Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More - A Complete Travel Guide

Discover Yasothon: 10 Incredible Things to Do & More

A Complete Travel Guide
A photo of Pete R.
By Pete R.,
Updated on

⚡️ Take our travel guide with you wherever you go! See our PDF shop.

Yasothon is a small province in Isaan that arguably not many people know about, except for being the place where the Bun Bung Fai Festival, Thailand’s famous rocket festival, takes place. This is when locals come together with their homemade rockets and fire them into the sky to remind the rain god not to forget to bring rain this year.

The province has a deep-rooted history in folklore involving a toad prince that led to the rocket festival. It might sound confusing now, but it will become much clearer when you visit Yasothon using this guide. I will take you all over the province, from the massive museum inside a toad-shaped structure to exploring its charming old town. So, let’s not mince words, start planning an epic trip to Yasothon with this complete travel guide!

One Month Itinerary for IsaanOne Month Itinerary for Isaan

Yasothon to Do Map

Yasothon Things to Do Map

10 Best Things to Do in Yasothon

1. Visit Phraya Kankak Museum

Phraya Kankak Museum toad shape exterior

Yasothon is a province with many charming traditions that are rooted in local legends and folklore. Arguably, one of the most well-known traditions here is the rocket festival, where people from all over the province come to shoot homemade rockets into the sky. If you want to understand the reason why they do that, you have to come and visit Phraya Kankak Museum.

Phraya Kankak Museum up close

Located on the bank of Klong Chiam lake, you will find a quirky-looking museum in the shape of a massive orange toad overlooking the lake. Yes, you heard that right! A giant toad, all painted in bright orange, just standing there, right in the heart of Yasothon City Center and this is where you can learn more about how the rocket festival came to be as well as other interesting sides of Yasothon's history.

View seen from 5th floor of Phraya Kankak Museum

The orange toad you see in front of you is actually a 5-story, 19-meter-tall museum with exhibitions spread across four floors and a lovely viewpoint on the fifth. The exhibition begins on the first floor with an introduction to local history. The second floor features displays about amphibians, covering toad species, life cycles, and their ecological importance. The third floor has an exhibition about the Rocket Festival and its origins, and the fourth floor showcases exhibits on local tourist attractions.

Planning to visit soon?
🛌 Booking hotels: Booking.com, Agoda, and Hostelworld.
  1. The ZEN Hotel (Budget)
  2. U Sabai Villa (Mid-Range) 👍 Top Pick
  3. Easarn Inn (Mid-Range)
🏄 Booking tours: Viator, GetYourGuide, and Klook.
🚘 Renting a car: Discover Cars.
🏥 Travel Insurance: Heymondo.

Toad exhibition at Phraya Kankak Museum

It’s a very well-curated museum, with each section full of information in both Thai and English, as well as fascinating displays that help you better understand this province and its charming traditions. The highlight, of course, is the legend of Thao Khan Khak, featured on the first floor.

Toad specimen at Phraya Kankak Museum

According to local Yasothon folklore, the famous Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival traces its roots to the legend of Thao Khan Khak, the Toad Prince. Long ago, the Rain God, Phaya Thaen, withheld rain from Earth in anger at humans for worshipping Thao Khan Khak, a prince born with the appearance of a toad, instead of him, causing a devastating drought.

Attractions exhibition at Phraya Kankak Museum

The Toad Prince then rallied humans, animals, and mythical beings to confront the Rain God. After a fierce battle, Thao Khan Khak emerged victorious and struck a deal: the Rain God would send rain every year, and if he ever forgot, the people would fire homemade rockets into the sky to remind him.

Rocket festival exhibition at Phraya Kankak Museum

How awesome is that story? It really makes you want to attend one of these rocket festivals, doesn't it? To get inside, you will have to buy the ticket from the ticket office near the parking lot here. They do not sell the ticket at the museum itself, so be sure to grab one before making your way to the museum. The museum is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day except on Tuesday, and the entrance fee is 40 THB per person.

2. Admire the View from Wiman Phaya Tan

Wiman Phaya Tan exterior

Located right next to Phraya Kankak Museum, you will also find Wiman Phaya Tan, a massive naga structure that is also a museum dedicated to telling the story of the rain god that fought with Phraya Kankak in the folklore. The naga structure you see is a depiction of the rain god that you read about at Phraya Kankak, and you can learn more about it here.

The entrance of Wiman Phaya Tan

The museum features five exhibition zones covering local legends of Phaya Tan and Thao Khan Khak, myths about the Naga and giant serpents from around the world, the religious and symbolic role of the Naga, a dramatic “underworld cave” display narrating the birth of the Mekong River, and biological as well as cultural insights about serpents.

The walking path at Wiman Phaya Tan

Unfortunately, when I was there, the museum was under renovation so I couldn't get inside to see it, but if you are there when it is open, be sure to go check out the museum. Otherwise, you can stroll along the lakeside promenade and enjoy the view.

 Wiman Phaya Tan seen from Phraya Kankak Museum

Wiman Phaya Tan is also included in the same ticket as Phraya Kankak Museum, so you just have to pay 40 THB once and you can access both places. Again, you have to buy the ticket from here as they do not sell the ticket at the museum. The place is open from 9:30 AM to 4:30 PM every day except on Tuesday.

3. Explore Yasothon Old Town

Yasothon Old Town shophouses

One of the most charming parts of Yasothon is its lovely little Old Town, known locally as Ban Sing Tha. Yasothon Old Town is home to a handful of well-preserved colonial-era architecture, including ancient Indochinese painted wooden houses and Sino-Portuguese style buildings, which offer a glimpse into the town's rich history.

buildings at Yasothon Old Town

Ban Sing Tha was once a bustling trading hub where Chinese merchants from Korat docked their commercial ships and traded goods with the locals. Today, the old town retains its charm, with narrow streets lined with traditional wooden row shophouses, theaters, and temples, waiting for you to explore.

street art at Yasothon Old Town

I didn’t expect the old town here to be so charming and beautiful. You can spend some time exploring the area on foot and discover hidden gems and secret corners along the way. If you visit on a Wednesday evening, you’ll find the whole street transformed into a walking street, with many travelers, shops, and stalls lining both sides of the road.

The street at Yasothon Old Town

It’s a great way to spend the evening in Yasothon, but it only happens on Wednesday nights, so be sure to plan accordingly. I think this is one of the most charming little old towns you will find in Isaan, so if you are traveling in Yasothon, do not forget to come check out its old town.

4. Learn About the History of Yasothon at Singha Tha Museum

Exterior of Singha Tha Museum

If you want to learn more about Yasothon Old Town and its history, you will find Singha Tha Museum right in the heart of the old town. It is an extremely well-curated museum with beautiful architecture, modern and engaging exhibitions, and plenty of information about the old town for you to explore.

Interior of Singha Tha Museum

The museum is brand new, with the first floor acting as a welcome area with an information desk and a presentation room. You will find the exhibition on the second floor, covering the history of Yasothon Old Town, the diverse people living here, the different foods and delicacies, and much more, all displayed in small, easy-to-read sections.

Displays at Singha Tha Museum

The museum also provides extensive information about an ancient and sacred lion stone statue that gave the old town its name and the museum its logo. Although you can see a replica inside the museum, I made it my mission to track down the real one. Thanks to tips from the lady working at the museum, I found it!

The real lion stone statue at Wat Si That

The real lion statue is still largely intact and is currently located at Wat Si That, about a 20-minute drive northeast of Yasothon Old Town. The stone statue is housed in a shrine, and people still make merit and pay respects to it to this day. If you have time and want to see the real deal, be sure to drop by Wat Si That as well.

Lion statue display at Singha Tha Museum

The museum itself is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 AM to 4:30 PM, and entry is free. It's a wonderful place to visit if you are in Yasothon Old Town, especially if you want to learn more about how this charming old town came to be.

5. Enjoy Breakfast/Lunch at Singh Nom Sod

Exterior of Singh Nom Sod

Right next to the Singha Tha Museum, you will find a lovely little restaurant/cafe called Singh Nom Sod, where you can take a break, have breakfast, or lunch before you continue to explore the rest of Yasothon Old Town.

Food from Singh Nom Sod

The place serves a variety of Thai-Lao-Vietnamese traditional dishes like Khao Piak (rice noodle soup) and other noodles, as well as snacks and coffee like kaya toasts and Thai-style "Boran" Iced coffee that you can try. I decided to have an early lunch here, and I definitely went a little overboard with the ordering 😂 so much so that I ended up being full until late evening haha.

A bar at Singh Nom Sod

The coolest part of the cafe is that it is housed in traditional Isaan wooden houses with lovely vintage décor, making it a great place to chill. If you are looking for a place to eat or relax with a cup of coffee in Yasothon Old Town, be sure to drop by and check out Singh Nom Sod. The cafe is open daily from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM.

6. Check out the Old Library on stilts at Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang

The entrance to the library at Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang

Before you leave Yasothon Old Town premise, be sure to drop by and check out Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang, one of the oldest and most highly revered temples located not too far from the old town. The temple was founded in 1778 by Laotian settlers who migrated here from Vientiane just prior to the city's capture by Siamese forces.

Stupa at Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang

They constructed the tall, square-shaped chedi, which you can still see at the center of the temple ground to this day. It is said that the chedi houses the ashes of Phra Anon, a government official from Vientiane who led the settlers on their journey south from their homeland.

Library in the middle of the pond at Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang

The temple is also home to a beautiful wooden scripture library that sits on stilts above a lotus pond. Built in the mid-19th century in classic Isaan architectural style, it features extensive use of wood combined with intricate religious decorations. The library was designed to store old Buddhist scriptures and other important documents.

Interior of the library at Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang

It was built in the middle of the pond to protect the library and its contents from fire and insects, which I think is pretty clever. Inside, you’ll find palm-leaf manuscripts of Buddhist sutras and other religious texts that were brought here from Vientiane. You can enter and see parts of the library. It's small but packed with lovely details, definitely worth seeing.

Hallway of the library at Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang

I really enjoyed the calm and peaceful atmosphere of this temple, despite its location in the city center. The library is quite a sight to see, so if you’re visiting Yasothon, don’t forget to check out Wat Mahathat Phra Aram Luang. The temple is open daily from 8 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free.

7. Check Out That Kong Khao Noi

Me sitting next to That Kong Khao Noi

Located not too far from Yasothon Old Town, you will find That Kong Khao Noi, or as I called it, the leaning tower of Yasothon, and you will see why the moment you arrive at this temple. That Kong Khao Noi is an ancient Khmer-style stupa believed to have been constructed during the late Ayutthaya period between the 16th and 19th centuries.

Shrine at That Kong Khao Noi

According to legend, the pagoda was built by a young farmer who sought repentance after murdering his mother. The tale, which teaches forbearance, tells of how the young farmer became enraged when a lunchbox packed by his mother appeared to contain only a tiny amount of rice. In his fury, he killed her. It was only later, upon discovering that the rice was packed so tightly he could not finish his meal, that he realized his grave mistake.

Interior of That Kong Khao Noi

Who says the Germans are the only ones with gruesome folklores and legends? 😂 Due to its age, the stupa is slightly tilted, as you can see in the photos I took, which is why I call it the Leaning Tower of Yasothon. 😉

Offerings at That Kong Khao Noi

The temple is open daily from 7 AM to 5 PM, and entry is free. It's a beautiful piece of history surrounded by quiet, peaceful rice fields, so be sure to check out That Kong Khao Noi while exploring Yasothon.

8. Buy Thai Traditional Pillow as Souvenirs

A folded thai pillow seen in a museum

If you have been to one of the many boutique hotels in Thailand, you may have noticed that they often have these awesome triangular pillows that are both functional and decorative in lounges and waiting areas. These are Thai traditional pillows and they are all manufactured here in Yasothon. You can buy some for cheap at one of the many Thai traditional pillow shops around this area.

Pillows sold in Yasothon

For those who have never seen one, these foldable cushions are designed for low seating, making them ideal for dining, meditation, or lounging. Their distinctive triangular shape provides ergonomic support, especially when used on the floor.

Shops selling pillows in Yasothon

Most are crafted with 100% natural kapok fiber, which makes them lightweight, hypoallergenic, and eco-friendly. The covers are often handwoven using traditional Thai fabrics like khit, featuring geometric patterns that are beautiful and come in many colors. I bought one in brown for my living room, and it’s awesome.

Thai pillow I bought from Yasothon in my home

They are also quite affordable here, sold at wholesale prices. You can get three smaller square pillows for only 100 THB. My triangular pillow costs about 250 THB. There are also foldable versions available that make them even more comfortable. This product is unique to Thailand and makes a great souvenir, there’s no better place to buy one than here.

Shops selling pillows in Yasothon

If you’re looking to buy some, be sure to check out Si Than Village. There are many shops lining the main road here all the way to the end of the village, so you can drive around and pick what you like. I have had one at home for quite some time and I love it! Makes me want to buy a folded one! 😂

9. Visit St Michael's Church

Entrance of St Michael's Church

Did you know that Yasothon is home to one of the largest wooden Catholic churches in Thailand? St. Michael's Church is a beautiful wooden church located within a local school in Ban Song Yae village, about a 45-minute drive northeast of Yasothon City Center.

Exterior of St Michael's Church

The church was founded in 1909 by five families who had fled from their former location in 1908 due to accusations of being possessed by ghosts. The first church was a simple hut built in 1909. As the congregation grew, a second church was built in 1919, which was later replaced by a third church that was damaged in a fire. The current church was constructed in 1947 and inaugurated in 1954.

Interior of St Michael's Church

It is a beautiful church that truly showcases the unique Isaan architectural style, something rarely seen in a Catholic church. The interior is equally stunning, with the warm tones of the wood creating an ambiance unlike any other Catholic church you’ve seen before.

Statue at St Michael's Church

If you appreciate beautiful and distinctive architecture, be sure to visit St. Michael's Church. The church is open daily from 7 AM to 4 PM, and entry is free.

10. Attend Bun Bung Fai Festival

Photos of Bun Bung Fai Festival in Yasothon Museum

Last but not least, if you are planning to visit Yasothon at the beginning of the rainy season, around the second week of May, on the weekends, be sure to go and attend Bun Bung Fai Festival which often takes place in Phraya Tan Park in Yasothon City as well as other surrounding provinces.

Photos of people carrying rockets at Bun Bung Fai Festival

In case you didn't know, the Bun Bung Fai Festival is a rocket festival where locals from villages come together to launch their homemade rockets into the sky to remind the rain god not to provide rain this year. Tourists can attend the event to see the highlight of the festival, which is undoubtedly the launch of massive homemade rockets, some weighing up to 120 kilograms.

Rockets design from Bun Bung Fai Festival at a museum

These rockets are fired into the sky as a traditional way to encourage rainfall for the upcoming rice planting season. Alongside the rocket launches, you will also get to experience colorful parades featuring elaborately decorated floats, traditional Isaan music, and folk dances. The local participants are often dressed in vibrant costumes, dancing and parading through town. It's quite a festivity here.

Photos of parades at Bun Bung Fai Festival

In the evenings, the celebrations continue with parties along the main roads, where multiple stages play a variety of music, from traditional Isaan tunes to modern beats. You can wander through the festival, join in the dancing, and enjoy the festivity that turns this small quiet province into a weekend-long party full of colors and energy.

How people carry rockets at Bun Bung Fai Festival

It is one of the highlights of Yasothon and an event that's not to be missed. If you plan to come here, be sure to book accommodation in advance as it often gets booked out very quickly the moment the date is announced by TAT. Watch out for the event date via Yasothon Official City Facebook Page.

How to Get to Yasothon?

Temples in Yasothon

By Flight: The fastest way to get to Yasothon is to fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani 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 Yasothon, which should take about 1.25 hours. There are many car rental places at the exit terminal of the airport 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 Yasothon. The bus typically leaves from Morchit Bus Terminal and it will drop you off at Yasothon Bus Station in about 8 hours. The price is about 500 THB and you can find the schedule and book online here.

That said, it can be quite difficult to find a car rental in Yasothon, as the city is small and doesn’t attract many tourists. It’s best to rent a car in a larger city like Ubon Ratchathani and drive to Yasothon from there. If you plan to do this, you can catch this bus from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and then you should be able to find car rental places there.

These are the car rental companies available in Ubon Ratchathani. It’s a good idea to contact them in advance so they can arrange a pick-up and drop-off service at Ubon Ratchathani Bus Station, allowing you to hit the ground running when you arrive.

By Car: If you have a car or are renting one, you can also drive from Bangkok to Yasothon. The journey should take about 7 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 Yasothon?

Museums in Yasothon seen from the road

By Car: The best way to get around Yasothon is to rent a car from Ubon Ratchathani Airport and drive here. 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.

What to Pack for Yasothon?

As you may already know, I am an advocate of light traveling, and indeed, packing light for a journey like this is a unique art form. Here are some packing tips for your upcoming trip to Yasothon, Thailand:

  • Walking/Hiking Shoes: With all the walking and possible hiking during your travel, a comfortable pair of shoes is a must. I recommend the Timberland 3-Eye Classic Boat Shoes that are my go-to pair for long strolls and hikes.
  • Breathable Shirts: Given the potential for hot weather, pack a few breathable shirts for your outdoor adventures.
  • Shorts/Jeans: Anticipate lots of walking during your travels? Be sure to pack some breathable shorts and a pair of Levi's jeans for when the weather cools. For women, leggings are excellent for both hot and cold climates, so consider packing some as well.
  • Outer Shell Jacket: An outer shell jacket is great for windy or rainy conditions. I highly recommend the Columbia Watertight Jacket (for women). It's lightweight, breathable, and even comes in a cool orange color.
  • Microfiber Towel: A Microfiber towel is the ideal backpacker's towel due to its lightness, quick drying, and compressibility.
  • Swim Suits: A swim trunk is a must-pack item if you are planning to visit Yasothon, Thailand in the summer, just in case there is a body of water you can jump in.
  • Camera: You should also pack a good camera for your trip so that you can capture all the beautiful experiences you might have. I recommend the Sony a7R V camera together with the Sony 24-70mm f2.8 GM II lens, which is probably the highest-performance camera and lens combination you can get right now.
  • Power Bank: Keep your electronics charged on the go with a 20,000+ mAh Power Bank.
  • Water Bottle: The Hydro Flask Trail Water Bottle is a great insulated water bottle to have with you in cities or on hiking trails. It is lightweight and can keep your water cold or warm for more than 12 hours. It's a total game-changer.
  • Universal Adapter: You'll need just one universal adapter to plug in your electronics in any country you visit.
  • Packing Cubes: Packing Cubes will help you save space in your backpack and keep all your belongings organized.
  • Daypack: The Langly Alpha Globetrotter is my go-to everyday camera backpack. It's large enough to carry all my travel gear, and it comes with plenty of slots and pouches. Plus, it's stylish as hell!
  • Large Backpack: You will need a large backpack to carry all of your stuff. I recommend the Osprey Atmos AG 65L backpack. With excellent weight distribution and a lifetime guarantee, you can't go wrong with Osprey.

For more information on what I pack in my backpack for this trip, check out: My Packing List: 60 Travel Essentials.

Further Reading for Northeastern Thailand

Looking for more information about your trip to Northeastern Thailand? Here are a collection of articles about Northeastern Thailand that you might find useful:

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links.

Categories DestinationsThailandNortheastern ThailandSoutheast AsiaAsia

Leave a Comment

Please do not use your business name to comment.