🔄 Updated 21 Jun 2026
Downtown Yasothon is small enough to walk around comfortably, but the standout sights are spread across several districts — Mueang (the town centre), Pa Tio, and Loeng Nok Tha further south. Having your own car is by far the easiest way to get around, since public transport between districts is sparse. We've ordered everything by how worth-it and how convenient each spot is, starting with the thing the town is most famous for.
Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival — the heart of the town
Say "Yasothon" to most Thais and the rocket festival is the first thing they'll think of. It's a tradition of firing homemade rockets to honour Phaya Thaen (the rain god) and ask for rain, an old Isan belief. It runs every year in May, around the district office and Phaya Thaen Public Park. In 2026 it's set for 8–10 May.
- Day one (rocket showcase) — see the "bang fai e", rockets decorated with intricate Thai patterns. This is the best day for photos.
- Day two (the parade) — a procession stretches right through town, with hundreds of dancers doing the seung. This is when the buzz peaks.
- Final day (the launches) — the actual rockets go up at Phaya Thaen Public Park, and everyone roots for their neighbourhood's rocket to fly highest.
If you're coming for the rockets
It gets very crowded during the festival and rooms in town book out fast, so reserve a hotel at least 1–2 months ahead. The launch day is hot and exposed, so bring a hat and water, and leave extra time for traffic in town.
Want more out of Yasothon? 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.
Phra That Kong Khao Noi — the town's legend
Phra That Kong Khao Noi is an old, square, tiered chedi in Mueang district, not far from the town centre. What makes it stick in people's memory is the legend behind it: a son so hungry he killed his mother in a moment of rage, then built this chedi to atone. It's a cautionary tale every Isan local knows well.
The chedi itself isn't huge, but the grounds are leafy and peaceful — a good spot to pay respects and hear the story. About 30–45 minutes covers it, entry is free, and it's open during the day. Worth a stop if you're passing through Mueang district.
Ban Singha Tha old town — photographing vintage shophouses
Ban Singha Tha is Yasothon's old trading quarter — once a riverside trading port on the Chi River. The old shophouses are Sino-European in style and painted in bright colours, some with French architectural touches, built by Vietnamese craftsmen who settled here. You can happily wander and shoot photos across the whole district.
- City Pillar Shrine — right in the middle of this quarter. Its quirk is three city pillars rather than the single one you usually see elsewhere. Locals hold it in high regard.
- Painted old shophouses — many now run as cafés and shops. Easy strolling and photos in the morning or evening when the sun isn't harsh.
- Local eats — long-running shops are dotted through the quarter, so you can grab regional snacks and dishes as you walk.
Best light for photos
Morning and evening light is softer than midday, and the painted old shophouses come out looking their best in frame. Come on a weekday and it's quieter and easier to shoot than on weekends.
Phu Tham Phra — quiet nature in the forest
Phu Tham Phra sits in Kut Hae sub-district of Loeng Nok Tha, a fair way from the town centre. It's a large cave on a southern cliff face with a Buddha image enshrined inside, shaded by big trees and pleasantly cool. It suits anyone who likes quiet spots and wants to pay respects out in nature.
The access road is fairly good and a regular car can make it, but you'll need to walk up and down the paths and push through a bit of greenery. Wear sneakers or comfortable walking shoes and bring water, since there are few shops around.
Ban Si Than pillow village — local handicrafts
Ban Si Than in Pa Tio district is the largest village in Yasothon making khit-woven triangle (axe) pillows — over a thousand households across the village make them, a craft passed down for generations. Here you can watch the whole process, from weaving the khit cloth to sewing the pillows, and buy some to take home at village prices.
- Khit triangle pillows — the triangular khit-patterned pillows the village is known for, in a range of sizes.
- Latex pillows — Ban Si Than was the first to pioneer khit-covered latex pillows, a standout OTOP product for the province.
- Other souvenirs — mattresses, cushions, and khit cloth in various patterns, sold individually or made to order.
Getting the best value on souvenirs
Buying straight from the village is usually cheaper than from shops in town. Compare a few sellers before you decide, and if you're buying several pieces, it's worth asking about a discount.
Other in-town spots worth a stop
Beyond the five main spots above, the town centre has a few easy stops that fit nicely into the same trip — simple to reach and quick to see.
Phaya Thaen Public Park
A riverside park in the middle of town with a large pond, exercise paths, and a statue of Phaya Thaen from the legend. It's also where the rockets are launched during the festival. Nice for an evening stroll.
Wiman Phaya Thaen (Naga Museum)
A riverside building shaped like a naga, telling the story of the Isan naga beliefs inside. Open 8am–5pm, and good for photos.
Wat Maha That, Yasothon
An old temple central to the town, with the Phra That Phra Anon stupa and a historic scripture hall set over water. It's in the old-town area, so it pairs well with a visit straight after Ban Singha Tha.
How many days for Yasothon, and how to get there
Yasothon's main in-town sights can all be done in a single day — Ban Singha Tha, Wat Maha That, Phra That Kong Khao Noi, and Phaya Thaen Park. But if you also want to reach Phu Tham Phra in Loeng Nok Tha and Ban Si Than in Pa Tio, plan for 2 days and 1 night, since the distances between districts are fairly long.
- Own car — by far the most convenient. About 7–8 hours from Bangkok, and you can hop between districts as you like.
- Bus / minivan — services run from Mo Chit and nearby provinces into the town centre, but getting around the province after that means relying on hired transport.
- Plane — Yasothon has no airport; the nearest is Ubon Ratchathani, then about 1.5–2 hours by road from there.
Plan your stay and a full Yasothon trip
See the Yasothon travel guide →