Khon Kaen Attractions: Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National
Park covers 320 sq km in Ubol Ratana district and parts of
southern Udon Thani. The park's deciduous and evergreen forests
are ideal for trekking and outdoor recreation. To get to the
park, follow the route form Khon Kaen to Ubol Ratana Dam to
Non Sang.
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.