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Khon Kaen Province
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Khon Kaen
People often view northeast Thailand as a vast,
arid land. Yet, a bird's eye view of the
countryside from a low-flying aircraft disproves this
perception and reveals, to the contrary, endless
stretches of green fields. To the right and left, there
is hardly a trace of barren land. Instead, a land
blessed with different varieties of rice with blooming
flowers foretelling the richness of the soil.
Lion sculptures of Wat Sra Bua Kaew
A little over two centuries after its founding, it would have been inappropriate
to claim Khon Kaen - a province in the heart of E-san - an ancient city. But, a long
history and very-old civilization unveiled through ancient fossils, as old
as one million years, contradicts this view Coupled with discoveries of several, pre-histonc communities and 18th
century (Buddhist Era) Khmer sanctuaries, such revelations deem it impossible to say this is not obviously reflective
of the Thai people and their race.
In addition to geographical and geological evidence, its place as a center of
education and technology and seat of Khon Kaen University,
public works and other amenities, undoubtedly establishes Khon Kaen as the major
city of E-san.
Unique native mural paintings at Wat Chai Sri in E-san
However, amidst the onset of modern cultures and materialism,
Khon Kaen manages to retain its traditional way of life.
Devout Buddhists still pray steadfastly at the Holy Shrine of Khon Kaen, the ancient holy monument in Chedi
Bhume Temple in Baan Kham District, Amphoe of Nam Pawng. Every year, on the 15th day of the waxing moon of the
sixth lunar month, natives of Khon Kaen host a huge celebration to pay respect lo the Holy Shrine.
Phra Dhat Kharm Kaen
Then there is the sight of elderly folk carefully lighting candles and placing joss sticks into containers to pay
reverence to the presiding Buddha
image of Ku-Praphachai at Baan Na
Kham Noi, in the district of Bua Yai.
Believed, formerly, to be a hospital
built during the reign of King Chai
Varaman VII of the Khmer Kingdom,
the edifice is registered as an
ancient monument, tt is also revered
in a way that makes its relevance
difficult to be replaced by today's
more popular, but superficial, trends.
Here, villagers still enjoy the simple
delights of merit making and
gossiping to one another in temples.
Phuwainggosaurus Sirindhornae
The mural paintings that
represent the fruits of labors by local painters at Wat Chai Sri, Baan Sra Vee,
Muang District, are unique in their cream, yellow and white schemes.
Likewise, the lion sculptures, on both sides of the staircase leading to Wat
Sra Bua Kaew, Baan Wang Koun, Nong Song Hong District, look equally
imposing. The four sides of the chapel, showing free-style mural paintings
of vegetation and animals in different hues of yellow, blue, red. green,
turquoise and black, clearly reflect the artists' masterly skills.
The ancient city of None Muang
Paintings In both places look simple but are pleasing to the eye and
undoubtedly beautiful; their aestheticism elevated when little groups of
villagers assemble for friendly chats around the temple, smiling warm
greetings towards strangers.
Ubolrat Dam
Such delight resonates in all corners of the province.
The sound of music mingling with running brooks beckons to people of
different age groups to gather around the dam across the Namphong River,
known otherwise as Ubolrat Dam, the largest multi-purpose dam in E-san
This massive reservoir is a popular place to rest for people from near and far.
Bang Saen II
Equally popular is the beach alongside the freshwater lake above the
dam known as Bang Saen II where visitors can engage in two interesting
activities Firstly rides on banana boats and tire inner tubes, available for
hire, and secondly sampling mouthwatering catches from the waters of the
reservoir - perhaps outshining the greetings.
The ancient shell graveyard at the Phuwiang National Park
Despite its famous dinosaur finds,
Phuwiang National Park, in Phuwiang
District, can be surprisingly
captivating. Visitors to the park can
trek, scale rocks while getting in
some exercise and taking in the
landscape from different viewpoints
On the other hand, you can explore
the traces of ancient civilization, enjoy
nature, and dip in cool clear waters.
Or, loiter in the green fields and rock
duarries and enjoy flowers in full and
magnificent bloom at the end of the
rainy season. Such pleasant pursuits
await visitors to Phuwiang National Park.
The stark greenness of the
big city, the generosity of Khon
Kaen people and their past traditions
can leave a lasting impression on
your mind even from just a brief experience.
Ku-Praphachai
As winter approaches, Khon Kaen, and E-san, will again prove to
be a popular destination for tourists.
Thai Airways International
operates daily services from Bangkok
to Khon Kaen and further information,
or flight reservations, can be made by
contacting 280-0060/90.
Special thanks go to Solitel Raja
Orchid, Khon Kaen, for kindly arranging
accommodation and travel.
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