Visitors wondering what to do in Khon Kaen can find several interesting sights to see. Cultural sites like the National Museum and the Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon Temple are fascinating, and natural wonders like Phu Wiang National Park offer the chance to interact with stunning natural beauty.
After arriving, travellers seeking a Khon Kaen airport car hire will be pleased to find a Drive Car Rental location just two km from the airport. Airport pick-up and drop-off are also available. Once you’re in the driver’s seat and ready to explore, you can use our guide on what to do in Khon Kaen and the surrounding area.
Exploring the City
Bangkok is the largest city in Thailand, but Khon Kaen is no backwater–it’s in the top five largest cities in Thailand.
When looking at photos of Khon Kaen online, you will see several images of a multi-tiered pagoda that has become something of a city emblem. This is known as ‘Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon,’ a nine-story stupa located at Wat Nong Waeng.
Further adding to this structure’s beauty is its location on the shores of Bueng Kaen Nakhon Reservoir. While technically a reservoir, it is more of a scenic city lake that offers various parks and cultural sites. If you find yourself on the eastern shore near sunset, look to the west. You just might see the sun turn shades of pink as it descends behind the Phra Mahathat stupa.
After dark, look for the Ton Tan Market. This unassuming market comes to life at night and locals and tourists alike can be seen meandering the many stalls. Food and beverages are the name of the game with Thai delights both sweet and spicy.
The Surrounding Area
Thailand’s cities make for a nice evening, but the real magic is often found in the villages and mountains near the provincial capitals. Phu Wiang National Park is one such site.
Here, the remains of several dinosaurs have been found, and visitors can see areas still being excavated. Hiking trails and waterfalls can also be found throughout the park which makes it an ideal destination for a day trip.
On the way back into town, Phu Kao – Phu Phan Kham National Park and Nam Phong National Park are worth a stop. Both of these parks feature an array of strange geological formations that seem out of place in the flat plains of eastern Thailand.
Both parks also offer stunning views of Ubonrat Dam Reservoir, and shoreside restaurants dot the area. Travellers can sample locally farmed fish and shrimp alongside traditional dishes like Pad Thai and a multi-colored array of Thai curries.
Further Afield
Those on the road to Khon Kaen wondering how far Khon Kaen is from Bangkok need not worry, as there is plenty to see on the way. The Phimai Historical Park and Prasat Phanom Rung allow visitors to see spectacular ancient ruins of the Khmer Empire. The Khmer, famous for the legendary Angkor Wat in Cambodia, once ruled this region of Thailand and left behind these traces of their vast civilization.
Visitors who want to undertake an extended day trip or overnight in some nature can look to Nam Nao National Park. This park is three hours away and situated on the borders of Loie, Phetchabun, and Khon Kaen provinces. It offers beautiful scenery and plenty of homestays from which you can watch the misty mountains appear each morning.
Back to the north are the provinces of Loei and Uttaradit along the Laos border. Lovers of winding mountain roads need look no further. Around every corner is a new valley waiting to be discovered. Expect to pull over several times to marvel at giant valleys filled with farms and jungle as far as the eye can see. Roads 1328, 1268, and 1339 are particularly legendary for their tight turns and exceptional views.
Go Anywhere With Drive Car Rental
With convenient locations throughout Thailand’s provincial capitals and airports, Drive Car Rental makes it convenient to arrive and drive. Customers can also arrange to pick up in one location and drop off in another.
Long-stay tourists can take advantage of discounted monthly and even yearly rates on vehicles. Business travellers can also rent vehicles individually or for small fleet use. Our selection of vehicles ranges from compact cars to luxury cars to electrics. No matter which type of car you need, Drive Car Rental has it!