Roi Et

 

Eleven Beautiful City Gates, Towering Buddha Image, Saket Silk, Bun Phawet Tradition, Mahachedi Chai Mongkhon, Picturesque Bueng Phalan Chai, Expansive Thung Kula and World-renowned Jasmine Rice.

Roi Et province is located in the middle of Isan, the northeastern region of Thailand, where the modern city was founded over 200 years ago. Prior to that, the area featured a large city known as Saket Nakhon that had 11 other cities under its control and was protected by 11 city gates. Roi Et in Thai language means “one hundred and one” and the town was so called either because in ancient times they usually wrote the number eleven as 101 meaning ten and one, instead of one hundred and one, although it is also suggested they were simply exaggerating. At present, modern development has replaced the ancient civilization, making it hard to find any remains, though the 11th century Khmer ruins at Ku Kasing are under reconstruction as a new tourist venue. Roi Et also features a number of impressive Buddha images and some spectacular festivals, including old fashioned rocket festivals in several towns across the province during the months of May and June.

Roi Et town is built around a large artificial lake, Bung Phlan Chai, where a large, walking Buddha stands on a small island in its center. Tall Buddha images are popular in Roi Et, including the 68-meter tall walking Buddha at Wat Buraphaphiram, which has a staircase that enables visitors to climb to knee-high level. Those interested in historical buildings will enjoy Ku Kasing, a large Khmer sanctuary dating from the 11th century that lies sixty kilometers outside of town. Handicrafts are Roi Et province's main product, particularly the Isan khaen, a kind of woodwind instrument. The best ones are made in the small village of Si Kaew. For silk and cotton fabric, Thanon Phadung Phanit is a good place to visit.