KHONKAEN SMART TRAVEL CALENDAR - January
KHONKAEN SMART TRAVEL CALENDAR - January
Tradition
Month of "Yee" (January): Boon Khun Lan
Boon Khun Lan is a traditional merit-making festival rooted in the word "khun", which means to increase or to rise. This ceremony is performed by rice farmers to express gratitude for the harvest they received, often referred to as welcoming the spirit of rice. It typically takes place in January, after the rice harvesting season.
Festival
New Year’s Eve and New Year Celebration
Chinese New Year
Khon Kaen Agriculture Fair
Seasonal or Festival-Only Tourist Attractions
December 31 – January 1
Celebrate the New Year in Khon Kaen!
Join the spectacular New Year’s Eve Countdown in Khon Kaen, featuring dazzling light and sound shows, live concerts by famous artists, and a breathtaking fireworks display right in the heart of the city.
Make your night unforgettable and start the new year with joy and lasting memories at Pratu Mueang Park, Khon Kaen.
Pratu Mueang Park, Khon Kaen
Pratu Mueang Park, Khon Kaen
(also known as “Thanarak Memorial City Gate Park”)
This public park spans approximately 10 rai (about 4 acres) and is located right across from Central Khon Kaen. Its highlights include a giant sticky rice basket sculpture (kratip khao niew) and the illuminated city gate, which becomes especially stunning at night.
During the end-of-year season, the park features a light show three times each evening (at 7:30 PM, 8:30 PM, and 9:30 PM) along with New Year celebration events.
It’s a perfect spot for relaxing, strolling, photography, and enjoying the festive lights in the heart of the city. Admission is free all day.
January 24–26
Celebrate the Grand Chinese New Year Festival in the Heart of Khon Kaen!
Join the vibrant "Three Nations Chinese New Year Festival" — a cultural celebration that brings together Thai, Chinese, and Vietnamese traditions in one spectacular event.
Experience dazzling dragon and lion parades, traditional cultural performances, and auspicious New Year activities, all in a lively vintage-themed atmosphere at the City Pillar Shrine, Khon Kaen.
Khon Kaen City Pillar Shrine
(or Thep Arak City Pillar Shrine) is located in the heart of the city, near Central Khon Kaen. This sacred site is a symbol of the city’s spiritual heritage.
The shrine’s architecture blends traditional Thai and Isan styles. Inside, it houses the ancient city pillar and an additional Chinese “Sky and Earth” pillar, which represents good fortune and prosperity.
It is a popular place for people to pray for blessings related to work, travel, and stability. The shrine is open 24 hours a day with free admission.
Both locals and tourists often visit to pay respects and seek good luck. During the Chinese New Year festival, the shrine also hosts the famous Three Nations Chinese New Year Festival.
January 24 – February 2
You are invited to explore the Khon Kaen Agriculture Fair held at Khon Kaen University.
Discover innovative agricultural technologies, local community products, and a variety of food and goods from across the Isan region.
Enjoy the Green Market, exotic plants, adorable pets, and numerous educational activities suitable for all ages.
Agricultural Technology Park, Khon Kaen University (Agro Park KKU) is a green space located within the Faculty of Agriculture. It serves as a learning center for agricultural innovations and a recreational area for the community.
Highlights include:
Agri Space, an organic agricultural market open daily from 8:00 AM to 8:00 PM
Smart Flower Farm, a beautiful flower field
A jogging track surrounding the park
Agro Outlet, a building selling fresh produce directly from farmers
This park is ideal for those looking to relax, take photos, enjoy the flowers, shop for quality products, and participate in the annual Isan Agriculture Fair held regularly.
Tourist Attractions in January
For those who believe in luck and spiritual blessings, come pay respect and make powerful wishes to boost your good fortune and auspiciousness to welcome the New Year at...
Wat Maha That Kaen Nakhon (also known as Wat Nong Waeng) is an important royal monastery in Khon Kaen, located beside Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake.
Its most prominent feature is the nine-story Great Stupa, standing 80 meters tall, showcasing a blend of Dvaravati, Indochina, and Isan architectural styles. Inside, it houses a sacred relic of the Buddha and displays traditional Isan murals.
The temple is open daily from 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM with free admission. Visitors can climb to the top floor to enjoy panoramic views of Khon Kaen city. This site is ideal both for paying respects and appreciating cultural beauty.
Hong Moon Mang, Khon Kaen is a local museum that showcases the history and culture of Khon Kaen. It is located in the 200-Year Park building by Bueng Kaen Nakhon lake.
The museum features various exhibition zones including city history, dinosaur excavations, local folk culture, and important historical figures.
Open Tuesday to Sunday from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Admission fees range from 10 to 90 THB.
This museum is ideal for those interested in learning about the local history and culture of Khon Kaen.
Bueng Kaen Nakhon Public Park is located in the heart of Khon Kaen city. The park is spacious and shaded, ideal for walking, running, cycling, and renting pedal boats to enjoy the sunset views.
It features the Guan Yin Shrine and a lakeside market offering a variety of delicious food.
Open 24 hours with free admission, this park is perfect for relaxation and exercising amidst nature in the city.
Restaurant
Khon Kaen is home to a wide variety of delicious restaurants, offering everything from local Isan flavors to creative fusion dishes. Among them, we’d like to recommend some of the most well-known and highly rated restaurants — including those recognized by the Michelin Guide and praised for their rich, bold, and flavorful (or "Zapp Nua") taste.
A popular Vietnamese restaurant located near Bueng Kaen Nakhon, Halong Bay offers a spacious, clean, and comfortable dining atmosphere.
Signature dishes include Nam Nueng (Vietnamese grilled pork wraps), Vietnamese coconut milk noodles, and grilled pork wrapped in betel leaves.
Open daily from 9:30 AM to 9:30 PM, this is a great spot for anyone looking to enjoy authentic Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of Khon Kaen.
A popular Thai BBQ buffet restaurant located by Bueng Kaen Nakhon. Open daily in the evening until 11:00 PM, it offers a relaxed and spacious atmosphere.
Prices start from 189–279 THB and include unlimited servings of pork, beef, seafood, cheese, dipping sauces, desserts, and a wide variety of snacks.
It’s a perfect spot for food lovers, groups of friends, and families looking for a full and satisfying dining experience.
Stay & Sleep Options
Ocean View Hotel, Khon Kaen
A 3-star hotel located in the heart of the city, near Bueng Kaen Nakhon. The hotel offers comfortable rooms equipped with air conditioning, TV, and free Wi-Fi.
Facilities include room service and free parking.
Room rates start at approximately 550 THB per night.
For inquiries, please call 043-224361.