Three prasat towers and two library buildings stand within the walls of Ku Kasing (Wat Burapha Ku Kasing Noi). The interplay of these structures gives the sanctuary a distinctive outline. It is Brahmanical and was built in the 16th Buddhist century under the influence of Khmer culture. The Fine Arts Department registered the site as an ancient monument on March 8, 2478 in the Buddhist calendar.
Architectural forms at different scales
A different scale can be seen at Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol: the six-storey chedi is 101 meters wide, 101 meters long and 101 meters high; eight smaller chedi surround it. The same measurements in all three dimensions make the structure’s extraordinary size tangible. At Wat Buraphaphiram stands a 68-meter-high walking Buddha statue. A staircase leads up to knee height, providing a concrete sense of scale in relation to the figure.
History, life and crafts
The Roi Et National Museum devotes its exhibitions to the province’s geography, geology, archaeology and history, as well as to notable people, local life, traditions and handicrafts. Life-size scenes of Chinese life in Roi Et and multimedia information systems complement these themes. The museum thus presents natural and local history alongside depictions of everyday life and craft traditions.
The province’s handicrafts include, in particular, the Isan khaen, a wind instrument. The best Isan khaen crafts are made in the small village of Si Kaew. Thanon Phadung Phanit is a worthwhile destination for silk and cotton fabrics. Those interested in regional textiles will find a different way to explore the province here than through temple architecture or museum exhibits.
City views and waterscapes
Roi Et Tower 101 is more than 101 meters tall and has an open observation deck offering a 360-degree view of Roi Et. Here the scale shifts: instead of individual architectural forms, the focus is on a panoramic view of the city. Bung Phlan Chai, meanwhile, is a public provincial park with an island in the lake. The Roi Et City Aquarium is located next to Bung Phlan Chai. It features fish from the Mekong, the Chi, the Mun and the rest of northeastern Thailand; its exhibits may be updated.
Outside this park-and-city setting, Bueng Kluea offers a different focus. The body of water holds water year-round and is visited for recreation, especially during festivals; visitor numbers may vary by season. Traditional rocket festivals were held in several places in the province in May and June. Roi Et thus offers a range of interests side by side: sacred architecture and historical themes, insights into crafts and everyday life, as well as scenic views and waterside recreation spots.
Discover more destinations: Amphoe Kaset Wisai, Khon Kaen, Khwan Mueang, Nai Mueang, Na Mueang, Songkhla, Nakhon Pathom, Buriram.
See the broader travel overview: Thailand.
