Khon Kaen Hotels, Guesthouses and Resorts
The lack of cheap backpackers’ guesthouses doesn’t mean that people on a budget will not find an affordable solution in Khon Kaen. Just do not expect that backpacker-style vibe that you can find almost everywhere else in Thailand – the rest including clean and cheap rooms is available here, too.
Budget
Close to the train station several large and characterless concrete buildings offer cheap fan or air-con rooms which sometimes can be a pleasant surprise once you’re inside. A perfect example is Roma Hotel (50/2 Klang Mueang Rd), a long run centrally located hotel, which – despite its dull exterior appearance – is still one of the best options in a low budget range. The rooms are quite spacious and feature comfortable beds, TVs, Wi-Fi and private toilettes with hot shower. The air-con rooms (THB500) look actually quite nice and there’s not a big difference in price with the fan ones (THB300) which instead are really old and basic, but they’re probably the cheapest reasonable option in town. Make sure you have a look at the room before you pay since we suspect that only some of the air-con rooms have been renovated. The staff are generally helpful and speaks basic English. Motorbikes for rent are available. To get there, walk east from the old bus station to Prachasamoson road for 350 m and then turn right to Klang Mueang road. Roma hotel is 300 m away from the junction.
Mid-Range
Not far from Roma Hotel, Piman Garden Boutique Hotel (6/110 Klang Mueang Rd) offers modern and elegant air-con rooms with private bathrooms (with bath tubs), TVs and fridges starting at THB900. Despite being conveniently located close to many restaurants and not far from both the train station and the old bus station, the hotel sits in a really relaxed and quiet area, with a number of small buildings surrounding a peaceful garden. Bigger rooms and junior suites are available at higher prices.
If you don’t mind to move a bit away from the centre, Ingtara Hotel (171 Sritadpracharak Road) enjoys a great location just south of Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake. At night you can marvel spectacular views of the Wat Nong Waeng chedi and during the day you can set on for a walk around the lake. Rooms are on the small side but are well decorated in a contemporary style. They all come withan air-con, a flat screen TV and a balcony. Standard prices start at THB750.
Top End
For a bit of luxury Pullman Khon Kaen Raja Orchid (9/9 Prachasumran Road) is a 5 star hotel located 800 m east of the train station. It’s quite hard to miss since it’s a high and modern building that will definitely catch your eye. The rooms are large, well-furnished and come with extremely comfy beds. Try to get one at the higher floor for the best view. The hotel offers a variety of facilities you would normally expect for this price – from a gym to an outdoor swimming pool. They have bigger family rooms for four. Rates start at around THB2500. Check on the Internet since on-line prices are better than the walk-in ones.
For a fantastic homestay experience several tour companies in town will offer a two day tour to Khok Pia, a small village some 20 km from the city. A tour guide will pick you up in Khon Kaen around midday and will take you to a local fresh market to buy food for dinner. Once you’ll get to Khok Pia you’ll be free to walk around and take a look at the local community busy with their everyday work. In the evening you’ll help your host family to cook dinner, which usually includes Isaan food (if you have any favourite dish you can ask your tour guide while shopping at the market). The next morning you’ll join the locals offering donations to the monks. Around 10.00am your guide will take you back to Khon Kaen. Prices vary depending on the number of people in your group. For 2 people it will be THB2500 per person, for 4 people just THB1500 (everything is included).
