Check-in Hot Spots in Northeastern Thailand
Roi Et, a province in the most Northeastern of Thailand, was once called Muang Saketnakorn or Muang Roi Et. Ancient Buddhist places of more than 1000 years are abundant here, so it is not surprising to see well-known temples are crowded all year round. There is also a direct flight from Don Muang to Roi Et where you can rent a car from the local airport to the city within 20 minutes.
Our first stop is 345 Coffee Roasters as it is nearest to the airport. We highly recommend this place to refresh yourself. The moment you step into the place, you will be greeted with a tunnel path of Eucalyptus trees. The owner of this café is a professional barista, so feel free to try a variety of specialty coffee. If you’re a tea lover, try ceremonial-grade matcha. This place is truly a hidden gem of Roi Et.
Next is Roi Et Tower or Hor Wot, a new landmark in northeastern Thailand which soars in height at 101 meters. It was built in a distinctive shape of the wot or panpipes, a traditional musical instrument of this region.
From the 29th floor upward, you see the panoramic city view but the 34th floor is not for the faint-hearted as the floor is made of glass. So if you’re afraid of heights, be warned. The 35th floor on the top is where the province’s sacred Buddha statues and relics are enshrined.
Roi Et is a place full of outstanding Buddhist monks and spiritual masters. If you’re interested in the history of Thai Buddhism, don’t miss Phra Maha Chedi Sri Chai Mongkol, a pagoda built by Luangpu Sri Mahawiro, a disciple of Phra Ajarn Mun Bhuridatta, one of the country’s most respected Buddhist masters.
The pagoda is located on the vast land covering 101 rai (161,600 sq m). The pagoda measures at 101 meters in width, 101 meters in length, and 101 meters in height. It houses relics of Phra Ajarn Mun’s disciples and 101 wax statues of revered monks from the region. On the tip of pagoda is where the Buddha’s relics from Sri Lanka is enshrined.
If you have enough time for going out of the city, visit Wat Pakung Temple, known as Thai Burobudor as it was inspired by Burobudor, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Indonesia. It is the first sand-stone pagoda in Thailand. There are bas-reliefs and low relief sculptures demonstrating Buddha’s stories and Phra Vessantara and Jayamangala.
ONE DAY TRIP IN KALASIN
Check out Phu Kum Khao Dinosaur Excavation Site, Sirindhorn Museum, the first dinosaur research center in Thailand and excavation site that discovered an almost complete dinosaur skeleton. You can also find amazing historical background of how these fossils were found.
Before ending a trip in Kalasin, we went visit Wat Phutthanamit (Wat Phu Khao Temple) to pay respect to the Reclining Buddha that laid on his left side. The statue was discovered 2,000 years ago and registered as an ancient heritage of Kalasin. Nearby is Wihan Sangkhanimit which houses rare Buddha images and amulets. The Phra Mahathat Chedi is also another place that enshrines Buddha’s relics and a Buddha statue made of metal charm.
Travel Trip
- A visit during winter season is highly recommended.
- Car rental service is available inside the airport.
- To visit Hor Wot, you should reach half an hour before its closing time to catch the sunset.
The full version is available in the 5000s magazine issue 53. Subscribe Now.
