Tourism
Bung Phalang Chai (Bueng Phlan Chai) (บึงพลาญชัย)
The picturesque lake on the area of 200,000 sq.m. in the central city is a symbol of Roi Et. It is blessed with a relaxing atmosphere, with an island decorated with a large flower garden. The pond also has various types of fish. Bueng Phalan Chai is also used as a venue for various events of the province. Inside is situated the city pillar shrine, the sacred shrine that is highly revered by the people of Roi Et. There is also a large walking Buddha image located amidst the flower garden, a Constitution atop a Footed Tray, flower clock, Phu Phalan Chai (an artificial waterfall), animal sculptures, playground and exercise areas.
Ku Ka Sing
It is situated in Wat Burapha Ku Ka Sing, Tambon Ku Ka Sing. It is another huge temple with Khmer-style architecture, comprising three prangs on the same laterite base, and rectangular library buildings in front. All of them are surrounded by a wall, with entrance pavilions known as Gopura at the four directions. Outside is a U-shaped moat surrounding the wall.
The three prangs of the main building are situated on a single base in the north – south direction. They have a square shape, facing east. The central prang is larger than the other two prangs. It has a long antechamber with three entrances at the front and on the two sides. The base of the prang was made of sandstone and carved in various rows and strips of motifs such as lotus petals and the flame-like ‘kanok’ motifs. Inside the inner chamber of the central prang, there is a Siva Lingam, which represents the Supreme God Siva and fertility, according to the beliefs in the Sivaite Sect of Hinduism. Several lintels were also found here. One piece depicts the God Indra on his mount – the Erawan or Airavata elephant – in a stylized arch above the Kala face whose hands hold the garland. There is also a gable depicting the God Indra sitting on his mount, Erawan elephant, amidst the ‘kan khot’ or scroll motif. The other two prangs have the same size and common features, having a sandstone base and brick wall with a single front entrance. There are pedestals of sculptures inside. Considering the art style, architectural plan, as well as archaeological evidence, they show that Ku Ka Sing followed the pattern of the Baphoun style of Khmer art, which is dated around 1017 – 1087 A.D. It was meant to be a shrine dedicated to Siva, one of the supreme gods in Hinduism.
To get there: There are two routes to get there; follow the Roi Et – Kaset Wisai route or Highway No. 214 for 47 km. and continue further on the Kaset Wisai – Suwannaphum route for 10 km. Turn right to Ku Ka Sing for 10 km; or take the Roi Et – Suwannaphum – Surin route (Highway No. 215) and continue onto Highway 214 for 60 km. until reaching Wat Ku Phra Kona. On the opposite side, there is a route to Ku Ka Sing, which is about 18 km. further.
Located on Phloen Chit Road, near the city hall. It was initially established by Dr. Ko Sawatdiphanit with an aim to showcase local silk textiles and handicrafts of Roi Et. It was later renovated when the Fine Arts Department had the policy to set up a national museum. Today, it showcases the province’s geography, natural resources, archaeology, history, way of life and local hand-woven silk products. The museum is open every day, except for Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. The entrance fee is 30 baht. For more information, call Tel. 0 4351 4456.
It is located near Bueng Phalan Chai. One of its twin buildings comprises an auditorium, lecture room, exhibition room, office, a ticket booth and a souvenir shop. The next building features an aquarium comprising 24 small tanks and one 8 x 16 metre tank with a capacity of 400 cubic metres of fresh water and a ‘bio filter’ system, which shows fresh water fish. The highlight of the exhibition is the underwater tunnel through which one can view the movements of the marine animals from any direction. The aquarium is open everyday (except Mondays, Tuesdays and public holidays) from 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. The entry fee is 30 baht. For more details, call Tel. 0 4351 1286.
Wat Burapha Phiram
It is located in Roi Et city. The third-class royal temple was formerly known as Wat Hua Ro and was later renamed as Wat Buraphaphiram. There is the tallest standing Buddha image in Thailand known as Phra Phuttha Rattanamongkhon Mahamuni or Luangpho Yai, which was built with reinforced concrete in the blessing attitude. The Buddha image is 59.2 metres tall and if the base is included, it would be 67.85 metres tall. There is a museum at the base. Luangpho Yai is highly-revered by the people of Roi Et.
Wat Pha Nam Tip
A beautiful temple to visit near Roiet, maybe 80 km, Wat Pha Nam Tip. Have a look at these pictures on this website.
Source: Tourist Authority of Thailand and others. |
