Khon Kaen is one of the large major provinces in
Northeastern Thailand. The province has an airport with several direct flights
from Bangkok and a vast variety of accommodations is available for different
need and budget. With these well-developed infrastructure and facilities, Khon
Kaen has been promoted to be one of the major tourist cities of Thailand.
Khon Kaen is divided into 20 districts and 5 minor
districts; Mueang Khon Kaen, Ban Fang, Phra Yuen, Nong Ruea, Chum Phae, Si
Chomphu, Nam Phong, Ubolratana, Kranuan, Ban Phai, Pueai Noi, Phon, Waeng Yai,
Waeng Noi, Nong Song Hong, Phu Wiang, Mancha Khiri, Chonnabot, Khao Suan Kwang,
Phu Pha Man. Minor districts include Sam Sung, Khok Pho Chai, Nong Na Kham, Ban
Haet, amd Non Sila
Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of
Northeastern Thailand and is well known for the high quality silk that is
produced in the province. Located in the heart of Isan, Thailand’s northeast
region, Khon Kaen has been one of the fastest growing areas in Thailand. The
Thai government nominated Khon Kaen as the export center for trade throughout
the Indo-China Region and both Laos and Vietnam have consulates in Khon Kaen to
process visa applications. Khon Kaen also contains the largest university in
the northeast, Khon Kaen University, a major center of education and
technology.
Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established
a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I. But
prehistorically, this town on the plateau has been home to various Cultures as
well as other fascinating creatures, heretofore unknown to the modern world.
Artifacts have proven that millions of years ago the area was occupied by
gigantic dinosaurs, several of which were endemic to the region. People in
various cultures later occupied the plateau for thousands of years until the
Ancient Khmer Empire expanded its presence into the area in the 12th century
and ruled it for some time. The ancient cultures, traditions, and historical
sites in this area have all contributed to shaping the people and culture of
Khon Kaen.
A major source of local wisdom regarding the production
of silk is in Amphoe Chonnabot, where excellent Mudmee Silk is delicately woven
by hand using a special tie-dye technique, and Khon Kaen features both creature
comfort, in the form of fine eateries and swanky hotels, and beautiful nature,
including a variety of animal parks and a number of spectacular national parks.
Khon Kaen is the commercial and political center of
Northeastern Thailand, featuring a number of upscale restaurants and hotels,
the largest university in the North East, and a busy airport.
In addition to containing some fascinating historical and
Archaeological sites, Khon Kaen is also an excellent place to watch the
production of Mudmee Silk or participate in outdoor activities within one of
its several animal reserves or national parks.