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| Khon Kaen | ||
| province | Khon Kaen | |
|---|---|---|
| Residents | 115,000 (actual city, 2010) 700,000 (metropolitan area, 2010) | |
other value for residents on Wikidata: 115928   | ||
| no tourist info on Wikidata: | ||
| location | ||
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Khon Kaen(ขอนแก่น) is the capital of eponymous province in Northeast Thailand (Isan). It is a major city in the middle of the Isan region and an important center of economy, transport and education, therefore it is considered to be the unofficial "capital" of the region.
background
The area around Khon Kaen has a long history, but the city itself is fairly new: most of the buildings have only been built since the 1960s. Its significance as the de facto “capital” of the Isan comes from the regional development policy of the dictatorial head of government Sarit Thanarat received, which is therefore honored by a monument in the city.
Khon Kaen plays an important role as a transport hub, commercial and industrial center and university city. As a result, the province also has the largest per capita economic output in the otherwise economically disadvantaged northeast region.
getting there
By plane
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The city has its own
- 1 Airport (IATA: KKC).
It is only served by domestic flights. The flight time from Bangkok off is 55 minutes. Thai Air Asia serves the route from Don Mueang airport four times each, Nok Air three times a day. With the low-cost line Thai Air Asia, the flight costs around 2000 baht, saver prices are available from 690 baht (as of March 2015). - Thai smile (the regional and cheap subsidiary of Thai Airways) flies three times a day from the international Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khon Kaen. In the standard tariff, one way costs 2680 THB (early bird price from 1380 THB, "Smile Plus" with comfort seats and more free baggage allowance 3280 THB).
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Kan Air offers daily direct flights from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen (flight time 1:20 hours).
The car rental companies are at the airport Advice, budget, hertz, Sixt, Thai Rent a Car and Tipoa represented.
By train
- 2 railway station on the railway line Bangkok - Udon Thani. There are four daily connections from Bangkok to Khon Kaen. The scheduled travel time is between 7:35 (Express) and 9:30 hours (Rapid), with delays often occurring. The fare varies between 227 baht in the simplest class and 968–1168 baht for a first class sleeper space (separate cabin, air-conditioned; as of December 2015).
From, to Udon Thani there are six trains a day in each direction, the journey takes between 1:30 and 2 hours and costs a maximum of 267 baht, on the slow trains 25 baht. There are five connections a day to / from Nong Khai on the border with Laos. As planned, the trains take between 2:10 and 3 hours, the journey costs between 11 baht (ordinary) and 290 baht (express, better seats). From, to Nakhon Ratchasima there are four trains a day. As planned, you will need between two and a half and over three and a half hours. On the faster trains, the journey costs a maximum of 297 THB. Current timetable and prices
By bus
| Distances | |
| Bangkok | 380 km |
|---|---|
| Nakhon Ratchasima | 191 km |
| Vientiane | 195 km |
The place can be reached with national bus lines:
- Vientiane (Laos): Thai-Lao International Bus (THB 180) twice a day
- Bangkok: Buses run every 15 minutes from Bus terminal Mo Chit in the north of the city. For example with Nakhonchai Air BKK-KKC (Unfortunately not in English at the moment! But the Google translator is quite helpful.) With this provider the journey costs 403 (Gold Class) or 538 Baht (First Class) per person and route. The journey takes about 6 hours.
Khon Kaen has several bus stations: Most long-distance buses from Bangkok stop at 3 Bus station 1, about a kilometer further northwest you can find the 4 Bus station 2(old: Khon Kaen Provincial Transport Station). A third 5 Bus station (old = Sathani Khon Song Phu Doisan Ch. Khon Kaen haeng thi 3) is a little outside on the ring road 230. There are also direct bus connections to many provincial capitals in the northeast, to Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai, Sukhothai and Tak in north as well Has yai in southern Thailand (2x daily with Piya Prasert, 1213–1589 THB, 8:40 pm).
In the street
The city is located on the well-developed national roads 2 and 12. It takes about five and a half hours to drive from Bangkok Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) just under three, from Udon Thani one and a half hours.
mobility
With Songthaeos (flatbed trucks with benches on the loading area) an inner-city local transport is served on some lines (the lines can be recognized by the colors of the vehicles) (THB 9 per person). A city map with the lines of the Songthaeos is available from the tourist office, optionally here on-line.
Tuk-tuks (THB 40-50 for a city trip) and taxis are also available.
Tourist Attractions
temple
- 1 Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon (พระ มหาธาตุ แก่น นคร), Wat Nong Waeng (at the lake Kaen Nakhon). Most important and most famous sight of Khon Kaen: Nine-story stupa in Wat Nong Waeng on the west bank of the Kaen-Nakhon-See with a beautiful view of the city.
- 2 Wat Pho Ban Non Than, Th. Pho Thisan (on the east bank of Lake Kaen Nakhon). unusual temple with a sala, which is supported by suitably trimmed trees and therefore looks like ingrown; Meditation center and place for Thai massages.
- 3 Wat That, Th. Rop Bueng (at the northern end of Lake Kaen Nakhon). Erected in 1789, it is one of the oldest buildings in the city. Steeply ascending bot and chedi, the latter can also be entered.
Museums
- 4 Khon Kaen National Museum (พิ พ ธ ภัณฑ สถาน แห่ง ชาติ ขอนแก่น, Phiphithaphan Haeng Chat). The museum contains a collection on the history, culture, agriculture and silk production of the region (with some 5000 year old exhibits from the Ban Chiang archaeological site, Buddhist art from the Dvaravati period). There is a collection of reliefs in the courtyard.
- 5 Hong Mun Mang (โฮ ง มูน มั ง, Khon Kaen City Museum), at the lake Kaen Nakhon. City history museum in the amphitheater on the lake.Open: Tue-Sun 12pm - 8pm.Price: Entry 90 THB.
miscellaneous
- 6 Kaen Nakhon Lake (บึง แก่น นคร, Bueng Kaen Nakhon). The popular destination for those looking for relaxation is often visited in the evening. You can rent paddle boats. There are restaurants and entertainment venues all around.
- 7 San Lak Mueang, Th. Sri Chan (300 m from Central Plaza). Shrine with the “city pillar”, in which, according to the locals, the protective spirits of the city live.
- 8 Field Marshal Sarit Thanarat Memorial, Thanon Prachasamoson. Statue of the dictator of the 1950s and 60s who is credited with the successful development of Khon Kaen. Behind the statue there is a relief with scenes from Sarit's life and a small park (Ratchadanuson Park).
activities
Local festivals:
- Khon Kaen International Marathon. Late January / early February.
- Agricultural fair. Late January / early February.
- Songkran with Dok Khun Siang Kaen Festival. 13.-15. April: The Thai New Year celebration coincides with the Laburnum Festival in Khon Kaen. The flowers of the Indian laburnum (or tubular cassia, Cassia fistula, Thai Dok Khun) are a symbol of the province. There is a procession with floats decorated with laburnum flowers, cultural performances, competitions, loads of Isan food and of course the ubiquitous splash of water (especially in the Thanon Sri Chan).
- Silk Festival, Phuk Siao and Red Cross Fair. Late November / early December. Phuk Siao (“Making Friends”) is a celebration of friendship between Thailand and Laos. There is a "friendship ritual", a procession through the city, dinner together, a fair for silk products, cultural performances, election of a silk queen (Miss Silk) and a fair for the benefit of the Thai Red Cross Society.
- Thai-German festival, at the University.
shop
- 1 CentralPlaza Khon Kaen, 99-99 / 1 Th. Srijan (on the Thanon Mittraphap (large thoroughfare)). The second largest shopping center in the northeast region, with a five-story Robinson department store, numerous shops with international branded products (including electronics and IT products), the usual system catering chains, a multiplex cinema, bowling alley, etc.
- 2 Market hall (Talat Thesaban). Mainly groceries (including ready-made meals); All sorts of shops, craft shops, food stalls all around.
- 3 Saturday evening market (Walking street), Thanon Na Sun Ratchakan. Every Saturday evening, the road between the provincial government and Ratchadanuson Park (Field Marshal Sarit Monument) is closed to car traffic and converted into a festival-like market. Hundreds of stalls sell homemade bags, T-shirts, postcards, picture frames, etc. Dancers and street musicians perform. The whole thing is illuminated with Chinese lanterns.Open: Sa 5.30pm - 10.30pm.
- The Khon Kaen Province is a center of the Silk- and Cotton-Production. Particularly noteworthy is the hand-woven Mat Mi (or Mudmee) silk fabric.
kitchen
- 1 Didine restaurant, 19-21 Th. Prachasamran (in the main nightlife district, 150 m from the Pullman Hotel). Quaint restaurant with varied, international cuisine (Thai, Isan, western: pizza, pasta, Mexican, steaks, grilled ribs, salads, etc.), also a pub (small selection of wines, American craft beer, cocktails), billiards, popular meeting place for expats .Open: Mon-Sat 5 pm– midnight.Price: main course 70-380 THB.
- Duan's restaurant, 21 / 2-3 Th. Am-Mart (opposite the Khon Kaen Hotel). German and Thai food.
- 2 Kai Yang Rabiap (ไก่ ย่าง ระเบียบ), Th. Thepharak (Low rise building with red roof tiles with Coca-Cola sign opposite courthouse. Lettering only in Thai!). Tel.: (0)43-243413. Grilled chicken (Kai Yang, say: gkai yaang) is a specialty of the Isan, in the province of Khon Kaen it is said to be best prepared and this simple shop in turn has a reputation for making the best in Khon Kaen. There are also other Isan dishes.Open: 9 am–3pm.Price: whole chicken 160 THB.
- Kai Kratah (opposite the Roma Hotel). Vietnamese cuisine.
- 3 Kronen Brewery, at the Pullman Hotel. Small brewery and German cuisine.
- 4 Little Osaka, 122/9, Adunlayaram 2.
Japanese restaurant specializing in sushi, on a water reservoir south of the university campus; in this area many more restaurants, pubs and food stalls. Far away (just under 4 km) from most hotels. - 5 Mickey's pizza, 354/11, Klang Muang Road (on the west bank of the Kaen Nakhon Lake). Tel.: (0)83-6619061.often praised as the best pizza in Khon Kaen, other western dishes (pasta, currywurst), German beer, English operator. To take away too. Pre-order of the meal possible (shortens the waiting time).Open: Tue-Sun 12pm - 10pm.
- 6 Tawanthong Restaurant, 71/1 Th. Rop Mueang (Inexpensive vegetarian and vegan Thai dishes, more cafeteria than restaurant style; also store for healthy groceries).near Ecoplace Hotel.Open: daily 6 am–6pm.
- 7 Toem Rome (also written "Tower Rome"), Th. Chi Tha Khon. Good, authentic Thai cuisine in a cozy restaurant with a beautiful garden. Specialty of the house is Ho Mok Thale (Seafood curry served in a coconut). The English menu only has a selection of dishes, the Thai menu has even more! English is hardly spoken. Later on there is a pub with live music.Open: 5.30pm - 1am.Price: dishes from 40 to 160 THB.
nightlife
- The main pubs and bar mile is the 1 Thanon Prachasamran
- Seven's Corner Bar, 231/23 Soi Yimsiri, Srichan Road (not far from the Pullman Hotel). Oldest western bar in town with draft beer, WiFi, pool and darts.
- 2 Zolid Discotheque (Hotel Charoen Thani Princess). Popular music and dance club.
- Club 172 (High tech plaza). Dance club with some erotic dance performances.
accommodation
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Cheap
- 1 Mai Thai Guest House, 211 M. 19 Ban Kok, T. Ban Phet, A. Mueang Khon Kaen 40000. Tel.: (0)43-916606, Mobile: (0)85-7239576 (English), Email: [email protected]. Located on the outskirts in a residential area (1.5 miles from Central Plaza); all rooms have their own bathroom (shower or bathtub), satellite TV, DVD player, kettle; Pool, restaurant, games room (billiards, darts).Price: Double room from 550 THB.
medium
- 2 Charoen Thani Princess Hotel, 260 Srichan Road. Tel.: 66 (0)43 220400-14. Mass hotel in the middle class (320 rooms) in a 12-storey building from the 80s in the middle of the city center. Comfortable, fairly large rooms. Gym, pool, Chinese restaurant.Price: Double room from THB 1,650.
- 3 Khon Kaen Orchid, 149/96 Soi Wat Pachaiyawan, Mittraphap Road (next to Ratchaphruek Hospital, 500m from Central Plaza). Tel.: 66 (0)43-334000. Price: Double room from 814 THB.
- 4 Tonwa Resort, 88/103 Laonadee Avenue, soi 10/11. Tel.: (0)43-322614. 54 rooms in villas. WiFi, laundry service, car rental. Quietly located in the green, approx. 3 km south of the city center, 2 km to the Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon.Price: Double room from 790 THB when booking online.
Upscale
- 5 Glacier Hotel, 141 Prachasamran Road (500 m from the train station). Tel.: 66 (0)43 334 999. Price: Double room from 1687 THB.
- 6 Kosa Hotel, 250-252 Srichan road. Tel.: 66 (0)43-320320. Large, not entirely new hotel in the middle of downtown, right next to a shopping center.Price: Double room from 1480 THB.
- 7 Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid hotel, 9/9 Prachasumran Road. Tel.: 66 (0)43-322155, Fax: (0)43-322150, Email: [email protected]. The hotel was called earlier Sofitel and has 293 rooms. It is one of the few five-star hotels in the Isan region (perhaps the only one).Price: Double room from 2966 THB.
Learn
The 1 Khon Kaen University is the oldest and most prestigious university of Isan and also one of the largest. It offers so-called "international programs" (i.e. courses taught in English) and has its own International Affairs Office, which is why it is well suited for foreign guest students. The Institute for Technology was set up in Thai-German cooperation.
health
- 2 Srinagarind Hospital, 123 Thanon Mittraphap (at the university campus, a good 4 km north of the city center). Tel.: (0)43-348888, (0)43-202000, (0)43-348368, (0)43-348360-5. The University Hospital is the best-equipped hospital in Khon Kaen Province, if not in the entire northeast region. That's right by the way Queen Sirikit Heart Center for heart disease.
Practical advice
Consulates
| prefix | 043 |
|---|---|
| Post Code | 40000 |
trips
- 9 Wat Chai Si (วัด ไชย ศรี, also written Chaisi, Chaisri or Chai Sri), Ban Sawathi Mu 8, Tambon Sawathi, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen (almost 20 km north-west of Khon Kaen: leave the city on the national road 12 heading west, 5.7 km after crossing the outer ring road (230) in Ban Thum take the junction to the right, then follow the road for 7.4 km (through Ban Muang through) to Ban Sawathi. Travel time about 25 minutes). Listed, small village temple from around 1900, with lavishly decorated ubosot and wall paintings depicting scenes from the Laotian epic Sang Sinxay represent (at the time of creation the Isan was not yet "Thaiized"). Small museum attached.Open: daily 8 am–4pm.Price: free entry.
- 10 Ubol Ratana Damเขื่อน อุบลรัตน์: To the north-west of Khon Kaen is the Ubol-Ratana reservoir. The dam can be reached after approx. 50 km via roads 2 and 2109. The temple complex is located south of the dam 11 Wat Phra Bat Phu Pan Kham on a hill directly on the lake. A long staircase with 1049 steps leads to a 14 m high white Buddha figure. 1 Bang Saen 2 is about 4 km as the crow flies south of the dam (turn right off road no. 2109). There are some simple restaurants right on the lake. Some water sports such as "banana ride" and self-propelled rafts with music and food are offered.
- In Phu Wiang (Amphoe Wiang Kao; approx. 80 kilometers northwest of Khon Kaen) dinosaur bones were found that are now in the
- 12 Dinosaur Museum. Exhibition of the dinosaur bones. And on the way there in the park.
- 2 Si Wiang Dinosaur Park. life-size dinosaur statues. Both are surrounded by Phu Wiang National Park (Wikipedia article).
where life size
literature
Web links
- http://www.kkmuni.go.th/ (th) - Official website of Khon Kaen
