Si Sa Set, Thailand

Si Sa Ket was originally called Muang Khu Khan. Archaeologists believe the city dates back to the time of the Khmer empire because of the presence of many Khmer ruins. Legend gas it that Muang Khu Khan used to called Si Nakhon Lamduan and was suited at what is now Ban Prasat Si Liam Dong Lumduan, Tambon Tuan Yai,  King Amphoe Wang Hin in the province.

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, Muang Khu Khan was relocated to Muang Si Sa Ket (Ban Muang Kao, Tambon Muang Nua in the present day) but the city still retained the name of Khu Khan until 1938 when it was renamed Si Sa Ket Province.
 

Attractions:
Princess Mother Park 1 Km. from the province on Kasikam Road,the park is location in Si Sa Ket Agricultural College, Tambon Nong Khron, Amphoe Muang. It is constructed in honour of the Princess Mother on her 80th birthday anniversary

Prasat Hin (stone castle) Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai just two Kilometers away from the Uthumphon Phisai district office, is located on a high slope on the edge of the Ban Sa Kamphaeng village. Built of sandstone with carvings of various scenes, its main gate is inscribed with Khmer letters. It is thought that the structure was erected around the 10th Century A.D.during the reign of King Suriyaworaman, one of the great Khmer rulers.

Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Noi, about fourteen kilometers further away from the district office, has been constructed during the same period as the Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai.

Prasat Phu Fai twenty kilometers away from Amphoe Kantharalak to the Southwest, is built of redstone and rock extracted from nearby mountains.

Prang Ku a millennium-old Khmer sanctuary in Amphoe Prang Ku, is erected with large bricks similar to the style of Prasat Si Khoraphum in Surin.
Namtok Samrong Kiat, 16 kilometers from Amphoe Khun Han, is a medium-sized waterfall. The water cascades down through many levels to a clear pool below, ideal for swimming. The surrounding area is shady with vines and tropical flora.

Namtok Huai Chan small yet beautiful waterfall, only twelve kilometers away from Amphoe Khun Han. Lush shrubberies and trees provide cool, shady relaxation on a picnic.

Khao Mo I Daeng a mountain situated 80 kilometers to the south of Amphoe Kanthoralak, contains a Khmer rock bas-relief depicting a row of three sitting persons. The bas-relief can be traced back over 1,000 years. From here, the famous stone sanctuary of Khao Phra Wihan can be seen topping the next mountain 1 kilometer away.

Handicraft Shopping Souvenirs and handcrafted products of Si Sa Ket including quality silk and cotton from Amphoe Uthumphon Phisai and basketwork and miniature carts from Amphoe Khu Khan are all available at souvenir shops in Si Sa Ket.


Festivals & Events:
The Lamduan Ban Fair   
Usually over the first weekend of each March, is held at the Somdej Sri Nakharin Park. It coincides with the full blooming of the Lamduan flowers. Activities include demonstration of the arts and cultures of the four minority groups (Khmer, Suay, Lao and Yer), stalls offering local handicraft, a combination of live drama-light and sound presentation portraying the founding of the city.

The Si Saket Rambutan-Durian Fair
Organized annually in June at the ground in front of the district offices of Kantralak of khun Han (alternating yearly between the two districts). There are numerous very interesting activities such as the selling of fruits and crops of the province. Fruit Float parade, technical exhibition and organizing of caravan to visit various fruit orchards.

Half and Quarter Marathons to Pha Moh E-Daeng
Held on Sunday of the 3rd week in August. The route leads uphill to Khao Phra Viharn and lies between Ban Phumsaral Pha Moh E-Daeng of Kantralak 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.

How to get there:
Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 to Nakhon Ratchasima, then use Highway No.226 to Si Sa Ket via Buri Ram and Surin, a total distance of 571 kilometres.

Bus
Buses depart from Bangkok’s Mochit 2 Bus Terminal to Si Sa Ket every day. Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 for more information.

Train
Regular trains depart from Bangkok’s Hua Lamphong Railway Station to Si Sa Ket every day. Call 1690, 0 2223 7010-20 for more information.

Air
Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and continue the trip by bus to Si Sa Ket. Call Thai Airways at Tel: 1566, 0 2628 2000.