Sisaket

Sisaket (also spelled Si Saket) is the capital town of Si Sa Ket Province in the Isaan region of northeastern Thailand. With a history stretching back over a thousand years to the Khmer Empire, the area has been shaped by a mix of ethnic groups including the Suay, Lao, Khmer, and Yer peoples. Sisaket became a town in 1759 during the Ayutthaya period and moved to its present location around a century ago under King Rama V.

Today the town serves as the administrative and commercial hub of the province and the gateway to the surrounding Khmer ruins, including the famous Preah Vihear temple complex on the Cambodian border. The province is also known for its fruit orchards — rambutan and durian are in season from May — and for near-subsistence farming that characterises much of the local economy. The climate follows the tropical monsoon pattern: cool season (Nov–Feb) is the most pleasant time to visit; the hot season (Mar–May) brings the fruit harvest; the rainy season (Jun–Oct) sees the landscape at its greenest.

By Plane

The nearest airport is Ubon Ratchathani International Airport (UBP IATA), about 100 km east of Sisaket. From there, take a bus or taxi to Sisaket Bus Terminal (around 1.5 hr, ~800 baht by taxi).

By Train

Sisaket Railway Station is on the northeastern railway line. Ordinary, rapid, and express trains run regularly from Bangkok's Krung Thep Aphiwat Central Terminal (Bang Sue). The journey takes approximately 8 hours. For schedules call the State Railway of Thailand at 1690 or the station at +66 45 611525.

By Car / Road

From Bangkok, take Highway 1 (Phahonyothin Rd) then Highway 2 (Mitraphap Rd) via Saraburi. Near Nakhon Ratchasima (Korat) turn onto Highway 24 towards Sisaket. The total distance is 571 km (about 7 hr drive). Buses and air-conditioned coaches also depart from Bangkok's Mo Chit 2 terminal daily; the journey takes about 8 hours. Contact The Transport Co. at +66 2 9362852-66 or the Sisaket Bus Terminal at +66 45 612500.

Sisaket town is compact and walkable in the centre. Tricycles (samlor) are the main local transport, and motorbike taxis are available for short trips. There are no meter-taxis or tuk-tuks. Buses from downtown connect to other towns and nearby provinces.

Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Wat Lan Khuad) — About 61 km south in Khun Han, this Buddhist temple complex is built almost entirely from glass bottles, including bottle-cap wall art. A remarkable detour if travelling towards Preah Vihear.

Phra That Ruang Rong — 8 km from town on the Sisaket–Yang Chum Noi road. A beautiful wat whose architecture blends four ethnic styles (Lao, Suay, Khmer, Yer). The 49-metre Phra That Or stupa is the centrepiece. Open daytime; allow 90 min.

Sra Kampaeng Yai — The largest and most complete Khmer complex in the province. Three stupas aligned north–south, originally a Shiva shrine later converted to Mahayana Buddhism in the 13th century.

Sra Kampaeng Noi — A smaller Khmer site with a laterite stupa and chapel inside a laterite wall, once home to a community hospital (Arokaya Sala).

Wat Maha Buddharam — Houses Luang Por To, the sacred stone-carved icon of Sisaket dating to the Khmer era.

Tamnaksai (Prasat Tamchan) — A single brick stupa on a sandstone base with a door on the east side.

Somdet Sri Nagarin Park — Rolling hills, two streams, and a grove of fragrant Lamduan trees. A pleasant botanical excursion.

Khun Ampai Panich Building — A preserved nobleman's house that won a gold medal for urban conservation in 1987.

Namtok Samrong Kiat (Namtok Pisad) — A medium-sized waterfall on Kantung Mountain, best from September to February.

Dok Lamduan Festival (15–17 Mar) — Held at Somdet Sri Nagarin Park when lamduan trees bloom. Cultural performances by Khmer, Suay, Lao, and Yer groups, plus handicrafts and historical reenactments.

Sisaket Rambutan and Durian Fair (June) — Fruit festival in Kantharalak District with flower floats, fruit-tasting caravans, and local produce.

Half- and Quarter-Marathon to Mor E-Dang (3rd Sunday Dec) — Runs from Ban Phume Sarol to Mor E-Dang Cliff on the route to Preah Vihear.

Sisa Asoka — A model self-sufficient community following a Buddhism-centric lifestyle, open to visitors interested in sustainable living.

Sisaket is in the heart of Isaan, and excellent Isaan food is available everywhere. The lively evening market adjacent to the railway tracks on the south side of the train station is the best spot: open 17:00–21:00, with a wide variety of grilled, baked, and barbecued food at reasonable prices.

Kai yang mai madan — Grilled chicken skewered on madan (Garcinia schomburgkiana) wood, which gives the meat a slightly sour aroma. This is the signature OTOP dish of the province.

Ma kuear soup — Not a soup but a gluey dip made from Thai eggplant, fish, red onion, chili, and herbs, served with fresh vegetables.

Leo's — 1579/11 Si Sumung, Mueang Tai. +66 45960208. 11:00–23:00 daily (closed Tue). A bar and restaurant with a wide beer selection and well-presented Thai and Western food. Beef burger 145 baht.

There are a few local bars and cafés in town. The evening market area has vendors selling fresh fruit shakes and iced coffee. Bottled water is safe; avoid tap water.

• Budget: Sisaket Hotel — basic rooms near the bus terminal, from 350 baht.
• Mid-range: Khum Lanna Boutique Hotel — clean air-conditioned rooms in the town centre, around 600–800 baht.
• Upscale: The P tradition Hotel — the most comfortable option in town, with modern amenities, from 1,200 baht.

Sisaket is known for silk and cotton cloth woven in the khit pattern, produced mainly in Bung Boon and Uthumphon Phisai. Salted eggs from Phrai Bung, red onions, garlic, and preserved garlic in honey are popular local products. Tropical fruits — rambutan, durian, mangosteen — are available from May to July at roadside stalls and the provincial fruit fair.

• Khao Phra Wihan National Park (98 km south) — A protected area on the Cambodian border with Khmer ruins, viewpoints, and waterfalls.
• Kantharalak (50 km south) — The gateway district to Preah Vihear, with fruit orchards and nearby national park access.
• Khukhan (30 km west) — The former provincial capital with historic temples and a traditional market.
• Ubon Ratchathani (100 km east) — The largest city in southern Isaan, with Candle Festival and Wat Thung Si Muang.
• Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (61 km south) — The famous "Temple of a Million Bottles" in Khun Han.