Khon Kaen is a big, primarily agricultural province in Isan, Thailand’s northernmost area. Khon Kaen, the provincial capital, is one of the main cities in the North East and serves as a regional center for this section of Isan.
History
Historically, the area was ruled by the Khmer empire from Angkor about ten centuries ago. The Khmer constructed several temples in the area, still standing in varied levels of preservation.
Khon Kaen National Museum
The Khon Kaen National Museum is a great site to learn about different periods in local history. The museum displays materials and works of art from prehistory to the present day, including Dvaravati era boundary stones, prehistoric pottery from Ban Chiang in Udon Thani, Khmer sculptings, Lopburi arts, dinosaur fossils, and Buddha statues of various periods and styles.
Thanon Lang Sun Ratchakan is where the museum is located. Daily hours are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., except for Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thai National Holidays. The cost of admission is 100 Thai Baht.
Phra That Kham Kaen
The Phra That Kham Kaen is an ancient Laos-style chedi shown on the provincial seal of Khon Kaen. The inhabitants of Khon Kaen greatly respect the chedi since it is thought to house Buddha relics. The Phra That Kham Kaen is located north of Khon Kaen on the grounds of the Wat Chetiyaphum temple.
Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon
Phu Wiang National Park, a thickly forested mountainous area covering over 300 km2, is famous for discovering dinosaur remains and steps. The park has seen numerous findings of dinosaur bones from various species, as well as prehistoric human remains and iron artifacts. Several attractive well-signposted routes through the park with outstanding views of the surrounding area lead to the dinosaur-finding areas. Each site has information boards with information on the excavated finds. The Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum displays geological information, dinosaur fossils, and reconstructions from the area. The Phu Wiang National Park is located in the Phu Wiang area, approximately 70 kilometers north of Khon Kaen.
Non-Mueang ancient town
The ancient village of Non-Muaeng is an archaeological site inhabited for the past 2,500 years. During the excavation, a prehistorical burial place was found at the location. Skeletons of humans, along with funeral presents like ceramics, seashells, and bangles, as well as implements used for farming the soil, were discovered when the site was explored. Additionally, people lived there during the time of the Dvaravati (6th – 11th century). Sema stones are boundary stones that designate the sacred area of a temple. Several Dvaravati sandstone sema stones were discovered during the excavation of this site.
The old town of Non-Mueang is open to tourists daily during daylight hours. The location may be found in the Chum Phae district, approximately 3 kilometers south of the Chum Phae hamlet and Highway 12 and around 85 kilometers west of Khon Kaen town.
Getting to Khon Kaen
It is around 450 kilometers northeast of Bangkok, where you will find Khon Kaen. Travel there is possible via bus, train, or even airplane.
