🌶️🚜 KHON KAEN WEEKEND: Where Isaan Culture Comes Alive!
#springitinerary
"More than just a stopover - uncover Northeast Thailand's beating heart"
WHY KHON KAEN?
✅ Authentic Isaan experience without tourist crowds
✅ Foodie heaven - spicy salads, grilled meats & unique local dishes
✅ Perfect mix of city comforts and countryside charm
🚍 GETTING THERE
From Bangkok: 1hr flight (from 1,200฿) or 6hr scenic train (sleeper 400฿)
Local Tip: Download "Khon Kaen Bus" app for local transport
🌅 DAY 1: Culture & City Vibes
☀️ MORNING
7:00 AM Breakfast at Sookjai Market
Must-try: Khao Piak Sen (hand-rolled noodle soup)
9:00 AM Wat Nong Wang
Climb the 9-story pink temple for city views
🌞 MIDDAY
11:00 AM Chonnabot Silk Village
Watch traditional mudmee silk weaving
1:00 PM Lunch at Somtum Nua Khon Kaen
Order: Som Tum Pu Pla Ra (extra-fermented crab salad)
🌇 EVENING
4:00 PM Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake
Rent bikes (50฿/hr) or join locals exercising
7:00 PM Night Market Walking Street (Weekends)
Try: Sai Krok Isan (fermented sausage)
🌄 DAY 2: Adventure & Countryside
🌄 MORNING
7:30 AM Khon Kaen National Museum
See dinosaur fossils found in Isaan!
9:30 AM PB Valley Khon Kaen Vineyard
Yes, wine tasting in Isaan! (500฿ tour+lunch)
🌞 MIDDAY
12:30 PM Nam Phong National Park
Short hike to Pha Nok Khao cliff viewpoint
2:30 PM Ubolratana Dam
Relax by the massive reservoir
🌙 EVENING
6:00 PM The Roof Khon Kaen
Sunset cocktails with city views
💰 BUDGET BREAKDOWN
Accommodation: 400-1,200฿/night
Food: 250฿/day (street food feasts!)
Transport: 300฿ (songthaews + bike rental)
💡 PRO TIPS:
Visit November-February for cool mornings
Try Moo Ping (Isaan grilled pork) everywhere
Learn basic Thai phrases - English is limited
WHY WE LOVE IT:
"Khon Kaen is where you'll experience the real Thailand - from fiery som tum to golden temples untouched by mass tourism. It's Isaan at its most accessible!"
📸 INSTAGRAM SPOTS:
Wat Nong Wang's pink spiral staircase
Bueng Kaen Nakhon sunset reflections
Silk weavers at Chonnabot
Been to Khon Kaen? Share your favorite som tum spot below! 👇
SonnySideUp
5
Ubonrat Dam
Ubonrat Dam, formerly known as “Phong Nip Dam”, was built to block the Phong River in Ubonrat District, Khon Kaen Province. It is the second multi-purpose dam in Thailand built after the Bhumibol Dam. In addition to generating electricity, it is also an important water source for agricultural areas in Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham Provinces covering more than 300,000 rai, providing water for farming all year round. It is also a source of freshwater fisheries, which helps villagers earn more income from processing fish products, which are a famous product of Ubonrat District. #UbonratDam #Thailand #KhonKaen #MissNature
EandJ Trip
24
Baan Plai Mai Ubonrat Dam🌳🌊
Baan Pai Mai – Ubonrat Dam, Khon Kaen Province
“A beautiful natural cafe. Anyone who loves taking photos will love every spot!” 💚📷
Take a drive in for a bit, but the view is worth it!! 🚗✨
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📍 Location & Atmosphere
• 🗺️ Located near Ubonrat Dam, Ubonrat District, Khon Kaen Province
• 🌿 Drive a little bit on a dirt road, it’s like going to a friend’s house in the middle of the forest
• 🌊 Very spacious area, you can see a panoramic view of the dam + mountains
• 🛖 The shop is in a wooden house style mixed with a loft, light, hip, light, homey 🍃
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📸 Don’t miss it if you love taking photos!!
No matter where you go, it’s a location 🌈 Your camera will never be put down! 📷✨
• 🌾 A wooden bridge in the middle of a meadow, a view of the dam in the background Beautiful like a poster
• 🪵 Bamboo pavilion, tree pavilion, and hammock corner on the balcony
• 🚗 There is a photo spot with a Jeep / adventure car
• 🐚 A small beach area by the water, taking pictures in the evening is super mellow
• 🧺 There are small props such as hats / scarves / local costumes to play with!
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🚙 Must-try activities
• 🚐 Driving through the dirt lightly is like a road trip
• 📸 When you get there, it's like entering a natural studio, you can take pictures from every angle
• 🌅 Waiting to see the evening light, the sunset reflecting on the water is so amazing!
• 🍽️ Order a drink and walk around taking pictures
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☕ Menu in the shop
• 🧋 A variety of drinks (coffee, tea, fruit) at affordable prices
• 🍰 Homemade cakes, some days have local rice
• 🍃 Focus on local ingredients, home-style taste, very fragrant and warm
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🕘 Opening - closing hours
• ⏰ Open every day: 09:00 - 18:00
• 🌤️ Recommended to go in the morning when the sun is soft or in the late afternoon to wait and watch the sunset 🌇
#Get a discount without relying on luck
แมวเหมียวเที่ยวทั่วโลก
Ubonrat Dam
Good atmosphere, sit and relax on the camping area at Ubonrat Dam.
Petgunya
Review of Mrs. Ban Na Cafe
Anyone passing by Ubonrat Dam must stop by. Delicious food, nice atmosphere.
nabikurashi
1
Very beaut
Very beautiful, good view, cool weather.
ไข่ตุ๋นพาเที่ยว
Baan Pai Mai, Ubonrat Dam, Khon Kaen ☺️
Review: Baan Pai Mai - A chill corner by the Ubonrat Dam, Khon Kaen
If you are looking for a peaceful place to visit, a natural atmosphere, with beautiful corners to take pictures and relax comfortably, Baan Pai Mai is the right answer! This place is like a dream house in the middle of a small forest by the dam, which perfectly combines the cuteness of a wooden house and the freshness of nature.
Atmosphere of Baan Pai Mai
When you walk into Baan Pai Mai, the first thing you feel is the warmth of a home, mixed with the cuteness of the decorations that emphasize wood in every corner. There is a small garden surrounding the house, making you feel like you are in a quiet rural village.
What is special is the view of the Ubonrat Dam, which can be seen directly from the shop. The cool breeze blows all day long. Especially in the evening when the sun is setting, the golden color of the sky and the water in the dam reflect beautifully. For those who like taking pictures, I must say that this corner is a highlight that you must not miss!
Food and drink menu
The menu here may not be luxurious, but it is full of care, such as: • Refreshing herbal drinks (butterfly pea lemon or roselle) served in cute bamboo glasses
• Homemade cakes that are baked fresh every day, with a well-rounded taste and the right amount of sweetness
• Ice cream buffet that you can choose to scoop yourself Fun and delicious in the way you want
Cute photo corners
1. Swing corner by the dam
For those who like to chill, this corner is perfect. Try sitting on the swing and let your friends take pictures while the wind blows your hair gently. You will get a foreign-style picture without having to edit much.
2. Wooden floor sitting corner with low table
This is a spot with cushions and small wooden tables for you to sit and sip drinks while enjoying the view of the dam. If you take pictures in the evening light, it will be so beautiful that you will definitely have to post them on social media.
3. Bamboo pavilion in the garden
This spot is like a small resting pavilion in the forest. If you want a rural Isan feel, you must stop by to take pictures!
Activities not to be missed
• Walk along the dam, breathe in the fresh air and observe the way of life of the locals. Sometimes you will see villagers fishing.
• Sit and sip drip coffee. They have a small fresh coffee corner for you to sit and brew your own coffee. You will get both deliciousness and enjoyment.
How to get to Baan Pai Mai
1. From Khon Kaen city:
Drive out on Mittraphap Road, heading to Ubonrat Dam. It takes about 50 minutes (distance about 50 kilometers #Khon Kaen #Visit Khon Kaen #Baan Pai Mai
Opening-Closing Time
• Open daily: 9.00 a.m. - 6.00 p.m.
• Recommended time to visit: 4.00 p.m. onwards because the evening light is beautiful
Baan Pai Mai is suitable for those who want to relax on a comfortable day, breathe fresh air, recharge with nature, and also get many beautiful pictures to take back. If you have a chance to visit Khon Kaen, don't forget to stop by and experience this kind of chill. I guarantee that you will fall in love with this place like us! #Get a discount without relying on luck
แมวเมี๋ยวฟ้าว
1
Ubonrat Dam, Khon Kaen
Review of Ubonrat Dam, Khon Kaen: Experience a relaxing atmosphere and watch a romantic sunset
If you are looking for a place to travel close to nature and relax, and not too far from Khon Kaen city, we recommend Ubonrat Dam. Let me tell you that this place is suitable for relaxation for both singles, couples or families. Plus, there is a sunset view that is so beautiful that you have to grab your camera to take pictures!
Atmosphere at Ubonrat Dam
When you get there, you will see a large reservoir as far as the eye can see. The clear water reflects the sky beautifully. In the evening, the wind blows cool and comfortable. If you are lucky, you will see the way of life of the villagers who go fishing. The overall atmosphere is peaceful and suitable for sitting and relaxing, relaxing from the hustle and bustle of the big city.
Must-do activities
1. Watch the sunset
Around 5 pm is the most beautiful time. The golden light of the sun reflects on the water surface. There are many photo spots, especially near the suspension bridge near the dam. It is recommended to bring snacks or drinks to sit and relax. It will make it even more fun.
2. Take a boat trip to see the view of the reservoir. There is a service to take a boat trip to see nature around the reservoir. The clear water and the view of the lush mountains help complete your vacation.
3. Eat delicious Isaan food
Around the dam, there are many local restaurants, especially fresh fish from the reservoir, such as salt-grilled tilapia. Or fried fish with herbs, I must say that it is so delicious that you have to come back to eat again.
When to go
• If you want a beautiful view, I recommend the end of the rainy season, the beginning of the winter (October-December) because the weather is not too hot and the water in the reservoir will be quite full.
• In the evening, from 4 pm onwards, it is very suitable for watching the sunset.
How to get there:
From Khon Kaen city, drive along Mittraphap Road (Highway No. 2) for about 50 kilometers. It takes about 1 hour to get there.
#Get a discount without relying on luck #Ubonrat Dam #Khon Kaen