Accommodation and Transportation

Set at a distance of 450 kms from Bangkok on Highway number 2, somewhere mid-way between Korat and Nong Khai, Khon – Khon Kain ensures an interesting and rewarding phase of living for its non-Thai settlers. The city has a legacy of elaborate history to blend with its unique culture, its native language, mind-boggling food and enthralling festivals - holding potential to attract people from world over. Western culture, including eating trends, modes of entertainment and life-style thus easily gel with the easygoing nature of northeastern Thais.

Khon Kaen is abounding with a wide range of quality housing options at prices far more attractive than in Bangkok. A small air-conditioned (studio/efficiency) apartment can be rented for 3,500 to 4,000 baht. The foreign teachers are also able to rent townhouses or detached homes at a minimum of 5,000 baht per month. Unfurnished 3 bedroom townhouses would charge 3000 to 5000 per month. There are also more luxurious digs available at 8000 - 25000.

The city offers 3 major hotels downtown: the five star: Sofitel, the Charoen Thani Princess and the Kosa each with four stars. All these hotels are furnished with modern, appropriate amenities. The Sofitel is noted for its nightly western style buffet and the fitness club. There are also many lesser known but comfortable and more affordable hotels within manageable distance from most destinations. Hotels can be temporary solutions for accommodation seekers. It is very common for schools and co-workers to assist with finding housing and accommodation for the newly appointed foreign teachers.

It is quite easy to reach the city by bus, air, train, or car. Khon Kaen boasts a brand new municipal airport and 4 daily flights between Bangkok and the city. A VIP bus from Bangkok costs about 260 baht and the one way airfare on Thai Airlines is 1605 baht. The flight is about 40 minutes long and the VIP bus takes about 5 1/2 hours with a brief stop in Korat. A journey by train would promise you a motley mix of some spectacular sights and some quite monotonous ones, but the incentive is to be traveling with the local population. Bus trips are cheaper, shorter but often dangerous owing to reckless driving. There are 2 bus terminals which are both served by Moi Chit in Bangkok.
The city limits (and slightly beyond) of Khon Kaen, although expanding, is still relatively small enough to travel around without any serious problems. Cost and quality of transportation vary from the type selected to the time of day. For intra-city travelling in Khon Kaen one has a wide range to choose from - Tuk Tuks, Sam Lar, Public Bus, Song Tauw, Airport Limo, Hotel Limos.

Inexpensive Tuk Tuk rides are available round the clock with pre-set prices – staring from 20-40 baht and never exceeding 100 to 150 baht. The higher price is usually asked in the late evening and early morning hours.

Sam lars are three-wheeled tricycles with a covered seat in the back that are powered by the individual driving them. Their prices tend to be slightly lower than tuk-tuks’.

The government-endorsed Air-conditioned public buses are convenient and cheap form of transportation, best suited for traveling along certain planned routes throughout the city. They generally run from 5:00 AM until 7 or 8:00 PM while the tickets cost 5 baht per ride.
Song tauw's (also known as baht buses) are privately owned, government endorsed pickup trucks and also the cheapest form of travel in Khon Kaen. They operate across 18 different routes and more, servicing the city. Song tauw's run from 5:00 AM until 9:00 PM.
Airport Limo tickets can be bought at 50 baht per unit, transporting you to most addresses in Khon Kaen. They also provide pick up from any given address and drop to the airport against 150 baht.