Ive sat in the Khon Kaen bus station now several times, Ive been to their airport plenty. But up until about 4 weeks ago, Id never spent much time in Khon Kaen. But this trip to Thailand was a bit nicer, cleaner, less tourists, cheaper,and very surprising. It doesnt have the same whatever it is of places like Phuket or Chiang Mai, or even the lovely Koh Samui, I mean how many travel agents sell 8 night 4star return airfare to Khon Kaen? This city has managed to fly under their radar. It is beautiful and noticeably clean for a change.So many fantastic bars, restraunts and not overpriced, very cheap, typically Isaan prices. Great vibe in them, not to mention the best night market Ive seen in Thailand. Ive been to most of the big cities in the country, finally Ive found a city Id love to call home. Well done Khon Kaen, if you have never been for a look, take the time to do so, you seriously wont be dissapointed!

Thats good to hear, will be spending some time working up that way soon. Can you recommend any decent hotels ?

Thats good to hear, will be spending some time working up that way soon. Can you recommend any decent hotels ?

We stayed in the Glacier hotel. Cost was 1690baht a night in a deluxe room inc breakfast. That's the price walk in off the street, perhaps cheaper online. Lovely place, lovely staff, clean, spacious, I'd stay again for sure.

Good to hear you had a great holiday mate, i will have to explore over that way some time in the future.

All the best to you and your family.

Ssssshhhh please don't tell everybody! I've lived in KK for 13 years now and love it. I was in Bangkok for 4 days last weekend for the stamp show at Siam Paragon and couldn't wait to go home.

Rapacious tuk-tuks, taxis whose meters never seem to work, rude people, you can keep the capital.

Thanks for putting it on our radar

I disagree with everything the OP had to say, Khom Kaen is a rat hole and every one should stay away,

We of course,who live here will grin and bare it,

some one has to keep an eye on the place,

but for the rest of you , never come here.

I MEAN IT , NEVER COME HERE!!!!

Edited August 10, 201312 yr by sirineou

Thats good to hear, will be spending some time working up that way soon. Can you recommend any decent hotels ?

We stayed in the Glacier hotel. Cost was 1690baht a night in a deluxe room inc breakfast. That's the price walk in off the street, perhaps cheaper online. Lovely place, lovely staff, clean, spacious, I'd stay again for sure.

The Glazier Hotel is under ฿1,000 on Agoda.com. Khon Kaen is a great city, has everything you need and is a good central location. The only thing for me is it is too big. Kalasin one hour east of Khon Kaen has very little traffic, but of course not much night life, but there is enough for me most days and KK is only one hour away and has many ฿500 hotels near the nightlife for a get away night here and there.

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Until the next nice city that you will find...

Anyway apart from the lake, what else to see at KK ?

Edited August 10, 201312 yr by bangkokstick

Until the next nice city that you will find...

Anyway apart from the lake, what else to see at KK ?

I've heard the dam is a pretty amazing sight at sunset.

CCC

Until the next nice city that you will find...

 

 

 

Anyway apart from the lake, what else to see at KK ?

 

 

Apart from really nice hip bars with lots of live music, the dam as Chitty mentioned is beautiful, the Ton Tann market is probably the nicest market I've been to with live music and food stalls galore, local arts, just a great vibe. Then there's the Central Plaza which is the same layout as in Chiang Mai. There's always day trips to other towns around like Chumphae just up the road. Perhaps a KK local can mention what else there is up there. There's plenty.

I disagree with everything the OP  had to say, Khom Kaen is a rat hole and every one should stay away,

We of course,who live here will grin and bare it,

some one has to keep an eye on the place,

but for the rest of you , never come here.

I MEAN IT , NEVER COME HERE!!!! 

images.jpg

Don't worry mate, it's still a well kept secret. They're not turning it into a tourist, high rise condo overload, scam city anytime soon. I hope anyway.

Ps, my list I kept short.

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Thats good to hear, will be spending some time working up that way soon. Can you recommend any decent hotels ?

http://www.maithaiguesthouse.co.uk/

Good value for money,, Nice and clean,, Good food, got a nice pool. you want go far wrong.

Edited August 11, 201312 yr by welsh1

Until the next nice city that you will find...

Anyway apart from the lake, what else to see at KK ?

There is a large temple called ( Watphatummaauttayan), with a large white Buddha statue, lots of other statues spread out around the temple grounds, you could spend a couple of hours there to be honest with you, there's a big lake with lots of giant cat fish, a few restaurants, which serve Thai food.... This one of the best temples I have ever seen In Thailand,,, And we have it here in Khon Kaen

I've met a lot of Khon Kaen women - they work in Pattaya. Must be a hell of a commute.

KK has the best BBQ chicken in all of Thailand.

Try some. It's finger lickin' good.