Tham Pha Phuang Forest Park in Chum Phae district is 123 km from town on Highway 12. The large cave there can be reached by walking up a hill from the parking area. Lush forests in the vicinity provide an extra incentive to visit the cave.

Pha Nok Khao, in a mountainous area occupying parts of both Chum Phae district and Phu Kradung district in Loei province, is 125 km from town along Highway 201. Pha Nok Khao is an impressive outcrop of rocks with strange shapes caused by erosion. The Nam Pong River and Phu Kradung can be seen form these rocks.

An impressive exhibition on mudmee silk is on display at "Sala Mai Thai" located near Khon Kaen Industrial and Community Education College. Interested visitors can contact Sala Mai Thai in Chonabot district at tel: (043) 286 160. It is open every day during office hours except Sundays.

An ancient site in Chum Phae, located at Non Muang, 85 km from town, is believed to have been inhabited from pre-historic times up to the Lopburi period (10th-13th centuries). Important discoveries from this area include human skeletons and 3,000-year-old bronze tools.

Wat Udom Khongkha Khiri Khet is an elegant hilltip temple in Mancha Khiri district. It is known for its ornate old-coloured roof and beautifully decorated doors. The temple 67 km from town on Highway 2149, has a display of the belongings of Luang Poo Phang, a monk revered by Isan people.

Koo Puai Noi is the biggest khmer complex in Khon Kaen. It consists of three brick pagodas with laterite foundations and a laterite palace in the south-eastern corner. Two of the gates in the enclosed complex have beautifully carved doors. Koo Puai Noi is 76 km from town in Puai Noi district. Within Phu Wiang National Park, about 80 km north-west of Khon Kaen, are a number of important archaeological sites. Evidence of Isan's earliest inhabitants can be seen in Red Palm Cave which contains wall paintings of red-colored palms. Fossil remains of a herbivorous dinosaur can be seen at the park's headquarters at Hau Phu Chon Reservoir.

Festival

The Silk Festival is held annually from 29 November to 10 December at the provincial stadium to promote silk weaving and silk wom culture. "Phuk Sieo", an Isan tradition promotion close relationships between people of similar ages, is also celebrated on theis occasions.

Dok Khoon Siang Khaen Flower Festival is hel annually from 13-15 April at Bung Kaen Nakhon in Khon Kaen. In addition to colourful floral processions, it includes various religious rites and activities as well as Isan music and dancing.

Phra That Khon Kaen Religious festival takes place at Wat Jetiyapoom, amphoe Wan Peng, during the full moon in June. People pay respect to the relics of the Lord Buddha and make merit to secure a bright future.