Khon Kaen, a town and a province in north-east Thailand, plunges the visitor into a region of rich historical traditions. Near Khmer remains it is also home to temples and national parks.

There is the Thailand of the beach resorts and the Thailand of the mountains. And one of the best ways to get to know the mountainous landscapes of this magnificent country is to go to Khon Kaen, some 500 km from Bangkok. The town can be reached by air from the capital and is the ideal setting off point if you want to explore the region. The city is bursting with life thanks to its young population and its lively trade in arts and crafts. The production of silk is an ancient tradition here. It was inherited from the outlying villages (from the region of Chonnabot), and the quite exceptional fabrics are a true delight. Another must: a trip to Bueng Kaen Nakhon, on the lake side, and a visit to the very fine museum of ancient civilisations. And there is no lack of things to do in the surrounding area. For example, there are the Khmer remains, the nearest of which can be seen less than 60 km away. Near Khon Kaen there is also the village of Ban Khok Sa-nga. Its inhabitants have a long tradition of earning a living from catching cobras! There is also a cobra farm you can visit… The temples and pagodas are another attraction worth discovering. One of the most famous chedi (pagodas) is Phra That Kham Kaen, nineteen metres high, standing in the middle of the countryside. And this is just a foretaste before you plunge into the national parks: Phu Ka-Phu Phan Kham National Park (immense forests), Pha Nok Khao (strangely shaped rocks) and Phu Wiang (archaeological sites).