Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen is the educational, administrative and commercial center of northeast Thailand. Tourists often use the province as a base camp for excursions throughout the region. Khon Kaen is home to a number of historical and cultural attractions, including the Khon Kaen National Museum which hosts a number of art and household pieces from the Dvaravati era, particularly bronze sculptures from Ban Chiang. Kaen Nakhom Lake is a common spot for picnics and water sports, and Wan That is a prime example of Isan architecture.
The province is known for its growing silk industry, particularly in the city of Chonnabot. Each December the city hosts a massive Silk Fair where vendors sell their most luxurious silks and unique mudmee designs.
Khon Kaen is also home to a variety of flora and fauna, including the dinosaur (a number of fascinating fossils have been uncovered in Phu Wian National Park) and the unusual cobra and turtle villages where residents live with these creatures and in some instances train them to perform a variety of stunts for tourists.
Khon Kaen is 445 kilometers from Bangkok and has an area of nearly 11,000 square kilometers. It is divided into 24 districts: Muang, Ban Phai, Phon, Nam Phong, Chum Phae, Phu Wiang, Mancha Khiri, Nong Ruea, Kranuan, Nong Song Hong, Chonnabot, Si Chomphu, Waeng Noi, Ubolratana, Ban Fang, Khao Suan Kwang, Phra Yuen, Waeng Yai, Pueai Noi, Phu Pha Man, Khok Pho Chai, Nong Na Kham, Sam Sung and Ban Haet.
