Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon or The 9-storey stupa

  

•  Located in Wat Nong Waeng, a royal temple on Klang Mueang Road, the Phra Mahathat houses relics of the Lord Buddha and important Buddhist scriptures. Doors and windows of the 9 storeys of the stupa are beautifully carved, featuring the life and former reinearnations of the Lord Buddha, 16 classes of visible deities in the Brahma’s world, and Buddhist rites. Murals within the stupa feature history of the town. The top floor, on the 9th storey, houses relics of the Lord Buddha. Visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the town from there.

• Khon Kaen University Located on the hill called ‘Mo Din Daeng’ over 5,000 rai plot of land, the university is the largest education centre in Isan, particularly on the areas that directly involve and benefit Isan people. How to get there: the university is located 4 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. Visitor can access from Mitraphap Road (Khon Kaen-Udon Thani route) or Pracha Samosorn Road (Khon Kaen-Loei route). 

Treasure Hall

Established to strengthen the local identity and serve as a study centre, the local museum exhibits the history of the city as well as the people’s lifestyle from the yesteryears through the contribution of senior citizens. The exhibitions include Khon Kaen town, history of Khon Kaen and ancient culture dating back to over 5,000 years ago, city establishment, city outlook and Khon Kaen lifestyle, and culture and tradition of Khon Kaen at present. This hall is open daily during 9.00 a.m. – 5.00 p.m. except Sunday and public holidays. Admission fee 90 baht.

Khon Kaen National Museum

• Located on Lang Sun Ratchakan Road, the museum exhibits antiques and precious art pieces from pre-historical to historical periods as well as a skeleton of the New Stone Age man and tools found at Ban Chiang.

• Visitors should not miss to see sandstone Sema boundary markers from the Semas Dvaravati period. The boundary markers were carved delicately featuring the life of the Lord Buddha. These were discovered at Fa Daet Song Yang ancient city in Kalasin province.

• Other interesting exhibits include stone lintels from Khmer ruins in the region as well as art pieces from other periods namely, Sukhothai and Ayutthaya, and native tools. These exhibits well facilitate study in history, archaeology and the lifestyle of Isan. The museum is open daily from 9.00 am. to 4.00 pm. Admission fee is 30 baht. For more information, call Tel. 0 4324 6170.

Bueng Kaen Nakhon

Acquiring an area of 603 rai, the lake is in the municipality of Amphoe Mueang. By the lake is a monument of Chao Phia Mueang Phaen, founder of Khon Kaen. The shady park around the lake decorated with sculptures always attracts people to relax and enjoy recreation.

City Pillar Shrine

The sacred shrine is located in front of Sala Suk Chai, , on  Thepharak Road in the compound of the Khon Kaen Municipality  Office. A famous monk and former governor of Khon Kaen placed  a stone inscription from an ancient site in Amphoe Chum Phae  here for a Buddhism rite and set up the city pillar shrine.