72 hours in Khon Kaen: Thailand's northeastern cultural gem

Morning: Prehistoric discoveries

Begin at the Phu Wiang Fossil Research Centre and Dinosaur Museum, showcasing impressive dinosaur fossils and models. Did you know that Khon Kaen is Thailand's premier fossil discovery region? Palaeontologists have unearthed multiple dinosaur species here, including the Phuwiangosaurus sirindhornae, a 100-million-year-old herbivore named after Princess Sirindhorn.

Afternoon: Sacred sites and panoramic views

Visit the City Pillar Shrine (Shan Lak Mueang Khon Kaen), revered as the spiritual heart of Khon Kaen.
Local tip: pay respects here before visiting other temples as it is believed to open pathways for blessings made thereafter.

Next, explore Wat Nong Wang (Wat Thung Setthi), home to the magnificent nine-storey stupa Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, offering panoramic city views and colourful murals depicting the life of Buddha.

Evening: Craft beer experience at London Inn

Visit London Inn at Avani Khon Kaen, featuring the city's first self-service Craft Beer Taps. This stylish venue combines British pub atmosphere with Thai hospitality. Enjoy the signature Brew & Bites Journey, pairing a four-course menu with craft beers including the exclusive VKKC Sour mango sticky rice craft beer.

Morning: Lake views

Start your day at Bueng Kaen Nakhon, the city's central lake. Join locals for sunrise tai chi or rent a paddleboat for a different perspective of the city.

Afternoon: Natural dyeing experience

Learn about the vibrant world of Northeastern textile arts at JUTATIP Workshop. The workshop collaborates with communities throughout Khon Kaen to revive and preserve hand-weaving traditions that connect generations. Watch skilled artisans transform cotton strands into intricate patterns which once represented status and fashion statements for women. The region's distinctive indigo blue showcases traditional techniques which locals have used to refresh their old clothes in the past. Create your own textile souvenir while discovering the stories behind these crafts and end the experience with a meaningful memento to take home.

Evening: Night market and award-wining meals

Explore Ton Tann Night Market with its vintage clothing, handmade crafts, and authentic Isan street food which you can as appetisers before continuing to KAEN, a Michelin-recognised restaurant serving contemporary Thai cuisine, or try La Meow for a fiery DIY mala hotpot experience.

Morning: Folk music and Mor Lam heritage

Visit Ban Sawathi village and its traditional Mor Lam performance group. At the community's heart stands Wat Chaisi, a 200-year-old temple with striking architecture and wall paintings telling the Sinsai folklore story about a heroic prince with supernatural powers.

This local folklore inspired students at Ban Sawathi School to practice the art of singing Mor Lam and telling the Sinsai story, preserving this traditional performance while keeping the community's history and culture alive. Participate in puppet shows or Mor Lam singing or simply enjoy a captivating Sinsai performance.

Afternoon: Cobra Village

Visit the King Cobra Village (Ban Khok Sa-nga), where households raise king cobras beneath their homes. Watch fascinating performances including snake dancing and boxing matches between handlers and cobras. For an educational experience, visit Wat Si Thamma within the village, where the King Cobra Club of Thailand maintains informative snake exhibits. Shows run daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m.

Evening: Noodle specialities

Sample Khon Kaen's noodle scene at Leng Yentafo with its pink noodle soup or try Pho Tha Bo's melt-in-your-mouth pho. For more Vietnamese flavours, visit Ha Long Bay or Naem Nuang Lap Lae, known for its Vietnamese-style grilled meats.

What makes Khon Kaen special is its different lens to see the often overlooked but equally enchanting region of Isan. This part of Thailand is filled with genuine local life and cultural surprises around every corner. From ancient dinosaur bones to bold, spicy Isan dishes you won't find anywhere else, Khon Kaen opens up a slice of Thailand most visitors miss. Sitting right by the Laos border, it's a totally different vibe from Bangkok's central hustle, the beach scenes down south, or the Lanna highlands of Chiang Mai that everyone's already checked off their list.

Make Avani Khon Kaen Hotel your home base, offering comfort, convenience and local connections through its exclusive dining partnerships with most of the restaurants mentioned. Learn more here.