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Khon Kaen: A Hidden Gem in Northeastern Thailand
As I wandered the streets of Khon Kaen, I was struck by the unique blend of modern amenities and traditional Thai charm. This city, nestled in the heart of northeastern Thailand, has a wealth of culture and natural beauty waiting to be explored.
As a National Geographic journalist, I was fascinated by the unique sights and sounds of Khon Kaen. The city is surrounded by vast fields of rice paddies, and the beautiful countryside is dotted with Buddhist temples and ancient ruins. However, it’s also a bustling metropolis with a thriving nightlife and a vibrant food scene.
The scenery of the city is truly breathtaking. From the beautiful Nong Khai lake to the lush gardens of Khon Kaen University, there are plenty of beautiful spots to take a stroll or soak up the sun. However, what I love most about this city is the people. Khon Kaen is known for its friendly locals, who are always happy to welcome visitors and show them around.
While there is plenty to love about Khon Kaen, there are a few downsides. For one, it’s not the most pedestrian-friendly city. There are few sidewalks, and traffic can be chaotic at times. Additionally, while there are some great traditional markets and street vendors, finding high-quality Western-style restaurants can be a challenge.
That being said, the cost of living in Khon Kaen is relatively low. On average, you can expect to pay around $30-$40 per day for food, transportation, and accommodation. Speaking of food, here are 20 of the most popular points of interest in Khon Kaen, including addresses, websites, Yelp top reviews, and ratings:
1. Wat Nong Wang temple – 359/1 Sridornchai Road, Mueang Khon Kaen District – 4.5 stars on Yelp
2. Khon Kaen National Museum – วชิรวิทยาราม, Mueang Khon Kaen District – 4.7 stars on Yelp
3. Bueng Kaen Nakhon lake – Mitraphap Road, Nai Mueang – 4.3 stars on Yelp
4. CentralPlaza Khon Kaen – 99 Moo 5, Tumbon Ban Ped, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.4 stars on Yelp
5. Ton Tann Market – Uppalisan Road, Nai Mueang – 4.1 stars on Yelp
6. Khon Kaen Zoo – 100 Moo 16, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.1 stars on Yelp
7. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon temple – 33 Moo 2, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.4 stars on Yelp
8. The Golden Jubilee Convention Hall – Caltex Road, Nai Mueang – 4.4 stars on Yelp
9. Kaen Nakorn lake – Mitraphap Road, Nai Mueang – 4.6 stars on Yelp
10. Taweechai Elephant Camp – Tambon Ban Phai, Amphoe Ban Phai – 4.0 stars on Yelp
11. Baan Phor Liang Meun restaurant – 13/1 Moo 12, Thanon Mittraphap, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.9 stars on Yelp
12. Poompui restaurant – 62 Moo 4, Tambon Nong Wa, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.7 stars on Yelp
13. Lai Thong restaurant – 101/11 Soi Sai Thip, Uppalisan Road, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.5 stars on Yelp
14. Krua Jit Jit restaurant – Na Muang Road, Soi 14, Tambon Nong Khai Nam, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.5 stars on Yelp
15. Mai Thai restaurant – 82 Soi Uppalisanopsiri 1 Uppalisan Road, Nai Mueang – 4.4 stars on Yelp
16. De Lao restaurant – 4th floor, CentralPlaza Khon Kaen, Mitraphap Road, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.3 stars on Yelp
17. The Steakhouse restaurant – 244/11-12 Mitraphap Road, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.2 stars on Yelp
18. The Hive Lounge and Bar – 50 Moo 2, Tambon Tattom, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.3 stars on Yelp
19. Hua Tang Tao Garden – 138 Moo 6, Tambon Silalang, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.0 stars on Yelp
20. Khon Kaen Walking Street Market – ถนนศิริพงษ์, Tambon Nai Mueang, Amphoe Mueang Khon Kaen – 4.1 stars on Yelp
If street food is more your style, Khon Kaen is a great place to satisfy your cravings. Here are the top 20 popular street foods and its price and where to find them:
1. Som Tam (Green Papaya Salad) – 30-50 baht, found at many street vendors throughout the city
2. Khao Niew Moo Ping (Grilled Pork with Sticky Rice) – 30 baht, found at most traditional markets
3. Khao Man Gai (Chicken Rice) – 30 baht, found at many street vendors
4. Gai Tod (Fried Chicken) – 20-50 baht, found at many street vendors
5. Pad Thai (Thai-style Stir-fried Noodles) – 30-50 baht, found at many street vendors
6. Khao Pad (Thai-style Fried Rice) – 30-50 baht, found at many street vendors
7. Larb Moo (Spicy Pork Salad) – 30-50 baht, found at most traditional markets
8. Khanom Krok (Coconut Rice Pancakes) – 10-20 baht, found at many street vendors
9. Moo Ping (Grilled Pork Skewers) – 10-20 baht, found at many street vendors
10. Khao Jee (Thai-style Toast with Condensed Milk and Butter) – 10-20 baht, found at many street vendors
11. Kai Dow (Fried Egg) – 10-20 baht, found at many street vendors
12. Sai Krok Isan (Northeastern-style Sausage) – 20-40 baht, found at most traditional markets
13. Moo Daeng (Barbecue Pork) – 30-50 baht, found at most traditional markets
14. Gai Yang (Grilled Chicken) – 30-50 baht, found at most traditional markets
15. Guay Tiew Moo (Pork Noodle Soup) – 30-40 baht, found at many street vendors
16. Khao Soi (Spicy Northern-style Noodle Soup) – 30-40 baht, found at many street vendors
17. Pad See Ew (Stir-fried Wide Noodles with Soy Sauce) – 30-50 baht, found at many street vendors
18. Khanom Buang (Thai-style Crispy Pancakes with Coconut Cream) – 10-20 baht, found at many street vendors
19. Khao Ka Moo (Braised Pork Leg Over Rice) – 30 baht, found at most traditional markets
20. Khao Niew Mamuang (Mango Sticky Rice) – 30-50 baht, found at most traditional markets
Of course, after a long day of sightseeing and snacking, you’ll need a comfortable place to rest your head. Here are the 10 most budget-friendly hotels and Airbnb properties, all with detailed pricing and reviews in US dollars:
Hotels:
1. Glacier Hotel Khon Kaen – From $20/night, 4.1 stars on TripAdvisor
2. Charoen Thani Khon Kaen – From $25/night, 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor
3. The Ocean Residence – From $30/night, 4.4 stars on TripAdvisor
4. Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel – From $35/night, 4.3 stars on TripAdvisor
5. Ibis Styles Khon Kaen Hotel – From $35/night, 4.2 stars on TripAdvisor
6. B2 Khon Kaen Hotel – From $15/night, 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor
7. KK Centrum Hotel – From $20/night, 4.4 stars on TripAdvisor
8. Wishing Tree Resort Khon Kaen – From $25/night, 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor
9. Ruenton Resort – From $15/night, 3.9 stars on TripAdvisor
10. Baan Rampai Hotel – From $30/night, 4.0 stars on TripAdvisor
Airbnb:
1. Cozy Apartment near Central Plaza – From $16/night, 5.0 stars on Airbnb
2. Chic Apartment next to Night Bazaar – From $18/night, 5.0 stars on Airbnb
3. Comfortable Room near Bus Station – From $12/night, 4.8 stars on Airbnb
4. Spacious House with Garden – From $20/night, 4.9 stars on Airbnb
5. Calming Apartment with Pool – From $15/night, 4.8 stars on Airbnb
6. Modern Studio with Great Amenities – From $20/night, 4.9 stars on Airbnb
7. Peaceful House in the Countryside – From $25/night, 4.9 stars on Airbnb
8. Central Apartment with Amazing View – From $18/night, 4.8 stars on Airbnb
9. Cozy Room with Private Bathroom – From $12/night, 5.0 stars on Airbnb
10. Stylish Apartment near City Center – From $20/night, 4.9 stars on Airbnb
Overall, I would give Khon Kaen a solid 8/10 rating. While it may not have the glitz and glamour of Bangkok, it has a warmth and authenticity that is hard to find elsewhere in Thailand. With delicious food, friendly locals, and stunning natural scenery, Khon Kaen is definitely one of the hidden gems of northeastern Thailand.
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