Khon Kaen

Down at the south end of the lake, Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon , the stunning stupa at the heart of this important temple, is Khon Kaen’s one must-see.

Just off the lake, this peaceful tree-filled temple and noted meditation centre predates the city and has a săh·lah like no other in Thailand.

This peaceful temple, 10km north of the city, has many beautiful monuments, including a 23m-tall white walking Buddha image, spread across its vast grounds.

This interesting collection of artefacts spans prehistoric times to the present. Highlights are Ban Chiang pottery and a beautiful Dvaravati săir·mah (temple boundary marker) depicting Princess Pimpa cleaning Lord Buddha’s feet with her hair.

Down at the south end of the lake is Khon Kaen’s one must-see, Phra Mahathat Kaen Nakhon, a gorgeous nine-storey chedi at the heart of Wat Nong Wang.

This fun little market, in the shadow of Wat That, features food, secondhand clothing and paint-your-own pottery stalls.