Khon Kaen Hotels

• 

  Suparee Parkview Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  Dancoon Golf Club And Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  Piman Garden Boutique Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  Khon Kaen Orchid Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  Ruean Kanyarat Boutique Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  Chaipat Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  Charoenthani Hotel, Khon Kaen

  Learn More

• 

  Pratunam Hotel Khon Kaen

  Learn More

• 

  Rachawadee Resort & Hotel

  Learn More

• 

  The Charm Boutique Resort

  Learn More

---

Offering visitors a taste of the real Thailand, Khon Kaen city located in the province that goes by the same name is the place to be for an experience of the more unedited versions of local contemporary lifestyles, old customs and ancient traditions of Thailand. Visitors to Khon Kaen are just as likely to encounter a water buffalo or an elephant amidst the traffic as they are to see luxury brand name cars whizzing about the roads. Yuppies in suits with the latest cell phones stand side by side on the same busy streets as saffron robed Buddhist monks. Pushcart stalls along the roads peddling all manner of very affordable exotic local fare are set against a backdrop of large international chain stores and Khon Kaen hotels. Located in the northeast region of Thailand, an area often overlooked by tourists, the city is quite obviously unique, full of surprises and abundant in contrasts and authentic experiences.

Although this city in Isan region is much neglected by visitors in favor of the more typical Thai tourist destinations of Bangkok, Phuket and Pattaya, it is far less commercialized or sanitized for the tourist palate and certainly well off the beaten tourist track. This does not however mean that the city is decrepit or even quaintly backward. Far from it, Khon Kaen is actually the heart of Isan's economy and the commercial, financial and political center of the northeastern region of Thailand. The soaring skyline of the city is illuminated with neon lights and these skyscrapers house a myriad of trendy bars, restaurants, shops, businesses and Khon Kaen hotels to entertain and cater to the growing middle class in the region. The city is also home to the largest university in the northeast region and its people are highly literate and youthful. Nonetheless, it is apparent that the city manages to integrate newness and modernity with the old and the traditional.

The idiosyncratic allure of Khon Kaen and indeed Isan lies therein. While there are many swanky clubs in the built up concrete jungle downtown area of the city to party the night away in, it only takes the sight of an elephant being trudged down a busy central road to remind one that they are indeed in the Thailand that tourists imagine. Upscale eateries and luxury Khon Kaen hotels offering visitors every modern convenience they could need exist alongside beautiful temples and rural farm land. The city is also a good base for excursions into the quieter countryside of Thailand's northeast, as well as for trips to neighboring Laos and Cambodia.

Historically, Khon Kaen is a fairly young city, having been established just over two centuries ago under the rule of King Rama I. However, there have been artifacts proving life in the area extended back to the pre-historical era, even before the Ancient Khmer Empire expanded into the region circa the 12th century. The city continues today to be the bearer of the historical cultures, traditions and sites of this rich history. History buffs will be interested to revisit Khon Kaen's past at the National Museum on Lang Sun Ratchakan Road and the Treasure Hall. These museums house antiques and precious art from the city's pre-historical and historical eras. Additionally, the National Museum possesses the skeleton of a New Stone Age man and tools found at an archaeological site in Ban Chiang.

As with the rest of the country, the culture of Khon Kaen is heavily influenced by the Buddhist religion. Most of the local population subscribes to the beliefs and it is necessary to understand this to understand the local culture and way of life. There are many sites of note to this end, including the sacred City Pillar Shrine, located within the compound the city's Municipality Office. Also interesting and visually stunning is the Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, also known as the 9-story stupa. This royal temple is home to relics of Lord Buddha as well as important scriptures. The interior of this temple is ornate and beautiful, with intricate carvings and vivid murals. The top floor of the temple also offers visitors panoramic views of the town.

Tourists will also be interested in Wat Chai Si, which is a temple of rich local historical and social significance featuring impressive murals. Wat Chat Si was declared a national ancient monument in 2001. Another religious site that may be worth visiting is the Sema boundary markers, which were erected during the Semas Dvaravati era and discovered at the ancient city of Fa Daet Song Yang in Kalasin province. The carvings on these markers feature scenes from the Lord Buddha's life.

---