The 12th-century Prasat Puay Noi is the largest and most interesting Khmer ruin in northern Isan. About the size of Buriram’s Prasat Meuang Tam, but far less intact, the east-facing monument comprises a large central sandstone sanctuary surmounted by a partially collapsed prang and surrounded by laterite walls with two major gates. It has some good lintels left.
From Khon Kaen catch a bus (35B, one hour, every 30 minutes) or train (9B, 30 minutes, 8am and 8.30am) to Ban Phai, then a sŏrng·tăa·ou to Puay Noi (35B, one hour). The last sŏrng·tăa·ou back to Ban Phai leaves at 2pm. If you have your own wheels, head east of Ban Phai on Hwy 23 (signposted to Borabu) for 11km to Rte 2301. Follow it and Rte 2297 for 24km.
