🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
If you're planning an Isaan trip with the kids but don't want to drive too far, Roi Et is a comfortable pick. The main city sights are clustered close together — a few minutes' walk from one to the next — and on the day you want the kids to really burn off energy, the clear water and sandy beach at Bueng Kluea is a short drive out of town. This plan covers 2 days and 1 night at an easy pace, with time for the kids to rest mid-day instead of cramming in activities until the whole family is worn out.
What these 2 days look like
- Day 1 (in town) — head up Roi Et Tower 101 for the view and the skywalk, then pedal boats and the playground at Bueng Phlan Chai, with an evening stroll along the lake
- Day 2 (out of town) — swimming on the sandy beach at Bueng Kluea, lunch on a floating raft, and a stop at a kid-friendly cafe on the way back before heading home
- Where to stay — staying in central Roi Et works best, since it's close to both Roi Et Tower and Bueng Phlan Chai, with restaurants within easy walking distance at night
Before you set off
Taking little ones around Isaan in the hot season means strong sun from mid-morning on — pack hats, sunscreen, and water for everyone, everywhere. For the swimming day at Bueng Kluea, don't forget swimsuits, towels, and a spare change of clothes for the kids.
In town — Roi Et Tower + Bueng Phlan Chai
Good to know about Roi Et Tower
Roi Et Tower has an elevator up to the viewing floor, so you can bring little ones or a stroller. On long holiday weekends it gets busy and you may have to wait for the elevator, so with small kids it's better to go around the 10:00 opening when it's quieter. Some kids are scared of heights on the glass-floor skywalk — don't push it, you can just walk along the regular floor instead.
Out of town — swimming at Bueng Kluea + a cafe
Book the activities in your Roi Et trip ahead
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.
Cafes that are easy with kids
Roi Et lives up to its "city of a hundred and one" reputation when it comes to cafes — there are loads of them. Many have outdoor space and a lawn where kids can run around while the adults take a break over coffee. Here are the kinds of cafes that work well for families.
Kids a day cafe and playground
A cafe with a dedicated play area for kids — they can play to their heart's content while parents keep them in sight the whole time. There's a menu of drinks and snacks to order.
Garden cafe in town (Skipper Garden style)
A spot with a wide green garden where kids can wander, plus plenty of parking. Good for an afternoon break before you move on.
Treat Juice Bar
A fresh-fruit smoothie cafe in town that skips refined sugar — a drink option you can feel better about giving the kids than coffee.
How to pick a cafe that works with kids
Before you go, check the cafe's page to see whether it has an outdoor area or a lawn — places with open space keep kids happy longer than a cramped air-conditioned room. With small kids, avoid peak hours too, so it's easier to find a seat and parking.
If you have time to spare, add one more stop
If the kids aren't tired on day one and you want to add something in town, the Roi Et National Museum on Phloen Chit Road is an easy walk-through. It's right in the city, with exhibits on local history, way of life, and Roi Et's regional crafts — a good indoor spot to escape the sun while the kids learn a little along the way.
- Phra Maha Chedi Chai Mongkol — a large, beautiful chedi outside town, good if the family wants to stop and make merit, but it's farther out so plan extra time
- Wat Burapha Phiram — home to a tall standing Buddha image, an easy walk in town not far from Bueng Phlan Chai
- Evening market in town — a wallet-friendly stroll for evening snacks; the kids love the fried and grilled bites
Rough budget (a family of 2 adults + 1 child)
- Roi Et Tower 101 — 50 THB per adult, 40 THB per child (free for kids up to 101 cm tall)
- Bueng Phlan Chai — free to enter, pedal boats around 50 THB
- Bueng Kluea — free to enter, pedal-boat/inner-tube rental as you go, food on the raft around 300–500 THB per family meal
- Cafes — drinks around 50–90 THB each
- In-town hotel — mid-range rooms start around 600–1,200 THB/night
Tips for an enjoyable Roi Et trip with kids
Build a mid-day rest break into every day and don't pack in more than three sights a day — the kids stay in a good mood and everyone actually enjoys the trip. For the swimming day at Bueng Kluea, go in the morning when the sun is gentler and it's less crowded than the afternoon.
See hotels in central Roi Et that are easy to get around with kids
See Top 10 Roi Et Hotels →