Roi Et Attractions and Travel Guide

Attractions

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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