📝 Written 2 Jul 2026 · ✅ Fact-checked 3 Jul 2026 · prices and schedules can change — check with the operator before booking
Bueng Phlan Chai is a large lake park that sits right in the middle of Roi Et city. Roads and a lakeside path circle the water, used every day by locals walking, jogging, and cycling. Big shade trees, waterside benches, open plazas, and small gardens are scattered around the loop. In the middle of the lake is an island connected by a bridge — walk across and you'll find the city pillar shrine, a flower garden, and quiet corners looking out over the water on every side. Locals treat this lake as the city's main recreation spot, while visitors often use it as a starting point before heading elsewhere in Roi Et.
The charm of Bueng Phlan Chai isn't in flashy activities — it's in the comfort of having a lake and green park right in the city center, open for a stroll any time of day. Mornings and evenings are cool and pleasant, with plenty of locals out exercising and sitting by the water. You can cross the bridge to the middle island to pay respects at the city pillar shrine and take garden photos. Most notably, Hor Ho Wod 101, a tall observation tower on one side of the lake, lets you look out over the lake and the whole of Roi Et city in every direction. That means you can combine Bueng Phlan Chai and the tower in a single trip. In this page we'll review the experience of visiting Bueng Phlan Chai in depth — both what people love and what's worth knowing before you go.
Bueng Phlan Chai — City-Center Lake Park, Middle Island, and Nearby Hor Ho Wod 101
Most visits to Bueng Phlan Chai start with finding parking around the lake, then walking along the lakeside path. The loop around the lake is a walking and cycling path shaded by big trees, with benches, open plazas, and small gardens to stop at along the way. In the middle of the lake is an island connected by a bridge — cross it and you'll find the city pillar shrine, where locals come to pay their respects, a flower garden, and quiet corners looking out over the water on all sides. Many people use this spot for morning and evening exercise, a stroll with photos, or bringing kids to feed the fish by the lake. The atmosphere is that of a relaxed city park, and there's no entry fee.
Across multiple platforms, real reviews consistently praise the city-center location, which makes it very easy to reach — whether walking from a hotel in the city or driving in. The atmosphere is cool and pleasant in the morning and evening, good for stretching your legs, sitting by the water, and taking photos. The middle island and its bridge get praise as a beautiful photo spot that also lets you pay respects at the city pillar shrine. What many reviews mention most is Hor Ho Wod 101, a tall observation tower on the side of the lake near Somdet Park — take the elevator up to the viewing floor and you can see Bueng Phlan Chai and the whole of Roi Et city in every direction. At night the lights look great, making it possible to visit the lake and the tower in the same trip without traveling far.
As for what to keep in mind, honestly speaking, Bueng Phlan Chai is a laid-back city park without thrilling activities on offer. Visitors expecting an exciting attraction may feel that one loop around covers everything. During midday the sun is hot and shade is limited in some spots, so it's better to visit in the morning or evening. On weekends and in the evening it can get fairly crowded with both exercisers and families, and some corners may feel busy. Hor Ho Wod 101 charges a separate viewing fee and has set opening hours, so check the ticket price and time slots before going — especially if you plan to go up around sunset or to see the night lights. Plan your timing well and you can fit in both the lake and the tower in one evening.
- Right in the heart of Roi Et city, very easy to reach on foot from a hotel in town or by car, free entry, open for a stroll any time of day
- A shaded walking and cycling path circles the lake, cool and pleasant in the morning and evening, good for exercise, sitting by the water, and photos
- The middle island is connected by a bridge — walk over to pay respects at the city pillar shrine and see the gardens, a photo spot reviewers particularly like
- Hor Ho Wod 101 sits on the same side of the lake, offering 360-degree views over Roi Et city — an easy add-on in the same evening without traveling far
- It's a laid-back city park without thrilling activities, so visitors expecting an exciting attraction may feel that one loop around covers everything
- Midday sun is hot with limited shade in some spots, so morning or evening visits are better; weekends and evenings can get fairly crowded, with some corners feeling busy
- Hor Ho Wod 101 charges a separate viewing fee and has set opening hours, so check the ticket price and time slots beforehand, especially for evening or nighttime visits
💡 Know Before You Visit Bueng Phlan Chai
The loop around Bueng Phlan Chai is a shaded lakeside walking and cycling path lined with big trees — easy to walk or cycle around, with benches and open plazas to stop at along the way. Locals come out to walk and jog in large numbers during the morning and evening. If you want to exercise or take a walk after a meal, this is where locals actually go.
In the middle of the lake is an island connected by a bridge. Cross it and you'll find the city pillar shrine, where locals come to pay their respects and ask for blessings. Around it are flower gardens and quiet corners with water views on every side. It's both a place of worship and a beautiful photo spot — set aside time to walk over to the middle island to see the lake from another angle.
Morning and evening are the most comfortable times at Bueng Phlan Chai — soft sunlight, cool breeze, and the hours when locals come out to walk and cycle, giving the place a lively atmosphere. Midday sun is hot with limited shade in some spots. If you're coming for photos or a stroll, avoid the midday sun and come in the late afternoon through sunset for a more enjoyable visit.
Hor Ho Wod 101, a tall observation tower, stands on the lake side near Somdet Park, a short walk or drive from Bueng Phlan Chai. Take the elevator up to the viewing floor and you can see the lake and the whole of Roi Et city in every direction. At night the lights look great. It charges a separate viewing fee and has set opening hours, so check the ticket price and time slots before going. Time it around sunset and you'll get both the evening light view and the city lights.
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Where to Stay for Visiting Bueng Phlan Chai?
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Search Hotels on AgodaPlan your trip to make it worthwhile: Bueng Phlan Chai is most enjoyable when paired with the evening and followed by Hor Ho Wod 101. Start by walking or cycling around the lake in the late afternoon, when the sun is soft and the breeze is cool. Cross the bridge to the middle island to pay respects at the city pillar shrine and take garden photos. Then walk or drive on to Hor Ho Wod 101 on the Somdet Park side of the lake, and go up to see Roi Et city around sunset as the city lights come on. Afterwards, head back into the city for dinner and a night's stay. That way you can cover both the lake and the tower in one evening without rushing.
Finished strolling around Bueng Phlan Chai and going up Hor Ho Wod 101 for the city view? Want to stay a night in Roi Et? Check out the hotels we've picked for you
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