A Khon Kaen Road Trip: Lakeside Pagoda, Dinosaurs and Silk Villages

Khon Kaen is the hub of north-eastern Thailand (Isan). Roads are wide, traffic is light, and there is plenty to see in and around the city — a lakeside pagoda, dinosaur fossils and silk-weaving villages. That makes a Khon Kaen road trip easy to plan, whether you are here on holiday or on business.

Pick up at Khon Kaen airport

• Our Khon Kaen branch is at Khon Kaen Airport, open 07:00–21:00. Travelling outside those hours? Add after-hours service when you book (extra fee).
• The airport is a short drive from the city centre.
• Book at least 4 hours ahead and upload your documents in your account in advance.

In the city

Bueng Kaen Nakhon and Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon

Bueng Kaen Nakhon is a large lake in the city with a walking and jogging path around it. On its shore stands Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, the nine-tiered pagoda of Wat Nong Waeng — go inside for the murals and the view from the upper floors. Dress respectfully.

Markets and Isan food

In the evening, wander the city's night and lifestyle markets for som tam, larb, grilled chicken and sticky rice. If you pass through Khao Suan Kwang district north of the city, try its well-known grilled chicken.

Day trips out of town

• Phu Wiang National Park / Phu Wiang Dinosaur Museum — west of the city, one of Thailand's most important dinosaur-fossil sites; great for families.
• Ubol Ratana Dam — north of the city; enjoy the reservoir views and a riverside fish lunch.
• Chonnabot — south-west of the city, famous for mudmee silk; watch the weaving and buy directly from the community.

Each is roughly an hour's drive from the city, give or take. One or two stops a day keeps the trip relaxed.

A sample 2-day plan

• Day 1: Collect the car at the airport → Bueng Kaen Nakhon and the nine-tiered pagoda → evening market and Isan food
• Day 2: Phu Wiang or Ubol Ratana Dam in the morning → souvenir shopping → return the car at the airport

Driving in Khon Kaen

• Mittraphap Road (Highway 2) runs through the city with fast traffic — watch for U-turn points and lane changes.
• Rural roads are mostly straight and easy, which makes drowsiness a real risk. Take a break every two hours.
• March to May is very hot. Drink plenty of water, and never leave children or pets in a parked car.
• Refill to the same fuel level before returning. Thailand drives on the left, and everyone in the car must wear a seatbelt.

See the cars at our Khon Kaen branch and their latest starting prices below.