'''Khon Kaen''' (???????) is the provincial capital of Khon Kaen Province.
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 involved various natural phenomenon and cultures. Artifacts have proven that millions of year ago the area was ruled by gigantic creature dinosaurs. People in various cultures then occupied the plateau during the pre-historical period until the Ancient Khmer Empire expanded its presence into the area in the 12th century. These cultures, traditions, and historical sites in this area have all contributed in shaping the Thai people and Thailand in this way.
Geographically, Khon Kaen plays an important role as the centre of the Northeast region. Furthermore, the province, by Khon Kaen University, is a major hub of education and technology. A major source of local wisdom in silk production is in Amphoe Chonnabot where excellent Mudmee Silk is delicately woven by hand using the tie-dye technique. Developments in different areas are facilitating Khon Kaen as a major transportation hub of Indochina.
The province comprises 26 amphoe:- Ban Fang; Ban Haet; Ban Phai; Chonnabot; Chum Phae; Khao Suan Kwang; Khok Pho Chai; Kranuan; Mancha Khiri; Mueang Khon Kaen; Nam Phong; Non Sila; Nong Na Kham; Nong Ruea; Nong Song Hong; Phon; Phra Yuen; Phu Pha Man; Phu Wiang; Pueai Noi; Sam Sung; Si Chomphu; Ubolratana; Waeng Noi; Waeng Yai; Wiang Kao.
'''''Distance from Amphoe Mueang to other Amphoes.'''''
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.
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.
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 the province is quite convenient as various kinds of vehicle are available. Tuk Tuk or motorised tricycle_fs fee starts at 30 baht, while pedal tricycle_fs 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.
'''City Pillar Shrine (????????????????????????????)''' 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 (????????????????????? ???????)''' 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 (??????????)''' 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 (?????????????????????)''' 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_fs 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 (????????????????? ??????????? ? ????)''' 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_fs 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 (??????????????????)''' Located on the hill called _eMo Din Daeng_f 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 (??????????????)''' 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) (????????)''' 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_fs outstanding features lie in its typical shape and style, solidity, shelter as well as beauty of the murals of Mudmi patterns of the province_fs 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 (????????????????????????)''' 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.
'''Huean Lao (????????)''' 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 (??????????????)''' 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 (??????????? ???? ???????????????)''' 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 _eBannalai_f- 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 (???????????????)''' 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 (??????????????????? ?????????????????????? ????????? ???????????)''' 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.
'''Ubolratana Dam or Phong Nip Dam (??????????????? ???? ?????????????)''' 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 (????????????????????)''' 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_fs footprint can be found in a nearby area. The flight of 1,049 stairs leads the way up to the temple_fs front. The temple overlooks beautiful views.
'''Bang Saen II and Hat Chom Thong (?????? 2 ????????????)''' 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 (????????????????????-???????)''' 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.
'''Nam Phong National Park (????????????????????)''' 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. _eHin Chang Si_f 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. #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. #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.
'''Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum (??????????????????????????)''' 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_fs 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 (?????????????????????)''' 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_f scientists presumed that the long-necked dinosaur was prey for these teeth_fs 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 _eSiamosaurus Suteethorni_f 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_fs 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_fs 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_f at kilometre 23. Turn left at kilometre 30 at Ban Pho Reservoir and the national park_fs 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. .
'''Non Mueang Ancient Town (??????????????????)''' 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_f 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.
'''Phu Pha Man National Park (??????????????????????)''' 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.
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 (??????????) The cave is on Highway 201. Its five chambers are all decorated with glittering stalagmites and stalactites. The cave contains water the year round.
'''Chang Kra (???????)''' 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 (????????????)''' 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 (??? (?????) ????????????????)''' 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.
'''Wat Udom Khongkha Khiri Khet (??????????????????)''' 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.
'''Sala Mai Thai (??????????)''' 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_fs 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_fs 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.
'''Prasat Pueai Noi or Phrathat Ku Thong (??????????????? ???? ?????????????)''' 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.
'''Wat Sa Bua Kaeo (?????????????)''' 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_fs 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.
Scientific Centre for Education, Khon Kaen Province (???????????????????????????????????????????) 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.
'''The Festival of Dok Khun Siang Khaen and Khao Niao Road (????????????????????????????????????)''' 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 (????????????????????????)''' 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 (??????????????? ???????????????????????????)''' 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. _ePhuk Sieo_f 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.
'''Mudmee Silk of Chonnabot (????????????? ?????????)''' 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 (?????????????? ????????????? ????????????)''' 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 (??????????????????????????)''' 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.
'''Amphoe Muenag Khon Kaen'''
'''Amphoe Chonnabot'''
'''Amphoe Ban Phai'''
'''One-day Tour'''
'''(Khon Kaen ? Phrathat Kham Kaen ? Village of King Cobras ? Wat Sa Bua Kaeo_fs Mural Paintings ? Pueai Noi Sanctuary)'''