Once Upon a Time in Sisaket

Once Upon a Time in Sisaket

Once upon a time...

"I'll try to visit when I have some free time."

Years ago, I had the intention of visiting Sisaket Province, a place I had never been to before. I had only passed through briefly, but never actually stopped to explore. After researching tourist attractions in the province, I found them to be quite interesting, and I decided that I would visit someday. However, time passed, and I still haven't had the chance to go.

With some free time on my hands, I decided to finally take a trip to Sisaket, a place I'd been eyeing for quite some time. Setting off without a plan or high expectations, I simply thought, "I'll find the answers once I reach my destination!"

A Moment in Time... in "Sisaket"

The short trip to Surin was a whirlwind. With only two days and one night to explore the city center, the limited time and the scattered attractions, such as the distant Pha Mor E Daeng cliff, meant that the trip focused on the city's core. This itinerary included visits to significant landmarks, especially the stunning temples.

To facilitate travel to various tourist attractions in the Si Sa Ket city area, I rented a motorbike as my primary mode of transportation for this trip. This proved to be a convenient and economical choice, allowing me to visit all the desired destinations.

Time to "Embark on a Journey"

The express train 21 is heading towards the northeastern region of Thailand, with its final destination being Ubon Ratchathani province. However, it will first arrive at our destination, Sri Saket Railway Station, at 13.18 p.m., as stated on the ticket. This train is quite comfortable to ride as the air conditioning is cool throughout the journey.

Before boarding the train at the origin station, fearing that I might get hungry, I managed to find something to fill my stomach until I was full. It was like a supply that I had stored in my own belly, so that I wouldn't feel hungry until I reached my destination. However, I didn't think that... on this train, food and drinks would be distributed.

The train journey through the rice fields was a delightful experience, especially during the season when the rice paddies are lush and green. The picturesque scenery provided a relaxing and enjoyable way to pass the time, allowing for quiet contemplation and reflection. The train eventually arrived at Sri Saket Railway Station, marking the end of a pleasant journey.

Indeed, this train has maintained an excellent schedule, arriving at Sri Sa Ket Railway Station with only a slight delay. Upon exiting the station, we were greeted by rather sultry weather conditions. Therefore, we decided that it would be best to check into the hotel and leave our luggage before venturing further.

Finding respite from the heat: Accommodation options in Sisaket

Taking a motorcycle taxi from the front of the train station, I headed to The Impress Sisaket Hotel, my accommodation for this trip. The hotel appeared to be new and budget-friendly, with a price of around 400 baht per night. However, I had booked it in advance through a hotel booking website, which gave me a discount, bringing the price down to just over 300 baht per night. Overall, it was a good deal, even though it was a bit far from the train station.

The atmosphere at The Impress Sisaket Hotel is ...

The interior of the room is clean and spacious, with all necessary amenities, including air conditioning, a TV, and a refrigerator.

The bathroom is equipped with towels, soap, and shampoo. Overall, staying here is considered good value for money.

The main reason for choosing this accommodation was the availability of motorbike rentals, which facilitated convenient travel. The rental fee was affordable, at only 200 baht.

Travel around.. in "Sisaket"

After storing our belongings and taking a break from the heat in the air-conditioned room, it was time to explore the city of Sisaket. We obtained a map from our accommodation and began planning our route. We started by riding our motorbike back to the starting point, the **train station**. Nearby, we found the **monument of Queen Sisaket**.

• Monument of Queen Sri Suriyothai

The Monument of Nang Srei Srei Khes

The monument of Nang Srei Srei Khes, constructed from blackened brass and life-sized, commemorates the legendary figure. According to legend, Nang Srei Srei Khes (originally named Nang Srei Srei) was the daughter of King Suriyavarman and Queen Pin Savankrawadi. She served as the Viceroy of Pimarn Mongkol in the Khotraboor region.

Nang Srei Srei Khes was responsible for the construction of Prasat Sra Kamphaeng and was renowned for her knowledge of dance and the arts. During a ritual bathing ceremony at the Sra Kamphaeng pond, she adorned herself in full regalia and performed a solo dance offering to the Vishnu statue. This act was believed to invite powerful deities to reside in the newly built temple.

The people were deeply moved by this event and continued to remember it, leading to the name Nang Srei Srei Khes. Later, King Rama I ordered the establishment of a new city, separated from Mueang Khukhan, named Mueang Sri Saket. This was done to honor and commemorate Nang Srei Srei Khes. Subsequently, the name of the statue was changed from Nang Srei Srei Khes to Nang Srei Srei Khes to align with the cultural and social context of Sri Saket.

• Maha Buddha Ram Temple (Big Buddha Temple)

Adjacent to the Monument of Queen Srisaket, you will find the entrance to Wat Maha Phuttharam, also known as Wat Phra To, an ancient temple deeply rooted in the history of Sisaket.

Upon entering the temple grounds, one will encounter the Grand Hall of Luang Pho To, a magnificent structure constructed in 1966. The hall's interior is vast and impressive, boasting an aesthetic beauty that extends from its exterior to its interior.

"Luang Pho To", a large Buddha statue in the Mara-Vijaya posture, is characterized by a round, wide face and thick lips. It is believed to be a Buddha statue from the Khmer period and is a sacred object of Sisaket province.

Pay respects to Luang Pho To for good fortune.

Inside the temple, the walls are adorned with murals depicting the life of Buddha, creating a visually stunning scene.

Upper Cut Café: A Relaxing Haircut Experience in the Heart of Sisaket

Sitting on a motorbike seat in scorching weather makes it difficult to travel for long periods. Seeking shelter from the heat becomes a necessity. Fortunately, a short walk from the train station (approximately 500 meters) leads to Upper Cut Café, offering refreshing drinks and cool air conditioning.

Upper Cut Café: A Unique Blend of Coffee and Haircuts

Upper Cut Café boasts a stylish black-and-white interior reminiscent of a vintage barbershop, creating a relaxing atmosphere. This unique establishment is divided into two distinct sections: a coffee shop offering a diverse selection of coffee and beverages, and a barber shop. Interestingly, customers visiting the barber shop can enjoy a cup of coffee while waiting for their haircut, making the experience even more enjoyable.

Stepping inside the shop, you are greeted by the refreshing coolness of the air conditioning, a stark contrast to the sweltering heat outside. Especially during the scorching summer months, seeking refuge from the sun and enjoying a chilled beverage can provide much-needed respite.

Try ordering a "butterfly pea flower drink" to quench your thirst during this hot weather. It's a refreshing and delicious choice.

Moreover, the shop offers freshly baked homemade pastries straight from the oven.

The cool atmosphere made me feel so comfortable that I didn't want to go out into the sun. So I thought I would stay inside and cool off for a while longer, and order something to snack on in the meantime.

Contact Upper Cut Café

Tel: +86 143 7726

Line ID: Piknaja

Facebook: Upper Cut Café

After exiting Upper Cut Café, I was ready to face the heat outside again. Feeling hungry (despite having eaten a lot), I decided to stop for a quick bite of street-side noodles to refuel. The appearance of the noodles was unassuming, but they were surprisingly delicious. Unfortunately, I was in such a hurry to eat that I forgot to note the location of the stall.

Two Wheels Take You to… "Surin"

During a brief two-day trip, I embarked on an adventure through the various tourist attractions of Sisaket city, primarily focusing on its stunning temples. The temples in this region are truly remarkable, boasting unique and captivating designs. Here are the specific locations I visited during my journey:

• Wat Phra That Rueng Rong

Located approximately 7.5 kilometers north of the city center, **Wat Phra That Rueang Rong** can be reached by following the **Si Sa Ket - Uthumphon Phisai** route and turning right onto **Highway 2373**. The temple, known for its stunning beauty, **features a radiant glow, especially under the bright sun**. Established in 1982 by **Luang Pu Thamma Pitaksa**, it serves as the enshrinement site for sacred relics.

Phra That Rueang Rong is a building that blends the art of the four ethnic groups of lower Isan: Lao, Suai, Khmer and Yae. It is 49 meters high and divided into 6 floors.

• Floor 1 houses a folk museum showcasing the lifestyles of the Lao, Suay, Khmer, and Yae ethnic groups, featuring life-size mannequins depicting their traditions and cultures.
• Floors 2 and 3 comprise the folk museum, exhibiting antique household items and tools.
• Floor 4 serves as a relaxation area.
• Floor 5 is dedicated to meditation.
• Floor 6 enshrines the relics of the Buddha's hair and offers stunning panoramic views.

The area surrounding the stupa is also decorated with stucco models of Buddhist riddles and models of important Isan traditions and ceremonies. Prominently visible are models of large cow statues.

Stroll through the beautiful grounds of the temple and surrounding areas. The atmosphere is remarkably peaceful.

• Wat Phra That Suphannahong

Wat Phra That Suphannahong, also known as Wat Ban Wan, is located approximately 10 kilometers from the city center of Sisaket and only 3 kilometers from Wat Phra That Rueng Rong. If you visit Wat Phra That Rueng Rong, be sure to also stop by Wat Phra That Suphannahong, another stunning temple that should not be missed. The first glimpse of the temple reveals its unique and captivating beauty.

The Unique Features of the Temple

The temple's most striking feature is its central ordination hall, which is built on a replica of a Suphannahong boat. This unique structure floats gracefully on the water, creating a visually stunning and unusual sight. The 13.60-meter-long hall boasts a central mandapa that houses sacred relics.

Visitors can also enter the beautiful ordination hall, which is located in the middle of the water.

• Khun Amphai Phanit House

Khun Amphai Phanit House is a two-story, six-unit shophouse located in downtown Sisaket. It was built in 1925 by Khun Amphai Phanit (Thong-in Nakhasiharat), a wealthy Sisaket merchant. After the owner's death, the building was rented out for residential and commercial purposes for many years. In 1980, the building was in a state of disrepair and posed a safety hazard to its occupants. The authorities declared it a restricted area. The Fine Arts Department later restored the building and registered it as a national historic site in 1994.

Khun Amphai Panich House serves as a tourist attraction and learning center that effectively showcases the lifestyle of wealthy residents in Sisaket in the past. The upper floor exhibits photographs and belongings of Khun Amphai Panich.

And the ground floor is a shop selling local products and souvenirs from Sisaket Province.

• Wat Luang Sumangklaram Royal Monastery

Wat Luang Sumang Khlaram is another significant temple in Sisaket province. Originally named Wat Si Sumang, it was built in 1785 by Phraya Wises Phakhdi Si Nakhon Lamduan (Chom), the governor of Sisaket, to commemorate his father, Phraya Rattanawongsa (Aun), who requested to separate from Mukdahan province to establish Sisaket province at its present location.

This temple is significant as it houses the relics of the Buddha and the Phra Wises Ming Mueang, a bronze Buddha statue created at the same time as the city of Sisaket.

• Wat Chiang Yi Sri Mongkol Woraram

Wat Chiang Yi Sri Mongkol Wararam is located in the center of Sisaket city, not far from Wat Luang Sumangkalaram, a royal temple.

The temple is named Wat Chiang Yee because "Chiang Yee" is a local language that can be separated into two words.

"Jiang" means "elephant".

“Ee” means “sick”.

In summary, "Jiang Yi" translates to sick elephant.

• Sri Nakhon Lamduan Stadium, the home stadium of Sisaket F.C.

As an avid Thai football fan (particularly of the Nakhon Ratchasima team), I couldn't resist visiting the home ground of the Gaur Danger, also known as Sri Saket F.C., during my trip to the region. (At the time of my visit, Sri Saket F.C. was still competing in the Thai League T1.)

On days without competition, the atmosphere tends to be a bit quieter.

This stadium has a total capacity of approximately 17,000 seats.

At first, I just came in to casually enjoy the atmosphere outside. But after walking around and around… I was able to go inside and see the atmosphere. It's another beautiful stadium. It's a pity I didn't come on a day with a competition, otherwise it would have been a lively atmosphere. Because they say… The fans of this team are fun and fierce.

• Queen Srinagarindra Park, Si Sa Ket Province

Princess Srinagarindra Park is a public park in Sisaket Province, covering an area of 237 rai, which is much larger than expected. There is a parking lot in front of the park, so you can park your car and then walk into the park.

Within Queen Sirikit Park, a statue of Her Majesty Queen Sirikit, the Queen Mother, stands at the park's entrance. His Majesty the King graciously granted permission for Her Royal Highness Princess Galyani Vadhana, the Princess Naradhiwas Rajanagarindra, to preside over the opening ceremony on March 22, 1999.

A bridge over a stream in front of the entrance to Queen Sirikit Park

The park boasts a lush and verdant atmosphere, characterized by a dense population of **Lumnitzera littorea**, the symbolic tree of Sisaket province. This makes it an ideal location for botanical studies. Notably, **Lumnitzera littorea** blooms annually in March.

The park also features a beautifully landscaped zoo and public garden, making it an ideal place for relaxation. As a result, it is frequented by a large number of people, including schoolchildren on field trips.

Commemorative Park for His Majesty King Bhumibol Adulyadej's 80th Birthday (Koh Huai Nam Khao)

In the late afternoon, when the sun is setting and the wind is calm, I recommend visiting this place because the atmosphere is very good. Koh Huai Nam Kam is located about 4 kilometers from Si Sa Ket town and covers an area of 98 rai. Originally a forest and rice field, it has now become the Huai Nam Kam Reservoir, a popular recreation and relaxation spot for Si Sa Ket residents. Inside, there is a Cultural Promotion Center, an Aquarium (SISAKET AQUARIUM), the Si Lam Duan Hall, a place for exercise, and bicycle rentals for cycling around the island. There are also interesting tourist attractions such as:

• Sisaket Aquarium, Sisaket Municipality Aquatic Animal Exhibition Center

SISAKET AQUARIUM: A Diverse Aquatic Showcase

The SISAKET AQUARIUM, operated by the Sisaket Municipality, offers a captivating display of aquatic life. This impressive facility houses a diverse collection of fish species, categorized into distinct zones: marine, freshwater, and ornamental.

The aquarium boasts an impressive array of over 4,000 fish, including 79 freshwater and 22 marine species. This rich biodiversity provides a valuable educational resource for visitors of all ages.

Opening Hours: Tuesday - Sunday, 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Closed on Mondays)

Admission Fees:

• Children: 20 Baht
• Adults: 30 Baht
• Free admission for children under 100 cm, senior citizens, and people with disabilities.

After purchasing the tickets, we entered the SISAKET AQUARIUM, which was much more impressive than we had anticipated. A diverse array of fish species were on display, each accompanied by informative signage detailing their characteristics.

Key Highlights:

The 24-meter glass tunnel allows visitors to immerse themselves in the underwater world and observe marine life up close.

It is an excellent tourist destination and a great place for families to relax and unwind.

Enjoy a leisurely stroll as you watch the fish swim by, losing track of time.

In addition to the exhibits, SISAKET AQUARIUM also offers a variety of interactive activities, including fish feeding shows, bottle-feeding koi, and fish spa treatments.

• Sri Lamduan Hall in Honor of His Majesty the King

Sri Lamduan Observation Tower: A Panoramic View of Sisaket

The Sri Lamduan Observation Tower, a prominent landmark in Sisaket, stands tall on the Huai Nam Kham Island. This 16-story tower, reaching a height of 84 meters, offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the city.

The lower floors showcase an exhibition dedicated to the history, significant locations, and prominent figures of Sisaket. At the top, a spacious observation room provides unobstructed views in all directions.

Open to the public every Saturday and Sunday from 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM, the tower welcomes visitors with an entrance fee of 20 baht for children and 30 baht for adults. Children under 100 centimeters, senior citizens, and individuals with disabilities enjoy free entry.

Bicycle rental service available around Koh Wai Island. The rental fee is 30 baht with no time limit. In the evening like this, you can exercise and enjoy the beautiful atmosphere by cycling.

Every evening, people come to exercise, both running and cycling. Around Koh Huai Nam Kam, there is a bicycle path around the reservoir, with a total distance of approximately 3 kilometers.

The evening atmosphere is very pleasant, making it ideal for exercising.

The surroundings of the reservoir offer a variety of perspectives and atmospheres.

Cycling for a full lap, I managed to work up a light sweat, just the right amount of fatigue. Then, I found a spot to sit and enjoy the atmosphere by the water before the sun sets...

Black Ood-Lod Bridge

While exploring the city of Sisaket, you will encounter the Black Bridge and the White Bridge. The Black Bridge, a steel structure, carries trains over the Huay Samran stream, while the White Bridge, a concrete structure, serves as a passage for vehicles across the same stream. Interestingly, a local belief holds that if a single person travels by train under the Black Bridge, they are destined to find a partner in Sisaket. This belief is expressed through the phrase "Aod Lod," which in the Isaan dialect signifies "gone without return."

In the evening, a considerable number of people were seen strolling and taking pictures on this bridge.

Talad To Rueng Si Nakhon Lam Duan

Talat Tor Reung Si Nakhon Lamduan, a bustling night market located near Sri Saket Railway Station, offers a wide variety of delicious food and attracts large crowds.

Talat To Rung Si Nakhon Lam Duan is a typical local market where you can find a variety of street food, both savory and sweet, as well as fresh produce. It's a great place to take a stroll and grab a bite to eat at affordable prices.

Annie's Joke

Annie's Porridge is a porridge shop located in front of Sisaket Railway Station. If you are traveling back from Sisaket Railway Station in the early evening, we recommend you to have a meal here before boarding the train.

The diverse menu at **Annie's Porridge Shop** caters to a variety of preferences, offering **noodles, porridge, rice soup**, and even **eggs on a hot plate**.

The extensive congee menu offers a variety of options, including pork, chicken, and seafood. We opted for the pork congee, which was generously topped with various ingredients. The congee was flavorful and easy to eat, leaving us feeling satisfied and ready for our journey home.

Farewell, "Sisaket"

It is time... to return to the starting point, the point from which we began our journey.

"Sri Sa Ket Railway Station" bustled with passengers waiting for their departure in the early evening. It seemed everyone agreed that... this was the ideal time to arrive at their destination, Bangkok, early in the morning. A long, comfortable sleep in a sleeper car awaited them...

This trip... was a short one, only around Sisaket city. Although it was a short time, it still gave me a good feeling. It's another good memory of the trip. I'll definitely go back again when I have the chance!

Once upon a time... "Nice to meet you."

Adventure Tourism | CHAILAIBACKPACKER

Fanpage: Chai Lai Backpacker

Instagram: CHAILAIBACKPACKER

Twitter: @chailaibackpack / goo.gl/VIBXC9

Email: [email protected]

Website: www.chailaibackpacker.com