For many international visitors, Thailand often begins with Bangkok, Phuket, Chiang Mai or the country’s famous beach destinations. But for David Wescombe from Queensland, Australia, his connection with Thailand led him somewhere different — Khon Kaen.
David first came to Khon Kaen because of his partner, who is from the city. What began as a visit to discover what life here was really like gradually became a much deeper connection.
“I met my girlfriend, now my wife, in Khon Kaen, and I came to have a look at what it was like.”
What David discovered was a city that, in his view, offers many of the conveniences of a much larger destination without some of the pressures that often come with major tourist cities.
“Khon Kaen is not a big city, but it has everything a big city has. There are not many tourists, and it’s not overpriced.”
For David, one of Khon Kaen’s greatest advantages is also what lies outside the city.
Coming from Queensland and being someone who enjoys nature, he appreciates that mountains, national parks and natural landscapes can be reached relatively easily.
“It’s only one or two hours’ drive to mountains and national parks. I love nature.”
His experience also reflects something that cannot always be captured by travel rankings, online reviews or social media: a place needs to be experienced personally.
Rather than telling people that Khon Kaen is right for everyone, David offers a much simpler piece of advice:
“Everyone needs to come and spend time in places to see what they think themselves.”
From visiting Khon Kaen to becoming part of the community
David’s relationship with Khon Kaen has developed beyond simply visiting the city. He and his wife are also involved in the local hospitality industry through Khon Kaen Orchid Hotel.
Their experience welcoming visitors offers another perspective on everyday life in Khon Kaen.
Their experience of welcoming visitors gives David another perspective on the city — not only as someone who came from Australia, but as someone who now participates in Khon Kaen’s local business and hospitality community.
For Hello Khon Kaen, David’s story represents exactly the kind of perspective we want to share: how people from different parts of the world discover Khon Kaen, experience the city for themselves, and sometimes eventually make it part of their lives.
Perhaps that is the best invitation to Khon Kaen.
Not that everyone must love it.
But that you should come, stay for a while, explore beyond the city — and decide for yourself.