An important center of Northeast Thailand is the city of Khon Kaen, one of the four most important cities in Isan, the largest region of Thailand. As a relatively new city, Khon Kaen has an almost refined atmosphere that differs from many other places in the country. The city has museums, community centers, parks, a university and, of course, temples. If you want to explore another place in Thailand that can also serve as a connecting point with Laos or Vietnam, we recommend a trip to this city. In this guide, we explain the travel options from Bangkok to Khon Kaen.
Ways to travel to Khon Kaen from Bangkok
Khon Kaen is located 450 kilometers (280 mi) northeast of Bangkok and is connected to the capital by road, rail and air. Trains and buses take about the same amount of time to complete the journey. Without a doubt, the fastest option to get from Bangkok to Khon Kaen is by plane. Since there are several airlines operating on this route, including some low-cost carriers, you can fly between these destinations for a very reasonable price. Read on for details on the different options and prices.
From Bangkok to Khon Kaen by train
Hua Lamphong Railway Station in Bangkok
Thai Railways offers three daily departures from Hua Lampong Station in Bangkok. All trains have different carriages and ticket options depending on availability. If you prefer to travel during the day to enjoy the scenery and cities that cross the tracks, it is best to take the 8.20am train in Bangkok. The scheduled duration of the tour is 7 hours and 15 minutes, meaning you’ll reach Khon Kaen still in daylight, perfect for finding your hotel and doing some city exploring.
The next option is an afternoon departure, at 6:35 PM, arriving in Khon Kaen at 2:05 AM. The advantage of this option is that you don’t waste daylight hours along the way. However, the arrival time in Khon Kaen is not entirely convenient and you should ensure that the accommodation reception can accommodate you at this time. Also, transportation options from the train station to the hotel at dawn are very limited.”
The last train option is to leave Bangkok at 8:00 PM and arrive in Khon Kaen around 4:18 AM. On this train, it is possible to travel in a compartment with a bed to be able to rest and thus save an overnight stay. Arriving so early you may have to wait at the station for the city to start waking up, but you can enjoy a full day of sightseeing. Sleeper trains have a variety of carriages, such as a second-class sleeper car, a first-class sleeper car, and women-only compartments.
Bus from Bangkok to Khon Kaen
Chan Tour bus en route to Khon Kaen © nitinut380 / Shutterstock.com
If you like to travel by road, the bus may be a good option. Chan Tours offers several departures a day from its office in the Chatuchak area of Bangkok. The first bus leaves at 5.45am and the last one at 10pm. There are around 20 departures per day, so this is a flexible alternative that can be adapted to any itinerary.
Chan Tour VIP buses are well-equipped to make your journey comfortable. On board they have air conditioning, food service, a flight attendant, TVs and bathrooms. The duration is around 7 hours and 20 minutes, which is important if you want to leave Bangkok at the last minute to reach Khon Kaen first thing in the morning.
The biggest advantage of traveling by bus from Bangkok to Khon Kaen is the price. It’s the cheapest option to get from one city to another, so it’s perfect for travelers on a tight budget.
Flights from Bangkok to Khon Kaen
Khon Kaen Airport © Thitikorn / Shutterstock.com
Usually, the plane is the most expensive means of transport. However, for flights from Bangkok to Khon Kaen, this is not always the case. There is quite a bit of competition between the airlines that serve this route, which helps keep prices down. Some low-cost airlines also serve this route, so finding a good deal is not difficult.
Almost all flights depart from Bangkok’s Don Mueang Airport and land at Khon Kaen Airport, which is 20 minutes from the city center. You can fly with Nok Air, Thai Lion Air or Thai AirAsia. The latter has more flights than Nok Air, but be sure to check all the options available. It is also possible to fly from Suvarnabhumi Airport with Thai Smile. The flight takes about an hour, so it is much faster than by train or bus. If you find a ticket at a good price, the cost won’t be much more than a train ticket.
It is not easy to choose the best way to travel from Bangkok to Khon Kaen. Travelers who need to control their expenses will not hesitate to travel by bus due to its cheapness. However, since the prices of trains and flights are similar, many tourists often choose to fly from Bangkok to Khao Kaen. However, traveling by train in Thailand is quite an experience. If you like to enjoy the scenery and travel leisurely, the train may be a good option.