Page 16 - UNCONVENTIONAL CONVENTIONS

Khao Yai Khon Kaen

Located in the northeast, this region is home Located in Thailand’s fascinating northeastern
to a beautiful and enormous national park that region, Khon Kaen is recognised as a hub for
is considered one of Thailand’s most treasured commerce, education, as well as tourism.
natural landmarks. The area features waterfalls Year after year, people flock to this area to
like the Haew Suwat Waterfall, lush evergreen explore its rich culture and enjoy a glimpse of
forests and rolling grasslands, perfect for the traditional Thai way of life. The city is also
enjoying adventurous activities such as home to many historical and archaeological sites
kayaking, rafting, trekking and wildlife spotting. like the Wat Nong Waeng Temple. In regards to
In addition, the region is a three-hour drive business, Khon Kaen is a centre for trade and
from central Bangkok, making it easily acces- logistics because of the Economic Corridors
sible by private vehicles and public buses that Development Project that has been established
run from the capital city’s bus terminals and by the government, with aims to link together
airports. This is a definite advantage when border areas of Thailand, Myanmar, Laos,
travelling with large groups of business or Vietnam and so forth.
event attendees.
As a result, the city has no problem serving
Over time, this destination has become large numbers of business-oriented travellers,
recognised as more than just a nature and especially nowadays, as Khon Kaen Airport
culture hub. It is now an established name in makes it easy to travel to and from Bangkok.
Thailand’s MICE scene, because of the avail- The region also offers a wide range of MICE
ability of facilities, venues and companies that venues, including Khon Kaen University
can arrange excursions and outings for Convention Centre, which has internationally
incentive trips. An example of one of the area’s recognised facilities at great value for money.
largest and most popular MICE venues is Khao Another noteworthy large-scale venue is the
Yai Convention Center (KYCC). The property Golden Jubilee Convention Hall with a max
is equipped with seven meeting rooms and two capacity of 3,000 attendees. Additionally, the
halls that occupy an area of 2,370sqm and can city’s diverse hotels offer the best of affordable
accommodate up to 2,000 attendees. These and luxury accommodations, as well as space
halls can even be partitioned for convenience. for smaller meetings and more personalised
The KYCC also has alliances with hotels in the events.
area, making it stress-free for visitors to find ac-
commodation and transportation to, and from, As a result of the availability of venues,
convention centres. unrivalled hospitality and unique regional
culture, it is guaranteed that over time, Khon
Kaen will continue to grow into a hub for both
local and international MICE events.

Haew Suwat Waterfall
162 MICE GUIDE TO THAILAND