Pho Chai

Pho Chai (Thai: โพธิ์ชัย) is a district in the northern part of Roi Et province, about 65 km north of the provincial capital. The district was established relatively recently — it was created as a minor district (king amphoe) in 1974 when four tambons were split off from Phon Thong district, and was upgraded to a full district in 1979.

Pho Chai is predominantly agricultural, with rice farming as the main livelihood. The district seat is in Tambon Kham Pia, a quiet market town that serves the surrounding farming villages. With a population of about 57,000 spread over nine tambons and 112 villages, it is one of the smaller districts in Roi Et province.

The climate follows the tropical savanna pattern of northeast Thailand. The cool season (November–February) is the most comfortable for travel, with warm days and cool evenings. March–May is very hot, often exceeding 36°C. The rainy season (June–October) brings regular downpours that fill the rice paddies and waterways.

By Plane

Roi Et Airport (ROI) is about 65 km south of Pho Chai, with daily flights from Bangkok's Don Mueang on AirAsia and Nok Air. From Roi Et bus station, take a bus or songthaew north to Phon Thong, then a local connection east to Pho Chai.

By Car / Road

Pho Chai is accessible via Highway 2044 from Phon Thong (about 15 km north-east of Phon Thong), or from the Kalasin province border to the north. Regular songthaews connect Pho Chai to Phon Thong, from where buses run to Roi Et city and other district centres.

Pho Chai town is very small and can be covered on foot. Songthaews connect the town to outlying villages. Motorcycle taxis are available near the market for short trips, about 20–30 baht. For exploring the district's rural temples and countryside, a bicycle or motorbike is ideal.

• Wat Chai Wari — The central temple of Tambon Kham Pia, a gathering place for community festivals and merit-making ceremonies.

• Pho Chai countryside — The district is characterised by flat rice paddies, small villages, and scattered Buddhist temples. A slow bike ride through the back roads reveals traditional Isaan rural life.

• Phon Thong area — The neighbouring district to the south-west has a larger market and several notable temples within easy reach of Pho Chai.

• Cycle through the rice paddies — The flat terrain and quiet rural roads make cycling the best way to experience Pho Chai's agricultural landscape.

• Attend local temple festivals — Each tambon's temple hosts an annual fair with food stalls, games, and merit-making. These are the main social events of the district.

• Explore the Kalasin border area — The northern edge of Pho Chai borders Kalasin province, known for its dinosaur museum and Phu Kum Khao fossil site (about 40 km north).

Small food stalls around the market serve classic Isaan dishes: gai yang (grilled chicken), som tam (papaya salad), larb, and khao niao (sticky rice). A few basic restaurants offer noodle soup and fried rice. Meals cost 25–50 baht. For more variety, Phon Thong (15 km away) has a larger selection of eateries.

Bottled drinks and tea/coffee stalls are available at the market as well as at small general stores scattered around town. Bottled water is essential — tap water is not safe to drink. Fresh coconut water is available seasonally.

Pho Chai has very limited accommodation, mostly simple lodgings for district government staff and agricultural workers.

• Budget: Basic rooms with fan and cold water near the market, 150–300 baht per night.
• Mid-range: Very limited options. The nearest reliable mid-range accommodation is in Phon Thong or Roi Et city.
• Upscale: None. Stay in Roi Et city and visit Pho Chai as a day trip.

The morning market in Kham Pia sells fresh produce, local snacks, and basic household goods. Isaan rice, fresh vegetables, and seasonal fruit are the main products. There is no dedicated handicraft market; for silk and textiles, visit the larger markets in Phon Thong or Roi Et city.

• Phon Thong (15 km south-west) — Larger district with better markets and restaurants, and a gateway to southern Roi Et.
• Roi Et city (65 km south) — The provincial capital with Bueng Phalan Chai lake, giant Buddha at Wat Burapha Phiram, and the surreal Wat Pa Non Sawan.
• Kalasin (50 km north) — Provincial capital with the Sirindhorn Museum featuring dinosaur fossils and the Phu Kum Khao quarry.
• Kuchinarai (30 km north) — District in Kalasin with a famous reclining Buddha cave and scenic reservoir.
• Selaphum (25 km south-east) — Old trading town with preserved early-20th-century wooden shophouses around Khwan Mueang.