Top 10 Best Places to Visit in Yasothon – Temples, Festivals & Cultural Landmarks

1.Rocket Festival Yasothon

The Bun Bang Fai, also known as the Rocket Festival, happens each year in the province of Yasothon in northeastern Thailand. Scheduled in May 2025, this event marks the first day of the rainy season and is inspired by age-old customs meant to encourage rain for successful farming.

The Beginning and the Reason

Long ago, before Buddhism came, people launched rockets to urge their rain god, Phaya Thaen, to send rain. Eventually, Buddhists adopted this tradition as a way to wish for a good harvest through merit-making.

Festival Highlights

1. Festivals include parades and living traditions that are performed.

The main events include rich, colorful parades, popular dances and performances of mor lam music. Many individuals wear eye-catching outfits which makes the parades full of Isan traditions.

2. Rocket Competitions

The highlight of the festival is when rockets are launched. Some rockets in the festival have a length of up to 9 meters and are packed with 120 kg of black powder. Their height, the distance they fly and how attractive the vapor trails are determine the judgment for the Bang Fai rockets.

3. Community Engagement

Besides the feasting, the occasion strengthens the community by getting people together to enjoy activities, partake in meals and share enjoyable moments.

• You can visit Chaeng Sanit Road, Provincial Hall or Phaya Thaen Public Park.

2.Phaya Thaen Public Park

All year long, Phaya Thaen Public Park in Yasothon looks simple, yet in May it turns into the heart of the incredible Bun Bang Fai or Rocket Festival. This event, based on old traditions, enthusiastically highlights the unity of and love for communities, their heritage and good times.

Let’s celebrate the unique experience of Bang Fai Festival.

The Bun Bang Fai Festival which happens annually from May 16 through 18, is meant to help bless the upcoming rice-planting season by welcoming rain. Phaya Thaen is the rain god and long ago people launched rockets to make him send rain down through the sky.

The main events of the festival are held at Phaya Thaen Public Park. Over the weekend, the park and its area are full of joy because of the vibrant parades, popular Isan songs and dancing and exciting rocket launches.

Music, Dance and Sharing a Community

Aside from the launches, the festival celebrates the rich culture found in Northeastern Thailand. Mor lam is the type of folk music people can hear, along with elaborate parades and lively dance shows dressed in fancy costumes and colorful floats. Messages of peace and joy in these gatherings unite locals and tourists from across the world.

3.The Toad Museum

You’ll find the Toad’s World (or Toad Museum) in the area of Yasothon, Thailand, where guests can appreciate the role of the toad in the local area. This unique amphibian-shaped building is known around the area and attracts both tourists and families who want to visit it.

Toad Hall is home to a unique museum.
Climb into this enormous toad to learn about the fascinating world of ecology. Thanks to static boards, touch screens and projected media, the museum makes learning about science an exciting experience. Through this information, you will see how toads support farming, pest management and help maintain a variety of species.

One thing that people won’t easily forget about are the spectacular views. The panoramic views from the observation deck in the toad’s mouth include the Yasothon countryside and the lake nearby. It makes for a nice place to cool off and snap some gorgeous photos on your phone (take a look at my [YouTube video] for the view!).

A place designating both a cultural and ecological heritage
In the Central Isaan Region, the Toad Museum in Yasothon is widely recognized for its influence on tourism in the area. Here, we learn and enjoy Thai traditions, as well as discovering the unexpected role this creature has played in society.

• Working Hours: The museum is open every day, usually between 9 AM and 5 PM

• For a better experience, try to visit during the morning or in the late afternoon.

4.Wat Song Yae Catholic Church

Hidden in the peaceful parts of Yasothon, Wat Song Yae Catholic Church fascinates anyone who visits, believer or not. You can appreciate the calming beauty, fine architecture and diversity found at this spot even if you are not Catholic.

The wood used in the church stretches from the ceiling to the floor and from the walls to the pews. As a result, you get a design that is rustic and elegant, bringing out a natural glow that quickly relaxes you. The mix of Thai and Western styles in the architecture results in something remarkable and unique.

I spent many hours roaming around and capturing every design point of the building, both inside and outside. Learning about the architecture in every part showed me how impressive the builders were. If you love architecture, historical sites or simply admire nice scenes, your photographs will be worth it.

Wat Song Yae is not only used for religious practices. Because the government school and dormitory are located on the grounds, they contribute to the lively atmosphere in the community. Wander around, enjoy the surroundings and you might find yourself greeting the students or faculty members.

• Typically, public transport is available while the sun is up.

• It is best to visit Jasper National Park either in the morning or late afternoon, as those are the times with the finest lighting and cooler ambient air.

5.Wat Pa Keong

This hidden treasure, Wat Pa Keong, is found in a scenic part of Thailand. While driving in nature, suddenly seeing the enormous Buddha statue and the wide temple on the hill is almost unbelievable. You can’t help but take a moment as you see this scene.

The temple looks fairly new, yet what really stands out is how grand and detailed it is. The major highlight is the seated Buddha, seeming peaceful, powerful and spiritual, giving a feeling of peaceful grandeur. Many new temples are being built around the Buddha statue and the area is tidily kept with friendly places to sit.

Despite there not being much in English, the atmosphere of the place is very striking. You don’t require translations to sense the peace, admiration or deep respect around this place. We took it easy by walking, snapping pictures and enjoying how peaceful it was.

Wat Pa Keong is a spot you visit by chance and are grateful to have visited. Because it’s not a regular stop for most tourists, it attracts visitors who like to escape the crowds and admire the quiet beauty of Thailand’s country areas.

• The monument is open when the sun is up.

• Probably the best time to go is in the morning or late afternoon, when you can truly see and appreciate the beauty of the Buddha.

6.Phra That Kong Khao Noi

Located away from the hustle of the region in Isaan, Phra That Kong Khao Noi is a simple yet charming sightfull monument. We got to the chedi around 4:30 PM and could see it from miles away, glowing with a romantic light.

Although the chedi structure is not old, this site was considered sacred during the 9th century. In the Laotian style, the chedi is a slender monotone structure, nicknamed a thaat in the local Isaan dialect.

Poems usually present an atmosphere of being still and meaning something important.
You can feel a gentle calm in the air, mostly in the very late afternoon. Light streaming through the trees and bouncing off the chedi clearly reveals the years it has stood at this site and its importance to the local people.

History and photo enthusiasts will find something special here.
If you like history, enjoy taking pictures or just want some peaceful cultural entertainment, the spot is worthy of your visit. Travelers will find it to be quiet, peaceful and perfect for relaxing ventures.

• Admission to the event is free.

• Late afternoon is the best time as the light and ambiance are wonderful then.

7.Phu Tham Phra

In the outskirts of Loeng Nok Tha, Phu Tham Phra is a place you find by luck and feel immediately glad to have found. Located in a quiet area, this small set of cave-temples gives a blend of light adventure, good feelings and unusual exploration.

Not many tourists visit Phu Tham Phra since it’s off the normal tourist route which adds an element of fun to the journey. After reaching the shrine, you can explore pleasant hiking paths, gaze at the surrounding scenery and see a small shrine full of Buddha statues inside a stone cave.

We saw a number of caves where monks reside, but they were not there when we visited. The site is evidently important for religion and you can feel an anticipatory sense of respect there. Standing just after the caves is a large plateau, where a new Buddha statue is being made which gives an impression of dedication and steady growth.

Since the area is isolated, there are no stores or markets close by. It’s a good idea to carry your drinks and snacks, put on comfortable sturdy footwear and take your time appreciating the views.

• Om Suwan Fa is located outside Loeng Nok Tha, in the Yasothon Province.

• 🕓 You’ll likely enjoy the park best when you arrive for the sunrise or near sunset.

8.Ban Singha Tha

In the Yasothon Province, Ban Singha Tha might not be big, but it gives a pleasant experience for anyone who likes calmer historical sites. Even now, this place gives a sense of history or lives gone by and it’s ideal for an easy walk.

In spite of being small, Sky Castle boasts magnificent old architecture and traces of its history. Enjoying the gentle pace of the city, we walked through a few old narrow lanes and admired the appealing structures.

It’s also special because of the neighboring wats (temples). Such places of worship are peaceful and let you see and hear how the local community observes its religion. Adding spirituality and history to the site makes Ban Singha Tha stand out.

If you prefer quiet exploring, taking pictures of classic wooden buildings or an ordinary but friendly stop on your journey, Ban Singha Tha won’t disappoint you.

• For most pleasant conditions and gentle light, go hiking in the morning or later in the afternoon.

9.Phra Buddhabat Temple

Being at Phra Buddhabat Temple during the Songkran holiday in 2016 was a wonderful memory. Just like other well-known wats in Thailand, this holy complex brings a feeling of peaceful and calm reflection.

Luckily, I went on a warm, quiet day when not many people were there, so my experience at the garden was especially relaxing. I could notice the elegance of the garden and the peaceful noise of the activities at the temple.

The complex contains many big and unique temples. Another interesting feature is a building that contains a replica of the Buddha’s footprint—this also adds to the experience.

The peaceful environment is enhanced by a river that runs around the temple complex. You can use an Indian-style raft to move to the middle of the pond and feed the fish while appreciating the local atmosphere.

Both the Eyes and the Soul Are Delighted
All in all, the lovely setting, peaceful vibes and gentle way people lived in the temple at Phra Buddhabat captivated me. It’s a perfect place to relax, particularly during major festivals such as Songkran.

• Peaceful darshan is best enjoyed either early in the morning or when fewer people are visiting.

10.Ban Thung Nang Ok

Found in the Yasothon Province countryside, Ban Thung Nang Ok lets visitors see what daily life is like in a Thai village. This place has a comfortable feel, cultural attractions and a quiet lifestyle that urges visitors to relax and adore the countryside.

A Village where People and Traditions Matter
People don’t visit Ban Thung Nang Ok in large numbers which adds charm to the place. It displays the old ways that people in this part of the country used to live. Paddy fields unfold in peace, most houses are built on stilts and the locals are friendly enough to smile and chat as you pass.

Based on the time of your visit, you could observe tribal weavers, basket makers or farmers at work with various crops. Skill is acquired by watching others or by joining a workshop hosted by the community if one exists.

• Visit in the morning around sunrise or late in the afternoon for the best conditions and a more comfortable atmosphere

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