Explore Roi Et: 12 Amazing Things to Do & More

12 Best Things to Do in Roi Et

1. Go Up Roi Et Tower ♥️ Must Visit

Isaan has many great cities, but none match the charm and iconic landmarks of Roi Et, which define its entire cityscape. Standing in the heart of Roi Et City Center is the Roi Et Tower, a 101-meter-tall observation deck shaped like a wot, a traditional bamboo panpipe instrument typical of Isaan’s folk music culture.

Fun fact: Roi Et in Thai means "one hundred and one", which is why the tower was built to be exactly 101 meters tall. With a height equivalent to a 35-story building, the tower features observation decks on floors 28 to 34 and culminates on the 35th floor, which houses a Buddhist shrine enshrining Phra Phuttha Ming Muang Mongkol, the province's revered principal Buddha image.

At the observation levels, you will get spectacular 360-degree views of the city, with some floors featuring a glass floor skywalk you can walk on. There are also cafes, souvenir shops, and even a local museum inside. It's a great one-stop-shop for those who only have time to visit Roi Et City.

This is hands down one of the most iconic landmarks I’ve seen in any provincial city in Thailand, offering not only breathtaking views but also a showcase of Isaan’s rich traditions and culture. Be sure to visit while you’re here! The tower is open daily from 9 AM to 7 PM, with the last ticket sold at 6 PM. Entry is 50 THB per person.

Where to Stay in Roi Et?

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Le Park 23 Boutique Resort

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HOP INN Roi Et

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The Hi Place

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2. Explore Bueng Planchai ♥️ Must Visit

Right next to Roi Et Tower, you’ll find Bueng Planchai, a lake with what is arguably one of the best-developed lakeside parks in Thailand. It features fountain shows, stunning walkways over the water, and a lively evening atmosphere that reminded me of the Marina Bay area in Singapore. Yes, it's that incredible!

This is, hands down, my favorite area in the city. It’s proof that Thai cities can create well-designed, thoughtfully planned lakeside spaces that rival those in the most beautiful cities of the Western world. The way they’ve laid out the park, the monuments, and the pathways, while providing constant views of the iconic Roi Et Tower. This is something other cities in Thailand should take note of!

I highly recommend visiting the park in the evening, right around sunset. This is when the whole area comes alive with people jogging along the paths, beautiful lights illuminating both the park and Roi Et Tower, and the sky gradually shifting from orange to purple to deep blue. It’s truly a sight to behold!

Around 6 PM, you can also catch the fountain show, which is usually performed every 30 minutes or so. Sure, it's nothing like the one in Dubai, but hey, you're in Isaan! And for here, it's pretty great, all things considered 😉.

There’s also a lovely elevated walkway over the water that’s perfect for an evening stroll. At night, the walkway is especially beautiful, with twinkling lights and uninterrupted views of the landmark Roi Et Tower. Parking is available around the lake, but it can get busy around 6 PM, so it’s best to arrive a bit early, head up the tower for sunset views, then come down and enjoy a leisurely walk around the lake.

3. Check Out One of the Largest Standing Buddha Image at Wat Burapha Phiram

Not too far from Bueng Planchai, you will find Wat Burapha Phiram, a highly revered temple best known for its massive 67-meter standing Buddha images that are considered to be one of the tallest of its kind in Thailand.

Like with the Roi Et Tower, you can see the standing Buddha image across the city. Apparently, it was built way back in 1973 and yet, it still looks as new as it was built yesterday. The temple itself was older though as it was established in 1913 as a resting point for traders and travelers.

At the temple ground, you will also find many lovely temple structures with a beautiful white pagoda that is said to have housed a Buddha relic from India. It's not very big, so expect to spend about 30 minutes here. The temple is open from 5 AM to 7 PM daily and the entry is free.

4. Drop By Roi Et National Museum 🏛️ Best Museum

If you want to learn more about Roi Et and its rich history, the Roi Et National Museum is the place to be. If you look at the city on Google Maps, you’ll notice that the city center is surrounded by moats, an ancient defensive feature found in many historic cities in Thailand, highlighting just how long and storied Roi Et’s past is.

The museum houses a wide range of exhibits covering different periods, from prehistoric times to the Dvaravati, Khmer, and Lan Xang eras, as well as the more recent Rattanakosin period. You’ll find fascinating artifacts such as ancient pottery, religious relics, traditional textiles, and tools that offer insight into the daily lives of people in Isaan over the centuries.

Informative signage in both Thai and English makes it easy for foreign visitors to understand and appreciate the exhibits. The museum is open from Wednesday to Sunday, 9 AM to 4 PM, with an entry fee of 100 THB per person.

5. Check Out the Street Art in Roi Et

Just before you leave Roi Et City to explore other attractions around the province, be sure to stop by this street filled with street art created by local artists, which stretches almost the entire length of the road.

Along the right side, you’ll find both beautiful and humorous artworks that blend Isaan culture with the everyday life of Roi Et’s people. While some pieces have faded over time and could benefit from a refresh, the street is still worth a quick drive-by or walk-through to appreciate the creativity.

Before leaving the city, make sure to check out these murals and keep an eye out for more as you explore Roi Et. Since the artwork is in a public space, you can visit at any time of day.

6. Visit Waterfall Cave Soda

Located on the far fringes of the province, right next to Kalasin and Mukdahan, you will find Waterfall Cave Soda, a beautiful cave located inside a temple where several shrines are built alongside a massive rock cliff. The main shrine is situated behind a waterfall that you can hike to.

It is very scenic and peaceful, especially during the rainy season when the water flow is strongest. From the main shrine, you can enjoy stunning views of Roi Et's mountainous landscape. You can also hike further down the waterfall to see more Buddha images.

The hike takes you through lush green forests and feels especially peaceful when it rains. The walk from the parking lot to the waterfall cave takes about 10 minutes. Be careful when hiking around the temple during rainy weather, as the trail can become quite slippery at times.

This place attracts many locals who come to make merit and relax on weekends, so if you want to enjoy a peaceful stroll, visiting on a weekday will likely give you the whole place to yourself. The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

7. Be Blown Away by Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon ♥️ Must Visit

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon is a gigantic temple built on a mountain opposite Waterfall Cave Soda. You can even see the spire of its structure from the Waterfall Cave Soda parking lot, which shows just how large the temple is. It is about a 25-minute drive from Waterfall Cave Soda and definitely a must-see, especially if you are already in the area.

Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon is impressive in every sense. As you enter, you will find a stunningly decorated garden that resembles a European-style garden but with a Buddhist decor twist. At the center stands a massive pagoda flanked by four smaller pagodas.

You can climb the main pagoda to the balcony for an incredible mountaintop view. It's quite a hike up the steep stairs of the temple, but it's well worth the effort. Unfortunately, when I was there, it was raining and it got too windy that I managed to only be out on the balcony for less than a minute before I was bombarded by rain and wind, and gave up. If you are there on a beautiful day, be sure to climb up the temple for the view!

Every floor you climb, you will also get to see some really stunning decor, with one floor that I remember particularly because of how lavishly it was decorated. It had massive pillars covered with intricately designed golden patterns and decor, with a chandelier hanging in the middle. It was quite a sight to see.

The temple ground is very big, so spend some time exploring the whole area. When I was there, many of the structures in the temple ground were still being decorated, and I got a glimpse of how they were doing it with small pieces of decorations still being painted gold. I also got to see one of the guys behind all the beautiful murals here at his work station. It was an honor to see him at work!

This temple is truly a sight to behold, and it would be a shame to travel all the way here without visiting this nearby gem. The temple is open daily from 6 AM to 6 PM, and entry is free. Do not miss visiting this temple, as well as Waterfall Cave Soda!

8. Be Amazed by all the Colorful Statues at Wat Pa Non Sawan

Wat Pa Non Sawan is probably one of the most colorful and quirky temples you can visit in Roi Et. It’s best known for its vast collection of vibrant statues and carvings that depict everything from the life cycle of the Buddha to mythical creatures of Buddhist theology, like nagas, giants, and more.

I’ve been to many temples across Thailand, but I’ve never seen anything quite like this one. The sheer number of colorful statues here is mind-boggling. Right from the start, you’ll find yourself surrounded by statues of people riding elephants, with a pathway leading into the mouth of a giant that forms the temple’s dramatic entrance gate.

Along both sides of the pathway, you'll discover countless colorful statues of mythical creatures and characters mixed with Buddha images, statues of everyday people, and more. Be sure to keep an eye out for some cool Easter eggs hidden among them!

Once you pass through the gate, you’ll find a tower you can climb to get a bird’s-eye view of the temple. Unfortunately, it wasn’t open when I visited, but the colorful statues surrounding the tower are still quite a sight. Highlights include the giant mouth serving as the tower’s entrance and numerous impressive mythical creatures, part lion, part elephant statues, and much more.

The temple is located about a 30-minute drive east of the city center, so be sure to check it out while you're in Roi Et. It's open 24/7 every day, and entry is free.

9. Visit Wat Ku Phra Kona

Roi Et also has some beautiful and stunning Khmer ruins to explore, and one of the most impressive is Wat Ku Phra Kona. This temple was built around 11th-century Khmer ruins featuring three east-facing brick prangs (religious spires) aligned on a single sandstone base, characteristic of the Baphuon style prevalent during the Khmer Empire.

The site is about an hour's drive south of the city center. When you arrive at the temple, you'll find yourself surrounded by lush green forest with tall trees and many monkeys running about, so be sure not to bring anything that looks like food when exploring the area.

Once you reach the ruins, you can walk around and admire the three beautiful prangs on the site. The temple has undergone various restorations and modifications, including the addition of new structures and the application of stucco to the central prang.

The other two prangs remain largely intact, though one is in such deteriorated condition that a protective roof has been built over it to shield it from rain and erosion, which could lead to collapse. There are so many beautiful hidden gems and secret corners here that are waiting for you to see, so be sure to keep an eye out for them.

If you are looking for a beautiful ancient historical site to explore with a touch of adventure, dealing with all the monkeys in the area 🤣, then be sure to come check out Wat Ku Phra Kona. The temple is open approximately from 8 AM to 6 PM daily, and entry is free.

10. Check Out Wat Burapha Ku Ka Singh

No, we’re not done with Khmer ruins just yet. Not far from Wat Ku Phra Kona, about a 20-minute drive west, you’ll find Wat Burapha Ku Ka Singh, a significant Khmer-style archaeological site constructed during the 11th or 12th century, and it is said to have originally been built as a Hindu sanctuary dedicated to Shiva.

The ruins here are much larger than those at Wat Ku Phra Kona and resemble those found in Buriram, Surin, and Si Saket, though a bit smaller and with fewer tourists. That said, I was quite surprised that it doesn’t get as much attention as other historical sites in this part of Isaan.

This Khmer ruin is a fine specimen, with beautiful structures and foundations still intact. The stone carvings here are also very impressive to see. If you love history and want to explore a fascinating Khmer ruin in Roi Et, be sure to visit Wat Burapha Ku Ka Singh. The temple is open 24/7, but it’s best to visit during daylight hours. Entry is free.

11. Drop By Wat Pa Kung

Did you know you don’t have to travel all the way to Indonesia to see Borobudur, one of the world’s most ancient and sacred Buddhist sites? You can simply visit Wat Pa Kung, a forest temple about a 30-minute drive from Roi Et City Center, where you’ll find a replica of Borobudur.

Well, the replica here is not as ancient nor as impressive as the real one in Yogyakarta, Indonesia, but it's great for those who do not have the means to travel abroad yet, and hopefully by seeing this one, they will be inspired to see the real one in the future when they have the means to do so.

Much like the real one, you can also climb up each level of the structure, and you will be surrounded by rows and rows of smaller stupas. From up here, you can catch the view of the lush green forest in the surrounding area.

It's definitely a fun little stop as you head west from Roi Et City towards Khon Kaen. If you are traveling that way, be sure to drop by and check out Wat Pa Kung. The temple is open approximately from 8 AM to 6 PM daily, and the entry is free.

12. Stroll Around Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua

Last but not least, if you’re looking for a quiet place to stroll near Roi Et City, be sure to check out Chedi Maha Mongkol Bua. This beautiful golden pagoda is surrounded by a peaceful park, complete with a lovely pond and lush green forest. It’s the perfect spot to escape the bustling city and find solitude amidst the temple and nature.

The pagoda's design is inspired by the lotus flower, symbolizing purity and enlightenment in Buddhism. Its golden exterior gleams brilliantly under the sun, making it a stunning place to see on clear days. The pagoda reminded me of a similar golden pagoda I saw in Vientiane, Laos, though this one is larger and more secluded.

If you are visiting Roi Et and are looking for a nice place to stroll around in peace that's not too far from the city center, this is a good place to be. The temple is open 24/7 and entry is free.

What to Eat & Drink in Roi Et?

1. Have Breakfast at Aew Kai Pan

If you’re looking for a place to have an early breakfast before exploring Roi Et, you might want to check out Aew Kai Pan, a local breakfast spot that has been serving traditional dishes for generations. They offer favorites like congee, Khai Grata (fried egg on a pan), omelettes, and other Thai-style breakfast items, all at affordable prices.

I went there and ordered my usual favorite: Khai Grata, two Vietnamese breads, and iced coffee, and I was ready to start the day! The restaurant is conveniently located near popular Roi Et attractions like Roi Et Tower and the National Museum, making it a perfect place to fuel up before sightseeing.

The restaurant is open from 6 AM to 11 AM, so be sure to arrive before it closes. If you’re staying overnight in Roi Et and want a great breakfast spot in town, definitely check out Aew Kai Pan.

2. Try Isaan Food at Tumkratoei

If you want to try some of the famous Isaan dishes like Som Tam, Larb, and grilled pork neck with sticky rice with a local twist in Roi Et City, you should check out Tumkratoei. This popular local restaurant originated in Roi Et and has become so successful that it now has branches in over eight provinces across Thailand.

The restaurant is known for its creative Som Tam menu, featuring flavors and styles you will not find anywhere else. Many dishes have funny names, like Som Tam Pua Plur, which translates to “Som Tam ‘husband is unaware.’” This Thai slang implies doing something secretly or sneakily with a cheeky or humorous undertone. In this context, it means Som Tam you enjoy secretly when the husband is not looking.

They also serve classic Isaan favorites like Larb, traditional Som Tam Thai, grilled chicken wings, and more, all delicious. If you are looking for a place to enjoy authentic and creative Isaan food, be sure to visit Tumkratoei. The restaurant is open daily from 10:30 AM to 9 PM.

How to Get to Roi Et?

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Roi Et is to fly from Bangkok to Roi Et Airport operated by AirAsia and it should take about one hour. You can browse more flights via Skyscanner.

Once you arrive, you can rent a car from the airport and drive to Roi Et City, which should take about 30 minutes. There are a few car rental places at the exit terminal of the airport like AJ Car Rental, so you can pick one from there, or you can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

By Bus: You can also take a bus from Bangkok to Roi Et. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and will drop you off at Roi Et Bus Station in about 7.5 hours. The price is about 450 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

From the bus station, you can take a motor-taxi or Sam Lor to get to your accommodation. Once you are at your accommodation, you can organize your motorcycle/car rental from there with the help of your accommodation, or you can contact J.U.I. Car For Rent via Line or Facebook Messenger and organize a pick-up drop-off location.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Roi Et. The journey should take about 6.5 hours depending on the traffic. A bit faster than the bus and you can stop at any places along the way. You can rent a car through DiscoverCars.

How to Get Around Roi Et?

By Car: The best way to get around Roi Et is to rent a car from Roi Et Airport and drive around the province or you can rent one from J.U.I. Car For Rent once you get to the city via buses. You can also rent one directly from Bangkok’s airports and make the drive up. It’s a long journey, but if you have the time, there’s plenty to see along the way. You can book a rental through DiscoverCars.