:: Suwannaphum

Ku Phra Ko Na is in Tambon Sa Khu, 60 kilometres from Amphoe Muang on the Roi Et-Suwannaphum-Surin route. The site consists of 3 brick pagodas on a sandstone base lined from north to south. A wall and a doorway are also present. Estimated to have been built in the 11 th century, much of the pagoda had been altered. Existing before, though not visible now, were a lintel, a Naga bridge and a sheltered walkway leading to the pool nearby.

Thung Kula Rong Hai used to be an expansive, dry, harsh place in the middle of the region. It expands over the 5 provinces of 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, particularly the popular high-quality jasmine rice. The development centre is 6 kilometres from the district office, a bit past Ku Phra Ko Na.


Pha Nam Yoi Forest Park is at Ban Khok Klang, northeast of Nong Phok district office. To get there, take Highway No. 2044 and Highway No. 2136 for 62 kilometres. The park has a steep cliff that rises about 200 metres. Water seeps down the entire year. The area is a thick jungle teeming with wildlife.

Northeastern Botany in Literature Park 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.

:: Festival

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 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.

:: Hotels and accommodation

99 Hotel :: 100-104 Sunthonthep Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1035, 0 4351 3985-6] :: :: 150-300 baht

Banchong :: 99-101 Suriyadet Bamrung Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1235, 0 4351 5158] :: :: 80-140 baht

Bua Thong :: 40-46 Ratthakit Khlaaikhla Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1142] :: :: 90-200 baht

Khaen Kham :: 50-62 Ratthakit Khlaikhla Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1508, 0 4351 4037] :: :: 140-300 baht

Mai Thai :: 99 Hai Sok Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1136, 0 4351 2277-9] :: :: 670-1,700 baht

Phetcharat :: 60-104 Hai Sok Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1741, 0 4351 1937, 0 4351 4058] :: :: 280-750 baht


Phrae Thong :: 45-47 Phloenchit Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 1127] :: :: 110-200 baht

Roi Et Thani :: 511/8-10 Phadung Phanit Road Amphoe Muang [0 4352 0387-400 Fax: 0 4352 0401 Bangkok Tel: 0 2238 4970-5] :: :: 1,647-8,239 baht

Roi-Et City Hotel :: 78 Pleonjit Road, Nai Muang, Muang [(66) 4352-0386-402]

Saithip :: 60-62 Suriyadet Bamrung Road Amphoe Muang [0 4351 4028, 0 4351 1742] :: :: 200-300 baht

:: Restaurants

Local Cuisine

 

Bung Luang :: SunthornThep Rd. (shoreline of Palanchai Lake)

Fai Kiew (noodles) :: SunthornThep Rd. (shoreline of Palanchai Lake), Tel: 0-4351-4782, 0-4351-5265

Falkland Food Court :: 223 Nong Ya Ma Village, Ranachai Chanyut Rd., Muang, Tel: 0-4351-3500

L.A. :: 188 Sunthorn Thep Rd., Tel: 0-4351-5341

Mai Tai Coffee Shop :: Mai Tai Hotel, Tel: 0-4351-1038

Marine :: Meechokchai Rd., Tel: 0-4351-2795


Mu Hao :: 102/66 Ranachai Chanyut Rd., Tel: 0-4351-2477

Petcharat Coffee Shop :: Petcharat Hotel, Tel: 0-4351-1741, 0-4351-1058

Rojana :: 40/8 Pracha Thammarak Rd., Tel: 0-4351-1311, 0-4351-4024

Tako Rai :: 30/2 Suk Kasem Rd., Tel: 0-4351-1107

:: How to get there

:: By car

:: By bus

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.

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.

:: By train

:: By Plane

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.

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.