Thailand · City Guide
Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen is the commercial heart of Thailand's northeast Isan region, a dynamic university city providing an authentic introduction to Isan culture, outstanding regional cuisine including som tam and grilled chicken, the significant Wat Nong Wang temple, an excellent night market and easy access to the dinosaur fossil sites and ancient Khmer ruins that characterise this fascinating and underexplored part of Thailand.
Elect's take
"Khon Kaen gives a genuine sense of Isan life away from the tourist trail. The food here is some of the best regional Thai cuisine I have had, and the city provides an excellent base for exploring the dinosaur sites and Khmer ruins of the northeast."
Wat Nong Wang, a beautiful nine-tiered temple on the edge of Kaen Nakhon Lake, provides panoramic views from its upper levels and houses important Buddhist relics. The Khon Kaen night market and Bueng Kaen Nakhon lakeside area provide outstanding Isan street food including som tam, grilled chicken (gai yang) and sticky rice. Khon Kaen is a centre for the study of Thailand's significant dinosaur fossil discoveries, with the Phu Wiang National Park nearby containing important fossil sites. The Khmer ruins of Phimai, one of the largest Khmer temple complexes in Thailand predating Angkor Wat in some elements, are accessible from Khon Kaen. The city's large university creates a vibrant contemporary atmosphere alongside its traditional Isan character.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Wat Nong Wang
A beautiful nine-tiered lakeside temple with panoramic views and important relics.
Isan Cuisine
Outstanding regional food including som tam, grilled chicken and sticky rice.
Dinosaur Fossil Sites
Significant palaeontological discoveries at nearby Phu Wiang National Park.
Phimai Khmer Ruins
One of Thailand's largest Khmer temple complexes, predating elements of Angkor Wat.
Bueng Kaen Nakhon
A lively lakeside market area with excellent Isan street food.
Authentic Isan Life
A genuine introduction to northeastern Thai culture away from the tourist trail.
