Key Takeaways
1. Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon (พระมหาธาตุแก่นนคร)
Introduction
Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, also known as Wat Nong Waeng, is a temple located in Khon Kaen town. This temple is famous for enshrining the Buddha’s relics and collecting the Buddhist scriptures. It is a significant religious site and a popular tourist attraction in the area.
Architecture and Design
One of the most striking features of Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon is its nine-storeyed stupa. Each floor of the stupa is adorned with intricately carved door panels and windows depicting various Buddhist stories, including the Jataka stories and the life of the Buddha. Additionally, the stupa showcases designated Buddha images for each day of the week and the 16 Realms of Brahmas.
Top Floor and Scenic View
At the top floor of the nine-storeyed stupa, visitors can find the enshrined Buddha’s relics placed on a moveable throne. This floor offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Khon Kaen town, making it a scenic point for tourists to admire the beauty of the surroundings.
2. Phrathat Kham Kaen (พระธาตุขามแก่น)
Historical Significance
Phrathat Kham Kaen is situated at Wat Chetiyaphum in Ban Kham, Khon Kaen province. This sacred place holds great historical and cultural significance as Ban Kham was once a city that existed for over 2,000 years, dating back to -43 CE. The stupa at Phrathat Kham Kaen houses relics and Buddha images, attracting both religious devotees and history enthusiasts.
Annual Festival
Every year, on the full moon day of the 6th lunar month (May), the Phrathat Kham Kaen Homage Paying and Celebration Festival takes place. This festival is a vibrant and festive event where locals and tourists gather to pay homage to the stupa and participate in various traditional activities and performances.
3. Maha Rattana Chedi Si Tri Lokkathat (Wat Thung Setthi) (มหารัตนเจดีย์ศรีไตรโลกธาตุ) (วัดทุ่งเศรษฐี)
Exquisite Stupa
Maha Rattana Chedi Si Tri Lokkathat, located at Wat Thung Setthi, is an exquisite stupa that showcases a perfect blend of contemporary and Isan folk arts. The stupa was constructed based on the belief in the convergence of the three worlds: heaven, human world, and the underworld.
Underneath the Chedi
Underneath the Chedi, visitors can find the enshrined aesthetic Buddha image, Phra Ong Dam, and a Dhamma puzzle room. The Chedi also provides an opportunity for visitors to learn about the three major pagodas of the three worlds, including Chedi Chula Mani, Naga Chedi, and Maha Rattana Chedi Si Trai Lokkathat. Worshipping this particular pagoda is believed to be equivalent to worshipping the three sacred pagodas of the three realms.
4. Sim Wat Chai Si, and Hup Taem Sin Sai (สิมวัดไชยศรีและฮูปแต้มสินไซ)
An Old Temple with Beautiful Murals
Sim Wat Chai Si, and Hup Taem Sin Sai is an old temple that was established in 1965. The temple is home to an important building called Sim, which is an Isan folk ubosot. The walls of the Sim are adorned with beautiful murals depicting Buddhist-related stories, Isan culture and traditions, the lifestyle of the Isan people, and local literature such as Sang Sin Sai.
5. King Cobra Village (หมู่บ้านงูจงอาง)
Famous King Cobra Show
King Cobra Village, located in Ban Khok Sa-nga, is well-known for its King Cobra show. Almost every household in the village raises king cobras underneath their houses. The show offers various performances, including snake dancing and boxing matches between humans and king cobras. Many villagers have gained fame from their performances and are known by aliases such as Karong Noi Mueang Isan and Thong Kham Lukthongchai.
Snake Show at Wat Si Thamma
In addition to the King Cobra Village, visitors can also visit Wat Si Thamma, where the King Cobra Club of Thailand provides snake shows. The temple also houses different breeds of snakes in cages, with signboards providing information about the snakes. The snake show is open daily from 8.00 a.m. to 5.00 p.m. Visitors can also enjoy snake performances by locals in the village and contribute donations as an admission fee.
6. Phu Pha Man National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติภูผาม่าน)
A Majestic Limestone Mountain Range
Phu Pha Man National Park is a stunning limestone mountain range characterized by its sheer cliffs that resemble a giant curtain. The park is covered with abundant evergreen and mixed forests, creating a cool and refreshing atmosphere throughout the year. Some of the attractions within the park include Tham Khang Khao, Tham Phu Ta Lo, Tham Phra, and Namtok Tat Fa.
7. Ubolratana Dam (เขื่อนอุบลรัตน์)
A Multi-Purpose Dam and Recreational Site
Ubolratana Dam serves multiple purposes, including electricity generation, agriculture, fisheries, flood prevention, and transportation. It also serves as a recreational site for the people of Khon Kaen. Within the dam’s area, visitors can find restaurants, accommodation options, and various activities. These include boat rides for sightseeing, a garden showcasing plant varieties mentioned in literature, a garden of dinosaur sculptures, and a golf course.
8. Phu Wiang Fossil Research Centre and Dinosaur Museum (ศูนย์ศึกษาวิจัย และ พิพิธภัณฑ์ไดโนเสาร์ภูเวียง)
A Centre for Geology and Paleontology
Phu Wiang Fossil Research Centre and Dinosaur Museum is a renowned research and study centre that provides valuable knowledge about geology and paleontology to the public. The museum is divided into three zones: service, education, and exhibition. The exhibition zone showcases various aspects, including the origin of the universe, rocks, minerals, fossils, and models of dinosaurs.
9. Ton Tan Market (ตลาดต้นตาล)
A New Tourist Attraction
Ton Tan Market is a newly established tourist attraction and recreational site. It offers a pleasant garden atmosphere spread over a spacious area of more than 40 rai. The market provides ample parking space for more than 1,500 cars, ensuring convenience for visitors. It is open daily from 4.00 p.m. to 1.00 a.m., offering a range of shopping and dining options.
10. Matmi Silk of Amphoe Chonnabot (ผ้าไหมมัดหมี่อำเภอชนบท)
A World-Renowned Silk Production Centre
Matmi Silk of Amphoe Chonnabot is a renowned production center for high-quality Matmi silk textiles. The province of Khon Kaen is known for its unique and beautiful designs, which have become a trademark of the region. Visitors can learn about the traditional silk-making process, witness the intricate craftsmanship, and purchase exquisite silk products as souvenirs.
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