hotel Khon Kaen | The Adventure Travel Site

Thai Phrases to Learn Before Your Visit

While those who do not speak Thai can fully enjoy a holiday in Thailand, it always helps to know some local phrases to use with the people you meet.

“Khap” and “Kha”

Before getting into phrases to use be it in Bangkok or at a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer, you need to differentiate between “Khap” and “Kha”. They are used at the end of sentences and denote a sign of respect; the main thing to keep in mind is that “Khap” is only used by male speakers and “Kha” only by females.

Typical Greeting

From meeting locals to interacting with staff at properties like Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre, the greeting you should learn is “Sawasdee”, which is the equivalent of “hello”. As mentioned, depending on the gender, the ending will differ; males will say “Sawasdee Khap” and females, “Sawasdee Kha”.

General Phrases

Also learn phrases such as “Sabai Dee Mai?” which is like asking “how are you?”, “Khop Khun Khap / Kha” the equivalent of “thank you” and “Mai Pen Rai” when you need to say “you’re welcome”. This phrase can also come in handy; say “Haawng Naam Yuu Tee Nai?” when you need to find the bathroom!

Other Phrases

Here are some other phrases that can be useful on your travels in Thailand; keep in mind, a big part of conversing here is to be polite and non-confrontational too.

• Ni Tao Rai? – How much is this?
• Paeng – Too costly
• Mai Khao Jai – I don’t understand
• Aroy – Delicious
• Kor Tot – Excuse me

A Travel Guide to Khon Kaen

Located in north-eastern Thailand, Khon Kaen is a key city in Isan and is a captivating destination for work, rest and play. Check out these insights which will help those planning a trip here.

Accommodation

Before getting into sightseeing find a suitable hotel Khon Kaen has to offer. Ideally, choose a property within easy reach of city centre attractions as well as the main airport and train station. Added features to look for would be onsite conference and function venues, free Wi-Fi, a spa, gym and dining options too.

Image Credit: Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre

Local Attractions

Those looking to learn more on the region’s heritage can visit the National Museum located within easy reach of Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. Family fun awaits at the Dino Water Park, while Wat Thung Setthi, Ban Khok Sanga King Cobra Village and the day and night markets are worth visits too.

Escape to Nature

Offering both relaxation and recreation, Bueng Kaen Nakhon is a picturesque lake area home to idyllic parks and temples, while being popular for riding bikes and fishing. For more nature-based excursions in Khon Kaen, one can explore the Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham and Phu Wiang national parks, the latter known for its dinosaur graveyard!

When to Visit

Generally, November to April is the best time to visit Khon Kaen; it’s also an ideal place to witness the water-filled New Year festival of Songkran (in April). From May to October the monsoon brings with it rains, though do keep in mind the rates and crowds at these times will be less too!

Top Family Experiences in Thailand

Thailand is one of the most popular countries to visit in South East asia, especially If you’re planning a vacation with the whole family. Here there’s adventures and excitement to be had for people of all ages – here are some of the top family experiences you can have in Thailand.

Elephant Nature Park

A visit to Thailand’s Elephant Nature Park is the chance to spend a day with some of the most magnificent and gentle creatures on the planet. All the elephants here were either rescued or orphaned individuals. You can interact and get close to these placid giants – but not too close! Here at the sanctuary, it’s all about maintaining a comfortable distance for both the people and the animals.

Jungle Adventures

If your family is of the adventurous type, consider an exhilarating jungle adventure in the wilds of Thailand. There are plenty of activities to try out from thrilling mountain bike rides to kayaking along the region’s pristine rivers.

Cycling in Thailand

If you’re staying at a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer – say, for example, the Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre – you might want to consider a cycling tour through Central Thailand. This provides the opportunity to explore some of the region’s most fantastic attractions and the chance to immerse yourself in the local culture.

A Walking Food Tour

Thailand is famous for its local cuisine, renowned for its unique flavour combinations and delectable aromas. So, why not take a walking tour through the streets of Thailand with the family, tasting all kinds of different dishes along the way.

Explore the National Parks in Khon Kaen

Those who love nature or outdoor adventures have much to look forward to on a visit to Khon Kaen; national parks in the province rich in flora and fauna offer unforgettable journeys of discovery.

Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park

The Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park features forest landscapes and a couple of sandstone mountains. Those visiting here from a hotel Khon Kaen has to offer can look forward to camping in certain areas while highlights include the Tat Fa Waterfall and the Ubonr at Reservoir for fishing and boating.

Nam Phong National Park

More exploration awaits at the Nam Phong National Park, ideal for an excursion from properties such as Avani Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre. Set amidst mountains and views of the local dam, the site’s main attractions include the Hin Chang Si viewpoint and Famue Daeng Cliffs with its prehistoric paintings.

Phu Wiang National Park

If you love dinosaurs you are bound to love Phu Wiang National Park where you can see excavation sites showcasing findings of dinosaur bones! The Dinosaur Museum provides more insights into the prehistoric findings, while you can also enjoy hiking and visiting sites such as the Thap Phaya Suea Waterfall.

Phu Pha Man National Park

More nature expeditions await at the Phu Pha Man National Park known for its idyllic waterfalls and caves. The parkhas some key places of interest like the Phaya Nakarat Cave featuring intriguing stalactites and stalagmites, Lai Thaeng Cave with paintings depicting pre-historic life and the scenic Tad Fah Waterfall.

Exploring the Isaan

There’s an old saying which says, ‘if you haven’t explored Isaan, you haven’t experienced Thailand’, this rings true to almost everything that’s on offer here. Want to know more?

Image by Diego Delso, Isla Tapu, Phuket, Tailandia, 2013-08-20, DD 36, CC BY-SA 3.0

1) Ton Tann Night Market

Generally considered a little more upscale than the conventional night market, here at the Ton Tann Night Market you will find various traditional food stalls and street vendors. There are many boutique shops as well, and even a large centre stage that features an array of live performances.

2) Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake

Of all the lakes in Khon Kaen, the Bueng Kaen Nakhon Lake located to the southeast of the city centre features a variety of bars, coffee shops and restaurants all around it. Food stalls which pop up towards the evenings serve an assortment of local delicacies. If you’re looking for a hotel, Khon Kaen has many that you can check out, such as the AVANI Khon Kaen Hotel & Convention Centre for example.

3) Wat Nong Wang

Learn about the culture of Buddhism and the history behind it at the Wat Nong Want temple which feature many relics as well as a gorgeous panoramic view of the town.

4) Horse Races

The horse races on Sundays are something to treat yourself to. You can grab a bite and even bet if you feel like it, all while enjoying a spectacle of a sport.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+