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General Information
Roi Et town is built around a large
artificial lake,Bung Phlan Chai,where a large,walking Buddha stands on a
small island in its centre. Tall Buddhas are popular in Roi Et as Wat
Buraphaphiram features a 68-metres walking Buddha,with a staircase that
enables visitors to climb to knee-high level. Sixty kilometres outside of
town, Ku Kasing is a large Khmer sanctuary dating from the 11 th century,and
under restoration.
Handicrafts are the province's main product,particularly the Isan khaen, a
kind of panpipe made from wood and reeds. These are best made in the small
village of Si Kaew. Thanon Phadung Phanit is a good place to buy silk and
cotton fabric.
Roi Et has an area of about 8,299 square kilometres, consisting of
the following districts: Mueang, Thawat Buri, Selaphum, Phon Thong, Nong
Phok, At Samat, Phanom Phrai, Chaturaphak Phiman, Kaset Wisai, Suwannaphum,
Pathum Rat, Pho Chai, Mueang Suang, Phon Sai, Moei Wadi, Si Somdet, Changhan,
Chiang Khwan, Nong Hi and Thung Khao Luang.
How to get there
By Car:
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Ban Phai,
then take Highway No. 23 to Roi Et via Borabue and Maha Sarakham, a total
distance of 512 kilometres.
By Bus
Bangkok-Roi Et buses depart from Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Contact
Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for
more information.
By Rail
There is no direct train running to Roi Et. Visitors can take a train to
Khon Kaen, then continue the trip by bus to Roi Et. Call 1690, 0 2223
7010-20 for more information.
By Air
PB Air flies one flight daily from Bangkok to Roi Et. For more details, call
the Bangkok office at Tel. 0 2261 0220, 0 2535 4843-4 or Roi Et office at
Tel. 0 4351 9577, 0 4351 2835 or browse www.pbair.com. Roi Et Airport is
about 18 km. from the city. A shuttle bus from the airport to the city is
available.
Distances from Amphoe Mueang to Other Districts:
Thawat Buri
Chaturaphak Phiman
Mueang Suang
Si Somdet
Selaphum
At Samat
Phon Thong
Kaset Wisai
Changhan
Suwannaphum
Pho Chai
Phanom Phrai
Moei Wadi
Nong Phok
Phon Sai
Pathum Rat
Chiang Khwan
Nong Hi
Thung Khao Luang |
12 Kms.
26 Kms.
26 Kms.
27 Kms.
32 Kms.
34 Kms.
47 Kms.
47 Kms.
48 Kms.
52 Kms.
53 Kms.
64 Kms.
72 Kms.
73 Kms.
82 Kms.
85 Kms.
12 Kms.
78 Kms.
26 Kms. |
Attractions
Amphoe At Samat
Sim Wat Chakkrawan Phum Phinit or Wat Nong Muen Than
It is situated at Ban Nong Muen Than, Tambon Nong Muen Than. It features a
small ‘Sim’ of traditional northeastern style. Its gable and ‘Rang Phueng’
(decoration underneath the lower tie beam) feature fine woodcarving with a
wooden shingle roof. Outside is decorated with mural paintings. They depict
the life of the Lord Buddha when He subdued Mara - devils, hell, and the
Great Renunciation when the Lord Buddha cut his hair and the God Indra took
it to be enshrined at Chedi Chulamani in heaven. The murals inside the
Ubosot illustrate the folk tale of ‘Sang Sin Chai’. They are believed to
date back to the early Rattanakosin period.
To get there: From Mueang district, take Highway No. 2043 to At Samat
district, continue for 10 km., then turn into Ban Nong Muen Than for 2 km.
Amphoe Thung Khao Luang
Bo Phan Khan Rattanasophon
The park which was set up to commemorate the 50th Anniversary Celebrations
of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne is situated inside Wat Bo Phan Khan
Rattanasophon. It is also where the beautiful image of Phra Phuttha
Sahatsakhantha Mahamuninat is located.
To get there: Take the Roi Et - Phanom Phrai route from King Amphoe Nong Hi
to Tambon Den Rat. It is approximately 85 km. from Roi Et.
Amphoe Nong Phok
Pha Nam Yoi or Isan Buddhist Park
The large stone cliff is situated at Ban Khok Klang, Tambon Pha Nam Yoi. It
borders Nong Sung district of Mukdahan province and Kuchi Narai district of
Kalasin province. The total area is about 20,000 rai. It covers a forest
with wide varieties of hardwood trees and is home to various kinds of wild
animals such as boar, barking deer, deer, red junglefowl, etc. Pha Nam Yoi
rises 200 metres from the ground level, and 380-500 metres above sea level.
On the hill is situated Wat Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Wanaram, which covers an
area of 2,500 rai. The temple was built by Phra Achan Si Maha Wiro, a
follower of Phra Achan Man Phurithat. The temple houses Phra Mahachedi Chai
Mongkhon, one of Thailand’s largest chedis that was designed by the Fine
Arts Department. The white chedi is embellished with golden motifs, and
surrounded by smaller chedis at the eight directions. The large chedi is 101
metres wide, 101 metres long, and 101 metres high situated on a piece of
land with an area of 101 rai. It houses the relics of the Lord Buddha and is
beautifully decorated with a mixture of an ancient and contemporary-style of
art. This Phra Mahachedi Chai Mongkhon is situated in the compound of Wat
Pha Namthip Thep Prasit Wanaram.
Floors inside the chedi including:
Floor 1: The large hall for multi-purpose use and meetings.
Floor 2: The ‘Sala’ for assembly of the monks. The pictures on the walls
depict the life of the Lord Buddha.
Floor 3: The Ubosot, which houses a collection of 101 life-like marble
images of highly-respected monks of the Northeast and models of monks who
have practiced well.
Floor 4: Museum.
Floor 5: Winding staircase of 119 steps leading to the bell-shaped hall
where the Buddha’s relics are enshrined.
To get there: Take the Roi Et – Phon Thong – Nong Phok route. It is
about 80 km. from Roi Et, along Highway Nos. 2044 and 2136.
Pha Nam Yoi Forest Park
This forest park is at Ban Khok Klang, northeast of Nong Phok district
office. To get there, take Highway No. 2044 and 2136 for 62 kilometres. The
park has a steep cliff that rises about 200 metres. Water seeps down the
entire year. The area is a thick jungle teeming with wildlife.
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon
This large pagoda enshrining the relic of the Lord Buddha is situated in Wat
Pha Nam Thip.
Tham Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area
It covers a total area of approximately 151,242 rai, comprising steep and
complex undulating sandstone mountains with abundant dry evergreen forest,
deciduous forest, and deciduous dipterocarp forest. Fauna found in this area
include boars, barking deer, foxes, monkeys, squirrels, etc. The interesting
sight-seeing spot is Pha Phu Thai, which is the best point to view the
sunrise; and Pha Mok Mi Wai is the best spot to view the sunset. There are
also two nature trails of about 2 km. and 3 km. which tourists can trek by
themselves. The park provides accommodation and camping areas for those who
want to stay overnight. Reservations should be made in advance to the Head
of the Northeastern Literature Botanical Garden, Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting
Area, P.O. Box 1, Tambon Bueng Ngam, Amphoe Nong Phok, Roi Et 45210.
Pha Mok Mi Wai: Situated inside Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area, it is
the best viewpoint and is covered with mist all year round, as it is an
abundant area with high humidity. So the area is shady green and perfect for
nature lovers.
To get there: From Bangkok to Khon Kaen, take Highway No. 2, the Khon
Kaen – Nong Phok route, take Highway Nos. 209 and 2116 from Nong Phok to Ban
Tha Sa-at, for 9 km. Turn left from Ban Tha Sa-at and drive for 13 km., to
the Office of the Pha Nam Thip Non-hunting Area.
This Literature Botanical Garden
It is the regional literature botanical garden of the Northeast situated in
Dong Ma-i National Forest Reserve, Tambon Pha Nam Yoi, about 86 km. from the
city. It covers a total area of about 1,000 rai, featuring plants mentioned
in Thai literature such as the Vessantara Jataka, Khun Chang - Khun Phaen,
Lilit Phra Lo, Lilit Taleng Phai, Buddha’s history, etc. There is also an
herb garden. The entire garden has a lively atmosphere.
Amphoe Kaset Wisai
Ku Ka Sing
It is situated in Wat Burapha Ku Ka Sing, Tambon Ku Ka Sing. It is another
huge temple with Khmer-style architecture, comprising three prangs on the
same laterite base, and rectangular library buildings in front. All of them
are surrounded by a wall, with entrance pavilions known as Gopura at the
four directions. Outside is a U-shaped moat surrounding the wall.
The three prangs of the main building are situated on a single base in the
north – south direction. They have a square shape, facing east. The central
prang is larger than the other two prangs. It has a long antechamber with
three entrances at the front and on the two sides. The base of the prang was
made of sandstone and carved in various rows and strips of motifs such as
lotus petals and the flame-like ‘kanok’ motifs. Inside the inner chamber of
the central prang, there is a Siva Lingam, which represents the Supreme God
Siva and fertility, according to the beliefs in the Sivaite Sect of
Hinduism. Several lintels were also found here. One piece depicts the God
Indra on his mount – the Erawan or Airavata elephant – in a stylized arch
above the Kala face whose hands hold the garland. There is also a gable
depicting the God Indra sitting on his mount, Erawan elephant, amidst the
‘kan khot’ or scroll motif. The other two prangs have the same size and
common features, having a sandstone base and brick wall with a single front
entrance. There are pedestals of sculptures inside. Considering the art
style, architectural plan, as well as archaeological evidence, they show
that Ku Ka Sing followed the pattern of the Baphoun style of Khmer art,
which is dated around 1017 – 1087 A.D. It was meant to be a shrine dedicated
to Siva, one of the supreme gods in Hinduism.
To get there: There are two routes to get there; follow the Roi Et –
Kaset Wisai route or Highway No. 214 for 47 km. and continue further on the
Kaset Wisai – Suwannaphum route for 10 km. Turn right to Ku Ka Sing for 10
km; or take the Roi Et – Suwannaphum – Surin route (Highway No. 215) and
continue onto Highway 214 for 60 km. until reaching Wat Ku Phra Kona. On the
opposite side, there is a route to Ku Ka Sing, which is about 18 km.
further.
Amphoe Selaphum
Bung klua
Situated in Tambon Bueng Klua, it is a large lake covering a total area of
7,500 rai, with water all year round. There is a vast white sandy beach on
the bank, lined up with raft restaurants. It is one of the favourite spots
for tourists who come for relaxation and water sports.
To get there: From Mueang district, take Highway No. 23 passing
Thawat Buri district and upon arriving at Selaphum district, take Highway
No. 2259 for 10 km. and turn left and continue about 8 km. further.
Amphoe Thawat Buri
Bo Phan Khan Rattanasophon
The park which was set up to commemorate the 50th Anniversary Celebrations
of His Majesty’s Accession to the Throne is situated inside Wat Bo Phan Khan
Rattanasophon. It is also where the beautiful image of Phra Phuttha
Sahatsakhantha Mahamuninat is located.
To get there: Take the Roi Et - Phanom Phrai route from King Amphoe
Nong Hi to Tambon Den Rat. It is approximately 85 km. from Roi Et.
Prang Ku
It is located at Ban Yang Ku, Tambon Ma-ue. Prang Ku is a complex of
buildings with a plan that resembles the Khmer nursing home known as ‘Arogayasala’.
It comprises the main prang, a library, wall and entrance pavilions, and a
pond outside of the wall. The ruins are in good condition, especially the
roof structure of the main prang which still maintains its three tiers and
the lotus base of the pinnacle. Other ruins of the temple have been restored
and are located in a shady environment.
Apart from this, to the southeast inside of the front wall, there are many
more archaeological finds being kept such as a sandstone lintel depicting a
personage sitting on an elephant’s or bull’s back in a niche above the Kala
face. The abbot of Wat Si Rattanaram where Prang Ku is located said the
lintel belonged to the front porch of the main prang. There are also 2
fragments of colonnette; one with a hermit at the base, a large Siva Lingam
with its receptacle – Yoni - and a fragment of the pinnacle’s lotus base,
which was adapted to be the base of a stucco image of Phra Sangkatchai.
Prang Ku was built during the 12th – 13th Century A.D.
To get there: From the city, take Highway No. 23 (Roi Et – Yasothon)
for 10 km. until reaching Thawat Buri district, then turn left for 6 km. to
Prang Ku. Or take Highway No. 2044 (Roi Et – Phon Thong) for 8 km., then
turn right for just about 1 km. to Prang Ku.
Wat Pa Non Sawan
It is a huge temple built from the abbot’s omen. It was embellished and
decorated with local earthenware, so it looks strikingly eye-catching. The
entrance of the multi-tiered chedi represents Hanuman’s mouth. Each floor of
the chedi has murals illustrating the life of the Lord Buddha. At the
temple’s gate, there are two huge tortoises which look like Khmer or Indian
art. To get there: Take the Roi Et – Thawat Buri - Selaphum Road. It is
about 13 km. from Thawat Buri district and about 30 km. from Roi Et town.
The entrance is on the right side.
Amphoe Mueang
Bueng Phlan Chai
The picturesque lake on the area of 200,000 sq.m. in the central city is a
symbol of Roi Et. It is blessed with a relaxing atmosphere, with an island
decorated with a large flower garden. The pond also has various types of
fish. Bueng Phalan Chai is also used as a venue for various events of the
province. Inside is situated the city pillar shrine, the sacred shrine that
is highly revered by the people of Roi Et. There is also a large walking
Buddha image located amidst the flower garden, a Constitution atop a Footed
Tray, flower clock, Phu Phalan Chai (an artificial waterfall), animal
sculptures, playground and exercise areas.
Mueang Roi Et Municipality Aquarium
It is located near Bueng Phalan Chai. One of its twin buildings comprises an
auditorium, lecture room, exhibition room, office, a ticket booth and a
souvenir shop. The next building features an aquarium comprising 24 small
tanks and one 8 x 16 metre tank with a capacity of 400 cubic metres of fresh
water and a ‘bio filter’ system, which shows fresh water fish. The highlight
of the exhibition is the underwater tunnel through which one can view the
movements of the marine animals from any direction. The aquarium is open
everyday (except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. -
4:30 p.m. The entry fee is 30 baht. For more details, call Tel. 0 4351 1286.
Roi Et National Museum
Located on Phloen Chit Road, near the city hall. It was initially
established by Dr. Ko Sawatdiphanit with an aim to showcase local silk
textiles and handicrafts of Roi Et. It was later renovated when the Fine
Arts Department had the policy to set up a national museum. Today, it
showcases the province’s geography, natural resources, archaeology, history,
way of life and local hand-woven silk products. The museum is open every
day, except for Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00
p.m. The entrance fee is 30 baht. For more information, call Tel. 0 4351
4456.
omdet Phra Srinakarindra Park Roi Et
It is a public park in the heart of the city, located in front of the city
hall. The park was founded in 1986 on an area of 225 rai. It is decorated
with a variety of flowers and shady trees. The highlight is the fountain in
the middle of the park and a clock tower. There is also a public library.
The park is used as a venue for various cultural occasions and events of the
province.
The Monument of Phra Khattiyawongsa (Thon)
It is located at the centre of the Sai Nam Phueng Roundabout near the Roi Et
College of Dramatic Arts. Phra Khattiyawongsa (Thon) was the son of Thao
Chan Kaeo. He was appointed to be the first ruler of Roi Et in 1775 during
the reign of King Taksin the Great. He was the leader in setting up this
city, by migrating people from Mueang Thong to settle at Mueang Kum Rang or
Mueang Roi Et. He was considered a great ruler as he could restore the city
until Roi Et became one of the most prosperous cities in the region.
Wat Burapha Phiram
It is located in Roi Et city. The third-class royal temple was formerly
known as Wat Hua Ro and was later renamed as Wat Buraphaphiram. There is the
tallest standing Buddha image in Thailand known as Phra Phuttha
Rattanamongkhon Mahamuni or Luangpho Yai, which was built with reinforced
concrete in the blessing attitude. The Buddha image is 59.2 metres tall and
if the base is included, it would be 67.85 metres tall. There is a museum at
the base. Luangpho Yai is highly-revered by the people of Roi Et.
Wat Klang Ming Mueang
It is located on Charoen Phanit Road. The old temple is believed to have
existed before the establishment of Roi Et. The Ubosot was built during the
late Ayutthaya period. In the past, it was used for the Oath of Allegiance
Ceremony. At present, it is a venue for dharma practice and is known as
Sunthon Thamma Pariyat School. The Ubosot houses beautiful murals depicting
the life of the Lord Buddha. For more details, call Tel. 0 4351 2400.
Wat Sa Thong
It is located in the city on Hai Sok Road. The temple houses Luangpho Phra
Sangkatchai (Kaccayana), a sacred Buddha image highly revered by the people
of Roi Et. It is not known when it was built. In 1782, Phraya Khattiyawongsa
(Thon), the first founder of Roi Et, discovered this image and relocated it
to Wat Sa Thong to be the image of the city. In the past, all civil servants
had to make a promise before the image that they would be honest in their
work.
Amphoe Suwannaphum
Ku Phra Ko Na
It is situated at Ban Ku, Mu 2, Tambon Sa Khu. Ku Phra Kona comprises three
east-facing brick prangs lying in the north – south direction, standing on a
single sandstone base. They are surrounded by a boundary wall, with entrance
pavilions or Gopuras in four directions; all were made from sandstone.
The central prang was renovated in 1874 by plastering and making the roof
into tiers. Each tier has niches of Buddha images in four directions. The
front of the central prang was a ‘wihan’ of the Buddha’s footprint,
decorated with the original six-headed Naga. The other two prangs were also
renovated, but they remain in their usual styles; unlike the central prang
which has been considerably changed. The northern prang was covered with a
‘sala’ building providing shelter for a gable depicting the Ramayana.
Meanwhile, the lintel carving that represents the reclining Vishnu remains
in situ above the front entrance. The lintel of the western false door was
laid on the floor; it depicts the God Vishnu on his mount Garuda. The
southern prang still has lintels above the false doors. The one in the north
depicts a deity kneeling inside a stylised arch above the Kala face. In
front, there is also a fallen lintel depicting the God Siva on his bull.
There are also some causeway boundary stones lying over there. It is assumed
that Ku Phra Kona formerly had a Naga bridge and causeway lined with
boundary stones on both sides from the front entrance pavilion (Gopura) to
the lake (Baray), which was located about 300 metres away. All sculptural
features suggest that Ku Phra Kona probably dates from the Baphoun period,
or the 11th Century.
To get there: It is 60 km. from Mueang district along Highway No.
215, passing Mueang Suang and Suwannaphum districts. Then, take Highway No.
214 for 12 km. Ku Phra Kona will be on the left-hand side. There is a rubber
plantation at the entrance and a lot of monkeys residing in the temple.
Northeastern Botany in Literature Park
This is in Tambon Pha Nam Yoi, 85 kilometres from Yasothon. Plants here are
from Thai literature like Phra Wetsandon and Lilit Phra Lo. There are also
herbs categorised according to their medicinal attributes.
Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan
It is situated at Ban Tak Daet, Tambon Hua Thon. The architectural structure
suggests that it is a traditional small ‘Sim’ – local dialect for Ubosot -
of the Northeast with a low boundary wall. Its gable and ‘Rang Phueng’ –
decoration underneath the lower tie beam – are elaborately carved. The Sim
houses murals illustrating Buddhist stories. It is assumed that it dates
back to around the Ayutthaya or early Rattanakosin period. Outside the Sim
is situated an Isan-style Buddha image which was moved from Wat Tai Wilai
Tham (same district). Sim Wat Traiphum Khanachan was renovated by the Fine
Arts Department in 1998 and awarded for outstanding architecture by the
Association of Siamese Architects under Royal Patronage in the year 1998. To
get there: From Mueang district, take Highway No. 214 to Highway No. 215
until reaching Suwannaphum district, then turn left and continue for 5 km.
Thung Kula Rong Hai
This land used to be an expansive, dry, harsh place in the middle of the
region. It covers 5 provinces which are Roi Et, Surin, Buri Ram, Yasothon,
and Maha Sarakham. One-third of the area is in Roi Et. There is a legend
that says the Kula people were traders in ancient times who were also great
fighters with excellent stamina. However, they cried when they got to Thung
Kula Rong Hai because it was such a desolate place without water and big
trees. Nowadays the area is fertile due to the efforts of the government to
develop it and is suitable for agriculture. The development centre is 6
kilometres from the district office, a bit past Ku Phra Ko Na.
Festivals
Bun Bangfai Festival
The festival is organised annually around June. Every district will organise
colourful parades of Bangfai rockets that reflect the folk culture and local
traditions of Roi Et province, especially the parades from Phanom Phrai and
Suwannaphum districts will be lavishly decorated.
Bun Khao Chi and Pho Chai Products Festival or Bun Duean Sam
It is held according to Hit Sip Song - the Northeastern twelve festivals for
the twelve months. The Northeasterners believe that by making merit with
Khao Chi or grilled sticky rice, they would gain huge merit. The festival
also features a beauty pageant and competition of a giant-sized Khao Chi.
Candle Festival
It is organised annually on Asalha Puja Day at the Somdech Phra
Srinakarindra Park. Each temple will beautifully decorate their candle
floats with colourful flowers, and the parade will move along the road via
the market to the cruciform pavilion in the Park. There will also be
contests of decorated candles and floats with cultural performances.
Khao Pun Bun Phawet Fair
First held in 1991, it has been held annually around early March every year
ever since. The event takes place at the Somdech Phra Srinakarindra Park and
Bueng Phalan Chai. Bun Phawet, or known in the Central Region as Bun
Mahachat, is usually held in the 4th lunar month. It is a Buddhist ceremony
in which the monks give a sermon of all chapters of the Vessantara Jataka,
otherwise called the Great Birth Sermon. There are also 13 parades of Phawet,
according to the number of the chapters of the sermon, arranged by various
public and private organisations. The area around Bueng Phalan Chai has
stalls providing free ‘Khao Pun’ - rice noodle - for participants. There are
also contests of traditional arts and culture such as making the ‘bai si su
khwan’ tray.
Long Boat Races of Tambon Mueang Bua, Kaset Wisai District
The event is held annually at the end of the Buddhist Lent, or around
mid-October when there is plenty of water in the river. Boats joining the
races are from Roi Et and nearby provinces including Kalasin, Maha Sarakham,
Si Sa Ket, and Nakhon Ratchasima.
Shopping
Hand-woven Fabric
Ban Wai Luem in Thawat Buri is a centre for silk with colorful and exquisite
patterns. The source for Khaen (a northeastern musical instrument) is Ban Si
Kaeo in Amphoe Mueang. These products can be purchased from the local
handicrafts sales centre in front of the provincial hall or city stores.
Dining
Amphoe Mueang
Rotchana
Prachathammarak Road, Amphoe Mueang, Roi Et
Folkland Tel. 0 4351 3500
Tel :: 0 4351 1311
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