Khon Kaen (Thai ขอนแก่น) is the second-largest of the north-eastern provinces (changwat) of Thailand. Khon Kaen is located in the heart of the Khorat Plateau. The Chi River flows through this province.

The first city of the area was established in 1783 when Rajakruluang settled there with 330 people. King Rama I made Rajakruluang the first governor of the area when establishing tighter connections with the Isan area. The main city was moved six times until in 1879 it reached its modern location at Nuang Kaw. Khon Kaen became the administrative centre in the beginning of the 20th century.

The seal of the province shows the stupa (tower) of Phra That Kham Kaen, which is believed to contain relics of Buddha. Two trees are depicted on both sides, one is a banyan tree (Ficus benghalensis), the other a Golden Shower Tree (Cassia fistula). The Thai name of the golden shower means providing support and preventing a decline, and it is also the provincial flower. The provincial tree is the pink shower tree (Cassia bakeriana), the Thai name of which translates as "wishing tree".

The province is subdivided into 20 districts (Amphoe) and 6 minor districts (King Amphoe). The districts are further subdivided into 198 communes (tambon) and 2139 villages (muban).

Extracted from Wikipedia: Khon Kaen Province

Have been to KK with my tilac.

It is not like pattaya, it is closer to the real thailand while still having a lot of the western comforts nearby.

The best hotel there is by far the Sofitel, however you do pay for the privelage ~2,500BHT a nightt but the service is outstanding

I'm thinking of staying at Sofitel as my base and touring the region from there. Any advice on this plan and what to see/do in KK? Thanks.

I went to KK this past long weekend with my wife. Took the trian (first time ever i have taken a train in Thailand) overnight from Bangkok arrives early morning in KK's small station. Hired morotbike (small one) from a laundry place opp the Sofitel and went around the city. Easy to get around and no traffic, well compared to bangkok anyway.

KK is an interesting Isaan city,with the University playing a large part in everyday life.There's also quite a thriving naughty side to this city as well.
It's not so obvious,but with a bit of hunting,it's certainly there if you want it!

I worked up there in 2003. Lots of uni girls in the discos/pubs around the Sofitel and Kosa hotel area. Easy to chat with and many are willing to have a bit of fun for some baht and a bottle of Prell shampoo (large size, though).
Nice place, hot as hell and dusty but nice people and good food.
No need to pay 2500 to stay at Sofitel, plenty of good places under 1000. Save your baht for the better things; a hot shower is a hot shower, TV is TV, a/c is a/c and a comfy bed is a comfy bed. I have stayed many times at Kaen Inn, basic and clean, quiet and no pompems for 500, might be 550 or 600 now. There's a soapie, Vila Massage catty corner.

I'll be going to KK to meet a TG. If that works out great, but if not where's the bad boy part of town ;)

i am heading up to KK in about a week or so, this will be my first trip, staying with TG and family while we look for a house.... Its going to be interesting for sure. Anyone know of a rental car agency at the KK airport?

Kon Kaan city is the 2nd biggest in LOS and there are lots of University lasses about the town

I just visited the King Cobra village north of Kon Khaen.

The bus ride to KK was 321 Baht for a VIP aircon from Morchit. 7 Hours, they were taking it easy and arrived at AM. Nice morning market and lots of good noddle soup available. The Cobra village is a a bus ride north of KK. You get of at Nampong (about 30 or so km) and then a tuktuk. Friends took me so no details about cost. I trust there is also a village bus (converted truck) leaving from the (non-VIP) bus station.

In the village there is a small platform the performances and around some cages with the snakes. The snakes were very interesting but seemed a bit under-nurtured in comparison to the king cobras at the snake farm in BKK. They also got a bear, poor beast, some monkeys and interesting turtles. The snake show was very nice but also a bit chilling. Some performers got bitten a week before and had ended up in hospital. So they are playing with snakes that are not "milked." Some of the beasts were pretty aggressive other reminded me of grandma's cat. Beautiful animals almost all of them.

It is a nice stop and very much worth-while. It is very down to earth and not commercialized. The people simple ask for a donation and go around at the end of the show. Very much like street musicians. Thais gave 20 baht. I thought 100 hundred would be ok as the guys risked their lives. I know it is overpaying, but in an Isan village and with that kind of work I felt like it.

So try it, you won't regret it.

Hotels in KK - I stayed at a 600 baht place aircon. No western language TV channel and rather worn out place.

Just a few photos from Khon Kaen and other places to visit around the area.

The Lake in KK.



In the main Temple.



Around town.



Cobra Village about 30 min drive east of KK.



Ubrol damm about 45km N/E of KK well worth a day out also has a golf course for those that like a game.





Take water with you if your going to walk this lot.



Derek

This post has been edited by Derek: Oct 28 2007, 12:28 AM

Hi Derek,
thanks for the pictures. I'm heading to Khon Kaen this Feb. Will only be there for two days then I'm off to Korat. Just wish I had more time to enjoy the area. I have you to blame for my departure from Pattaya, thank you very much.

Jon.