🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Bueng Kluea sits in Bueng Kluea sub-district, Selaphum District, about 10 kilometers east of the town center. It's a large natural lake that holds water year-round. What earns it the nickname Isan Sea is the white-sand beach along the western shore — fine sand and shallow water that slopes in gently, just like a real beach, except it's fresh water, not salty, with no strong waves, so small kids can wade in with a lot more peace of mind than at the ocean.
Why locals call Bueng Kluea the Isan Sea
Northeastern Thailand has no real coastline, so getting to see a wide expanse of water meeting white sand is something special for people around here. Bueng Kluea is broad enough that from the beach the water seems to run right to the horizon, and in the late afternoon the sun on the surface looks gorgeous. Plenty of families treat it as the place to bring the kids to play in the sand and water instead of driving all the way to a real beach in the east or down south.
- A beach nearly 1 km long — white sand along the western shore, wide enough to lay out a mat and a cloth and settle in comfortably.
- Fresh, shallow, wave-free water — slopes in slowly, good for kids to wade in, but an adult should always be watching close by.
- A waterbird conservation area — there are wild ducks and resident birds to watch, especially in the early morning and the cool season.
- Facilities on site — parking, restrooms, restaurants, and floating rafts out on the water.
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.
What you can do at Bueng Kluea
The charm of Bueng Kluea is that you come to take it easy — no real planning needed. Most people just sit by the sand, wade in to cool off, and rent a boat for a paddle. That's pretty much the main event.
Swimming off the beach
The water is shallow and deepens gradually, better for cooling off than for serious swimming. There are inner tubes to rent for kids. Stay in the area where other people are and don't head too far from shore.
Pedal boats & water tricycles
Pedal boats and water tricycles are available to rent and paddle around the lake's edge — fun for families and couples. Rental runs from a few dozen baht up to a little over a hundred per round.
Lounging on the sand
Lay out a mat and a cloth under an umbrella, order some food, and chill by the water. This is what locals do most, especially from late afternoon into the evening.
Birdwatching & photos
The lake is a conservation area for wild ducks. You'll see the most birds at first light and in the cool season, and the sunset angle over the water makes for great photos.
Tips for swimming safely
Even though it's a calm-looking freshwater lake, the bottom isn't an even depth and some spots are muddy. Stay in the beach area where other people are, never let a child go in alone, and avoid swimming right after heavy rain, when the water is murky and flows stronger than usual.
Rafts and lakeside eateries — what to eat
The food at Bueng Kluea is the Isan-by-the-water kind that fits the setting perfectly. There are floating rafts where you sit and eat with a view, plus beachside stalls where you can order and eat on your mat. Most of the menu is fish from the lake and familiar Isan dishes at easy-going local prices. Here's what people order most often when they come.
Salt-grilled fish
A big fish stuffed with lemongrass and pandan leaves, then salt-grilled until the skin is crisp and the flesh sweet and tender. Dip it in a punchy jaew sauce — it's the star of any lakeside meal, and nearly every table orders one.
Som tam & tam pu pla ra
Properly spicy som tam done the real Isan way. Get a big tray to share around the table — it pairs best with grilled fish and sticky rice.
Grilled chicken
Charcoal-grilled chicken with crisp, smoky skin. Eaten with sticky rice and som tam, it's the classic combo people order by the water in Isan.
Tom yum fish / fish curry
Fresh fish straight from the lake in a punchy tom yum or a hot curry that goes down easy — perfect for a day when you want a warm bowl of broth.
Larb & koi pla
Spicy fish larb or koi dusted with fragrant toasted rice and mint leaves. It works both as a snack to drink with and as a dish over rice — people order it alongside a cold beer.
Kung ten (dancing shrimp) & raw dishes
A bold pick for spice lovers — fresh tiny shrimp tossed in a sour, fiery dressing. If you're into the adventurous stuff, don't skip it.
Mu yor & fried naem
Hot, fried snacks to dip in sauce — order them to nibble on while you wait for the mains. Kids can eat these too.
Made-to-order stir-fries
If anyone in the group doesn't do spice, most places have fried rice, pad kaprao, and omelets you can add on — no worries about having nothing to eat.
On prices and ordering
The prices above are rough ranges from typical Isan lakeside places — the real figure depends on the fish size and the spot you pick. When you take a raft, ask about the raft rental or the minimum order before you settle in, and bring cash, since many places don't take transfers yet or the signal is spotty.
The best time of year to go
Bueng Kluea is open year-round, but the feel changes with the season. Picking a window that matches what you're after makes the trip more worthwhile.
- Hot season (Mar–May) — the busiest, since everyone comes to swim and cool off. The beach is lively but the sun is harsh, so aim for late afternoon into the evening.
- Cool season (Nov–Feb) — pleasant, cool weather, great for lounging with a view and watching waterbirds. The water can be a bit cold for a long swim, though.
- Rainy season (Jun–Oct) — the lake is full and lush green, but at times the water is murky and the beach may shrink. Check the forecast before you go.
- Festivals and long weekends — locals come out in force; it's lively and full of energy, but parking and rafts can fill up fast.
How to get to Bueng Kluea from Roi Et town
Bueng Kluea is on the eastern side of the province. The main route is to head out of Roi Et town toward Selaphum District. Having your own vehicle is by far the easiest, since the lake is outside the district town and public transport doesn't reach it conveniently.
- Private car — from Roi Et town take Highway 23 through Thawat Buri to Selaphum, then continue on Highway 2259 for about 10 km before turning off toward the lake. Around 40–50 minutes total from town.
- Motorbike — same route, good for anyone staying around Selaphum or Roi Et. Watch the turn-off into the lake, where the road narrows.
- Public transport — there are vehicles to Selaphum District, but from the district town you'll need a local hired ride or motorbike to reach the lake. If you don't have your own vehicle, renting or chartering a car is more convenient.
Opening hours and what to bring
The lake is open roughly 05:00–18:00, and entry is free (you only pay for boat rental, mat rental, and food). Bring a hat, sunglasses, sunscreen, a change of clothes if you're getting in the water, and cash, since most of the eateries are local spots that still run mainly on cash.
How to plan a worthwhile half-day at Bueng Kluea
Half a day at Bueng Kluea is plenty, and it pairs neatly with the sights in Roi Et town. Here's an easy sample plan for a single day starting from town.
Afternoon swim at Bueng Kluea, sunset by the water
Morning birdwatching, then sights in Roi Et town
Want a full Roi Et itinerary — attractions, food, and places to stay all in one spot?
See the Roi Et travel guide →