'''Roi Et''' is the provincial capital of Roi Et Province.
Understand
Roi Et is the province located in the middle part of northeast Thailand, and established over 200 years ago. It used to be a very large and glorious city named Saket Nakhon having 11 city gates and 11 satellite cities or subordinated communities under its ruling. Since there have been several developments in various aspects continually from the past thus changing it into a strange place where one can hardly trace its original features.
Roi Et is administratively divided into 17 Amphoes and two King Amphoes: Muang Roi Et, Kaset Wisai, Pathum Rat, Chaturaphak Phiman, Thawat Buri, Phanom Phrai, Phon Thong, Selaphum, Suwannaphum, At Samat, Nong Phok, Muang Suang, Pho Chai, Phon Sai, Moeiwadi, Amphoe Si Somdet ,Amphoe Janghan, King Amphoe Chiang Khuan, "king Amphoe Nong Hee and King Amphoe Tungkao Luang. There are partial areas of four Amphoes located in Kula Ronghai Field, they are Suwannaphum, Kaset Wisai, Pathum Rat, Phon Sai. Roi Et occupies an area of 8,299.50 square kilometres.
History
The history of Muang Roi Et started around late Ayutthaya period, i.e., a king of Laos with his people migrated from Champasak City to settle down in the area which is currently Amphoe Suwannaphum. Later, during the reign of King Taksin of Thon Buri era Muang Roi Et was moved to the present site while Muang Suwannaphum is still located at its original location till now.
In addition to historical evidences, there have been findings of archaeological evidences showing that the area used to be the habitat of pre-historic people. It was also under the influence of ancient Khmer kingdom due to several findings of Khmer style archaeological sites as Ku Phra Kona, Amphoe Suwannaphum; Ku Kasing, Amphoe Kaset Wisai; Prang Ku, Amphoe Thawatchaburi; etc.
Get in
Roi Et is 512 kilometres by Highway from Bangkok. The best and most convenient route is to leave Bangkok via Saraburi-Nakhon Ratchasima-Ban Phai-Maha Sarakham Highway to Roi Et totalling a journey duration in the region of five hours.
From the Northeast Bus Terminal(BKK, Mo Chit) there are several ordinary and air-conditioned buses going to Roi Et. For ordinary bus and air-conditioned buses one can contact the Transport Company Limited at Tel. (662) 936-0657.
There is also the bus route from Rayong via Pattaya-Nakhon Ratchasima-Buriram-Roi Et to Mukdahan.
Travelling by plane:
PB Air has flights to Roi Et but check with their website www.pbair.com as the schedule varies.
Get around
Take a Samlor ("three wheels") to get around.
You will always find samlors near markets, hotels, the bus station and in the city centre.
Prices are normally between 20,- baht and 50,- baht. (2008)
See
'''Phalanchai Lake''' - The lake, situated in the heart of Roi Et township, is regarded the symbol of the province. It features an island amidst a large size lake occupying an approximate area of 200,000 square meters. Being a relaxation place, it is decorated with a large flowers garden of various species of trees giving shady area to the place. There are several kinds of fish in the lake and boats for people to row are available. Inside the area:
:* City Pillar Shrine which is highly revered by Roi Et people.
:* Large Walking Buddha image located amidst the garden.
:* Pedestal in term of long leg bowl containing constitution book and flower clock.
:* Phu Phalan Chai featuring an imitating zoo and artificial waterfall.
:* Health corner where people can come for exercise.
:* Children's playground.
Phalanchai Lake and grounds is now a NO SMOKING area, with a 2,000 Baht fine for ignoring this
'''Roi Et Somdet Phra Srinakharin Park''' - This is a public park located in the heart of the town in front of the Provincial Administrative Building (Sala Klang). It was opened to the public in the year 1986 having an approximate area of 225 rai. The park is decorated with various species of flowers, plants, and various sizes of trees providing shady area for the park. The outstanding spot of this park is the fountain springing up high in the middle part of the park. The white clock tower located in the heart of the city also gives Roi Et a graceful and beautiful appearance. There is a library for the public at this tower too and this place is also used for various festivals and entertainment activities of the province.
'''Wat Buraphaphiram''' - This monastery, located in Roi Et municipal area, east of Thanon Phadung Phanich, houses the Thailand's highest Buddha image in the attitude of blessing, named " Phra Phuttha Ratana Mongkhon Maha Muni " . The image is built of reinforced concrete and under its base, there are several museum chambers. The height of the statue from the foot to the top of the finial is 59 metres and 20 centimetres. East side of the monastery, adjacent to the ancient city moat, is the construction site of the pavilion housing Chao Pho Maha Sakdanuphab spirit which is highly revered by Roi-Et people.
'''Wat Klang Ming Muang''' - This monastery, located on a knoll in Roi Et township area, is a very old monastery and is presumed that it should have been built before the foundation of Roi Et while its main shrine hall was built in late Ayutthaya period. It was used as the place for oath taking ceremony in the past. At present, this monastery is utilized as a Buddhism teaching school and as a place where annual examination on Dharma teaching takes place. There are beautiful and valuable mural paintings concerning the Lord Buddha's biography on the inside walls of main shrine hall.
'''Wat Sa Thong''' - This monastery is also located in the township area. It houses Luang Pho Sangkatjai (the Happy Buddha) which is highly respected by Roi Et people. However, it is unknown as to when it was built but in the year 1782 Phraya Khattiya Wongsa (Thao Thon). the first ruler of Roi Et, found this statue and recognized its oldness and severity. He, then, invited the image to be enshrined in Wat Sa Thong and upgraded it into the town treasure. In the past, every official must come to attend an annual oath taking ceremony before the Buddha image making intention that he will be honest to the country.
'''Roi Et National Museum''', Pleonjit Road, Naimuang Subdistrict, Muang District Roi Et Province 45000 Tel. (043) 514-456. Services : Museum tour and bookshop. 09.00 a.m. - 04.00 p.m. Wednesday - Sunday. 30 Baht.
'''Prang Ku or Prasat Nong Ku''', which is a group of stone structures in old Khmer architecture, including the pond circling outside the wall. The structures are in near perfect condition. Take Highway 2044 and after eight km, turn right. Continue for one more km.
'''Ban Wai Luen''', where villagers earn their living by making silk cloth under a cooperative set up for joint marketing. The products from this village have won several awards for their quality. The village is on Highway 23, around the 145 km. market.
'''Selaphum''', Bung Klua. It is located in the area of Tambon Muang Phrai, Amphoe Selaphum, about 10 kilometres east of Amphoe Selaphum township. It is a large reservoir occupying an area of 7,500 Rai having white clean sand along the bank. There are lot of tourists visiting this lake on holidays.
'''Phon Thong''', Laem Phayom. This cape, being a relaxation spot, is located in the east of Phon Thong Lake which is a large reservoir occupying an approximate area of 20 Rai. It is located approximately two kilometres east of Amphoe Phon Thong Office (Phon Thong-Nong Phok Road).
'''[http://www.orientexpat.com/thailand/isaan/pha-nam-yoi.xhtml Wat Pha Nam Yoi]''', a huge, beautiful temple on a small mountain with sweeping views of the surrounding countryside, about 70 km from Roi Et city on highway 2044 and 2136.
Do
Relax ... meet nice people ... and enjoy "real Thailand"
Buy
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.
Eat
'''101 Pizza''' is on the street that circles the lake in the middle of Roi Et. Good western food - pizza, burgers,etc. Service is great by friendly staff. Owner Joe is from Canada and a fountain of information for the tourist.
'''Jutamat''', Thawa Phiban soi 13 (''behind the Valuvan temple''), tel. 0844037460. A well known take-away street-restaurant in Roi Et. The owners are two Thai ladies, Gai and Pai, and they prepare excellent original Isaan food and they speak English.
'''JJ''', Thawa Phiban soi 13 (''opposite Rose hotel''). The Danish/Thai owners have created a relaxed meeting place for local expats and tourists. Thai and western style food, snooker, satellite TV, music. Open from 4.pm until ?
''' The Pizza Company''', Nevada Roi-Et (Tesco Lotus Mall), tel. 043-516410 or call 1112. Open Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Over 30 different delicious toppings and a selection of great-tasting cheese blends and inviting appetizers.
'''Swensen's''', Nevada Multiplex Roi-Et (Tesco Lotus Mall), tel. 043-516416 or call 1112. Monday-Sunday from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. Premium ice cream in hundreds of flavors.
Sleep
'''Petcharat Garden Hotel''', [http://www.petcharatgardenhotel.com/].
'''Roi Et City Hotel''', [http://www.roietcityhotel.com/thai/index.html].
'''Mai Thai Hotel''', 99 Thanon Hai Sok, Tel. 0 4351 1136, 0 4351 1038 Rate 455 ? 750/night.
'''Banchong Hotel''', 99-101 Thanon Suriyadet Bamrung, Tel. 0 4351 1235, Rate s 120 ? 200/night.
'''Sai Thip Hotel''', 133 Thanon Suriyadet Bamrung, Tel. 0 4351 4028, 0 4351 1742 Rate 280 ? 380/night.
'''Khaen Kham Hotel''', 52-62 Thanon Ratthakit Khlai Khla, Tel. 0 4351 1508, Rate 180 ? 220/night.
'''Bungalow 99 Hotel''', 102-104 Thanon Sunthon Thep, Tel.0 43 51 1035, 0 4351 3986 Rate 220 ? 320/night.
'''Bua Thong Hotel''', 40-46 Thanon Ratthakit Khlai Khla, Tel. 0 4351 1142 Rate 120 ? 270/night.
'''Pannadda Resort''', 251 MU 16 Tambol Nua Mueang, Tel. 0 4351 3822-4 Fax. 0 4351 2487 Rate 300 /night.
Get out
From Roi Et Province, the bus leaves Roi Et Terminal at Thanon Thawa Phiban, Tel. (043) 511939, 512546.