Khon Kaen City Bus is a newly launched public bus service in Khon Kaen. This bus brings you around to different places of interest, and also important locations such as the bus terminals to other cities in Thailand, as well as neighbouring countries.
Khon Kaen City Bus Route
(Source: Khon Kaen City Bus Facebook Page)
The bus leaves from Bus Terminal 3, makes a loop around the city, and terminates at the same point. The bus ride costs 15 baht per adult, and 10 baht per child or student in uniform. What makes this bus service so convenient is that it is a 24/7 service. It is also usually on time, and the interval from 6am to 8pm is 10 minutes, and 30 minutes from 8pm to 6am. It is very tourist-friendly as it offers free WiFi.
Bus Terminal 3
If you are arriving from another city, such as Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or Ubon Ratchathani, your bus will probably arrive in Bus Terminal 3. It also connects you to Bus Terminal 1 and Terminal 2, both of which are catered to passengers who are travelling around Khon Kaen region.
You can visit three temples just by taking the Khon Kaen City Bus. Wat That and Wat Klang are in close proximity and it's a short walk from one to the other. Although not frequented by tourists, it is a good place to calm your soul and feel more "jai yen".
If you walk along the Kaen Nakhon Lake, you will find yourself reaching Wat Nong Waeng, a must visit in Khon Kaen. This temple is a 9 storey temple and on the top floor, you can get a panoramic view of Khon Kaen. Try to spot some prominent landmarks, such as the Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid Hotel, Khon Kaen University, and also the newly built condominiums, The Houze & The Hugz and The Base Height.
Wat Nong Waeng
In the evening, Kaen Nakhon Lake comes to live. It is not uncommon to see aerobic classes being conducted in the park, and also people cycling, running and exercising. Restaurants and bars surrounding the lake will open for dinner, many of them selling local Isan food.
Kaen Nakhon Lake
If you feel that the night is still young, head over to one of the two night markets that Khon Kaen City Bus can bring you to. Thanon Khon Den, or Walking Street is right by Bus Terminal 1 and only opens on Saturdays from 5pm to 10pm. Here, you can find everything under the sun, from pets to foot massage to puppet shows. If all the walking makes you hungry, fret not! Walking Street has an entire section dedicated to food and you will be sure to find something to satisfy you.
Over at Tontann Market, you will not be disappointed either. It opens every day, even on Monday when you're feeling the blues. This night market sells clothing, shoes and accessories, and just like any night market, it also has a wide variety of Thai and Isan food for you to choose from.
Khon Kaen is not that inconvenient after all. You may have once thought that it would be impossible to travel around Khon Kaen without a motorbike or a car, but with the new public bus service, you can easily spend a day or two going around this city!
