Bang Saen II and Hat Chom Thong
The beaches are in Ban Hin Phoeng, Tambon Tha Ruea, 53 kilometres from downtown Khon Kaen. As part of the lake over Ubolratana Dam, the beaches are quite picturesque particularly when the sun sets behind the mountain ranges. There are various water sports available such as water bicycle, banana boat, and scooter. Visitors can enjoy fish a menu of freshly caught from the lake. During the holidays, the beaches are always quite lively.
Phu Kao-Phu Phan Kham National Park
The park acquires a total area of 320 square kilometres or 201,250 rai, in Amphoe Ubolratana and Amphoe Non Sang of Nong Bua Lam Phu province. Most area is deciduous dipterocarp forest, which always changes its hue by early November. The national park headquarters at Phu Phan Kham by the lake has a picturesque sunset view. Camping ground is available. The attractions in the park include traces of a pre-historical community of the same period as Ban Chiang such as cave paintings and carvings footprints of dinosaurs that are presumed to be the same species as those found in Phu Wiang.
How to get there: from Khon Kaen, head for Ubolratana Dam until reaching Ubolratana Market 50 kilometres away. Then go via the Ubolratana-Non Sang Road, the park headquarters is 6 kilometres away. Motorists can also reach the park through the Udon Thani-Loei Road, then go through Amphoe Non Sang and get onto the Sok Chan-Ubolratana Dam Road. Bus on the route Ubolratana Dam-Non Sang also reach the park. The buses leave from Ubolratana Market.
Ubolratana dam
Ubolratana dam is the largest multi-purpose dam in the Northeast. To get there, take Highway No. 2 (Khon Kaen-Udon Thani) for 26 kilometres, turn left and drive for 24 kilometres. The dam is across the Phong river at the pass connecting Phu Kao and Phu Phan mountains. The view at the dam is magnificent. Tourists regularly frequent the area to look at the lake and sample local delicacies, including the famous grilled fish famous here.