FESTIVALS
Khao Pun Bun Phawet Fair
is held every March 1-2 at Bung Phlan Chai. Many Buddhists attend this merit-making ceremony. The main activity is the sermon by monks on Maha Wetsandon Chadok. A procession on the tale is a must-see event, as are the cultural performances. There are shops selling local products, particularly Khao Pun (or Khanom Chin as known in the Central region).
Boat races
are at Bung Phlan Chai in December. Teams actively compete in pageants and contests.
|
|
Welcome to Roi Et
Source: Tourism Authority of Thailand
General
Founded in 1782, Roi Et literally means ‘one hundred and one’, believed to be an exaggeration of the number 11 since the prosperous town once ruled 11 vassal states. The town was abandoned because of the natural disaster of flooding, but is now a steadily growing province. The province is part of the 200,000 plus rais of the famous Tung Kula Rong Hai (Kula Crying Fields), once a wasteland that was transformed into growing high-quality rice. The daily life in Roi Et is influenced by a conservative population with strong Buddhist traditions. The simple way of life in this mostly rural province in the lower Northeast is reflected in its arts and crafts, especially in the weaving of textiles.
Roi Et has an area of about 8,299 square kilometres, consisting of the following districts: Muang, 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.
Attractions
Bung Phlan Chai
Bung Phlan Chai is a large lake with an island in the middle. The lake is regarded as the symbol of Roi Et. The area has a public park and is the site of the city shrine.
Wat Burapha Phiram
Wat Burapha Phiram in town has the tallest Buddha image in the giving blessing posture in Thailand. This is another provincial symbol. The image is called Phra Phuttha Ratta Mongkhon Maha Muni, or called Luang Pho Yai by locals. The 67-metre-high image was made from concrete with steel reinforcements. The base serves a museum. To the west is an old city moat where the revered Chao Pho Mahesak Shrine is located.
Wat Klang Ming Muang
Wat Klang Ming Muang is an old temple on a hill in the town. The convocation hall was built in the late Ayutthaya period. The outer wall has a mural on the life of Lord Buddha. In the old days, the temple was the site of a pledge of allegiance ceremony to the king.
Wat Sa Thong
Wat Sa Thong houses the province’s sacred Luang Pho Sang Katchai. This revered Buddha image was discovered by Phraya Khattiya Wongsa, the first lord of Roi Et, in 1782. He then brought the image to the temple and made it the province’s main image. Government officials were once obliged to swear in front of the image every year.
Transportation
Bus
Bangkok-Roi Et buses depart from Mochit 2 Bus Terminal every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.
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.
Train
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.
Air
PBAir provides 4 weekly flight services from Bangkok to Roi Et on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, and Sundays. For more information, contact their Bangkok office at tel. 0-2261-0220 – 5.
|
|
|
