Next stop Khon Kaen

Recently I had the chance to make a stop over in Khon Kaen and spend one night in this beautiful town in the middle of Thailand's Northeast. Khon Kaen is located some 400 kilometres northeast of Bangkok in the middle of the Korat plateau. Khon Kaen is the regional Hub for Finance, Transportation and Education. The regional Silk trade as well as agriculture are important industries in this Isaan city.

Khon Kaen is one of Thailand's major cities under its National Economic and Social Plan. Khon Kaen is home to two important educational institutions: Rajamangala University and Khon Kaen University, which makes Khon Kaen the largest university town in the Northeast.

Khon Kaen Airport raised to international standards in 2005, with the opening of a new terminal. TG, Thai Airways International, operates for flights a day between Khon Kaen and Bangkok. Used to Suvarnnabhumi International Airport in Bangkok, Khon Kaen's airport appears to be sleepy and laid-back. Never the less, the service I experienced was of high quality and the airport is small but tidy. Two Black Canyon coffees, a few small shops and a tiny TG lounge make the time pass by quickly.

Khon Kaen city is nestled around the northeastern Highway known as Mithraphap Road ('Friendship Highway' or 'Highway 2'). This road road links Bangkok to the northeastern Isaan provinces and to the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge, which extends to Vientiane in Laos.

Greenleaf Hydrofarm & Restaurant
Greenleaf is located on the small road linking the city of Khon Kaen to its airport. The restaurant offers a great mix of healthy Thai and Western fusion food and seems to be quite famous among the locals. The selection ranges from typical Thai curries to Mexican tacos, healthy fresh salads and superb steaks. The steaks come in a local, US and Australian version and are prepared as per the cook book. Simply delicious.


Greenleaf Hydrofarm & Restaurant, 17 Airport Road, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40000, (043) 345-565, (086) 862-3423

Rachawadee Resort & Hotel
Close to the airport located is a small, but exquisite example of Thai hospitality: Rachawadee Resort & Hotel. The resort was build in 2007 by the Somjaiwong family who's dream was to bring an oasis of tranquility and fine dining for vacationers and business travelers to their hometown of Khon Kaen. The resort's keystone is its Kinaree Restaurant which has all the popular Isaan dishes and many original creations on offer. The family friendly Rachawadee Resort is situated in a nice and lush garden with swimming pool, close to the airport, ideally positioned to spend some relaxing days in this city.

Rachawadee Resort & Hotel, Khon Kaen Airport Road, Khon Kaen, Thailand 40000, (043) 468-222, info@rachawadeehotel.com