Khon Kaen Things to Do
Prasat Pueai Noi
Despite the territory of the modern Khon Kaen was under the rule of the Khmer empire for over 3 centuries, there are not so many historical sites to visit in the province and Prasat Pueai Noi is by far the largest and, thanks to the restoration that took place in the 90s, the most intact among similar historical structures. If you’re not going to visit Phimai or Phanom Rung, then it is a good chance to admire an 11th century Hindu temple (converted to a Buddhist one over the centuries) in quite a good condition. The complex consists of three pagodas featuring beautiful carvings and surrounded by a perimeter laterite wall, all designed in the Nakhonwat style which is the same style used in Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
The temple is located 80 km south of Khon Kaen and the best way to get there is to rent a car. It’s an easy and straightforward drive; follow highway 2 for 55 km and then turn left to route 23.
Phu Wiang National Park and Dinosaur Museum
A new page in the history of Khon Kaen province suddenly revealed itself in 1976 when a team of archaeologist found a bone that after a closer examination was classified as part of a dinosaur’s left knee. Since then excavations and researches started in the whole area and they’re still going on. Over the last 3 decades an impressive number of fossils belonging to different species have been discovered, some of which have never been found anywhere else; funny names were given to new dinosaur spices reflecting their origin, like Siamosaurus or Phuwiangosaurus.
A trail through the National Park will guide you to several different observation sites where you can see footprints, excavations in progress, teeth and bones of the giants which once roamed the area all dating back roughly 150 million years. The park is a beautiful trekking destination even if you’re not an archaeology enthusiast with many natural attractions that can be visited (waterfalls, caves, flower fields).
One of the highlights of the park is the museum that is divided into 5 different zones displaying fossils and dinosaur skeletons (no one is complete though), with plenty of explanations in English as well. In a large section a real dinosaurs world has been created.
The National Park is located 80 km west of Khon Kaen. Drive along highway 12 for 48 km and then turn right and drive 30 km more. Opening hours are from 8.00am to 4.30pm and admission ticket is THB200. The museum is located 3 km before the entrance; please notice that it is closed on Monday (open every other day from 9.00am to 5.00pm). The ticket is THB60.
Dino Water Park
No wonder that the biggest water park in the Northeast of Thailand is dedicated to dinosaurs. The Dino Water Park has opened only recently and new attractions are added every year. The wave pool with sunbeds and umbrellas is where you’ll spend some relaxing time working on your tan while the stage in the middle of the pool is the centre of music and entertainment. Several slides will guarantee hours of fun for you and your kids and some of them will challenge your courage. Dino Water Park is a modern and safe amusement park where you can spend a funny afternoon with your family.
It is located on the southern edge of Khon Kaen close to the new bus terminal. Open every day from 11.00am to 8.00pm; tickets are THB600 for adults and THB300 for kids (free entrance if they’re shorter than 90 cm).
Bang Saen 2 and Chom Thong Beach
No, there is no see in Isaan. These two beautiful beaches are located 50 km north of Khon Kaen on the shores of the lake Ubolratana. Quite a popular destination for the Thais during the weekends, the beaches offer several water activities in a wonderful settings close to the mountains. There are many good restaurants to choose from for a lunch of freshwater fish. Some accommodation is also available nearby.
To get there drive north on highway 2 for 26 km when you have to turn left on highway 2109.
