First Time in Roi Et
What to Know + 2-Day Plan

✍️ By Doctor Chat

🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026

Roi Et sits in the middle of Isan, and plenty of people drive straight through it on the way to Khon Kaen or Mukdahan without stopping. The town is more worth a visit than you'd think. The headliners are Roi Et Tower, an observation tower with one of Thailand's first glass-floor skywalks, and Bueng Phlan Chai, the downtown lake park where locals actually come out to live their evenings. Two days is plenty to see it all on a first visit — no need to rush.

Where Roi Et is and how to get there

Roi Et is in central Isan, about 500 km from Bangkok and only an hour and a half from Khon Kaen — which is why a lot of people fly into Khon Kaen and drive over. If you'd rather head straight into town, Roi Et has its own airport.

• By plane — Roi Et Airport has flights from Don Mueang, about an hour in the air. The airport is around 13 km from town; grab a taxi or rental car from there.
• By bus — From Bangkok's Mo Chit terminal to Roi Et bus station takes about 6–7 hours, with fares around 450–630 THB. There are daytime departures and overnight sleeper coaches. Operators on this route include Nakhonchai Air, Transport Co. (999), and several private companies.
• Connecting from Khon Kaen — If you fly into Khon Kaen, vans to Roi Et run very frequently, leaving roughly every hour from morning till evening. The ride is about an hour and a half — handy if you can find cheaper flights into Khon Kaen.
• Driving yourself — Easiest if you want to get out to Thung Kula Ronghai or Ku Ka Sing outside town, since public transport doesn't reach those spots.

Where to stay and which area is handiest

Roi Et's center is small, so staying around Bueng Phlan Chai or near Roi Et Tower is the most convenient — you can walk to the main landmarks, and in the evening there are restaurants and markets to wander. Hotels in town range from local spots in the high-hundreds of baht up to mid-range places with a pool.

• Around Bueng Phlan Chai — Right downtown, great for evening strolls, close to food and restaurants. Ideal if you don't have a car.
• Near Roi Et Tower — A bit quieter, but only a few minutes by car or motorcycle taxi into the center.
• Along the bypass road — Newer hotels with plenty of parking. Good if you've driven in and aren't fussed about walking to sights.

Landmarks first-timers shouldn't miss

With more time, head over to Wat Burapha Phiram, home to a very tall standing Buddha in the blessing pose — a signature photo spot for the city. Or go farther out to Thung Kula Ronghai, the famous GI jasmine rice fields, and Ku Ka Sing, a Khmer-era stone sanctuary in Kaset Wisai district.

What to eat when you're in Roi Et

Roi Et is true Isan, so the food leans bold and spicy — som tam, larb, koi, and grilled chicken are easy to find on every corner. The one thing worth going out of your way for is rice cooked from Thung Kula jasmine rice, plus the local spots where townsfolk actually eat.

A 2-day, 1-night plan for first-timers

This plan is built for first-timers staying in town. It works through the in-town landmarks first, then moves out of town on day two. Adjust the timings however you like — no rush.

If you've only got one day, drop day two and just do the town — you'll still get the full picture of Roi Et. With 3 days, add Ku Ka Sing, the Khmer stone sanctuary, or carry on to nearby Khon Kaen and Maha Sarakham.

Small things worth knowing before you go

• When to go — The best weather is late rainy season into early cool season, roughly November to February. Isan summers are scorching, so avoid outdoor sightseeing around midday.
• Getting around town — There's no real city bus network. Motorcycle taxis, ride-hailing apps, or a rented motorbike are the smoothest options.
• Cash — Local shops and markets often take cash or scan-to-pay; keep some cash on you for the smaller places.
• Bun Phawet festival — Come in March and you might catch Bun Phawet, the town's well-known traditional festival. Rooms fill up fast, so book ahead.