

The scientific center is open on weekdays from 8.30 am. to 4.30 pm. Call 0 4327 4154 for more information.

Do

Golf Courses

• Green View Resort and Gold Club (กรีนวิวรีสอร์ทแอนท์กอล์ฟคลับ) 97 Moo 6 Tambon Kao Ngio, Amphoe Phon, Khon Kaen, (97 หมู่ 6 ตำบลเก่างิ้ว อำเภอพล ขอนแก่น), Tel. 0 4341 5524
• Ubol Ratana Dam Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟเขื่อนอุบลรัตน์) Mu 1, Tambon Khuean Ubol Ratana, Amphoe Ubol Ratana Tel. 0 4337 2228, 08 9943 0009 (18 holes).
• Military Regiment 8 Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟกรมทหารที่ ๘) Maliwan Road, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen, Tel. 0 4323 9801, 0 4323 9807 ext. 4263.
• Khon Kaen Railway Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟรถไฟขอนแก่น) Darun Samran Road, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen, Tel. 08 9842 0769.
• Si Phatcharinthon Camp Golf Course (สนามกอล์ฟค่ายศรีพัชรินทร) Kasikon Thung Sang Road, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen, Tel. 0 4323 6505, 0 4323 8003, 0 4323 8122 ext. 128, 138.
• Khon Kaen Driving Range (ขอนแก่นไดร์วิ่งเร้นจ์) 96/1-4 Mu 5, Maliwan Road, Tambon Ban Pet, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen, Tel. 0 4334 4080, 0 4334 4505, 0 4334 4508.

Festival

The Festival of Dok Khun Siang Khaen and Khao Niao Road (เทศกาลดอกคูณเสียงแคนและถนนข้าวเหนียว) The provincial festival of Khon Kaen is held annually during 13-15 April to celebrate the Songkran festival or water splashing. Around Kaen Nakhon Lake and on Si Chan Road, the people of Khon Kaen always start their celebration with donation of food to the monks, ritual bathing of a Buddha image, and blessing elders. Local performances will be held to entertain all fair goers.

Phrathat Kham Kaen Fair (เทศกาลไหว้พระธาตุขามแก่น) The fair takes place at Wat Chetiyaphum where Phrathat Kham Kaen is situated on the full-moon day of the sixth lunar month. The fair is intended for the people of Khon Kaen to pay homage to the much revered Phrathat as well as for them to have something to rely on spiritually and make merit.

Silk Festival, Phuk Sieo Tradition and Red Cross Fair (งานเทศกาลไหมไทย ประเพณีผูกเสี่ยวและงานกาชาด) The annual fair is held during 29 November to 10 December of each year right in front of the city hall. Besides growing rice, silk production is a main source of extra income among people in the Northeast, and Khon Kaen today can be called a major silk production centre. ‘Phuk Sieo’ is a native tradition of Northeast to tighten friendship. To promote such unique traditions, the fair is held with various traditional related activities such as Phuk Sieo tradition, local products contest, Isan dinner or Pha Laeng, local performances, and shops.

Buy

Local products and souvenirs

Mudmee Silk of Chonnabot (ผ้าไหมมัดหมี่ อำเภอชนบท) Handed down from generation to generation, Mudmee is a unique technique of Isan in creating textile pattern. Silk threads are tied and dyed in particular patterns, resulting in beautiful textile patterns. Mudmee Silk is a major industry of Amphoe Chonnabot. Visitors can witness the silk process since the first step of sericulture from growing white mulberry and feeding silkworm to boiling the cocoon, spinning the silk, tying, dyeing, weaving and finally the complete textile.

How to get there Amphoe Chonnabot is 54 kilometres from Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen. Visitors can go via Highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) to Amphoe Ban Phai and turn right through Ban Phai-Chonnabot Road for another 10 kilometres.

Mudmee Cotton at Ban Mueang Phia, Amphoe Ban Phai (ผ้าฝ้ายมัดหมี่ บ้านเมืองเพ��ย อำเภอบ้านไผ่) In most households, weaving a Mudmee cotton and mudmee silk tube skirt is quite a common business here. Mudmee cotton from this village is quite famous for its good quality and beauty at reasonable prices. Visitor can visit the Mudmee process at Ban Mueang Phia, 3 kilometres from Ban Phai.

Natural-dyed hand-woven cotton (ผ้าฝ้ายทอมือย้อมสีธรรมชาติ) The cotton textile is a famous product by the Art Centre for Developing Isan Women. The centre consists of housewives from Amphoe Mueang, Nong Ruea, Phu Wiang, and Chum Phae to weave cotton textile by hand and dye with natural dye from native plants. Today, there are many villages producing hand-woven cotton textile with natural dye. They include Ban Suk Sombun in Amphoe Chum Phae. In Amphoe Phu Wiang, the villages include Ban Hua Fan, Ban Nong Yang Laen, Ban Nong Thung. In Amphoe Nong Ruea-Ban Non Thong and Ban Fang. Amphoe Mueang-Ban Lao Kwian Hak. And Ban Talat and Ban Nong Khaem in Amphoe Kan Lueng. Visitors can take a close look throughout the process. At the beginning of every month, the villagers always dye the cotton, and weave the textile from the middle of the month.

Souvenir shops

Local handicrafts

Amphoe Muenag Khon Kaen

• Prae Pan (Art Centre for Developing Isan women) (กลุ่มแพรพรรณ) 131-193 Chata Phadung Rd., Tel. 0 4333 7126, offers natural-dyed hand-woven cotton textile.
• Moradok Thai (มรดกไทย) 87/26-27 Ammat Rd., Tel. 0 4324 3827, offers various kinds of bamboo basketry.
• Mae Ying (แม่หญิง) 227/7 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4332 1427, offers local textiles and silver ornaments.
• Rin Mai Thai (รินไหมไทย) 412 Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4322 1042, 0 4322 0705, provides silk, cotton, local-style decorative pillows, etc.
• Industrial Development Centre, Northeastern Region (ศูนย์ส่งเสริมอุตสาหกรรม ภาคตะวันออกเฉียงเหนือ) Mitraphap Rd., Tel. 0 4324 2047, Fax. 0 4323 8318, offers handicrafts from local communities such as silk, cotton textile and silver ornaments.
• Phra Dhamma Khan Textile Centre, Khon Kaen (ศูนย์สิ่งทอธรรมขันธ์ ขอนแก่น) 79/2-3 Ruen Rom Rd., Tel. 0 4322 1548, 0 4322 4080, Fax. 0 4332 1776, offers silk, cotton, and silver ornaments.
• Sueb San (สืบสาน) 227/71 Mitr Sampan Village, Thung Setthi, Pracha Samoson Rd., Tel. 0 4333 7103, Fax. 0 4324 1788, offers natural-dyed hand-woven cotton textile and products from recycled natural materials.
• Four-region Handicraft Centre (ศูนย์หัตถกรรม 4 ภาค) 277 Mu 3 Mitraphap Rd., Tel. 0 4322 8147 to 9, 08 1670 1984, offers local handicrafts and ceramics.

Amphoe Chonnabot

• Bunmi Mai Thai (บุญมีไหมไทย) 206 Si Bun Rueang Rd., Tel. 0 4328 6142, 0 4337 6249.
• Fa Fon Mai Thai (ฟ้าฝนไหมไทย) 246-248 Si Bun Rueang Rd., Tel. 0 4328 6198.
• Mi Udom Mai Thai (มีอุดมไหมไทย) 229/1-2 Mu 4 Si Bun Rueang Rd., Tel. 0 4328 7192, Fax. 0 4337 6249.
• Waiyarat Mai Thai (ไวยรัตน์ไหมไทย) 171-172 Mu 2 Si Bun Rueang Rd., Tel. 0 4328 6261.
• Sawitri Mai Thai (สาวิตรีไหมไทย) 34 Mu 3 Chaeng Sanit Rd., Tambon Chonnabot, Tel. 08 6701 9119, 08 9612 4888.

Dried products

• Kun Chiang Nai Bu (กุนเชียงนายบู๊) 198-200 Ruam chit Rd., Tel 0 4322 3009, offers Chinese-style pork sausages, dried crispy sliced pork, and dried shredded pork.
• Je Ruch (เจ๊รัช) Klang Muaeng Rd., Tel. 0 4323 7787, offers preserved pork, sour pork, Chinese style pork sausage, dried crispy sliced pork.
• Tia Hua Yoo (เตียฮั่วหยู) 584 Si Chan Rd., Tel. 0 4322 4472, offers different kinds of peanut dessert.
• Sawai Rosthip (ไสวรสทิพย์) 179/32 Pracha Samoson Rd., Tel. 0 4323 9733, offers sausage, preserved pork, and fermented fish sauce.
• Naem Lublae (แหนมลับแล) 42 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 6537, offers sour pork, Chinese-style sausage, preserved pork, and sun dried beef.
• Naem Parinya (แหนมปริญญา) 44/30 Lang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 2884, 0 4333 2897.
• Heng Nguan Hieng (เฮงง่วนเฮียง) 54/1-2 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 9458, 0 4323 6735, offers preserved pork, Chinese-style sausage and dried crispy sliced pork.
• Lee Kang Siang (ลี้กั่งเซี้ยง) Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4332 3323, offers preserved pork and Chinese-style sausage.

Amphoe Ban Phai

• Ban Phai Lim Sin Hiang (บ้านไผ่ลิ้มซินเฮียง) 140 Mu 8 Tel. 0 4337 4568.

Travel Agency and Car Rental

• Air Booking and Travel Centre (แอร์บุ๊คกิ้ง แอนด์ แทรเวล เซ็นเตอร์) 403, Si Chan Road, Tel. 0 4324 4482, 0 4323 6562.
• Kaen Khun Travel (แก่นคูณ แทรเวล) 54/1-2 Klang Mueang Road, Tel. 0 4323 9458, 0 4333 2536.
• Kaen Siam Travel (แก่นสยาม แทรเวล) 110/55 Mu 4, Si Chan Road, Tel. 0 4322 1119,

0 4322 6444-5.

• Car Rent Service (คาร์เร้นท์ ���ซอร์วิส) 98/14 Ha Phruesachika Road, Tel. 0 4324 3545, 0 4323 9304.
• Chongsumaman (จงสุมามาลย์) 105 Darun Samran Road, Tel. 0 4322 3310, 0 4322 1400.
• Naruchi Car Rent (นรุจี คาร์เร้นท์) Soi Khosa, Si Chan Road, Tel. 0 4322 4220.
• P and O Regal Travel พี แอนด์ โอ รีเกล แทรเวล สาขาขอนแก่น Khon Kaen Branch 30/65 Soi Supphathira, Tel. 0 4323 7796.
• S.P.D. Tour (เอส.พี.ดี.ทัวร์) 111/76 Mittraphap Road, Tel. 0 4334 7752.
• Très Bien Travel (เตรเบียง ทราเวล) Inside the Sofitel Racha Orchid Hotel, Tel. 0 4332 2338-40.
• Kangwan Holiday Tour (กังวาน ฮอลิเดย์ ทัวร์) Mini-hall, Charoen Thani Princess Hotel,

Tel. 0 4322 7777.

• M.T.V. Travel and Service (เอ็ม.ที.วี. ทราเวล แอนด์ เซอร์วิส) 169/2 Lang Mueang Road, Tel. 0 4333 6457-8.
• BB Tour and Northeast Travel (บีบี ทัวร์ แอนด์ นอร์ทอีส ทราเวล) 95-97 Ruenrom Road, Tel. 0 4332 0432, 0 4322 1234.
• Gold Lai Tour and Travel (โกลด์ไหล ทัวร์ แอนด์ ทราเวล) 229-33 Si Chan Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4333 2933.
• Isan Discovery Travel (อีสานดิสคัฟเวอรี่ แทรเวล) 100 Mu 1, Ban Kham Pom, Amphoe Phra Yuen, Tel. 0 4322 6179.

Itinerary

Example of Tour Programme

One-day Tour

(Khon Kaen – Phrathat Kham Kaen – Village of King Cobras – Wat Sa Bua Kaeo’s Mural Paintings – Pueai Noi Sanctuary)

• 8.30 a.m. - Depart from the city of Khon Kaen.
• 9.00 a.m. - Visit the Huean Lao Museum, Isan-style architecture designed to be in harmony with nature and using local materials. Utensils of the past have been preserved here for study by visitors.
• 9.30 a.m. - Depart for Wat Chetiyaphum to pay homage to Phrathat Kham Kaen, the sacred pagoda of the people of Khon Kaen where the Lord Buddha’s ashes are enshrined.
• 10.00 a.m.- Proceed to the Village of King Cobras to enjoy a spectacular boxing show of a human versus a king cobra at Ban Khok Sa-nga.
• 11.00 a.m. - Back to the city of Khon Kaen.
• 12.00 a.m. - Lunch.
• 1.00 p.m. - Depart for the Pueai Noi Sanctuary.
• 2.30 p.m. - Arrive at the Pueai Noi Sanctuary and view the largest archaeological site of the Upper Northeast, built during the reign of King Jayavarman VII.
• 3.30 p.m. - Depart for Wat Sa Bua Kaeo.
• 4.00 p.m. - See exquisite mural paintings by folk artisans in the early Rattanakosin era.
• 4.45 p.m. - Depart for Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon (Wat Nong Waeng Mueang Kao).
• 6.00 p.m. - Arrive at Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon and pay homage to the Lord Buddha’s relics which are enshrined in the beautiful pagoda. See the scenery of the city of Khon Kaen and the Kaen Nakhon Lake in the evening. Back to accommodation.

Sleep

Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen

• Kaen Inn (แก่นอินน์) 56 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 5420 to 31, Fax. 0 4323 6690. 160 rooms, 800-1,800 baht.
• Grand Leo (แกรนด์ ลีโอ) 62- 62/1 Si Chan Rd., Tel. 0 4322 7745-9, Fax. 0 4322 7750. 52 rooms, 400 baht.
• Grand Hotel (แกรนด��� โฮเต็ล) 39 Soi Samakkhi Uthit., Lang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 8057, 0 4323 6690. 58 rooms, 150-300 baht.
• Kaen Nakhon Hotel (แก่นนคร โฮเต็ล) 690 Si Chan Rd., Tel 0 4322 4268 to 71. 150 rooms, 200-500 baht.
• Khon Kaen Ruen Rom (ขอนแก่นรื่นรมย์) 335 Ruen Rom Rd., Tel. 0 4322 3522 to 3, 0 4322 5446 to 7. Fax. 0 4322 0567. 72 rooms, 300 baht.
• Cactus Resort & Hotel (แคคตัส รีสอร์ท แอนด์ โฮเต็ล) 171/38-39 Pracha Samoson Rd., Tel. 04324 4888, Fax. 0 4333 6655. 62 rooms, 440 baht.
• Khon Kaen Hotel (ขอนแก่น โฮเต็ล) 43/2 Phimphasut Rd., Tel. 0 4324 4881 to 5, Fax. 0 4324 2458. 140 rooms, 450-800 baht.
• Kosa (โฆษะ) 250-252 Si Chan Rd., Tel. 0 4322 5014 to 8. Fax. 0 4322 5013. 187 rooms, 1,140-3,300 baht.
• Charoen Thani Princess (เจริญธานี ปริ๊นเซส) 260 Si Chan Rd., Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4322 0400 to 14, Fax. 0 4322 0438. 320 rooms, 2,160 baht.
• Chaipat (ชัยพัช) 106/3 Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4333 3055 to 64. Fax. 0 4323 6860. 128 rooms, 900-1,400 baht.
• Chi Grand View (ชี แกรนด์ วิว) Mittraphap Rd., near Mae Nam Chi Bridge, Tel. 08 9710 9904, 08 9712 9905. 4 bungalows, 600-900 baht.
• Chuda Park Resort & Hotel (ชุดาปาร์ค รีสอร์ท แอนด์ โฮเต็ล) 145 Mu 5 Liang Mueang – Udon Thani, Tambon Ban Kho, Tel. 08 6580 0535. 50 rooms, 450-4,000 baht.
• Sofitel Racha Orchid Khon Kaen (โซฟิเทล ราชา ออคิด ขอนแก่น) 9/9 Pracha Samran Rd., Tel. 0 4332 2155, Fax. 0-4332-2150. www.accorhotels.com/asia 293 rooms, 3,700-120,000 baht.
• Dima Hotel (ดีมา โฮเต็ล) 113 Chi Tha Khon Rd., Tel. 0 4332 1562 to 5, Fax. 0 4332 1561. 120 rooms, 200-300 baht.
• The Terrace Resort (เดอะ เทอเรส รีสอร์ท) 32 Mu 12 Soi Wattana, Ban Khoknoi, Tambon Ban Pet, Tel. 0 4332 5988, 08 1574 9624. www.theterracersort.com. 20 rooms, 350 baht.
• Tonwa Resort (ต้นหว้า รีสอร์ท) 88/103 Lao Nadi Rd., Soi 10 (opposite Kaen Nakhon School), Tel. 0 4322 2613, 0 4332 2614, Fax. 0 4332 2391. 54 rooms, 400-850 baht.
• Thani Bungalow (ธานี บังกะโล) 300 Ruen Rom Rd., Tel. 0 4322 1428. 86 rooms, 250-500 baht.
• Ban Tum Garden 287 Mu 9 Ban Tum – Donbom Rd., Tambon Mueang Kao, Tel. 0 4334 0787-8, Fax. 0 4327 0242. 28 rooms, 400-1,200 baht.
• Biggie & Biggo Place (บิ๊กกี้ แอนด์ บิ๊กโก เพลส) 99 Rop Bueng Rd., Tambom Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4332 2999. 500-800 baht.
• Busarakham (บุษราคัม) 68 Phimphasuk Rd., Tambon nai mueang, Tel. 0 4333 3660, 0 4324 2222, Fax. 0 4324 1222. 157 room, 750-800 baht.
• Pen Nueng Hotel (เป็นหนึ่��� โฮเต็ล) 105 Chai Narong Rd., Tel. 0 4332 2051 to 4, Fax. 0 4332 1234. 111 rooms, 380-430 baht.
• PP Hotel (พีพี โฮเต็ล) 98 Darun Samran Rd., Tel. 0 4322 6500-10. Fax. 0 4332 1756. 150 rooms, 350-1,000 baht.
• Pajjsin Apartment (ภัทร์สินท์ อพาร์ตเมนต์) 54/9 Soi Wirawan 1, Na Mueang Rd., Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4332 1199, 0 4332 2436, 0 4332 1365. 40 rooms, 300 baht.
• Phu Inn (ภูอินน์) 26/34 Sathit yutitham Rd., Tel. 0 4324 3174 to 6. 97 rooms, 250-400 baht.
• Mueang Inn (เมืองอินท์) 141/1-6 Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 5870-1, Fax. 0 4333 4441. 37 rooms, 490-550 baht.
• Rim Bueng Inn (ริมบึงอินท์) 135/101 Rim Bueng Kaen Nakhon Rd., Tel. 0 4322 7890-4, Fax. 0 4322 7893. 100 rooms, 200-450 baht.
• Rossukhon (รสสุคนธ์) 1/11 Klang Mueang, Tel. 0 4323 8576 to 9, Fax. 0 4323 8579. 73 rooms, 500 baht.
• Roma Hotel (โรมา โฮเต็ล) 50/2 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4333 4444, 0 4324 2458. 197 rooms, 230-800 baht.
• Lawan Place (ลาเพลส) Chata Phadung Soi 5 Rd., Tel. 0 4333 8353. 74 rooms, 350-400 baht.
• Villa (วิลลา) 79 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 1545-6, Fax. 0 4323 7720. 64 rooms, 200 baht.
• Sawasdee Hotel (สวัสดี โฮเต็ล) Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4322 1600, 0 4322 2433, Fax. 0 4332 0345. 72 rooms, 150-800 baht.
• Suksawas (สุขสวัสดิ์) 4/3 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 6472. 38 rooms, 100-160 baht.
• Saen Samran (แสนสำราญ) 55-59 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 9611, 0 4333 2985 to 7. 53 rooms, 160-250 baht.
• Nong Kham Resort (หนองขาม รีสอร์ท) 116 Ban Nong Lup, Maliwan Rd., Tel. 0 4325 5211. 6 bungalows, 600 baht.
• Amarin Plaza (อัมรินทร์พลาซ่า) 181/1 Rop Mueang Rd. Tel. 0 4332 1660 to 1. 60 rooms, 200-350 baht.
• Glacier Hotel (โรงแรมการ์เซียร์) 141 Prachasamran Rd., Nai Muang, Muang, Khonkaen 40000, Thailand Tel : 043-334-999 Fax : 043-334-488 http://www.glacier-hotel.com

Amphoe Ban Phai

• Ban Phai Hotel (บ้านไผ่ โฮเต็ล) 396 Chan Prasit Rd., Tel. 0 4327 2119, 0 4327 3617. 100-220 baht.
• Yu Heng (ยู่เฮง) 331-3 Ratchanikun Rd., Tel. 0 4327 2126, 0 4327 2214. 48 rooms, 200-300 baht.
• Wanchai (วันชัย) 381/1-3 Sukhaphiban 2 Rd., Tel. 0 4327 2033. 42 rooms, 280-550 baht.
• Highway (ไฮเวย์) 796/12 Sukhapiban 2 Rd., Tel. 0 4337 4994-7. 52 rooms, 360-450 baht.

Amphoe Chum Phae

• Queens (ควีนส์) 207 Maliwan Rd., Tel. 0 4331 1320. 50 rooms, 350 baht.
• Cheewin Palace (ชีวิน พาเลซ) 333 Maliwan Rd., Tel. 0 4331 1577 to 8. 62 rooms, 200-600 baht.
• Sisuphan Grand Royal (ศรีสุพรรณ แกรนด์ รอยัล) 114 Mu 10 Chum Phae – Si Chomphu Rd., Tel. 0 4338 5031-3, Fax. 0 4338 5034. 50 rooms 560-1,200 baht.
• Sukchai (สุขใจ) 816/1 Maliwan Rd., Tel. 0 4331 1221. 28 rooms, 120 baht.
• Suksan (สุขสันต์) 104-107 Maliwan Rd., Tel. 0 4331 1125, 0-4331-1143. 42 rooms, 200 baht.

Amphoe Ubolratana

• Green Lake View Resort (กรีน เลควิว รีสอร์ท) Ban Tha Ruea, Tel. 0 4337 2293, 08 1873 8408. 5 bungalows, 500-700 baht.
• The Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand’s bungalow (บ้านพักการไฟฟ้าฝ่ายผลิต) Ubolratana Dam., Tel. 0 4344 6231, 0 4322 4129 ext. 2864, 0 2436 3271 to 2. 6 bungalows, 1,800-2,200 baht. 18-roomed apartments, 400 baht (electric-fan room) and 800 (air-conditioned rooms).
• Phan Kham Resort (พานคำ รีสอร์ท) 16 Mu 11 Ban Phak Waen, Tambon Ban Dong, Tel. 08 1670 8564. 12 rooms, 400-600 baht.
• Racha Resort (ราชา รีสอร์ท) near Hat Bang Saen 2, Tel. 0 4337 2132, 08 1709 2171. 9 bungalows, 300-900 baht.

Amphoe Phon

• Green View Resort and Gold Club (กรีนวิวรีสอร์ทแอนท์กอล์ฟคลับ) 97 Moo 6 Tambon Kao Ngio, Amphoe Phon, Khon Kaen, (97 หมู่ 6 ตำบลเก่างิ้ว อำเภอพล ขอนแก่น), Tel. 0 4341 5524. Resorts, 250-500 baht
• Suan Son Mittraphap Resort & Hotels 89 Mu 9 Tambon Nong Waeng Nang Pao, Tel. 0 4321 0000-2. 13 bungalows, 300-600 baht.

Amphoe Khao Suan Kwang

• Suan Kwang Resort (สวนกวาง รีสอร์ท) Kilometre 19, Tel. 0 4344 9162, Fax. 0 4332 7734. 22 bungalows, 500-1,200 baht.

Amphoe Phu Wiang

• Ban Phu Wiang Resort (บ้านภูเวียง รีสอร์ท) 153 Mu 12 Bang Nong Du, Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4343 8032. 4 bungalows, 250 baht.

Amphoe Kranuan

• Kunnari 554 Mu 6 Mit Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4325 1759, Fax. 0 4325 2896. 40 rooms, 250-400 baht.
• Prasat How Chao Resort (ปราสาท ฮาวเชาว์ รีสอร์ท) How Chao Rd., Tel. 0 4325 2619, 08 9417 8504. 23 bungalows, 750 baht.

Eat

Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen

• Green Leaf (กรีนลีฟ) 199 Mu 17 Sanambin Rd., Tambon Ban Pet, Tel. 0 4334 5565.
• Kai Yang Rabiap (ไก่ย่างระเบียบ) 252/4-6 Thepharak Rd., Tel. 0 4324 3413.
• Kai Yang Roswiset (ไก่ย่างรสวิเศษ) Mitraphap Rd. (in the compound of Vichian Borikarn gas station), Tel. 0 4322 5004.
• Kai Yang Pa Pong (ไก่ย่างป้าพอง) Klang Mueang Rd. (next to Rossukhon Hotel).
• Krua Hue (ครัวเว้) 1/1-2 Klang Mueang Rd., (next to Bangkok Bank, Na Mueang Branch), Tel. 0 4332 1074.
• Can Luang (แคนหลวง) 24/1-4 Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 1922.
• Kham Hom (คำหอม) 38 Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 3252.
• Shing Sha Mai (ชิงช้าไม้) Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4332 0711.
• Chi Grand View (ชี แกรนด์ วิว) near Mae Nam Chi Bridge, Mitraphap Rd., Tel. 08 9710 9904, 08 9712 9905.
• Chon Ngoen (ช้อนเงิน) 86/1 Si Nuan Rd., near Kaen Nakhon Lake, Tel. 0 4322 4817.
• Seng Phochana (เซ้งโภชนา) 299 Rop Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Tel 0 4322 2997.
• The Parrot (เดอะแพรอท) 175 Si Chan Rd.,Tel. 0 4324 4692.
• Dok Kun Restaurant (ดอกคูนภัตตาคาร) (in Netr Night Bazaar) 6/100 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 6239.
• Takiang (ตะเกียง) 704 Na Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4322 2478.
• Tawan Thong (ตะวันทอง) 227/129 Lang Sun Ratchakan Rd., (opposite Khon Kaen National Museum) Tel. 0 4333 0389.
• Thong Garden (ทองการ์เด้น) 52/6 Rim Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Tel. 0 4322 7269.
• Ban Na Mai (บ้านหน้าไม้) 42/14 Ammat Rd., Tel. 0 4323 9958, 0 4324 6288.
• Pa Klang Mueang (ป่ากลางเมือง) 179/10 Soi Si Chan 29, Si Chan Rd., Tel. 0 4322 3733, 08 6634 4360.
• Pla Pa Noi (ปลาป้าน้อย) 51/10 Phothisan Rd., Rop Bueng Kaen Nakohn, Tel. 0 4332 0434.
• Pla Pa Yai & Pa Noi (ปลาป้าใหญ่ แอนด์ ป้าน้อย) Rop Bueng Kaen Nakhon Rd.,Tambon Nai Mueang, Tel. 0 4322 5411.
• Pizza and Bake II (พิซซ่า แอนด์ เบค สาขา 2) 6/5 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 3170.
• Fak Thong (ฟักทอง) 54/1-2 โทร. 0 4333 2993.
• First Choice (เฟิร์สท ช้อยส์) 188 Phimpasut Rd., Tel. 0 4324 1283.
• Mangkon Luang Restaurant (ภัตตาคารมังกรหลวง) 169/7 Maliwan Rd. (opposite to Srithan gate, Khon Kaen University), Tel. 0 4323 7638, 0 4323 6996, 0 4333 3781.
• Riam Rim Bueng (เรียม) Rop Bueng Kaen Nakhon Rd., Tel. 0 4322 1095.
• Lung In (ลุงอิน) Rop Bueng Kaen Nakhon Rd., Tel. 0 4322 0669.
• Lao Li (เล่าลี่) 110/19 Soi Ta Toem, Si Chan Rd., Tel. 0 4322 4785.
• Sabai Sabai (สบาย สบาย) Rim Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Tel. 08 9892 3364.
• Suan Kaset 20/36 Kasikorn Thung Sang, Tel. 0 4333 8303, 08 1964 2535.
• Suan Hansa (สวนหรรษา) 162/1 Mitraphap Rd., Tel. 0 4324 2236 to 7.
• Suan Ahan Chai Tung (สวนอาหารชายทุ่ง) Maliwan Rd., (bound for Amphoe Chum Phae) Tel. 0 1416 0246.
• Suan Ahan Bua Luang (สวนอาหารบัวหลวง) Rop Bueng Kaen Nakhon Rd., Tel.0 4322 2504.
• Suan Ahan Isan Orchid (สวนอาหารอีสานออร์คิด) 322/3 Pracha Samoson Rd., Tel. 04324 5742, 0 4333 6961.
• Naem Lap Lae (แหนมลับแล) 42-4 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4323 6296, 0 4323 6537.
• Amphon Naem Nueang (อัมพรแหน���เนือง) 87/14-15 Klang Mueang Rd., Tel. 0 4324 3373.
• Huean Lao (เฮือนลาว) 39 Phimphasut, Tel. 0 4324 7202.

Amphoe Ban Phai

• Kai Yang Mae Phongsi (ไก่ย่างแม่ผ่องศรี) Mitraphap Rd., Tel. 0 43375016
• Luk Bua (ลูกบัว) 599/12-14 Somwang Sangwan Rd.,Tel. 04327 2997.
• So Cheng (โสเจ้ง) 599/3-4 Chaeng Sanit Rd., Tel. 0 4327 4031.

Amphoe Nong Ruea

• Kai Yang Dinosaur (ไก่ย่างไดโนเสาร์) 12 Mu 7 Tambom Nonhan, Tel. 0 4329 4215, 08 1245 6771.
• Kai Yang Prasit (ไก่ย่างประสิทธิ์) 54/7 Nong Ruea – Phu Wiang Rd., Tel. 0 4329 4419.
• Kai Yang Samian (ไก่ย่างเสมียน) Nong Ruea – Phu Wiang Rd., Tel. 04329 4218, 04329 4232.

Amphoe Chum Phae

• Suan Ahan Na Bua (สวนอาหารนาบัว) 1500/1 Chai Thung Rd., Tel. 0 4338 4405

Amphoe Ubolrattana

• Suan Ahan Ket Thong (สวนอาหารเกตุทอง) 85 Mu 7 Tambon Khuean Ubolrat, Tel. 0 4337 2069, 08 1965 6133.

Amphoe Mancha Kiri

• Krua Pla Sot (ครัวปลาสด) 81 Mu 12 Ban Nong Muang, Tambon Kutkao, Tel. 0 4328 9231.
• Ran Phiao Phochana (ร้านเพียวโภชนา) 349 Kaset Wattana Rd., Tel. 0 4328 9153.

Amphoe Phon

• Phum Suk Mueang Phon (ภูมิสุข เมืองพล) 123/18-20 Mitraphap Rd., Tel. 0 4341 4974, Fax. 0 4341 4973.

--(WT-en) globe-trotter 06:27, 6 February 2010 (EST)