Roi Et

Introducing Roi Et

Three centuries ago, Roi Et served as a buffer between the clashing Thai and Lao armies. Back at that time, it had 11 city gates, one for each of its 11 vassal colonies; its name, which means ‘one hundred one’, is probably a typically macho exaggeration of this number.

Roi Et’s long history hasn’t followed it into the 21st century; orderly and modern, you can almost smell the drying paint on some of the city’s grander buildings. But while most of its historic monuments have vanished into foggy memory, Roi Et retains a charm and sense of identity all of its own. You can’t call Roi Et sleepy, but, perhaps taking its cue from the walking Buddha on an island in the middle of Beung Phlan Chai, it does seem to move to its own urban beat.

Roi Et Province is known for the crafting of the quintessential Isan musical instrument, the khaen, a kind of panpipe made of the mái kuu reed and wood. The best khaen are reputedly made in the village of Si Kaew, 15km northwest of Roi Et. It takes about three days to make one khaen, depending on its size.

Last updated: Sep 24, 2008