In recent years, Khon Kaen has grown exponentially. Alongside its existing attractions, the younger generation in Khon Kaen has established new destinations. The busiest city in northeastern Thailand is now a harmonious blend of traditional and modern lifestyles. The province also boasts economic potential and growth opportunities, making Khon Kaen well worth exploring. Come and enjoy various cultural and natural sites while indulging in delicious culinary treats.
The MICHELIN Guide takes you to breathtaking places and memorable restaurants that will spice up your Isan journey.
Khon Kaen’s landmarks: Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake, Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, and Baan Heng, the legendary souvenir shop turned Thai-Chinese breakfast spot. (© Shutterstock, Baan Heng)
Enjoy a morning view and blessings
Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon are Khon Kaen’s must-see attractions. Bueng Kaen Nakhon is a large pond surrounded by a serene public park where local people come for recreation. You can do a morning jog while soaking in the beautiful sunrise and Wat Nong Waeng’s Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, the 9-storey chedi modelled after Phra That Kham Kaen that you can stop by to admire and pray for blessings.Then, refuel at Baan Heng (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024). From the renowned “Heng Nguan Hiang” souvenir shop established in 1957, the founder’s descendants turned this shophouse into a Thai-Chinese breakfast joint. They carry on the legacy by using Chinese sausage, pork floss, and pressed Vietnamese sausage that their grandparents sold. Try the signature Baan Heng Sandwich, Khao Ob Goon Chiang Kon Krob (Baked rice with Chinese sausage. The rice below is crispy), and Samrub Khao Tom (Boiled rice soup with assortments). For refreshments, try the fragrant Kafe Boran (traditional coffee) or the intense Thai tea. You’ll be ready for the next destinations.
Experience the inno-life tourism at Kaeng Lawa wetland and chill at Baan Lang Wat Coffee. (© Banhi Bansuan, Baan Lang Wat Coffee)
Explore Kaeng Lawa, a local gem
Kaeng Lawa is a wetland close to Khon Kaen’s Mueang district, spanning 17,400 rai (27.84 km²) across Ban Phai and Ban Haet districts. It is one of Khon Kaen’s critical food and natural resources. Experience the inno-life tourism that lets you learn about biodiversity and local heritage by cruising through the scenic body of water. You’ll appreciate the natural abundance and wisdom of inland aquaculture. Reservations are required at least 3 days in advance. Please call Banhi-Bansuan Community Enterprise at +668-1036-8956 or +666-1765-1439. You can also send a message via Facebook Banhi-Bansuan.After enjoying outdoor activities at Kaeng Lawa, Take a sip at the nearby Baan Lang Wat Coffee. The café’s founders are younger generations who want to create a community learning hub. In addition to great coffee amidst the shade of resin tree, there are workshops you can participate. The shop also allocates areas for local products you can buy as souvenirs. Wat Phra Chao Yai Phu Bang is close by for extra blessings. Then, experience the authentic spicy Isan cuisine at So Jeng (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024). The Ban Phai-exclusive restaurant serves the best versions of sun-dried beef, Saderd Nuea Lai (Spicy shank salad), Mok Samong Mu (Steamed pig’s brains).
Centuries-old “Sim” and fine “Hup Taem”. Intense Isan flavours at Tumkratoei Sagate’s. (© Shutterstock, Tumkratoei Sagate)
Indulge in ancient crafts & Som Tum
Sim is the word for ordination halls in areas with Laotian influence. There are several Sim you can visit across Isaan. Wat Chaisi’s Sim is from the early days of traditional Isan architecture. The hall was built by Vietnamese artisans more than 100 years ago. Around it, there are valuable Hup Team (murals) telling stories about Buddhism, local culture and way of life, and the local lore of “Sang Sin Chai” or “Sin Chai.” This is Khon Kaen’s cultural site you don’t want to miss.Nearby, Tumkratoei Sagate (Bib Gourmand, MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024) offers various Som Tam and Isan dishes. We recommend “Kod Lhao,” a spicy salad with abundant seafood flavoured with homemade fermented fish sauce, Om Khai Baan (Chicken soup with vermicelli), and Pla Som Thod (Fried pickled fish).
Enjoy exhibitions at TCDC in Khon Kaen, Cocoon Coffee and Co., and Kaen. (© TCDC Khon Kaen, Cocoon Coffee and Co., Kaen)
Art appreciation, café hopping, and local fine dining
“Khon Kaen” is a part of the Global Network of Learning Cities, fostering countless opportunities and developments. In terms of creativity, Khon Kaen houses a creative district, art exhibitions, and aesthetical cafésKangsadarn is Khon Kaen’s designated Creative District. This neighbourhood near Khon Kaen University is the home to the Khon Kaen branch of TCDC (Thailand Creative & Design Center). You can enjoy art exhibitions and creative activities inside before exploring the lifestyle of the younger generations around it. The newly-opened Cocoon Coffee and Co. is the brainchild of Chef Paisarn Cheewinsiriwat, who’s determined to make this café a learning hub for Khon Kaen. Chef Cheewinsiriwat also owns Kaen, a casual fine dining restaurant listed in MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024. The menus are as creative as the district it is in. Because the café and restaurant are close by, you are guaranteed a refreshing sip and a delicious meal while spending the whole day getting inspired around Kangsadarn.
Chill and fun at Columbo Craft Village. (© Columbo Craft Village)
Local crafts and traditional cuisine
The lovely Columbo Craft Village is a destination for art lovers. The community near Khon Kaen University was born from the desire of Khon Kaen’s aesthetes to showcase their creativity. Apart from stalls selling craft pieces, there are cafés and bookshops where you can chillax.Then, fill your stomach at the spacious See Na Nuan Café that can accommodate hundreds of people. Listed in MICHELIN Guide Thailand 2024, this restaurant serves flavourful traditional Thai and Isan dishes. Don’t miss the grilled snakehead fish served with spicy dip. Try both versions of the dip – traditional and fermented fish. The spiciness goes very well with the aromatic grilled fish. If you come for dinner, live music adds to the pleasure.
Soak up the scenery at Hin Chang Si View Point before gobbling up at Sookjailand. (© Shutterstock, Sookjailand, Michelin)
Photo opportunity at Hin Chang Si Viewpoint
Hin Chang Si View Point is one of Khon Kaen’s highlight attractions. Situated in Nam Phong National Park, the viewpoint offers breathtaking views of Ubol Ratana Dam, Phu Wiang National Park, and the city of Khon Kaen. Time it right, and you will experience the most memorable sunrise and sunset. After feasting your eyes, it’s time for your stomach. Stop by Sookjailand on the way back. Feel the gentle breeze and fresh air while dining in bamboo pavilions. Food here comes in both set menus and à la carte dishes. The taste is authentic. The ingredients are local. Don’t miss the grilled snakehead fish set that comes with local sides such as Khanom Chin (Fermented rice noodles), Som Tam, and fresh vegetables. The fragrant Om Pu Na (Dill soup with field crab) is so smooth you want to gulp it all down. If you never know the taste of field crab, it’s time to open a new horizon.Now that you know where in Khon Kaen to go, it’s time to plan your trip. For updates on travel destinations, contact TAT Call Centre 1672, or Facebook TAT Contact Centre.
CONTINUE READING: The Best Khon Kaen 101 Guide
Illustration image: © Sunantha Maidee/ MICHELIN Guide Thailand
Illustration image: © Sunantha Maidee/ MICHELIN Guide Thailand
This post is brought to you in partnership with Tourism Authority of Thailand
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