What does 'Roi Et' mean?

Roi Et literally means 'one hundred and one' in Thai. It is generally understood as a poetic exaggeration of the eleven historical gates of the old city, projecting it as a major regional centre.

Is Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol worth the trip?

The chedi in Nong Phok District is one of the largest stupas in Isaan and is decorated inside and out with intricate carvings and murals. It's about 80 km from Roi Et city and best visited by car or hired driver.

How long do you need in Roi Et?

One full day is enough to walk around Bueng Phlan Chai, visit the walking-Buddha statue, see a few temples and enjoy the night market. Add a second day if you want to reach Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol.

Roi Et Province Guide — Lake City, Walking Buddha & Phra Maha Chedi

About Roi Et Province

Roi Et — literally 'one hundred and one' — is a mid-sized Isaan province whose capital is built around the circular Bueng Phlan Chai lake. The city is dominated by a towering walking-Buddha statue and the nearby Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, one of the largest stupas in the region. Roi Et is also a stronghold of mor lam music and traditional Isaan textile weaving, with a relaxed, walkable town centre that makes a pleasant break on a wider Isaan loop.

Key facts

Population: 1,298,640 (2020)
Area: 8,299 km²
Density: 156 / km²
Districts: 20
Capital: Roi Et
ISO code: TH-45
Airport: Roi Et Airport (ROI)

All 20 districts

At Samat · Changhan · Chaturaphak Phiman · Chiang Khwan · Kaset Wisai · Moei Wadi · Mueang Roi Et · Mueang Suang · Nong Hi · Nong Phok · Pathum Rat · Phanom Phrai · Pho Chai · Phon Sai · Phon Thong · Selaphum · Si Somdet · Suwannaphum · Thawat Buri · Thung Khao Luang

Top Highlights

Bueng Phlan Chai, a circular urban lake at the heart of Roi Et city
Phra Phuttha Ratana Mongkhon Mahamuni, a large walking-Buddha statue at Wat Burapha
Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol, a vast white-and-gold stupa near Nong Phok
Roi Et's mor lam heritage, with live performances and a lively night market

Getting There

Roi Et Airport has daily flights from Bangkok Don Mueang, taking about an hour. There is no train station, but buses from Mo Chit run frequently and reach Roi Et in around 7–8 hours; the city is also an easy 1–2 hour drive from Khon Kaen and Yasothon.

Inside Roi Et

Districts (20)

At Samat ·Changhan ·Chaturaphak Phiman ·Chiang Khwan ·Kaset Wisai ·Moei Wadi ·Mueang Roi Et ·Mueang Suang ·Nong Hi ·Nong Phok ·Pathum Rat ·Phanom Phrai ·Pho Chai ·Phon Sai ·Phon Thong ·Selaphum ·Si Somdet ·Suwannaphum ·Thawat Buri ·Thung Khao Luang

Mapped in Roi Et

107 places of interest recorded in OpenStreetMap. Coverage is contributed by volunteers and varies by area, so treat these as a guide to what is mapped rather than a complete inventory.

75Temples
14Historic sites
8Markets
4Attractions
2Viewpoints
2Museums
1Waterfalls
1Family attractions

Named examples

Frequently Asked Questions

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Sources

Facts on this page last checked 1 August 2026.

1.Q625463 — population, area, districts, coordinates — Wikidata (Wikidata), retrieved 1 August 2026
2.Background reading — Wikipedia (Wikipedia), retrieved 1 August 2026Linked for context; no text is reproduced from it.
3.Official provincial website — Provincial administration (Official source), retrieved 1 August 2026

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