Down at the south end of the lake, Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, the gorgeous nine-storey stupa at the heart of this important temple, makes this Khon Kaen's one must-see attraction. It features enlightening modern murals depicting Isan culture and Khon Kaen's history; various historical displays, including a collection of rare Buddha images on the 4th floor; and a 9th-floor observation deck. The monks open the door to the upper floors when they are ready, which is roughly 7.30am to 5pm.
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
2.23 MILES
In the spirit of Chiang Mai's weekend street markets (but not touristy like them), hundreds of vendors take over Th Na Sunratchakan. Many of them sell…
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22.51 MILES
The core attraction of Nam Phong National Park and the nearest nature reserve to Khon Kaen city, the Hin Chang Si ('Elephant-Rubbing Rock') area is full…
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0.87 MILES
Just off the lake, this peaceful tree-filled temple and noted meditation centre pre-dates the city and has a săh·lah like no other in Thailand. The ground…
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0.63 MILES
This 100-hectare lake is the most pleasant place in town to spend some time, and the paths hugging its shore link quite a few interesting spots. There's…
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26.44 MILES
At this silk-weaving museum 1km west of town you can learn about the entire silk-making process and even take a turn at a loom. The main room is mostly a…
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9.05 MILES
Spread over the vast grounds of this peaceful temple, 10km north of the city, are many beautiful monuments, including a 23m-tall white walking Buddha…
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2.63 MILES
This collection of artefacts spans prehistoric times to the present. Highlights are Ban Chiang–era pottery and a beautiful Dvaravati bai săir·mah (temple…
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0.88 MILES
This is Khon Kaen's biggest and most impressive Chinese temple. It's beautiful at night, and you can sometimes see people practising dragon and lion…
Nearby attractions
0.58 MILES
This modern Khmer-style prang is dedicated to the god Indra, who is very important in Theravada Buddhism. It's almost spooky at night.
0.6 MILES
This replica of Hanoi's iconic shrine was built by Khon Kaen's sizeable Vietnamese community. It's a good sunset-watching spot.
0.63 MILES
This 100-hectare lake is the most pleasant place in town to spend some time, and the paths hugging its shore link quite a few interesting spots. There's…
0.75 MILES
This old temple has a soaring bóht and chedi. The latter, dating to 1789 but completely rebuilt in modern times, is surrounded by a cloister featuring…
0.85 MILES
Inside the amphitheatre at Bueng Kaen Nakhon lake, this well-executed museum about Khon Kaen provides a good introduction to Isan, with dioramas and…
0.87 MILES
Just off the lake, this peaceful tree-filled temple and noted meditation centre pre-dates the city and has a săh·lah like no other in Thailand. The ground…
0.88 MILES
This is Khon Kaen's biggest and most impressive Chinese temple. It's beautiful at night, and you can sometimes see people practising dragon and lion…
8. Ton Tann Art Space & Gallery
1.25 MILES
This gallery is in the big stilted building at Ton Tann Green Market. Because of its location, it's the most popular art gallery in the city.