Bueng Phlan Chai
The Lake Park in the Heart of Roi Et

🔄 Updated 11 Jun 2026

Bueng Phlan Chai really is in the middle of Roi Et — you can drive or walk over from the downtown market area in just a few minutes. Locals use it as their morning-and-evening exercise park, a place to sit by the water after work, and the venue for the province's big events. Visitors usually swing by in the late afternoon, walk across the bridge to pay respects at the City Pillar Shrine on the island, then stroll around the lake to catch the cool breeze at sunset.

The lake covers roughly 200,000 square metres, with an island in the middle and flower gardens around the edges, ringed by a walking path and a cycling lane. It's free — no entry fee. The sign at the entrance lists hours of about 07:00–20:00, but many sources say the outer park is open for exercise from before dawn until late evening. The nicest times are early morning and the hour around sunset.

Why Bueng Phlan Chai is the symbol of Roi Et

This lake isn't natural — it was dug by hand in 1926 by Phraya Sunthon Thep Kitcharak (Thong Chantharangsu), the governor of Roi Et at the time, who gathered around 40,000 residents to dig it out as a reservoir and a place for the town to relax. A hundred years on, Bueng Phlan Chai has become the heart of the city and the first image that comes to mind when people think of Roi Et.

• Genuinely in the city centre — you can walk from the downtown market and in-town hotels; no long drive needed.
• An island with the City Pillar Shrine — a sightseeing spot and the city's sacred site in one place.
• A shady public park — flower gardens, big trees, a loop path around the lake; great for exercise and relaxing.
• Free entry — no fee, plenty of parking, well-lit at night, fine for the whole family.
• The province's event grounds — many of Roi Et's big festivals and merit ceremonies are held here.

The island and the City Pillar Shrine

The highlight of Bueng Phlan Chai is the island in the middle of the lake, reached by walking across the bridge from the park side. On the island sits the Roi Et City Pillar Shrine, a guardian of the city that locals deeply respect. People believe prayers for work and well-being are answered here, so residents stop by regularly to pay their respects — both city folk and travellers passing through.

• City Pillar Shrine — the sacred shrine on the island where Roi Et locals pray for blessings; dress modestly when you visit.
• Large walking Buddha image — set among the flower gardens within the lake grounds, a spot for photos and worship.
• Bridge to the island — walk across for views of the lake all around; a classic photo angle here.
• Constitution monument and flower clock — old symbols that have stood with the park for years, found along the path.

The loop path and exercise

A walking-and-jogging path plus a cycling lane loop all the way around the lake. The surface is smooth and easy to walk. Roi Et locals treat this as the city's main exercise park — people run and power-walk before dawn, and the evening crowd is even bigger once the cool breeze sets in. It's spacious, well-lit and clean, so an after-dark walk never feels deserted.

• Jogging / power-walking the loop — a track around the lake with water views the whole way; popular times are early morning and from 17:00 on.
• Cycling — there's a cycling lane around the lake; if you didn't bring your own, bikes are sometimes available to rent near the park, so ask on the spot.
• Pedal boats on the lake — pedal boats (water bikes) and rowboats to play on the lake, good for kids and families.
• Sitting and picnicking by the water — grassy lawns and benches by the lake, nice for catching the evening breeze.
• Playground and outdoor gym — there's a kids' zone and open-air fitness equipment in the park.

Other corners of the lake worth a look

Food and cafes around the lake

The upside of Bueng Phlan Chai is that it's right in town, so there are plenty of restaurants and cafes nearby for an easy follow-up. After a lap around the lake, just walk out and find a bite in the neighbourhood. In the evening, food carts and snack stalls usually line up near the park entrance too.

• Lakeside cafes — several chilled-out cafes with lake views around the edges; drinks start at about ฿50, good for a rest after walking.
• Snacks at the entrance — in the evening, carts with grilled meatballs, smoothies and ice cream line up by the entrance.
• Restaurants in town — walk into the city and you'll find Isan spots with som tam and grilled chicken, plus regular rice shops.

How to get to Bueng Phlan Chai

Bueng Phlan Chai is in downtown Roi Et. The main address is Soi 2, Suriyadet Bamrung Road, Nai Mueang sub-district, Mueang Roi Et district. If you're staying in town you can walk there; for out-of-towners there are several ways in.

• Staying in Roi Et town — most hotels are near the lake, a few minutes away on foot or by motorbike taxi.
• Driving / car rental — there's lots of parking around the lake, the most convenient way to come if you'll explore more of the province afterward.
• Van / bus terminal — get off at the Roi Et bus terminal and take in-town transport (samlor / motorbike taxi / taxi); the lake is close by.
• Flying — land at Roi Et Airport, then ride about 13 km into town to reach Bueng Phlan Chai in the centre.

Planning a visit to Bueng Phlan Chai