Khon Kaen Weekend Itinerary Tips

Eastern Thailand is less well-traveled than other regions in the country, but there are plenty of useful Khon Kaen weekend itinerary tips. Travel in this area of Thailand is more laidback than the tourist-heavy cities of Central and Southern Thailand, allowing visitors to visit small local temples and markets or bask in beautiful natural beauty. 

The best way to get around and out of town is a Khon Kaen car rental with Drive Car Rental. We have a convenient location inside the airport arrivals hall, so customers can fly in and drive away. 

When examining weekend itineraries in Khon Kaen, there are a few different options available depending on one’s preference for city sights or nature. 

A Weekend in Khon Kaen City

While it’s smaller than Bangkok or Chiang Mai, Khon Kaen still has plenty to offer. The city is dotted with temples, small markets, historical sites, and cafes. 

A popular starting point for visitors is Wat Nong Waeng, a prestigious royal temple that was constructed in the early 1800s. The temple is famous for its nine-layered golden stupa that is visible from many points throughout the city. 

Visiting at night is also fantastic, as the temple lights its golden stupa for all to see. Be sure to check the festive events calendar for Khon Kaen. Wat Nong Waeng often plays host to official events during these times.

Travellers looking to experience the local vibe can head over to Bang Lamphu Market. This is where the region’s produce, meat, and fish arrive in the middle of the night. By 4:00 AM, the market is bustling with local vendors picking up the day’s haul to take to their neighborhood market stalls and restaurants. 

Those who enjoy history and culture will find plenty to savor at the Khon Kaen National Museum. This two-story museum houses an array of ancient cultural treasures from various empires that have occupied this land for centuries. Guests can see Buddha images, coins, ancient tools, and other wares from both the Thai and Khmer (Cambodian) cultures. 

Weekend Itinerary for Regional Trips

Activities outside Khon Kaen abound. National parks, waterfalls, and hilly viewpoints can be found in every direction. 

Head west towards Petchabun on Highway 12 to see the region’s natural crown jewels. Due to a peculiar geology, Khon Kaen has several unique geographical features, including plateaus, craters, and rift valleys. 

Just to the northwest of the city is Nam Phong National Park and Ubon Rattana Dam and Reservoir. On the east side of the lake is a curious set of hills that form the eastern wall of the dam. 

Phu Wiang National Park to the west is a raised plateau with a steep crater-like feature at its center that is lower than the surrounding landscape. There are several waterfalls along hiking trails. There is also a dinosaur museum in the small town located inside the crater, thanks to several archaeological finds throughout the area. 

Further down the road is the spectacular Nam Nao Canyon and waterfall. This area’s formation was a result of the ancient collision between the Indian tectonic plate and Asia. The ground was violently lifted skyward, and the canyon formed quickly afterwards as the water eroded the rock and sediment layers. 

Continuing west on Highway 12 leads to Nam Nao National Park. This is another geological oddity with several raised plateaus and small hills that seem out of place in the otherwise flat terrain. On the western edge of the park, there is also a sunset viewpoint perfect for quiet reflection before returning to town. 

See Everything Khon Kaen Has to Offer with Drive Car Rental

Drive Car Rental’s convenient location inside Khon Kaen Airport comes with all the advantages of in-terminal car rental services. Our desk is located in the arrivals hall after exiting baggage claim. From there, the parking lot is nearby, and when you return your rental, you can simply park it in the airport’s temporary parking area near departures. 

We offer a wide selection of vehicles, including modern electrics, compact cars, luxury vehicles, and SUVs. Long-term tourists, business travelers, and expats can take advantage of monthly and annual rental terms. Those planning to visit in the tourist high season from November to April should book as far in advance as possible to guarantee the best selection and rates. Early booking means early bird discounts!