Thoubal is the district headquarters, a few kilometres further along the main road. The town has a lively market and sits beside the Thoubal River, and is a practical base if you want to stay close to Khongjom.
Loktak Lake, about 40 km north of Khongjom via Imphal, is the largest freshwater lake in northeastern India and home to the unique floating phumdis — mats of organic matter that support the endangered Sangai (Eld's deer) on Keibul Lamjao National Park, the world's only floating national park. A visit here pairs well with a day trip to Khongjom.
Imphal itself is worth spending time in. Ima Keithel (the Mothers' Market), one of the largest all-women markets in Asia, and the Kangla Fort — the former seat of the Manipuri kingdom — provide context for the history you encounter at the Khongjom war memorial.