Si Saket (province) Guide
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Print This GuidePreah Vihear (Khao Phra Wiharn)
Si Saket Province is in
Isaan.
Si Saket (ศรีสะเกษ) is the provincial capital of Si Saket Province.
Overview
Sisaket, in lower Northeast region, is situated next to Cambodia. With long history, Sisaket once had prosperous culture since Khmer era over thousands years ago. Moreover, there are many ethnic tribes such as Suay, Lao, Khmer, and Yer settled down here. Old town Sisaket, formerly known as Muang Kukhan, was located at Ban Prasat Si Liam Dong Lamduan, in present Tambon Duan Yai, Amphoe Wang Hin. It become a town in 1759, during Ayuthaya period. In the reign of King Rama V, or a round a century ago, the town has been moved to the present location.
Rich of Khmer Ruins, Sisaket is an interesting destination. It is also gateway to visit
Preah Vihear, cliff-top Khmer ruins sanctuary of Cambodia. The province has plenty of fruit, such as rambutan and durian, which are available at the beginning of rainy season. Sisaket acquires total area of 8,839 square kilometres and the province can be divided into 20 Amphoes and 2 Sub Amphoes.
Districts
The province comprises 22 amphoe:- Benchalak; Bueng Bun; Huai Thap Than; Kantharalak; Kanthararom; Khukhan; Khun Han; Mueang Chan; Mueang Sisaket; Nam Kliang; Non Khun; Phayu; Pho Si Suwan; Phrai Bueng; Prang Ku; Phu Sing; Rasi Salai; Si Rattana; Sila Lat; Uthumphon Phisai; Wang Hin; Yang Chum Noi.
Distance from Amphoe Muang to Amphoe nearby
Payu 21 km.
Uthumporn Pisai 24 km.
Kantararom 26 km.
Phusingha 28 km.
Yang Chum Noi 32 km.
Wang Hin 35 km.
Sri Rattana 37 km.
Huay Taptan 37 km.
Rasi Salai 38 km.
Muang Chan 40 km.
Bung Boon 42 km.
Prai Bung 42 km.
Nam Kliang 44 km.
Ku Khan 49 km.
None Koon 56 km.
Khun Harn 60 km.
Plang Ku 60 km.
Kantaralak 63 km.
Benjalak 80 km.
Sub Amphoe Phosri Suwan 29 km.
Sub Amphoe Silalad 50 km.
Cities
Si Saket - the provincial capital
Kantharalak - gateway to
Preah VihearOther Destinations
Distance to nearby provinces
Ubon Ratchathani 61 km.
Surin 143 km.
Yasothon 159 km.
Boundary
North: connects to Yasothon and Roi Et
South: connects to Cambodia with Dongrek Range as border.
West: connects to Surin
East: connects to Ubon Ratchathani
Getting There
By Car
From Bangkok, use highway 1 (Payolyothin Road) then highway 2 (Mitraphap Road) at Saraburi. Use highway 24 (Chock Chai-Det Udom) for get into Sisaket City. This route is 571 kilometres.
By Bus
Bus and air-conditioning coach leave Northeastern Bus Terminal (Mor Chit 2) in Bangkok for Sisaket daily. The journey takes 8 hours. For more information, call 0-2936-2852-66 and Sisaket Bus Terminal at 0-4561-2500 or visit www.transport.co.th
By Train
Ordinary, rapid, and express trains regularly leave Bangkok and Bang Sue Station for Sisaket. The route is 515 kilometres. For more information, call State Railway of Thailand at 1690, 0-2220-4334, 02220-4444, and Sisaket Railway Station at 0-4561-1525 or visit www.railway.co.th
For getting around in Sisaket City, tricycle is easily available. Moreover, there bus from Amphoe Muang to other Amphoe as well as provinces nearby.
Sights
Amphoe Muang Si Saket
Wat Maha Buddharam. (วัดมหาพุทธาราม) Located in the heart of Sisaket City, the Buddhist temple’s vihara houses ‘Luang Por To’ the sacred icon of Sisaket. The gigantic Buddha image in attitude of subduing Mara is 6.85 metres high and 3.50 metres wide. Built during Khmer era over a thousand years ago, the statue was originally carved from stone and decorated later at unknown time.
Somdet Sri Nagarin Park. (สวนสมเด็จศรีนครินทร์) Located in Agricutural Collage Sisaket, Kasikam Rd., Tambon Nong Krok, a couple kilometres from the city hall, the park acquires 237 rais area. With landscape of rolling hill, the park is nourished by two streams, Huay Poon Yai and Huay Poon Noi that meet north of the park. Here is rich of ‘Lamduan’ or Lamdman Tree, making it a nice place for botanical excursion. The lush forest of Lamdman always fills up the air with fragrance every March. As Sisaket was also formerly called Sri Nakhon Lamduan, Lamdman tree is used as logo of the province. Zoo, beautifully landscaped garden, and big pond in the park make it nice place for relaxing.
Khun Ampai Panich Building. (ตึกขุนอำไพพาณิชย์) Located in Muang Municiplaity, Ubon Rd., the beautiful building belongs to Sisaket nobleman Khun Ampai Panich (In Naga-siharat). Built by Chinese and Mon technicians in 1925, the Chinese style building was gracefully decorated with stucco. It is well renovated and preserved, and eventually won gold medal in the project of conversing urban architecture in 1987. The Fine Art Department has registered the building as ancient building already.
Phra That Ruang Rong. (พระธาตุเรืองรอง) Situated at Ban Sangruang, Tambon Yaplong, the temple’s architecture is the gracefully blending of art from four ethnic groups in Lower Northeast namely Lao, Suay, Khmer, and Yer. The 6-storey Phra That or stupa is 49 metres high. Its ground floor is for religious rites, the 1st -2nd floor is the museum of 4 Thai ethnic groups, the 3rd floor is the chapel for Buddha images, the 4th floor is meditation room, and the top floor is the view point. Relic of the lord Buddha is housed here. How to get there: Phra That is 7.5 km from Sisaket City via highway 2373 (Sisaket-Yang Chum Noi).
Amphoe Uthumporn Pisai
Sra Kampaeng Noi Khmer Ruins. (ปราสาทสระกำแพงน้อย) Situated in Wat Sra Kampaeng Noi, Ban Klang, Tambon Kayung, The Khmer Ruins comprises laterite stupa and chapel with a big pond at front, all are in the embrace of laterite wall. Once it had a stone carved lintel depicting ‘the Varun God’, the god of rain, siting on the throne above three swans. The carving was placed over kirtimukha. The Khmer Ruins in Bapuan is dated back to the 11th Century. At the first place, it was used for religious purpose. In the 13th Cenutry, under the reign on King Chaya Varama VII, Bayon Architectural style was added. During such time, the ruins was called ‘Arokaya Sala’ to be served as community hospital. How to get there: The Khmer Ruins is 8 km from Sisaket City, on the right of highway 226 (Sisaket-Uthumporn Pisai).
Sra Kampaeng Yai Khmer Ruins. (ปราสาทสระกำแพงใหญ่) Located in Wat Sra Kampaeng Yai, Ban Kampaeng Yai, Tambon Sra Kampaeng Yai, it is the biggest and most perfect Khmer Ruins in the province. The Khmer Ruins comprises three stupas on the same base lining in North-South direction and facing east. The main stupa, at the middle, made from sandstone and bricks in some part, houses carved lintel depicting God Indra on the back of Erawan Heavenly Elephant above the kirtimukha. Other two stupas are made of brick with sandstone decorations such as lintel, gable frame and door frame. Behind the southern stupa is another brick stupa. Before all are two brick vihara surrounded with walls made from laterite and sandstone and 4 Gopuras at all directions.
Brick vihara at north houses a carved lintel depicting Reclining Vishnu. The southern brick vihara houses a lintel depicting God Shiva and Goddess Uma seated on Nonthi Cow. Presently, this Khmer Ruins belongs to the division of Archeology, Fine Arts Department. Many antiques are found from this site such as lintels depicting Shiva God, Krissna God fighting Vattana Cow, Buddha statue in the attitude of meditation under naga, Buddha statue in attitude of meditation, and terra cotta Buddha images.
By the style appearing on gables, lintels, and antique, particularly inscription at the doorframe of Sra Kampaeng Yai Khmer Ruins, this ruins was probably build in the 11th Century with Bapuan Art style of Khmer. It was served as shrine for God Shiva before changing into Mahayana Buddhist temple in 13th Century.
How to get there: The Khmer Ruins is 26 km from Sisaket City and 2 km from Amphoe Uthumphon Pisai, via highway 226.
Amphoe Huay Tap Tan
Huay Tap Tan Khmer Ruins or Ban Prasart Khmer Ruins. (ปราสาทห้วยทับทัน หรือ ปราสาทบ้านปราสาท) Located in Wat Prasart Panaram, Ban Prasart, the Khmer ruins was adapted in later era like Sri Korphum Khmer Ruins in Surin. Huay Taptan Khmer Ruins has very similar roof, but quite higher. It comprises 3 brick stupa on laterite base in North-South direction standing in the laterite walls with arch gates. It might have 4 gates in the past, but today only southern gate remains.
The main stupa at the middle is a bit bigger than other two, but its roof, in rectangular shape, is shorter. It has only gate at the east with sandstone frame decorated with unfinished carved lintel depicting a man standing above the kirtimukha with flower frame.
The second stupa on another side has the same size but different style. The stupa is filled up with bricks, it has fault doors with sandstone door frame. There are carved lintel depicting the churning sea of milk lies in front of southern stupa. Assumed from art style of the lintel, this Khmer Ruins may be built in the 11th Century with blending art style of Khlang and Bapuan, before being adapted later.
How to get there: From Sisaket City, use highway 22 for 39 km, turn right at Amphoe Tap Tan and keep going for other 8 km.
Amphoe Plang Ku
Plang Ku Khmer Ruins. (ปราสาทปรางค์กู่) Located in Ban Plang Ku, stupa of this Khmer Ruins was built from gigantic-size brick like Sri Koraphum Khmer Ruins in Surin which can be dated back over a thousand years ago. In front of Plang Ku is a big pond which is home to Anatidae which gather from February onwards. How to get there: The Khmer Ruins is 70 km from Sisaket City and 10 km from Amphoe Plang Ku. It can be reached via two routes. Motorist can use Sisaket-Surin Rd. and turn left into highway 2234 or Sisaket-Ku Kan Route, then turn right into highway 2167.
Ban Samor Khmer Ruins. (ปราสาทบ้านสมอ) The small Khmer Ruins is located in Moo 2 Ban Tamchan, Tambon Samor. Built in the 13th Century, its stupa houses a carved statue. How to get there: From Sisaket City, use highway 220, and 2167 for 52 km. The ruins is 8 km before Amphoe Plang Ku.
Amphoe Ku Khan
Taleng Khmer Ruins. (ปราสาทตาเล็ง) Located in Moo 6 Ban Prasart, Tambon Kantararom, Taleng Khmer Ruins features a single stupa standing on the base. The stupa has rectangular base facing east. Presently, only the front wall and some side walls remain. The front door is the real door while the other three are fault doors. Pillars by the front door are delicately carved. The ruins was built in 11th-12th Century.
Many lintels are found scattering. The lintel at the northern gate depicts God Indra on Erawan Heavenly Elephant in the frame over kirtimukha. God Indra encarved in that lintel just took garland out of his mouth and holding it with both hands. Other lintels feature the same depiction except one depicting 7 hermits sitting in line during practicing meditation. From such architecture and art style, Taseng Khmer Ruins was built in Bapuan style during the year 1017- 1087. How to get there: From Sisaket City, use highway 220 to Amphoe Ku Khan, turn right at police station and keep going for three km. Turn left at the intersection and keep going for 300 metres, turn right and continue for other 8 km. Turn right at Ban Prasart, the Khmer Ruins is on the right.
Amphoe Khun Han
Detail of wall, Wat Lan Khuad
Bottle-cap mural, Wat Lan Khuad
Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (วัดป่ามหาเจดีย์แก้ว), more commonly known as Wat Lan Khuad (วัดล้านขวด, "Temple of a Million Bottles"), is a bizarre yet entirely serious Buddhist temple complex constructed entirely out of glass bottles. All the architecture is beautiful, particularly the pavilion called ‘Sala Thansmo Maha Chedikaew’ Ubosoth located mid of the pond. The ubosoth houses a very beautiful white jade Buddha image. Get there from Si Saket City on highway 211 and 2111 via Amphoe Payu and Prai Bung. The trip is 61 km, and it's a worthwhile detour if visiting
Preah Vihear.
Tamnaksai Khmer Ruins (Tamchan Khmer Ruins) ปราสาทตำหนักไทร (ปราสาททามจาน) Located at Ban Tamnaksai, Tambon Bakdong, Tamnaksai Khmer Ruins has a single stupa on sandstone base. The brick stupa has rectangular shape and one real door at the east while the other three are fault doors with carved door frame on the brick. Two carved guardian lions are watching the gate. The front door has frame made of sandstone. The door once was decorated with carved lintel depicting the God Narai lying on naga, with Laksmi sitting at his feet, and Brahma rising from his navel. Both side of Brahma are hermit and a person in the frame. Now such lintel is kept in Pimai National Museum.
Namtok Samrong Kiat (Namtok Pisad) น้ำตกสำโรงเกียรติ (น้ำตกปีศาจ) The falls is situated at Ban Samrong Kiat, in Dongrak Wildlife Sanctuary. Originated from Kantung Mount in Bantad Range, the medium size waterfall turns vibrant from late rainy season to winter, or September to February. Visitor can admire the fall from the upper level first, until climbing down the trail, one can see falls cascading down the 8 metre-high cliff. How to get there: The falls is 81 km from Sisaket City. Use highway 2111, get off the main road at Amphoe Khun Harn and keep going for 20 km.
Namtok Huay Chan (Namtok Kantrom). น้ำตกห้วยจันทร์ (น้ำตกกันทรอม) Originated from Phu Salao Mount on Bantad Range, the waterfall cascades beautifully before meeting with Moon River. The falls is vibrant from September to Frebruary. With shady vegetable, around the waterfall is a nice place for picnic. How to get there: The waterfall is 24 km from Amphoe Khun Harn and 85 km from Sisaket City via highway 2236 (Kantrom-Ban Samrong Kiat).
Amphoe Kantaralak
Khao Phra Wiharn National Park is covered in the
Preah Vihear article.
Sisa Asoka. (ศีรษะอโศก) The chemical-free and Buddhism-devout community acquires over 100 rais area in Tambon Krachaeng. Sisa Asoka is community model in self sufficiency, turning it back to capitalism and prefer Buddhism-devout lifestyle. Its remarkable success attracts organizations from nationwide to study its story, and tourists to shop for chemical-free fruit, vegetable, and herbs from the village’s outlet.
Chong Arn Ma. The border check point between Thailand and Cambodia is in Tambon Song, Amphoe Nam Yuen, Ubon Ratchathani. The check point, where border trade is allowed, is open every Tuesday and Thursday.
Namtok Phu La-or. (น้ำตกภูละออ) Situated in Phanom Dongrak Wildlife Sanctuary, Tambon Sao Thongchai, the small waterfall turns vibrant during September to February. Roundtrip trekking from parking area to the falls is 4 kilometres where tourist can enjoy nature trail featuring knowledge about plants and landscape. How to get there: Use highway 221 (Kantaralak-Pha Mor E-Dang) for 23 km, then use Ban Phume Sarol-Namtok Samrong Kiat Rd. for 8 km, turn right and keep going via asphalted road for 2.5 km to the parking area.
Fruit Orchard of Sisaket.(เส้นทางเที่ยวชมสวนชิมผลไม้ศรีสะเกษ) Some 5 km from Amphoe Kantaralak, on the right of highway 226 (Kantaralak-Pha Mor E-Dang) there is a 20 km (16 km on asphalt road) cutting through villages such as Ban Thung Yai, Ban Thung Sawang, Ban Rongtachun, Ban Cham Muang, and Ban Nong Kao. These villages are significant fruit producers of Sisaket. Their major products include rambutan, durian, lanson, mangosteen, stink beam and rubber.
Every June, fruit offspring from these orchards will be available, making it a very nice period to visit, tasting and buying the fruit directly from the plantation. The interesting orchards include rambutan plantation of Ban Cham Muang, durian plantation of Ban Sam Ki Lek, stink beam and year-round mango at Ban Nong Kao.
Activities
Festivals
Dok Lamduan Festivals. (งานเทศกาลดอกลำดวน) Held annually between March 15-17 at Somdet Sri Nagarin Park when lamdman trees in the park are in full bloom, The fair comprises cultural performance of four local ethnic groups namely Khmer, Suay, Lao, and Yer. Fair goer can enjoy selecting handicrafts, local products, and watching performance of Sisaket’s history.
Sisaket’s Rambutan and Durian Fair. (งานเทศกาลเงาะทุเรียนศรีสะเกษ) The fair is held every June at the field before Amphoe Kantaralak or Amphoe Khun Harn. Fair goer can enjoy the big sales of fruits from Sisaket such as rambutan, durian, lanson, mangosteen, stink beam and rubber, flower floats, documentary exhibition, and fruit tasting caravan.
Half and Quarter Marathon to Mor E-Dang. (การแข่งขันวิ่งฮาล์ฟและควอเตอร์มาราธอนสู่ผามออีแดง) Held annually on the third Sunday of December, the half and quarter marathon will start from Ban Phume Sarol to Mor E-Dang Cliff, on the way to Preah Vihear. This uphill and foggy route to the border is quite challenging route which can attracts lots of runner.
Long Kwuang and Mini Light & Sound at Sra Kampaeng Yai Khmer Ruins. (กิจกรรมการลงข่วงวัฒนธรรมศรีสะเกษ และ Mini Light & Sound ปราสาทขอมวัดสระกำแพงใหญ่) Held at Wat Sra Kampaeng Yai, the local activity welcomes group of tourists to visit community and join various activities for two hours at dusk. Tourist can see local people Long Kwuang or landing hands for welcoming tourist in traditional way, performing local music and dances, visiting handicraft producing demonstration, and enjoying dinner in traditional style. Moreover there is light & sound performance featuring the legends of Sra Kampaeng Yai Khmer Ruins. For more information, call Sra Kampaeng Yai Tambon Adminsitration Organisation at 0-4536-8322.
Money & Shopping
Local products and souvenirs
Sisaket is famed for silk and cotton cloths woven in ‘Khit’ pattern, which are mainly produced in Amphoe Bung Boon and Uthumporn Pisai. Delicate basketry and wooden works such as water holder, replica cart are available on Rachakarn Rodfai Rd. Saltened egg from Amphoe Prai Bung, red onion, garlic, and preserved garlic in honey are generally available. Sisaket is also famed for its torpicla fruit. Fruit orchards in Amphoe Kantaralak always bear fruit, such as durian, rambutan, and mangsteen, from May to July. And quality of the fruit here is as good as from the east of Thailand.
Itinerary
Recommended tour programmes
Programme 1: Khmer culture (Ubon Ratchathani-Sisaket)
Leave Ubon Ratchathani for Amphoe Kantaralak of Sisaket, visit Don Tuan Khmer Ruins. Go to Mor E-Dang Cliff and witness the cliff-side Khmer bas relief. Visit the cliff-top sanctuary of Preah Vihear before leaving for Samrong Kiat Falls in Amphoe Khun Harn and enjoy picnic lunch by the falls. Visit Tamnaksai Khmer Ruins, Wat Maha Jedi Kaeo or Wat Larn Kuad. Get back to Ubon Ratchathani to visit museum of Luang Pu Cha at Wat Nong Pa Pong, Amphoe Warin Chamrap. Enjoy shopping, dinner, before getting back to Bangkokor stay in Ubon Ratchathani.
Programme 2 : Preah Vihear Sanctuary (Sisaket)
Starting from Ban None Du, Amphoe Prai Bung of Sisaket, visit Wat Larn Kuad in Amphoe Khun Harn, enjoy lunch picnic by Samrong Kiat Falls. Visit Mor E-Dang Cliff, Khao Phra Viharn National Park, agrarian community of Sisa Asoka, and get back to Sisaket.
Programme 3: Getting around Sisaket
From Sisaket City, go to pay homage at Phra That Ruang Rong and visit the museum of 4 Thai ethnic groups. Visit Mud Mee Silk weaving proves and enjoy shopping at Amphoe Bung Boon. Visit Khmer Ruins and pay homage to Luang Pu Kruang at Wat Sra Kampaeng Yai. Lunch at Amphoe Uthumporn Pisai, visit Wat Sra Kampaeng Noi Khmer Ruins, Khun Ampai Panich Building, and enjoy nature of Lamdman forest in Somdet Sri Nagarin Park. Then go shopping dining, before getting back to hotel or else.
Programme 4: Surin-Sisaket
From Surin City, head to Amphoe Tha Toom for Jumbo Village Ban Ta Klang, then leave for Mud Mee Silk Cloth in Amphoe Bung Boon. Enjoy lunch in Amphoe Uthumporn Pisai. Visit Khmer Ruins and pay homage to Luang Pu Kruang at Wat Sra Kampaeng Yai, visit Wat Sra Kampaeng Noi Khmer Ruins, Phra That Ruang Rong. enjoy nature of Lamdman forest in Somdet Sri Nagarin Park. Then go shopping dining, before getting back to hotel or else.
Programme 5: Sisaket-Yasothon
From Sisaket City, go to visit Phra That Ruang Rong, the continue to Amphoe Uthumporn Pisai for Khmer ruins of Wat Sra Kampaeng Noi, and Wat Sra Kampaeng Yai. Leave for watching demonstration Mud Mee Silk Cloth production and enjoy shopping in Amphoe Bung Boon. Lunch at Amphoe Rasi Salai, go to Yasothon and pay homage to Yasothon’s Lord Buddha Foot Print in Amphoe Mah Chana Chai. Visit Phra That Kong Khao Noi, Boon Yarat Buddha Image and Phra That Arnon at Wat Maha That. Enjoy dinner, stay in Yasothon or get back.
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