Discover Khon Kaen: 12 Awesome Things to Do & More

12 Best Things to Do in Khon Kaen

1. Visit Tat Fa Waterfall

One of my favorite areas in Khon Kaen is Phu Wiang National Park, a basin surrounded by lush forests and mountains, best known as one of the few places in Thailand where dinosaur fossils have been found. But we’re not talking about dinosaurs just yet, there’s one hidden attraction within this basin that I found to be quite magical: Tat Fa Waterfall.

Not many people know about this peaceful natural spot. Most people will head straight for the dinosaur sites in the park and call it a day, but let me tell you, this multi-tiered waterfall with small cascades and pools is one of the most beautiful waterfalls I’ve seen here.

To get here, you’ll first need to reach Phu Wiang National Park, which is about 70 km west of Khon Kaen City. Once you're in the park, you can drive to the waterfall trailhead and park at the entrance. From the parking area, it's about a 200-meter walk to the waterfall. It should take no more than five minutes along a flat and easy trail.

Once you arrive, you'll be rewarded with a stunning waterfall surrounded by lush green forest where you can sit, relax, and enjoy the splash. Be sure to visit between July and October, as outside of this period, the water doesn’t flow much, if at all, and it might not even be worth visiting.

I was there around 3 PM in July, and it was perfect. The water was flowing beautifully, and sunlight filtered through the tree canopy, casting dreamlike rays beside the waterfall. If you’re planning to visit Phu Wiang National Park, be sure to stop by Tat Fa Waterfall.

The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry is 200 THB per person. You can use the same ticket to visit the main part of Phu Wiang National Park, Chom Tawan Cliff, and more, so there is no need to buy a new ticket as long as you visit on the same day.

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2. Enjoy the View at Chom Tawan Cliff 👍 Must Do

While you're in Phu Wiang, be sure to drop by and check out the view from Chom Tawan Cliff, a scenic cliffside viewpoint located not far from Tat Fa Waterfall. The name translates to “Sun-Watching Cliff”, and true to its name, it’s one of the best spots in the park to catch a sunrise or sunset.

From the viewpoint, you’ll be rewarded with a beautiful panoramic view of rice fields stretching as far as the eye can see. There are several rocky cliffs where you can take stunning photos, along with a small café and plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery, perfect for a picnic. You can also stroll along the cliff and explore the various photo spots that have been set up around the area by the rangers.

If you want to catch the sunrise, be sure to arrive around 5:30 AM. It’s quite a drive from Khon Kaen, so plan accordingly. The viewpoint is open from 5:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and you can purchase your ticket at the entrance.

The entrance fee is around 200 THB per person, and since it's part of Phu Wiang National Park, your ticket also grants access to other attractions in the park, such as Tat Fa Waterfall. Just make sure not to throw away your ticket!

3. Hike Around Dinosaur Excavation Sites at Phu Wiang National Park

Now comes the dinosaur part of Phu Wiang National Park, home to many of Thailand's most important dinosaur excavation sites. Fossils from several species, including the Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, have been discovered here, and you can spend time hiking around the national park to these excavation sites to see these fossils with your own eyes.

The national park covers much of the basin, but if you want to hike around the dinosaur excavation sites, you’ll need to head to this location, where the Phu Wiang National Park office is located. Once there, you can park your car and begin exploring the park’s wonderful nature trail.

There are around nine excavation sites spread throughout the national park, many of which feature actual dinosaur fossil remains. Excavation site no. 3, which is the closest and easiest to reach, displays a replica, as the original bones are now being preserved in a museum.

You can hike for as long as you like, but keep in mind that the trail is pretty exposed after the first site you will encounter (excavation site no. 3). From the trailhead, it's about 300 meters until you arrive at excavation site no. 3. From there, it's another 1100 meters until you arrive at excavation site no. 1. This is where you will see a collection of real dinosaur bones.

I decided to hike to only the excavation site no. 1, and it took me about 30 minutes. I think it was well worth the effort, as the excavation site no. 3 was still under construction and it wasn't very pretty to see. The excavation site no. 1, on the other hand, is much larger and has more dinosaur bones to see.

In between excavation site no. 3 and no. 1, you will also find a stunning viewpoint called Pha Kal Wela where you will see just how lush and green the surroundings are, so don't forget to keep an eye out for that. It's a wonderful hike that, if weather permits, you can spend hours hiking.

The entire nature trail is a loop of around 3 km. I only hiked halfway to excavation site no. 1 and turned back as it was mid-day and getting blazingly hot. However, you can continue the trail to excavation site no. 2 and beyond for another 1600 meters, and you will arrive back at the parking lot again. It should take about 1 hour and 15 minutes to complete the loop without breaks.

If you are looking for a fun, active activity to do in Khon Kaen, be sure to go and hike around the dinosaur excavation site in Phu Wiang National Park. The park is open daily from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry is 200 THB per person. You can use the same ticket to visit other sites like Tat Fa Waterfall and Chom Tawan Cliff on the same day, so make sure to hold on to your ticket.

4. Visit Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

As you can see, Khon Kaen is big on dinosaurs, so much so that they have built Thailand's very first dinosaur museum called Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum, located just outside the national park area. This modern museum is exceptionally well done, and it is great for both adults and kids who are interested in learning more about Phu Wiang and why there are so many dinosaur fossils discovered here.

Inside, you’ll find life-size dinosaur skeletons, fossil displays, interactive exhibits, and detailed explanations about each species discovered in Phu Wiang, especially the famous "Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae", a long-necked herbivore named in honor of Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn, who led the team to excavate much of this area.

The museum also walks you through the history of paleontology in Thailand and explains how the fossils were excavated and preserved, which I think is pretty cool to see. The whole museum is quite big, so expect to spend at least 1 hour here.

The entry fee is separate from the national park ticket and should be around 100 THB for adults. It’s open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, except on Mondays. If you are visiting Phu Wiang National Park, be sure to drop by and check out Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum.

5. Visit Khon Kaen Zoo

Who would have thought that a full-grown adult like me, someone who has been to many places around the world and seen all kinds of exotic animals, would still find a zoo like Khon Kaen Zoo so engaging and interesting? I have been on African safaris a handful of times, for crying out loud, and yet I was still genuinely fascinated by the animals I saw at Khon Kaen Zoo.

Unlike many zoos in Asia with questionable practices, Khon Kaen Zoo is a great example of how a zoo should be run. The zoo is located far from the city, covering a large area of forested land, and its design thoughtfully incorporates the natural landscape. The animals are well fed and have spaces to roam.

The zoo features a diverse range of animals, including giraffes, zebras, and various bird species such as flamingos and lemurs. One of my favorite exhibits is the "Primate Kingdom" zone, which showcases many beautiful and playful species like the red-shanked douc langur, one of the most stunning monkeys you’ll find, along with several types of lemurs that are rarely seen in the wild anymore.

There are also rare animals that you won’t find anywhere else in this region, such as penguins, chimpanzees, gorillas, lions, tigers, white rhinos, and many more. They even have an open-fence area where you can walk around while being surrounded by deer roaming freely. It's pretty awesome.

The grounds are beautifully landscaped with plenty of shade for walking, although it can be quite a hike to explore the entire zoo on foot. That’s why they offer a hop-on, hop-off golf cart service, which you can use to get around the park. It costs 30 THB per person, and the carts stop at stations throughout the zoo.

You can also rent your own golf cart and drive around the park at your own pace. The rental fee is around 300 THB per hour for two to four people, which makes it perfect for families. Or, if you prefer, you can walk the entire zoo as I did. It’s quite pleasant and a great way to stay active while visiting Khon Kaen Zoo.

The zoo is open daily from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, and the entrance fee is 350 THB for adults, with discounts available for children and seniors. There is also a small parking fee, 50 THB for cars and 10 THB for motorbikes. For the best experience, it’s recommended to visit early in the day when the animals are most active and the weather is cooler. Bringing water, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes will help make your visit more enjoyable.

6. Hike Around Hin Chang Si View Point

Hin Chang Si View Point is an awesome place to visit if you are looking for a nice viewpoint and some active activity to do. The viewpoint is located within Nam Phong National Park about 50 km away from Khon Kaen City, and you can expect to see some really stunning lake views, hiking trails, and wonderful rock formations.

The name “Hin Chang Si” refers to a large rock with a natural concave formation found here. It translates to "a rock where elephants scratch", and that's exactly what it is. Wild elephants used to scratch their bodies against it for centuries, gradually creating the reddish hue you see on the rocks today.

A short uphill path of around 30 meters from the car park leads to a raised platform that offers sweeping panoramic views over Ubolratana Lake. There's also a 1.7-kilometer nature trail that winds past the large rock, where the red hue from elephant scratching is still visible, along with many other beautiful rock formations in a variety of shapes.

The entire trail takes about 1.5 hours to complete, so be sure to allocate enough time if you plan to hike it. I walked most of the trail and found it very peaceful and scenic. There weren’t many people in the morning, and the cool weather made the hike quite enjoyable. I highly recommend going early in the day.

The viewpoint is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and the entrance fee is 100 THB per person. The view is quite stunning and offers something different from the typical rice field vistas you usually get around Khon Kaen. If you're looking for a scenic place to explore and take in the views, this is a fantastic option.

7. Check Out the View from Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon

If you're looking for a great high point to catch a view of Khon Kaen City from above, I highly recommend checking out Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, one of Khon Kaen’s most revered temples. It’s home to a beautiful and iconic nine-story stupa that you can climb to enjoy a stunning panoramic view of the city.

Inside, you'll find intricate carvings, golden decorations, and murals that reflect Isaan culture and Buddhist teachings. Each floor offers something different, from displays of local art and history to peaceful prayer areas. As you ascend, the views get better and better, and from the top floor, you'll be treated to sweeping vistas of Khon Kaen City and the nearby lake.

Located right in the city center, the temple’s unique design stands out from everything around it; there’s no way you’ll miss it. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free. If you're staying overnight in Khon Kaen, this is definitely a place you don’t want to miss.

8. Visit Bueng Kaen Nakhon Night Market 🥘 Place to Eat

If you're staying overnight in the city, be sure to check out the bustling Bueng Kaen Nakhon Night Market in the evening. This lively street food market is set up daily along the banks of the beautiful Bueng Kaen Nakhon Reservoir, right in the heart of the city. You’ll find plenty of delicious and affordable street food stalls to choose from.

The market is open from 4 PM to 9 PM daily and is set up right next to a parking lot where you can park your car for free. The market is quite sizable, with two rows of food carts and stalls stretching across much of the parking lot's width and along the lakeside.

You can buy a variety of foods to try, find a nice spot by the lake, and enjoy your meal. The whole area is vibrant and lively, with people hanging out with loved ones at the market and by the lake, as well as others jogging and exercising nearby. It’s a wonderful place to visit, so be sure not to miss it.

9. Stroll Around Columbo Craft Village

One of the wonderful charms of Khon Kaen City is the creativity of its youth, especially from Khon Kaen University, one of the most renowned universities in Isaan. The most artsy spot you’ll find here is Columbo Craft Village, located within the university grounds, not far from the airport. It’s packed with charming and quirky stores to explore.

Here, you’ll discover a quirky café, a lively bar, an art gallery, and more, all nestled within a small garden filled with cool vintage and colorful décor. The vibe feels like a garden created by artists, which is quite fitting, as most of the stores are, I assume, run by local artists who live nearby.

You will also find workshops producing all kinds of creative goods such as wooden trinkets, ceramic and terracotta pots, and other ornamental pieces and souvenirs available for purchase. You can also enjoy a cup of coffee or a drink, as well as some food, while immersing yourself in the creative vibe of Colombo Craft Village.

The place is open every day from 11 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. If you want to see what creativity looks like in Isaan, you’ll find this place quite interesting. It tends to get busy in the early evening, as locals and Thai travelers often visit for photos, so be sure to plan your visit accordingly.

10. Admire the colorful sculptures at Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan

Located not too far from Khon Kaen, you will find Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan, a forest temple known for its Buddha park full of beautiful large trees creating endless shades throughout the day and all its creative and colorful sculptures and statues of all sorts of mythical creatures from Buddhist theology.

I really like this temple. Although it's a popular place among locals to come and make merits, I found the experience of walking around the thick forested Buddhist park to be quite peaceful. And there's always a surprise to see at every corner. I remember encountering a large Mekong catfish sculpture as I explored the temple ground; it's wonderful.

If you are looking for a cool, peaceful place to visit that's not too far from Khon Kaen City Center, be sure to come and check out Wat Pa Thamma Utthayan. The temple is open from 5 AM to 8 PM daily and entry is free.

11. Drop by Wat Thung Setthi

Wat Thung Setthi is a stunning modern Buddhist temple located just outside Khon Kaen city. It is known for its impressive architecture that, unlike many traditional temples, incorporates contemporary design elements such as sweeping white spires, large golden statues, and striking murals that blend Buddhist symbolism with modern artistry.

The main attraction of this temple, at least for me, is its stunning main chapel, which houses a gigantic golden Buddha statue seated beneath a towering white canopy. The interior walls are adorned with intricate murals depicting scenes from Buddhist cosmology and teachings, painted in vivid colors and fine detail.

If you have some time to kill while you are in Khon Kaen City, be sure to drop by and check out Wat Thung Setthi. The temple is open from 7 AM to 5 PM daily and entry is free.

12. Check Out Phu Pha Man 💎 Hidden Gem

One of Khon Kaen's newer tourist attractions, Phu Pha Man is a stunning mountain area located right on the border between Loei and Khon Kaen. It boasts some of the most beautiful viewpoints and untouched nature in the province, perhaps even more so than any other place in Khon Kaen, thanks to its underdeveloped tourist infrastructure. This raw, unspoiled charm is exactly why you should visit now, before it inevitably changes!

Although there’s a national park here, there’s not much to do besides camping and exploring a cave, which is often closed during rainy seasons. This is just another sign of how new and undeveloped this area still is. The real beauty of Phu Pha Man lies in its hidden corners that only locals know about. Fortunately, I had a local friend from FarmKit to show me around, which gave me a chance to experience the true essence of this place.

By the way, if you’re looking for a chill café near Phu Pha Man, you’ll definitely want to stop by FarmKit! It’s a charming spot built in traditional Isaan wooden architectural style, with plenty of open-air seating right by a rice field, perfect for relaxing with a cup of coffee. They even have a small community library where you can browse or donate books. It’s a great place to unwind and a meaningful way to support the local community.

Some of my favorite places that my friend showed me are this viewpoint of Phu Pa Man mountain right next to a reservoir surrounded by rice fields. It is a perfect place to really see how beautiful the mountain range is from afar. It is also a great place to come and watch the sunset. The road is unpaved but you should be able to drive easily here with any type of vehicle. Just make sure to park somewhere that doesn't block the road as there might be construction going on around the area as it develops more to cater to tourists.

There’s also the Blue Lagoon, a granite quarry that has transformed into a striking blue lake with scenic mountains in the background. Make sure to visit when the sun is out, the emerald color of the water is much more vibrant compared to when I visited on an overcast day.

Phu Pha Man is quite remote, so plan to spend at least half a day exploring the area. You can also stop by on your way to Loei, another wonderful province in Isaan that you shouldn't miss. If you have a spare day in Khon Kaen, make sure to come and experience Phu Pha Man while it's still under the radar!

What to Eat & Drink in Khon Kaen?

1. Eat Breakfast at Aim Oat

If you're looking for a place to enjoy a local breakfast, check out Aim Oat, a popular restaurant serving traditional Thai-Vietnamese breakfast dishes like "khai krata" (fried egg in a pan), noodle soup, Vietnamese-style baguettes, and more.

If you've been following my blog, you'll know I have a soft spot for classic breakfasts like these, and clearly, I'm not alone. The place is often packed with locals and Thai tourists in the morning. The food is tasty, affordable, and perfect for ordering a variety to share (or not!).

If you want to fuel up before a full day of exploring Khon Kaen City, Aim Oat is a great choice. The restaurant opens early, from 4 AM to 12:30 PM, so be sure to swing by during breakfast hours.

2. Have Lunch at Baan Heng

Not too far from Aim Oat, you’ll find another excellent local spot called Baan Heng, which offers a similar Thai-Vietnamese breakfast menu but with even more variety, making it a great choice for lunch as well. Impressively, this humble local eatery has even earned recognition from the Michelin Guide, a rare feat for restaurants outside of Bangkok.

In addition to staples like "khai krata" and noodles, they also serve "khao tom" (rice soup), which you can customize with a wide range of delicious sides such as crispy pork, stir-fried morning glory, and other flavorful dishes you don’t usually find at typical breakfast joints. That’s exactly what makes Baan Heng an ideal lunch stop if you’re exploring the city.

The restaurant also sells local food products like Chinese sausages and handmade souvenirs, including traditional garments and bags. It’s open from 6 AM to 2:30 PM, so be sure to stop by early if you’re planning to have lunch there.

3. Enjoy Organic Food at Greenleaf Restaurant

This is on the pricier side, especially for Khon Kaen, but if you’re looking to splurge on a delicious organic meal while you’re here, I highly recommend checking out Greenleaf Restaurant. Conveniently located not far from Khon Kaen Airport, this local restaurant offers a mix of Thai and international organic dishes to choose from.

The restaurant has a lovely setting both indoors and outdoors, with plenty of seating to accommodate couples, families, or larger groups. All dishes are made with organic ingredients and are completely free from MSG, something that’s still quite rare to find in Thailand. The menu is extensive, so you’ll have no trouble finding something you’ll enjoy.

I ordered the rib-eye steak, which was excellent, but the real highlight for me was the dessert. I had the “Orange Rose”, which is a scoop of vanilla ice cream served on a crispy sepal and drizzled with tangy orange sherbet sauce. It was unlike anything I’ve had before. It's refreshing, creative, and absolutely delicious. I’m already drooling just thinking about it! Greenleaf Restaurant is open daily from 10:30 AM to 9 PM, so be sure to stop by if you're craving something special.

How to Get to Khon Kaen?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Khon Kaen is to fly from Bangkok to Khon Kaen Airport operated by AirAsia and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.

Once you arrive, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Khon Kaen City, taking about 15 minutes. There are many car rental places at the exit terminal of the airport so you can pick one from there, or you can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Khon Kaen. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal 3 in about 7 hours. The price is about 500 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

From the bus terminal, you can easily find a motorbike taxi or a Sam Lor (three-wheeler) to take you to your accommodation. You will find more places to rent a motorbike or a car in the city if you wish to do so to get around the province.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Khon Kaen. The journey should take about 6 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Khon Kaen?

By Motorbike: The cheapest way to get around Khon Kaen is by renting a motorbike and driving around the province. You can rent one from Happy Motorbike Rental. They are headquartered in Udon Thani and they should also have a shop in Khon Kaen. You just have to contact them via LINE and organize a pick-up location and you are good to go. A scooter should cost 300 THB per day.

By Car: The most convenient way to get around Khon Kaen is by renting a car and driving around the province. You can rent a car at Khon Kaen Airport or at Khon Kaen City, depending on how you arrive. You can also rent one straight from Bangkok’s airports and drive up here. It’s a long journey, but if you have the time, there’s plenty to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.