What to Do in Roi Et

Despite being under the radar, Roi Et is surprisingly active. The ancient temples are preserved within the city, while hip bars, social media-worthy cafes, and a small but prominent graffiti art walk indicate the city’s youth movement. Here are some things to do in Roi Et.

Bueng Phalanchai and the Roi Et (Wot) Tower

In the heart of Roi Et, this is a well-maintained artificial lake and park where locals gravitate to exercise, relax, make merit at shrines, and gather for events. There is public gym equipment, basketball courts, Zumba classes, and many like to run the perimeter.

The newest addition is the Roi Et Tower, conspicuous as a mega-Wot (wooden flute instrument) tribute. As I write this now, the tower has not opened, but it can be seen from all over the city. It will become a tourist site to see a panoramic view of Roi Et and there are rumors of adding a zip-line. There is a plaza area open in front of the tower where young activists, soccer fans, and photographers congregate.

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Prominent temples in the city 

Wat Burapha Phiram – The tall standing Buddha

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Wat Klang Ming Muang – with a four story temple with stairs leading to a good view of the city

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Wat Neua (The north temple) – with a 1000-year-old Chedi surrounded by turtle figure offerings

Roi Et National Museum

This is the secret gem of Roi Et. Yes, there is double pricing here (20 baht entry for Thais, 100 for foreigners) but don’t let this sour your experience.

This is a quality museum and a bargain. There are 3 floors full of artifacts and exhbitis telling the story of Roi Et. Some items in the museum are 4000 years old, and the semas outside next to the building cannot be missed.

I went on a Sunday afternoon, and the docents and volunteers were enthusiastic and knowledgeable. Real Roi Et locals sharing Roi Et history.

One of the funny things that happened is that some of them were taking photos of our group (which mostly consisted of Thai people). It made me think that probably not too many people actually visit the museum, so I encourage you to go and support the local museum. It’s also funny that it is the Roi Et “National” Museum, almost as if Roi Et is it’s own country.

Finally, the museum is English-friendly as there are captions and explanations in English as well as QR codes that link to English Youtube videos corresponding to the exhibits.

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Out of the city

Getting out of the city and driving through the rice fields gave me a real appreciation for Roi Et. It reminds me of Chiang Mai, where you can enjoy the comforts of a (small) city, and then escape for the day to mountains, green fields, dirt roads, and quiet.

Wat Pa Kung (aka Wat Prachakom Wanaram – วัดประชาคมวนาราม)

Not too far west of the town, tucked away in Si Somdet District, you can find this incredible temple that replicates Borobudur. It’s made of sandstone and not the typical Thai-style temple so worth a look if you have transportation. There is a parking lot outside the gate.

Just over an hour northeast from town, is the Nong Phok district sharing a border with Mukdahan province. There the landscape changes from light green rice fields to dark green, forested mountains.

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Nong Phok District

Wat Pha Nam Yoi (or Chedi Chai Mongkol)

This is a relatively new temple constructed within the past 30 years or so, that is easily accessible by road but fairly deep into the mountains. A prominent gate marks the entrance to the grounds and a brick pathway, overlooking a foggy valley will take you up to the temple. There’s also a continuously running, free shuttle that will take you all of two minutes to go from the parking lot up to the temple and back.

Once at the top, the spire of the temple piercing through the fog will guide you toward the walled complex. The interior garden is catered nicely but the temple is the highlight.

There’s a large, open round space, which is uncommon for Thai temples, which are usually rectangular rooms.  There are five unique floors, dedicated for prayer and for appreciating the donors. Some of the floors have outdoor areas that circle the chedi.  Temple connoisseurs will appreciate Wat Pha Nam Yoi for its details, whether its the glass windows, chandeliers, or Buddhist images. Once you reach the fifth floor, you can climb the steep spiral staircase to reach the top prayer room.

I’ll end with this: Wat Pha Nam Yoi may be one of the most impressive temples in Thailand. The fog and isolation adds to its allure.

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Paa Mog Miwai Cliff

This is the “cliff where the fog never leaves.” It is a viewpoint where you can overlook…something, maybe a valley. When I went there, the site lived up to its name and I couldn’t see through the thick fog.

Regardless, it’s a quiet and peaceful place in the mountains about 20 minutes from Wat Pha Nam Yoi. There is not a whole lot up there, some places to take photos, a small, basic café that also sells noodles, and some simple accommodations. It’s not a bad place to relax, but there’s not too much to do other than go on a short walk.

I find the fog comforting, and enjoyed the fresh Roi Et air.

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Wat Tham Soda

Wat Tham Soda is a temple that sits in a natural cave-like corridor, underneath a waterfall.

Once you arrive at the parking lot, you’ll see a small market at the entrance, which is all just a 10-minute walk to reach the waterfall and Buddhist site. There’s a nice overlook of the green valley, and as you walk down the trail, you’ll see the Thai-Buddhist custom of small piles of stones piled up on each other and sticks wedged vertically between rocks. I went during the rainy season, but the waterfall was more of a water drizzle. Still, this is a popular spot that local families and young people will make merit together and in a beautiful location.

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In other parts of Roi Et Province, there are remains of Khmer temples.