Khon Kaen

Khon Kaen is not as popular a tourist destination as the more famous areas of Thailand such as Phuket, Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai, Hua Hin etc but this does not mean there is nothing to see or do in Khon Kaen. On the contrary, visiting Khon Kaen is a refreshing escape from the hordes of tourists that are found in the other areas, and is an excellent place from which to visit some of Thailand's less visited but equally rewarding areas.

Getting to Khon Kaen is simple. Thai Airways International flies there three times a day from Bangkok, and the airline often runs promotions which make the price of a ticket an attractive option. Alternatives to flying, include driving the 450 kilometres from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, or taking the train or bus. For those on a tight schedule flying is the best choice with flights departing Don Muang arriving in Khon Kaen around an hour later.

Khon Kaen is the capital of Isaan (also spelt Isan, Esaan) province and as such the commercial, administrative and educational centre of the North East of Thailand. It has a population of over 350,000, and its mammoth and highly regarded university covers a staggering area of around 7,000 rai.

There are numerous high quality hotels in Khon Kaen and numerous others which are both well established or opening to take advantage of the increase in arrivals from both foreigners and Thai business persons and tourists.

Khon Kaen is an excellent base from which visitors can explore the culturally rich areas of Isaan and even visit Vientiane in Laos which is just across the border from Nongkhai and only a two hours drive from Khon Kaen.

We will soon be adding some more indepth reviews of Khon Kaen, including attractions, some excellent tips on where to enjoy the best of Issan food, shopping etc. so do check back.

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