Khon Kaen is one of the four major cities of Isan, Thailand; and is also known as the “big four of Isan”. Historically, Khon Kaen is quite a new town, established a little over two centuries ago during the reign of King Rama I. A popular way to travel to Khon Kaen is by bus because train and flight tickets are more expensive. Taking bus to Khon Kaen is more comfortable and the price is more affordable. Now, it is even more convenient to book the bus tickets at BusOnlineTicket.co.th with instant confirmation.
Khon Kaen is situated about 450 kilometres north-northeast of Bangkok. Tourists can take a taxi, train, flight or bus to Khon Kaen from Bangkok. Trains and buses take roughly the same amount of time around 7 to 8 hours, while the quickest way is by catching a flight which only takes 1 to 2 hours to reach Khon Kaen although you will have to be at the airport 1-3 hours earlier to check-in. Taking bus is recommended because it is always the cheapest way to get from one city to the other with less hassle.
The bus fare from Bangkok to Khon Kaen ranges from THB313 – THB487 depending on the coach type. The bus from Bangkok to Khon Kaen timetable is such that the first bus will leave Bangkok to Khon Kaen at 6.10AM and the last bus will leave at 10.35PM. In between, there are numbers of other schedules which provide departure flexibility for passengers. Bangkok to Khon Kaen VIP bus is well equipped for a comfortable journey with air conditioning, reclining seats, food services, and TVs. The bus Bangkok to Khon Kaen Thailand will depart from Bangkok Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2) and will arrive at Chum Phae Bus Station and Phol.
Visitors can also take the public van or bus from Suvarnabhumi Airport to Khon Kaen which costs around THB345 – THB630 and will take overall around 8 hours to reach there. The bus will have several stops and you need to change stations at Mochit Bus Depot. It will take around 1 hour to reach Mochit Bus Depot. Then, from Bangkok Mochit Bus Terminal to Khon Kaen (bus hourly) it will take around 6 to 7 hours depending on the traffic condition.
Bus from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen is one of the popular bus routes in Chiang Mai. Tourists can only either take a flight or bus, since the train does not serve Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen. Because of the expensive flight ticket, bus is always the preferred option by locals and foreigners to travel from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen.
The bus fare from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen ranges from THB527 – THB820 depending on the coach type. Generally, you would get a more spacious and more comfortable bus by paying a higher price. For example, Esan Tour supplies VIP bus Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen service with spacious 24-seater VIP buses at THB820. The bus schedule Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen starts early in the morning at 5.00AM, while the last bus is at 8.00PM. The duration for a bus from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen is about 10 to 11 hours with a travelling distance of 650km, while the quickest way to Khon Kaen is by catching a flight which will only take 1 hour. The bus from Chiang Mai to Khon Kaen will depart from Chiang Mai Arcade Bus Terminal and will arrive at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal.
Taking a bus from Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen is easy and comfortable enough even though it will be a long journey for the passengers. Please note that there is only one bus departure daily by Esan Tour.
The bus fare from Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen is THB518. The bus will leave Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen at 6.00PM. The trip duration from Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen by bus is around 12 to 13 hours depending on the traffic and weather conditions on departure day. Meanwhile, the quickest way to Khon Kaen is by catching a flight which will only take 3 to 4 hours. On the other hand, the train does not serve Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen. The bus from Chiang Rai to Khon Kaen will depart from Chiang Rai Bus Terminal and will arrive at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal.
Bus from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen is one of the most popular bus routes for locals and tourists because Sukhothai does not have a railway station. Taking bus to Khon Kaen will always be the cheapest option even though by catching a flight, it will only take 4 to 5 hours to reach Khon Kaen.
The bus fare from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen ranges from THB265 – THB326 depending on the coach types. The first bus will leave Sukhothai for Khon Kaen at 8.10PM and the last bus will leave at 9.40PM. The trip duration from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen by bus is around 5 to 6 hours depending on the traffic and weather conditions on departure day. The bus from Sukhothai to Khon Kaen will depart from Sukhothai Bus Terminal and will arrive at Khon Kaen Bus Terminal and Chum Phae Bus Terminal.
Although there are several drop-off spots in Khon Kaen, most express buses will make pick-ups and drop-offs at these locations:
There are three bus terminals in Khon Kaen:
The most eye-catching attraction in Khon Kaen is Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, also known as “The nine-story Chedi”. This temple is located on Klang Mueang road at the South end of Khaen Nakhon Lake. It is easily accessible and only takes a few minutes’ drive away from Khon Kaen town by taxi for THB100.
Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon is quite large and all the Chedi’s nine floors are open to everyone. Visitors can climb the stairs inside to the 9th floor that offers scenic 360 degree views of Khon Kaen town and Kaen Nakhon Lake. The temple is worth the visit with their fresh air and amazing view from the very top of the temple. In addition, the temple’s interior walls are adorned with murals that show the Isan Culture and the history of Khon Kaen. It is open daily at 7.00AM – 5.00PM and everyone is free to enter.
Bueng Kaen Nakhon is the largest and most popular lake of Khon Kaen. Going to Khon Kaen will not be complete without visiting Bueng Kaen Nakhon because the lake is very beautiful with temples and a park surrounding it. The park is free to enter, and visitors can rent bicycles and fishing rods at the park. In addition, there are lots of restaurants around the lake, as well as playgrounds and picnic opportunities that are really suitable for those wanting a close outdoor activity. Other facilities such as bathrooms and convenience stores are conveniently not very far from the park.
Locating Bueng Kaen Nakhon won’t be a trouble as this place is easily accessible for those who are staying in town and you can take a taxi for THB100 at downtown Central Plaza.
Hat Sawan Beach, also known as “Heaven Beach”, is located in Ubonratana District, Khon Kaen. Some of the best things to do at Hat Sawan Beach are riding the banana boat, going for a swim, and enjoying the beautiful scenery while having a nice meal with your family and friends. Hat Sawan Beach is just near the Ubonrat Dam in Khon Kaen. Hat Sawan Beach shall be one of the good reasons to visit Khon Kaen now.
Khon Kaen City Museum is also known as “Hong Mun Mang” which is one of the good places to spend time with your family. The museum was opened by His Majesty, King Bhumibol Adulyadej on the 20th of December, 1972. The displays are introduced through present day plans that will attract your interest in the museum. Khon Kaen City Museum entrance fee is THB90 and it is certainly worth your money. In addition, the museum is closed on Monday and opens from Tuesday till Sunday at 9.00AM – 5.00PM.
Wat Thung Setthi is one of the unique temples in Khon Kaen because the chedi has glass windows all around it. The temple has a bit of a different look to it (white temple, black Buddha) which makes it more interesting. Surrounding the temple are beautiful plants and flowers. The temple is not so far from Khon Kaen Town, so visitors can just take a taxi or Tuk Tuk to get there. It is worth a visit for its uniqueness and as the perfect location to come and relax.
Dino Water Park is the largest water park in North Eastern part of Thailand. The park is open from Monday till Friday at 10.00AM – 6.00PM, and for weekends it is open at 10.00AM – 8.00PM. The park is easily accessible from the city centre by Tuk Tuk or taxi. The entrance fee for adults is THB600. For the facilities, you can change your clothes in the bathroom, and you may need the lockers to store your things which costs THB100 + THB100 for key deposit that you will get back when returning the key.
King Cobra Village is about 40km from the city but it is not so hard to find as there are many signs in English that will direct you to the location. Besides the king cobra, there are other animals to see too, and you can buy souvenirs and snacks at the stalls. King Cobra Village is free to enter and to take a look at or even hold some of the animals. After the king cobra show, visitors can get a Polaroid photo with a snake which costs THB100. It is worth a visit since you can experience the great snake show in Thailand.
Other famous hot spots are Phu Wiang National Park, Phu Pha Maan National Park, Wat Nong Wang, Khon Kaen’s Day & Night Markets, Phrathat Kham Kaen, Pratunam Wholesale Market, and more.
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