The Khong Chiam region is still largely unaffected by tourism and, for those willing to explore it, offers spectacular scenery and the promise of peaceful days spent well away from the noise and chaos of the urban environment. With its waterfalls, cliffs and rock paintings, Pha Taem is the kind of place you simply never tire of exploring.

The magic of Pha Taem, north of Khong Chiam

Elephant rides have become a major concern in many locations, but are still offered by a handful of so-called "sanctuaries" with the proposition to get close to the exotic and majestic animal. Elephant rides are offered on every street corner and Westerners have little knowledge about the cruel methods to succeed in training these enormous animals.

Experience Thailand without riding elephants!

Come and completely immerse yourself in the gigantic megalopolis which is Bangkok. 

Bangkok, a continental megalopolis

To set the scene for you, imagine 2,188 km² covered by 80% forest and populated with more than 800 animal species roaming completely free. Add streams, waterfalls and a mountain range amongst 2,000 plant species. Classify it all as a UNESCO world heritage site and you have the Khao Yai national park.

Khao Yai or the paradise of species

Damnoen Saduak

Kanchanaburi

Erawan

Bang Pa In

Khon Kaen is a big town in the heart of the Thai countryside in a region to the east which is called Isan.

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If you're stopping over at Khon Kaen, make sure you visit the national museum. You'll find a comprehensive exhibition on Isan culture and traditions, ceramics, Ban Chiang bronzes and Buddhist statues. If you have the time, you can join local Thai families along the banks of Nakhon Lake and follow their suit by tucking into some grilled chicken. Yummy. The town itself is nothing special and although the market is lively, it won't keep you entertained for long. If, like me, you find yourself here during the Silk Festival (end of November/beginning of December) then you're guaranteed to have fun; it's a vibrant, colourful experience! You'll no doubt visit a few of the craft shops and stores selling regional produce. The products here are generally of very good quality. Hiking fans, including those who are not extreme sports fans, will love the Nam Nao park at 140km to the west and there's also the archaeological site at Ban Chiang. It's a 2hr bus ride and is a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site...but one which did disappoint me a bit.

Khon Kaen is on a cross roads and is a practical stopover if you want to break up your train or bus journey. Apart from its museum and lake, there's not much to see here.

If you want to go somewhere you can find welcoming locals, with their costumes and traditions,  Khon Kaen is the perfect place.  Tourists often neglect the north-east of Thailand and you get the impression that this is the case with Khon Kaen. Nonetheless, it's an interesting place to visit. For someone like me who likes taking photos, walking around Khon Kaen market, where nearly everyone is smiling, is a real pleasure The people are friendly and curious. It's nice, and it makes a change from certain areas of Thailand, the popular tourist destinations like Bangkok, Pattaya, Phuket or Chiang Mai tending to be a bit too "commercial". As this is a country town I managed to find a farm that breeds insects, and even tried a local dish made from crickets - you might like it! Don't leave without visiting the pyramid shaped temple, Wat Nong Wang and, just behind it, Bueng Kaen Nakhon lake, where you may see Thais doing their evening excercises. Would you dare to join them?

Khon Kaen Holidays

Khon Kaen: How to get there?

Khon Kaen: See when to go?

Khon Kaen: For how long?

Khon Kaen: What to see nearby?

Thailand: our articles for your holidays