Roi Et: Temples, Museum and Culture

Thailand’s Roi Et Province offers a wide variety of things to explore: Brahman sanctuaries and monumental structures, a museum covering a broad range of provincial topics, waterside recreation areas and traditional handicrafts. If you want to plan your time, you can focus separately on cultural history, exhibitions, views and nature. Roi Et is revealed not only through individual attractions, but also through the diversity of topics that come together in the province.

Temple architecture and distinctive structures

Ku Kasing (Wat Burapha Ku Kasing Noi) contains three prasat towers and two library buildings within its walls. The Brahman sanctuary was built in the 16th Buddhist century under the influence of Khmer culture. On 8 March 2478 in the Buddhist calendar, the Fine Arts Department registered Ku Kasing as an ancient monument. The construction period and registration date refer to different historical details: the former concerns the sanctuary’s construction, while the latter marks its registration as a monument.

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol has six storeys and measures 101 metres in width, length and height. Eight smaller chedis surround the structure. Roi Et Tower 101 offers a different perspective on the province’s landmarks: it is more than 101 metres high and has an open observation point with 360-degree views of Roi Et. The number 101 therefore refers to different measurements for the two structures: for the chedi, it describes all three dimensions; for the tower, it indicates a height exceeding 101 metres.

At Wat Buraphaphiram, a staircase leads up to the knee level of the 68-metre-high walking Buddha statue. Together with the chedi and the tower’s observation point, it offers another architectural landmark for travellers interested in discovering structures of different forms and sizes.

Museum, lakeside park and aquarium

The Roi Et National Museum covers the province’s geography, geology, archaeology and history, as well as prominent figures, local life, traditions and handicrafts. Its subject matter thus ranges from the character of the region to its culture and everyday life. Life-size scenes of Chinese life in Roi Et and multimedia information systems are also part of the exhibition. The exhibition may be updated.

Bung Phlan Chai is a public provincial park with an island in the lake. The Roi Et city aquarium is next to it and displays fish from the Mekong, Chi and Mun rivers, as well as the rest of northeastern Thailand. The park and aquarium offer different highlights: one is the lakeside park and its island; the other is the variety of fish from the rivers and regions mentioned. Those interested in waterscapes will find both a public park and an exhibition of fish from the country’s northeast in Roi Et.

Water, festivals and handicrafts

Bueng Kluea has water year-round and is visited for recreation, especially during festivals. Both details help put it in context: water is present throughout the year, while its particular use as a recreation area is especially associated with festivals. Roi Et is also known for traditional rocket festivals, which took place in several locations across the province in May and June. This festival tradition adds a different cultural perspective on the province to its temple and museum offerings.

The province’s handicrafts include, in particular, the Isan khaen, a wind instrument. The finest Isan khaen handicrafts are made in the small village of Si Kaew. Thanon Phadung Phanit is a worthwhile destination for silk and cotton fabrics. The instrument and textiles offer two different ways to explore local craftsmanship: the khaen represents a wind instrument, while the street is a place of interest for fabrics made from silk and cotton. When choosing what interests you on your trip, you can therefore consider traditional crafts and materials alongside structures, nature and exhibitions.

Discover more destinations: Amphoe Kaset Wisai, Khon Kaen, Khwan Mueang, Nai Mueang, Na Mueang, Nakhon Ratchasima, Lampang, Phra Nakhon Si Ayutthaya.

For the main travel overview: Thailand.