Several bronze and iron tools used as axes have been discovered in the province, along with a bronze ring attached to a skeleton. This is in addition to a copper axe found from 4,600 to 4,800 (2600 BC to 2800 BC), the oldest in Southeast Asia. During the
Dvaravati period, Khon Kaen was influenced by the culture of the central region. The oldest inscription found in
Khon Kaen dates back to the 8th century and is written in the
Old Mon language, suggesting the presence of
Mon people in the area at that time.The
Dvaravati culture is believed to have played a significant role in the region, and the
Nyah Kur people are thought to be descendants of the Dvaravati Mon people. The first city of the area was established in 1783 when Rajakruluang settled there with 330 people. King
Rama I made Rajakruluang the first governor of the area when establishing tighter connections with the
Isan area. The main city was moved six times until in 1879 it reached its present-day location at Nuang Kaw. Khon Kaen was under the governance of Udon in the early period of Rattanakosin, c. 2450 BCE.
The Integrated Opisthorchiasis Control Program, also known as the Lawa Project, an internationally recognized
liver fluke control program, has its offices in the Ban Phai and Ban Haet Districts south of Khon Kaen city. Other satellite cities that has to do with the separation from the city of Suwannabhumi and later separated into a city in the province of Khon Kaen after 1797 that includes the city of Mancha Khiri district.
Khon Kaen was incorporated as a city in 1797. ==Symbols==