The Roi-Et Tower: Isaan’s Most Surprising Landmark
Isaan is full of surprises for travelers willing to venture beyond the obvious routes. One of the region’s most visually striking yet least-known landmarks is the Phlan Watcharaphon Tower in Roi-Et — a soaring structure that dominates the city skyline and offers panoramic views across the flat Isaan plains.
What Is the Roi-Et Tower?
The Phlan Watcharaphon Tower — informally known as the Roi-Et Tower or the Dok Krachiao Tower — is a modern architectural landmark in the heart of Roi-Et city. At approximately 100 meters tall, it is one of the tallest structures in the region and visible from far outside the city.
The tower’s design draws on Thai architectural motifs, incorporating the lotus blossom (dok bua) form that recurs throughout Thai Buddhist art and architecture. It functions partly as a viewpoint tower, allowing visitors to ascend and look out over the surrounding countryside, the city, and on clear days, remarkably far across the Khorat Plateau.
Roi-Et City: More Than Just a Tower
Roi-Et (literally “one hundred and one” — a reference to ancient gates) is a provincial capital in the heart of Isaan that most travelers pass through rather than stay in. That is their loss.
The city has a beautiful man-made lake at its center — Beung Phlan Chai — with well-maintained parks, a cycling path around its perimeter, and pleasant evening food stalls along the waterfront. It is a thoroughly livable Thai city that moves at a distinctly non-tourist pace.
Highlights in Roi-Et city beyond the tower:
- Wat Buraphaphiram: Home to a massive standing Buddha image (Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Maha Muni), one of the tallest Buddha statues in Thailand at over 67 meters.
- The night market: Excellent and extensive, with particularly good Isaan food.
- Silk weaving: Roi-Et province is one of Thailand’s silk production centers. Visiting local weaving communities or the provincial silk market offers insight into this traditional craft.
- Phuttha Uppakut Island: A small island in the middle of Beung Phlan Chai lake, accessible by bridge, with temples and gardens.
Getting to Roi-Et
Roi-Et is straightforward to reach from the major Isaan hubs:
- From Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima): About 3-4 hours by bus or car, heading northeast through Buriram and Surin.
- From Khon Kaen: About 2 hours southeast by road.
- From Bangkok: Approximately 6-7 hours by bus, or fly to Roi-Et airport (domestic flights from Bangkok).
Roi-Et and the Silk Road of Isaan
Roi-Et is part of what some call the “Silk Road of Isaan” — a series of provinces (including Surin and Khon Kaen) where traditional silk weaving has been practiced for centuries. The distinctive mudmee tie-dyed silk of the region is considered among the finest in Thailand. If textiles interest you, Roi-Et is worth an extended visit.
For more on Isaan: Isaan: Northeast Thailand.
Conclusion
The Roi-Et tower is a striking introduction to a city and province that rewards the curious traveler. Roi-Et offers authentic Isaan life, excellent food, traditional crafts, and a beautiful city center — all without a tourist in sight. Add it to your Isaan itinerary.
About This Place
Wat Ban Rai – The Elephant Temple. One of Thailand most famous temples, located in Dan Khun Thot district of Nakhon Ratchasima province, approximately 60 kilometers from Korat city. Popular spot for locals and expatriates in the region.
Have questions about living or working in Thailand? Contact Sebastien Brousseau – French-speaking lawyer based in Korat (Nakhon Ratchasima).
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