🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Roi Et has a nicely laid-out center where the main sights cluster around Bueng Phlan Chai lake, all within walking distance of each other. The other standout spots sit out in the surrounding districts — the hilltop chedi at Nong Phok, the Thung Kula Rong Hai plains to the south, and Bueng Kluea lake to the east. So we've split the attractions into three groups: walkable town center, temples and big Buddhas, and out-of-town nature, so you can build a trip around the time you've actually got.
Town Center — Ho Wot Tower & Bueng Phlan Chai
If it's your first time in Roi Et, starting in the center is the easiest call, because the observation tower and the big public park sit right next to each other. Park once and you can wander around both, morning or evening.
Ho Wot 101 (360-degree City Viewpoint)
Roi Et's newest landmark, an observation tower shaped after the wot — the reed mouth-organ that's the province's signature Isan instrument. Take the lift to the top and you can see the whole city in every direction. There's a glass floor for anyone brave enough to stand on it, plus a zipline that drops you from the tower — one of the first of its kind in Thailand for the thrill-seekers. The ground floor is a city museum worth a walk-through before you head up.
Bueng Phlan Chai
Roi Et's signature public park, built around a lake of roughly 50 rai with an island in the middle linked by a bridge. On the island you'll find the city pillar shrine and a Buddha image to pay respects to. The lakeside is shaded by big trees, with pedal boats, an exercise area and plenty of waterside spots to sit. Come evening, locals turn out to walk and jog and the mood is relaxed. It's right next to Ho Wot, so you can walk between the two.
Wat Burapha Phiram (Luang Pho Yai)
An old temple in the center, home to Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Maha Muni, known locally as Luang Pho Yai — the tallest standing Buddha in Thailand in the gesture of granting blessings. The image stands around 59 metres tall, almost 68 metres including the base, and you can see it from far off. There's a room built into the base you can walk up into to pay respects. The temple is right in town, an easy stop after Bueng Phlan Chai.
Tip
Ho Wot looks its best at two times: early morning when the sky is clear and the city reads sharply, and late afternoon near sunset when the whole town catches the orange light. If you want to do the zipline, go before mid-afternoon — there's a time limit and on busy days you'll have to wait in line.
Want more out of Roi Et? Book tours & activities
Booking online ahead on Klook or GetYourGuide is usually cheaper than the gate and skips the queue. Pick only the experiences you actually want — prices and availability are shown live on each site.
Temples & Big Buddhas — Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon
Roi Et is a merit-making town with temples worth visiting both in the center and out in the districts. The one people really set out to reach is the big white chedi on a hill in Nong Phok district, so leave extra time for the drive out of town.
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkhon (Wat Pha Nam Thip)
A striking white-and-gold chedi standing around 101 metres tall on a hill within Wat Pha Nam Thip Thep Prasit Wanaram, in Pha Nam Yoi subdistrict, Nong Phok district. Climb up top for wide views over the forested hills, and inside the chedi there are several floors to walk up and pay respects. It's so large you can spot it before you even drive in. It sits roughly 60–80 km from town, so plan on a half day.
Pha Nam Yoi Cliff
A natural cliff in the same area as Wat Pha Nam Thip, with water seeping and dripping from the rock face year-round — which is where the name comes from. It's a viewpoint and a sacred spot people pair with the chedi, with cool, forested air that's a nice change from town. Easy to tack on in the same trip.
When to go
The chedi is up on a hill and parts of the access road are steep, so go in daylight when the sun is out and visibility is good. Skip it during heavy rain — the road gets slippery. Dress modestly for the temple grounds, and bring water, since there's a fair bit of stair-climbing involved.
Out-of-town Nature — Thung Kula & Bueng Kluea
The other side of Roi Et is the open plains and big lakes spread across the outer districts — great if you like driving around collecting views and switching things up from temples and the town itself.
- Thung Kula Rong Hai — a vast flat plain spanning several Isan provinces; the Roi Et stretch sits around Kaset Wisai and Suwannaphum districts. It's prime jasmine-rice country, known for the fragrance and quality of its grain. Late in the rainy season into early winter the fields turn lush green, while at harvest the whole plain goes gold — a great drive-through for photos.
- Bueng Kluea (the Sea of Isan) — a large freshwater lake of around 7,500 rai in Selaphum district. The shore has a wide white-sand beach, which is how it earned the sea of Isan nickname, plus waterside restaurants, places to sit, and water activities. A good spot to catch the breeze and the view in the evening.
- Ku Kasing — a Khmer-era ruin in Kaset Wisai district, a small cluster of stone prasat where you can still make out the original structure. Worth it if you like history, and an easy add-on along the Thung Kula route.
Thung Kula and Bueng Kluea are on opposite sides of the province, so if you're short on time, pick one based on where you're heading next — looping both in a single day eats up a lot of road time.
Planning a Roi Et Trip That Covers It All
Roi Et's attractions are split between the town and outer districts that take a fair drive to reach, so we've laid it out over two days: the first day on foot in the center, the second heading out to the chedi and the nature spots. If you've only got one day, just do day one and you'll still have a good time.
Around Town — Ho Wot, Bueng Phlan Chai, Luang Pho Yai
Out to the Districts — Hilltop Chedi + Nature
Getting around
Getting around the center of Roi Et on foot around the lake is easy, but the out-of-town spots — the chedi, Thung Kula and Bueng Kluea — are far and public transport is thin. You'll want your own car or a rental to move around freely. If you fly into Roi Et airport and rent a car from there, you'll be able to see the most.
Plan a full Roi Et trip — food, sights and where to stay
See the Roi Et travel guide →