Isan Province Profile

Sisaket

Sisaket was originally called Khu Khan. Archaeologists believe the city dates back to the time of the Khmer empire because of the presence of many Khmer ruins. The town was upgraded to a city in 1759 when Ayutthaya was Thailand's capital. The first governor was Lung Kaeo Suwan who was promoted to Phra Krai Phakdi. During the reign of His Majesty King Rama V, Khu Khan was relocated to Sisaket but the city still retained the name of Khu Khan until 1938 when it was renamed Sisaket Province.

sisaket map

Provincial Attractions

Somdet Phra Si Nakarin Park was built by the people of Sisaket and the Ministry of Education to celebrate the 60th birthday anniversary of H.R.H. The Princess Mother. Approximately 237 rai (379,200 sq. meters) of the Sisaket Agricultural College was used for the park, which is a naturally forested area, and the only forest in Thailand that has a dense concentration of Lamduan flowers, giving the forest a pleasant aroma from February to April. The Lamduan flower is a plant of historical significance for Sisaket as it gave the city one of its former names: "Si Nakhon Lamduan". When they blossom, the forest turns soft yellow and the Lamduan leaves impart a sweet smell that lasts for months.

Prasat Khao Phra Vihan is a splendid Khmer ruin just across the border in Cambodia. Perched on a 600-metre hill, the complex was built by a succession of Khmer kings from the 10th to12th centuries and predates its larger brother Angkor Wat. Constructed in Papuan and early Angkor styles, Khao Phra Vihan originally served as a Hindu temple. Even though the temple lies in Cambodia, the only road to reach it is in Thailand.

Wat Lan Khuad or Temple of The Million Bottles is located some 61 km from the provincial seat, is Wat Pa Maha Chedi Kaew (Wat Lan Khuad). Religious edifices and other structures here are decorated with glass bottles of different colors and shapes numbering in the millions, producing fascinating designs and patterns.

Festivals

The Lamduan Ban Fair falls on the first weekend of March, and is held at the Somdej Sri Nakharin Park. It coincides with the full blooming of the Lamduan flowers. Activities include demonstrations of the arts and cultures by the four minority groups (Khmer, Suay, Lao and Yer), stalls offering local handicrafts, and a live drama-light and sound presentation portraying the founding of the city.

The Sisaket Rambutan-Durian Fair is organized annually in June on the grounds in front of the district offices of Kanthralak or Khunhan (alternating yearly between the two districts). There are numerous activities such as the selling of fruits and crops of the province, a Fruit Float parade, a technical exhibition, and excursions to visit various fruit orchards.

Pha Moh I Daeng Half and Quarter Marathons are held on the 3rd Sunday of August. The route leads uphill to Khao Phra Viharn and lies between Ban Phumsaral Pha Moh E-Daeng of Kanthralak district. As it is held in the rainy season and runners must go through mist and fog, it is indeed a highly challenging event and attracts a large number of participants.