yasothon

YASOTHON Yasothon 1

1010TThhininggs stotoddoo Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival Phrathat Kong Khao Noi The Toad Museum Phrathat Ku Chan Malai Khao Tok Procession Tradition 2 Yasothon

o Wat Phra Phutthabat Yasothon โบสถ์คริสต์ บา้ นซง่ แย้ (วดั อัครเทวดามิคาแอล) Ban Song Yae Catholic Church (St. Michael’s Church) Ban Sing Tha Old Town Museum Ban Song Pueai Ancient Site Ban Si Than Khit Pillow Village Yasothon 3

วัดพลบั Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Procession 4 Yasothon

CONTENTS HOW TO GET THERE 8 ATTRACTIONS 10 Amphoe Mueang Yasothon 10 Amphoe Sai Mun 17 Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha 18 Amphoe Thai Charoen 19 Amphoe Pa Tio 20 Amphoe Kham Khuen Kaeo 21 Amphoe Maha Chana Chai 23 MAJOR EVENTS 25 LOCAL PRODUCTS 29 SOUVENIR SHOPS 30 SUGGESTED ITINERARY 31 MAPS 34 USEFUL PHONE NUMBERS 38 TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES 39 Yasothon 5

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival YASOTHON 6 Yasothon

Thai Glossary Ban Sing Tha Old Town Amphoe : District Song Thaeo : Pick-up trucks but with a Ban : Village roof over the back Bang Fai : Rocket Talat : Market Hat : Beach Tambon : Subdistrict Khuean : Dam Tham : Cave Maenam : River Tuk-Tuks : Three-wheeled motorized Muban : Village taxis Mueang : Town or city Ubosot or Bot : Ordination hall in a temple Phrathat : Pagoda or stupa Wihan : Image hall in a temple Prang : Corn-shaped tower or Wat : Temple sanctuary Note: English spelling uses the official Thai Prasat : Castle transliteration. Posted signs may be spelled SAO : Subdistrict Administrative differently. When seeking help for directions, Organisation point to the Thai spelling for each place Soi : Alley name. Yasothon 7

Yasothon is the smallest province of lower Amphoe Kho Wang 70 kilometres northeast. It is famed for Rocket Festival. Amphoe Maha Chana Chai 41 kilometres By history, Phra Wo, former minister from Vientiane and his friends, have migrated and HOW TO GET THERE settled a community at “Ban Singha Tha” in By Car: 1797. Later, in the year 1814, King Rama II of Route 1: From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 Rattanakosin has upgraded the community (Phahonyothin Road) until reaching Saraburi, into a Yasothon Town which reports directly make a right turn onto Highway No. 2 to Bangkok with Phra Sunthon Ratchawongsa (Mittraphap Road) past Nakhon Ratchasima as the first governor. In 1972, it became toward Amphoe Phimai and past Amphoe Yasothon province after separating Nong Song Hong and Amphoe Ban Phai, from Ubon Ratchathani. Khon Kaen. Then turn onto Highway No. 23 past Amphoe Borabue, Maha Sarakham Yasothon acquires total area of 4,161 square province, and Amphoe Thawat Buri and kilometers and can be divided into 9 districts Amphoe Selaphum of Roi Et province and namely Amphoe Mueang Yasothon, Amphoe finally onto Yasothon. The total distance is Sai Mun, Amphoe Kut Chum, Amphoe Loeng 531 kilometres taking 7 hours. Nok Tha, Amphoe Thai Charoen, Amphoe Pa Tio, Amphoe Kham Khuen Kaeo, Amphoe Route 2: From Bangkok, take Highway Kho Wang, and Amphoe Maha Chana Chai. No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) until reaching Saraburi, make a right turn onto Highway No. Distance from Yasothon to Nearby Provinces 2 (Mittraphap Road) to Nakhon Ratchasima Amnat Charoen 54 kilometres then bear onto Highway No. 202 past Ubonratchathani 98 kilometres Amphoe Suwannaphum, Roi Et province, and Si Sa Ket 159 kilometres continue onto Yasothon. The total distance Roi Et 71 kilometres is 600 kilometres. Distances from Amphoe Mueang Yasothon By Bus: From the Bangkok Bus Terminal to other districts (Chatuchak). There are many buses to Yasothon Amphoe Sai Mun 18 kilometres departing daily: Amphoe Kut Chum 37 kilometres - The Transport Co., Ltd. Tel. 1490, Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha 69 kilometres 0 2936 2852-66 or www.transport.co.th Amphoe Thai Charoen 50 kilometres - Nakhonchaiair Co., Ltd. Tel. 1624 or Amphoe Pa Tio 28 kilometres www.nakhonchaiair.com Amphoe Kham Khuean Kaeo 23 kilometres 8 Yasothon

By Train: A train service is available Phrathat Kong Khao Noi from the Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) to Ubon Ratchathani Railway - Thai Air Asia www.airasia.com. Station, where tourists can catch a regular - Thai Lion Air Tel. 0 2529 9999 or bus to Yasothon, a distance of 111 www.lionairthai.com. kilometres. For more information, Tel. - Thai Smile Airways Tel. 1181, 0 2118 1690, 0 2220 4334, 0 2220 4261 or www. 8888 or www.thaismileair.com. railway.co.th By Plane: There is no direct flight from From the Ubon Ratchathani International Bangkok to Yasothon, But there are many Airport, take a metered taxi, three-wheeled airlines operating flights from Bangkok to motorcycle, or motorcycle taxi to the Ubon Udon Ratchathani International Airport, Tel. Ratchathani Bus Terminal, then take the bus 0 4524 5612 Ext. 2152, then take a regular to Yasothon. The total distance is about 100 bus to Yasothon, as follows: kilometres. - Nok Air Tel. 1318, 0 2900 9955 or www.nokair.com. Another way to get to Yasothon is to take a flight from Don Mueang International Airport to Roi Et Airport, then take the bus to Yasothon. The total distance is 63 kilometres. Yasothon 9

Local Transportation Phaya Thaen Public Park To get around the city, there are Song Thaeo pickup trucks, three-wheeled motorcycles, ATTRACTIONS as well as motorcycle taxis available. The Amphoe Mueang Yasothon main stops are at the Yasothon Bus Terminal, Talat Thetsaban (Municipal Market), etc. Phaya Thaen Public Park (สวนสาธารณะ Buses that run between districts are also พญาแถน) is situated in the municipal area available. on Chaeng Sanit Road (Highway No. 23) Transportation to Nearby Provinces adjacent to the Lam Thuan Reservoir. It From the Yasothon Bus Terminal, there is surrounded with a small meandering are buses and commuter vans available to stream. Inside the area features flower nearby provinces; such as, Ubon Ratchathani, and ornamental gardens, outdoor stages, Amnat Charoen, Mukdahan, and Roi Et. playgrounds, and a health park. The Park is also a venue for the annual Rocket Festival (Phaya Thaen is the name of the God of Rain according to local belief that when it comes to the sixth month of the lunar calendar, the people will make skyrockets as a worship gesture to ask for rainfall from Phaya Thaen). 10 Yasothon

In addition, the place is used for an annual short-sized boat (fishing boat) race and Songkran Festival. The Toad Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พญาคันคาก The Toad Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์คางคก)) is situated by the Lam Thuan Reservoir. It is a 5-storey giant-toad- Phaya Naga Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์พญานาค) shaped building. Inside the building is an is located next to the Toad Museum. Inside exhibition, which tells the story of the fight is an exhibition of Phaya Naga and other between Phaya Khankhak (Giant Toad) and serpents from around the world, as well Phaya Thaen (God of Isan) that later became as beliefs and important traditions of the an origin of the Rocket Festival (Bun Bang Northeast (Isan), which are related to Phaya Fai), biological data on species of toads, Naga. The exhibition is interesting with the and Hit Sip Song (twelve Isan merit-making light and sound presentations. traditions). Visitors can enjoy the view of the city, as well as the Thuan River from the mouth of the Giant Toad. Phaya Naga Museum Yasothon 11

Wat Maha That Both of the museums are open from Sunthon Ratchawongsa, the first governor Wednesday-Monday (closed on Tuesday), of Yasothon. 10.00 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. on weekdays, and 9.00 a.m. - 5.00 p.m. on weekends. Entrance Other interesting attractions in the temple’s fee is 40 Baht/person. For more information, compound also include: please contact the Yasothon Governor’s Office at Tel. 0 4571 4211. Phrathat Yasothon or Phrathat Anon, located in front of the ubosot, is one of the most Wat Maha That (วัดมหาธาตุ) located in important ancient stupas in the Northeast. the municipal area, includes an important The square shaped stupa has a top similar artefact, Phra Phuttha Butsayarat or Phra to Phrathat Phanom and enshrines the Kaeo Yot Nam Khang, which is a Buddha relics of Phra Ananda (the main disciple and image in a meditation posture in the Chiang Lord Buddha’s attendant). The construction Saen art style. It is the main Buddha image is influenced by the Laotian art style, which of Yasothon that King Rama III gave to Phra was popular during the late Ayutthaya to the 12 Yasothon

early Rattanakosin periods, corresponding the roof. This area is a place for keeping to the history of the city’s settlement and Dhamma cabinets, caskets and shelves the history of Wat Maha That that says it for scriptures brought from Vientiane. The was built around 1778 by Thao Na, Thao arch doors and wooden door panels were Kham Sing, and Thao Kham Pha, who were beautifully well-crafted into a lacquered former ministers of Si Sattana Khanahut City and gilded floral pattern. On the wall are (Vientiane). They migrated people under the decorative designs of the mixed Central leadership of Phra Wo and Phra Ta during Region style. The hall was presumably built 1770 - 1776 to settle down here. during the reigns of King Rama IV - King Rama Having a square pedestal measuring 8 V the Great in the Rattanakosin period. metres on each side, the stupa was built with brick and cement; the midsection of the pedestal is receded in the form of overturned and upturned lotuses; on the upper part is Ruean That, which is the stupa’s main part that enshrines the relics, with niches on four sides installed with Buddha images in a standing posture. On the top are inserted with small tapering finials on four sides. The centre of the top in a tapering rectangular shape has two tiers. The construction pattern was similar to that of Phrathat Kong Khao Noi. The annual celebration for the stupa is held in March. Ho Trai is used for keeping the palm-leaf scriptures of the temple. Situated in the middle of the pond in the northeastern direction of the Phrathat, the hall was built in a rectangular shape like other general scripture halls in the Isan region. There is a connecting passage under the shade of Ho Trai Yasothon 13

Ban Sing Tha Old Town Museum Ban Sing Tha Old Town (ย่านเมืองเก่า Roads in which some of the buildings still บ้านสงิ หท์ ่า) is located in the area of Ban remain in good condition, and give a good Sing Tha, in the Yasothon Municipality. This sense of the old days. neighbourhood was a marketplace, and had prospered since the French influence came This neighbourhood is also the centre of into the region. Pla Som (Thai pickled fish) and Lot Chong (green pandan jelly in coconut milk), which During that time, the wealthy people hired visitors can get as souvenirs. many Vietnamese craftsmen to build their houses; as a result, the houses in this Phrathat Kong Khao Noi (พระธาตุก่อง neighbourhood were designed with a ข้าวน้อย) an ancient stupa in the Khmer era, beautiful mixture of the Chinese and was built during the 18th-20th centuries European style (Sino-Portuguese). Those which corresponded with the late Ayutthaya charming buildings of Ban Sing Tha can be period. Situated in the compound of Wat seen on the Si Sunthon, Nakhon Thum, Phrathat Kong Khao Noi, which was a former Uthai Ramarit, and Witthaya Thamrong paddy field in Tambon Tat Thong. 14 Yasothon

Phrathat Kong Khao Noi The stupa was constructed with brick and The story of Phrathat Kong Khao Noi is about cement, featuring an unusual shape that is a young male peasant who worked in the different from other general stupas that is field from dawn until the late morning. a 12 indented cornered stupa with a square Waiting for his mother to bring him food, base measuring 2 metres wide on each side he was so hungry and furious when she was and 1 metre high. The middle part was late and that the food she brought did not designed into arched doors on four sides. seem to be enough. Above this part is the top of the stupa, which exhibits a tapering shape. The outer Out of anger, he hit his mother to death. part of the stupa’s top is surrounded with After he ate the meal and felt full, there was brick walls 5x5 metres. In addition, behind some food left. At that time, he felt a sense the stupa lays a bricked Buddha image that of guilty for overreacting to his mother that has received high respect from the locals. resulted in her death; therefore, he built In the fifth lunar month, the local people this stupa as redemption for his own action. will pour water and put gold leaf onto the The Department of Fine Arts also excavated image because they believe that not doing the Ban Tat Thong area and unearthed so will cause drought in that year. Yasothon 15

etc. Tourists can visit, buy and order the products directly with the locals. For more information, please contact the Thung Nang Ok Subdistrict Administrative Organisation (SAO) at Tel. 0 4576 0870. To get there: From Yasothon city centre, take Highway No. 2169 (Yasothon - Kut Chum), then turn left to the village of Thung Nang Ok. The total distance is 11 kilometres. Muban Na Samai (หมู่บ้านนาสะไมย์) is located in Tambon Na Samai, near Ban Thung Nang Ok. At the village, the locals have gathered together to make handicrafts. Muban Thung Nang Ok pre-historical human bones and painted pottery similar to the Ban Chiang style. To get there: From the Yasothon city centre, take Highway No. 23 (Yasothon - Ubon Ratchathani) to Tambon Tat Thong, and turn left for about 1 kilometre. The total distance is 9 kilometres. Muban Thung Nang Ok (หมู่บ้านทุ่งนางโอก) is situated in Tambon Thung Nang Ok. This village is famous for weaving bamboo into household utensils and souvenirs; such as, Kratip Khao (sticky rice basket), rice steamer, Krabung (basket), Takra (carrying basket), Muban Na Samai 16 Yasothon

Ho Trai (Scripture Hall), Wat Sa Trai Nurak The village is famous for cart carving, turn right to the village of Na Samai. The bamboo basketry, and making of Khit total distance is 19 kilometres. pillows and brass products, which are available in both wholesale and retail. Tourists can Amphoe Sai Mun visit, buy, and order the products directly with the locals. Ho Trai (Scripture Hall), Wat Sa Trai Nurak (หอไตร วัดสระไตรนุรักษ์) located at Wat Sa Trainurak, Ban Na Wiang, Mu 1 Tambon Na For more information, please contact Wiang, is an old scripture hall aged more than the Na Samai Subdistrict Administrative 100 years situated in the middle of a pond. Organisation (SAO) at Tel. 0 4575 6959, and Built in the Burmese or Thai Yai architectural the Basket and Cart Production Group at style, the hall is a wooden building measur- Tel. 08 4958 5693. ing 8.30 metres wide and 10.50 metres long covered with 4 tiers of galvanised iron roof To get there: From Yasothon city centre, that has eaves on four directions and one take Highway No. 2169 (Yasothon - Kut beautifully carved front door. It is used for Chum). Pass by the entrance to the village keeping ancient scriptures. of Thung Nang Ok, continue straight on, then Yasothon 17

Phu Tham Phra To get there: From Amphoe Sai Mun, take the mountain cliff to the south. There is a Highway No. 2169 (Yasothon - Loeng Nok pathway along the alley between the rocks Tha). At the Wat Ban Khok Yao T-junction, that is a tunnel. From the cave’s mount to turn left onto Rural Road Yo So No. 4021. the north direction, visitors can walk pass At the end of the road, turn right at the through. T-junction, then continue straight on to Ban Na Wiang. The total distance is 24 Besides the pleasant atmosphere under kilometres. the lush forest on the mountain, there are other caves nearby; such as, Tham Kheng, Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha Tham Ngu Suang, Tham Kliang, and Tham Phu Tham Phra (ภูถ้�ำพระ) on the east of Phrom But. Kut Hae Village, Tambon Kut Chiang Mi. Phu Tham Phra was named after the fact that To get there: from Amphoe Loeng Nok Tha, there were a lot of Buddha images found take Highway No. 212 (Loeng Nok Tha - in a cave. This big cave measuring 6 metres Mukdahan). When reaching Km. 463 (Ban Don wide and 16 metres long is situated on Muang), turn right then continue straight on 18 Yasothon

for another 6 kilometres to Wat Phu Tham Phra. The total distance is 16 kilometres. Amphoe Thai Charoen Ban Song Yae Catholic Church (St. Michael’s Church) Ban Song Yae Catholic Church (St. To get there: From the city centre, take Michael’s Church) (โบสถ์คริสต์บ้านซ่งแย้ Highway No. 2169 (Yasothon - Loeng Nok (วัดอัครเทวดามิคาแอล)) is one of the Unseen Tha). When reaching Tambom Kham Toei, see in Thailand attractions, located in Ban Nong the entrance to the church on the left. The Song Yae, Mu 2, Tambon Kham Toei. total distance is 45 kilometres. If going from Amphoe Thai Charoen, take the route which It is the largest wooden Roman Catholic passes the Thai Charoen Hospital, which will church in Thailand. Thai architecture is used, meet Highway No. 2169, then take the same and there are over 300 small and large route as from the city centre. wooden pillars with 80,000 wooden boards used as the roof. With cooperation from Yasothon province and other related agencies, mass weddings have been held at this church annually on Valentine’s Day since 2005. Ban Song Yae Catholic Church (St. Michael’s Church) Yasothon 19

Amphoe Pa Tio Ban Si Than Khit Pillow Village (หมบู่ า้ นทำ� products available; such as, foldable and หมอนขดิ บา้ นศรฐี าน) is located in Tambon Si roll-up mattresses, bone and fruit-shaped Than. The triangular Khit pillow, which has pillows, neck and seat cushions, etc. long been an inherited local wisdom, is used Tourists can visit the village, buy, and order for many occasions; including, household the products directly from the locals. use, merit-making ceremonies, festivals, as well as in exchange for rice, fish, chili, shallots, To get there: From Yasothon city centre, take and garlic. The people of Yasothon also use Highway No. 202 (Yasothon - Pa Tio - Amnat it as a souvenir for relatives from different Charoen). Between Km 18-19, turn right to places, which has made the pillow become the village. Continue straight for another 3 well-known. Nowadays, there are various kilometres. The total distance is 24 kilometres Ban Si Than Khit Pillow Village 20 Yasothon

Ban Song Pueai Ancient Site Amphoe Kham Khuean Kaeo brought by Phra Palat Khian Ammaphan Ban Song Pueai Ancient Site (แหลง่ โบราณ from the four pilgrimage sites in India, which สถานบ้านสงเปือย) There are some main are the places where the Lord Buddha was attractions and memorials as follows: born, enlightened, had the first sermon, and Big Buddha Image (พระพุทธรูปใหญ่), is a attained nirvana. principal brick image in the ubosot of Wat Lord Buddha’s Footprint Replica Song Pueai, measuring 3 metres wide across (รอยพระพุทธบาทจ�ำลอง) was built by Field the lap and 8 metres high. Presumably, it is Marshall Plaek Phibunsongkhram and his more than 200 years old. wife’s support. Every year on Songkran Day, Stupa Containing Soil from the Four Holy a lot of local people come to pay homage Sites in Buddhism (เจดีย์บรรจุดินจากสังเวชนีย and pour water onto it. สถาน), was an old stupa aged more than 200 Ancient Objects Museum (พิพิธภัณฑ์ของ years. Later in 1955, it was modified with the โบราณ) collects ancient objects that were financial support from Field Marshall Plaek excavated from Dong Mueang Toei, an Phibunsongkhram. The soil in the stupa was ancient town in the Khmer era. The Yasothon 21

Phrathat Ku Chan Museum features a stone bed of a governor monument was built to be a Hindu religious and a stone inscription that is assumed to site that worshipped the God Siva. At that be inscribed with ancient Khmer alphabet. time, Dong Mueang Toei and the neighbouring Dong Mueang Toei Ancient Town Ruins (เมือง areas used to be a town called “Sangkha โบราณดงเมืองเตย) are located 1 kilometre Pura” and had a relationship as a dependency away from Song Pueai Village to the south of the Chenla Kingdom, which was later the and 7 kilometres from the district. The Khmer Kingdom that expanded an influence compound of Dong Mueang Toei includes into the Mun-Chi Basin area. the ruins of a temple, pond, and city walls that have deteriorated nowadays. However, To get there: From Amphoe Kham Khuean some outlines still remain, which can be Kaeo, take Highway No. 23, pass by the assumed that it was a habitat of an ancient Kham Khuean Kaeo District Health Office, community in the Chenla-Dvaravati periods and turn left into the alley. Drive past since the 7th century. From the inscription the Ban Song Pueai School for around 1.5 of a king of Chenla, it was found that this kilometres and see the Ban Song Pueai 22 Yasothon

Wat Phra Phutthabat Yasothon Museum of Ancient Objects inside Wat Dong Amphoe Maha Chana Chai MueangToei.Thetotaldistanceis6.5kilometres. W a t P h ra P hut t ha b a t Ya s ot ho n (วัดพระพุทธบาทยโสธร) is located on the Phrathat Ku Chan (พระธาตกุ จู่ าน) situated sand dune by the Chi River in Ban Nong at Ban Ngio, Tambon Ku Chan, is an old Yang, Tambon Hua Mueang. The temple’s stupa which looks like Phrathat Phanom. area is divided into an ancient site and According to legend, Ku Chan has already artefact areas. existed since Phrathat Phanom was built in Nakhon Phanom province. The ancient site and artefacts that still remain today are the Lord Buddha’s Footprint, the To get there: From Amphoe Kham Khuean seated Buddha image protected by a seven- Kaeo, take Highway No. 23 (Yasothon - headed naga and inscription stone, which Ubon Ratchathani). When reaching Tambon was inscribed with old alphabet saying that Lumphuk, turn left and continue straight on these three artefacts were brought from the for another 7 kilometres. The total distance Ayutthaya Kingdom by Phra Maha Utta is 10 kilometres. Panya and his pupils in 835 A.D. including Yasothon 23

To get there: From Amphoe Maha Chana Chai, take Highway No. 2083 (to Si Sa Ket). When passing by the Maha Chana Chai Hospital, see the T-junction, and make a right turn into Highway No. 2227. Continue straight on to reach Tambon Hua Mueang, and see the entrance to the temple on the right. The total distance is 11 kilometres. The white jade Buddha image the words for worshipping the Buddha’s Footprint. Some letters are so faded that they are hard to read. The temple also includes the stupa of Wat Phra Phutthabat Yasothon, which has three tiers measuring 45 metres high. The first tier features the white jade Buddha image; the second tier exhibits the wax lifelike statues of the 8 revered master monks, and the third tier enshrines the Lord Buddha’s relics and relics installed in a gold colour carved pavilion. An ubosot also houses the biggest white jade Buddha image in Thailand. The stupa of Wat Phra Phutthabat Yasothon 24 Yasothon

Malai Khao Tok at Wat Ho Kong (มาลัยข้าว Wat Ho Kong ตอก ณ วัดหอก่อง) the pavilion of Wat Ho Kong, Tambon Fa Yat, is where Malai Khao the Maha Chana Chai District Office. The Tok (Thai traditional garland made of popped best popped rice is selected to make and rice) is kept. With the local wisdom of the decorate Malai Khao Tok, which symbolises villagers who have realised the importance the Montharop flower, to be offered as a of rice, they slowly roast unmilled rice until Buddhist offering to the Lord Buddha. it pops (Khao Tok), and then string it up by hand to create a beautiful garland (Malai) to be offered to the temple as a Buddhist offering on Magha Puja Day. After that, it will be kept at the pavilion of Wat Ho Kong for visitors to admire its beauty. MAJOR EVENTS Malai Khao Tok Procession Tradition Malai Khao Tok Procession Tradition (ประเพณแี หม่ าลยั ขา้ วตอก) is arranged annually on Magha Puja Day at the field in front of Yasothon 25

Malai Khao Tok Procession Tradition The origin of Malai Khao Tok came from the represented the sorrow of his disciples, as belief in the story of Sutta Pitaka from the well as believers, and they brought Khao Buddhist scripture, Tripitaka, in the part which Tok to pay respect to his body since they described the death of the Lord Buddha. considered that rice was a valuable and The story told about the Montharop flower, sacred necessity for humans. Later, Khao Tok which was in the Tavatimsa Heaven. The was used to string as beautiful garlands. This flower was beautiful and had an especially is the world’s only tradition found in Amphoe good fragrance, and it would bloom and fall Maha Chana Chai, Yasothon province. down to the Earth when important events occurred; including, the birth, enlightenment, The Malai Khao Tok procession ends when death, four auspicious occurrences, and it reaches Wat Ho Kong. After that, it will be Dhammacakkappavattana Sutta (the first offered to the monks, and then it will be kept teaching of the Lord Buddha). At the death at the museum inside the temple. There is a of the Lord Buddha, the limbs of the light and sound multimedia show, Miss Malai Montharop flower fell down, which contest, as well as local art and cultural performances. 26 Yasothon

Catholic Mass Wedding Ceremony at Ban Song Yae Catholic Church (The Archangel Michael’s Church) Catholic Mass Wedding Ceremony at Ban Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival Song Yae Catholic Church (The Archangel (งานประเพณบี ญุ บง้ั ไฟ) is annually held on Michael’s Church) (พธิ สี มรสหมแู่ บบคาทอลกิ every second weekend of May at the Phaya ท่ีโบสถคริสต์บ้านซ่งแย้ วัดอัครเทวดามิคาแอล) Thaen Public Park with the purpose of On Saint Valentine’s Day (14 February), a showing the community’s unity and mass wedding ceremony in a Catholic style superstitious beliefs that this event will will be held for brides and grooms as well please all sacred deities to help make the as guests at Ban Song Yae Catholic Church, rainfall right on the season and the land full Tambon Kham Toei, Amphoe Thai Charoen. of fertility and prosperity. There will be a dowry procession, mass, Catholic wedding, and blessing ceremonies Each rocket brought to the parade will be including cultural performances to celebrate beautifully decorated into a golden colour this event. of Thai designs. It is said that in order to decorate the rocket takes months for craftsmen to prepare the cutting designs, and Yasothon 27

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival then they attach the designs with glue to the sium nitrate. Bang Fai Saen composes 120 rocket’s body. The top of the rocket is made kilogrammes of potassium nitrate. Once into different figures; the most popular one agreeing on the type of rocket to be made, is the Naga’s head spraying water from his the villagers will find the experts to do mouth. Some other figures are also made, this job. The experts are very important but all are in relation to the rain-begging since they have to know how to correctly symbols. The rocket’s body set on a base calculate the mixture of potassium nitrate and placed on a car or cart to join in the and wooden charcoal. If the calculation traditional floats. is not correct, the rocket will be broken meaning it will not soar into the sky. The There are many kinds of rockets including wood that will be used for the rocket’s post Bang Fai Kilo, Bang Fai Muen, and Bang Fai requires bamboo that has straight trunks. Saen. Bang Fai Kilo means a rocket contains Only the bottom part will be cut since it has 1 kilogramme of potassium nitrate. Bang Fai the thickness and stickiness. The length to Muen contains 12 kilogrammes of potas- use depends on the agreement. 28 Yasothon

The next morning the rocket will be fired. Jasmine Rice (ข้าวหอมมะลิ): According to The rocket will be carried to the launcher in a survey, organic jasmine rice is the most an open area. It is a tradition that if any lit popular kind among farmers in Yasothon. rocket does not fly into the sky, the person The rice has high-quality, and when it is who made it will be thrown into the mud. cooked, the aroma is great and the rice has a good taste. It is popular among Thais, as LOCAL PRODUCTS well as international consumers, and can be Khit Pillow (หมอนขิด) is mainly produced found easily at any rice shops in Yasothon. in Ban Si Than, Tambon Si Than, Amphoe Pa Tio. Besides Khit pillow, there are other Watermelon (แตงโม) is one of the main products which are sold and can be ordered economic crops in Yasothon. Because of the directly with the locals; such as, foldable and minerals found in the soil in the province, roll-up mattresses, bone and fruit-shaped watermelons can grow quite well with a pillows, neck and seat cushions, etc. The good taste, which makes it popular among products are available at the village, and consumers. Kinnari and Jintara watermelons other souvenir shops around the province. are the most common kinds. Khit Pillow Yasothon 29

They will be fully grown, and ready for sale Ban Na Samai Basketry and Cart Production between April-June of every year, and can be Group (กลุ่มผลิตเคร่ืองจักสานและเกวียน บ้าน found on stalls anywhere around Yasothon. นาสะไมย์) is located in Tambon Na Samai. Ban Kham Daeng, Tambon Doet, Amphoe Contact Tel. 08 4958 5693, 0 4575 6959. Mueang Yasothon, is one of the famous (Bamboo basketry and wooden cart) watermelon farms in the province. Amphoe Pa Tio SOUVENIR SHOPS Female Group of Khit Pillow Development Amphoe Mueang Yasothon at Ban Si Than (กลมุ่ สตรีพัฒนาหมอนขิดบา้ น Ban Thung Nang Ok Bamboo Basketry ศรฐี าน) Mu 4, Ban Si Than, Tambon Si Than. Production Group (กลมุ่ ผลติ เครอื่ งจกั สานไมไ้ ผ่ Contact Tel. 08 0472 0979. (Khit pillow, seat บา้ นทงุ่ นางโอก) is situated in Tambon Thung cushion, roll-up mattress, etc.) Nang Ok. Contact Tel. 0 4576 0870. (Bamboo basketry; such as, Kratip Khao, rice steamer, Kanyada MornKhit (กัญญาดา หมอนขิด), Krabung, Takra, etc.) 250 Mu 1, Ban Si Than, Tambon Si Than. Contact Tel. 08 6866 4880. (Khit pillow, roll-up mattress, etc.) Rocket Festival Procession 30 Yasothon

Maeyam Morn Khit (แมแ่ ย้ม หมอนขิด), 73 (Afternoon) - Phrathat Kong Khao Noi Mu 1, Ban Si Than, Tambon Si Than. Contact - The Toad Museum and Tel. 08 1579 0592, 08 8129 4435. (Khit pillow, Phaya Naga Museum at roll-up mattress, etc.) Phaya Thaen Public Park Amphoe Kham Khuean Kaeo Day 2 (Amphoe Thai Charoen - Amphoe Pa Hand-woven Pha Khao Ma at Ban Kham Siri Tio - Amphoe Maha Chana Chai) (ผา้ ขาวมา้ ทอมอื บา้ นคำ� ศริ )ิ in Mu 7, Tambon Ku (Morning) - Ban Song Yae Catholic Chan. Contact Tel. 0 4579 0077. Church (St. Michael’s Church) SUGGESTED ITINERARY - Ban Si Than Khit Pillow (2 days 1 night) Village (Afternoon) - Wat Phra Phutthabat Day 1 (Amphoe Mueang Yasothon) Yasothon (Morning) - Wat Maha That - Malai Khao Tok at Wat - Ban Sing Tha Old Town Ho Kong Ban Sing Tha Old Town Museum Yasothon 31

32 Yasothon

Malai Khao Tok Procession Yasothon 33

Soi Thetsaban 13 Thetsa ban 1RoadWariratchadet Road Hathanwa Maharat Road Thep Mani Road Rat U-thit Road Witthaya Thamrong Road Uthairammarit Road Sahaphatthana Road RattanParkahcehtaRsoaamdphan Nontan Road Nakhon Prathum Road Road Road Ha Thanwakom Road Si Laอmา งTเhกuบ็ aนnำ้ Rลำeทseวrนvoir Sunthon Road Burapha Road Road MongKhon Road 34 Yasothon

Yasothon 35

36 Yasothon

Ho Trai at Wat Sa Trai Nurak หมบู า นนาสะไมย Muban Na Samai หมบู า นทุง นางโอก Muban Thung Nang Oak Yasothon 37

USEFUL CALLS Provincial Public Relations Office Tel. 0 4571 1093 Provincial Office Tel. 0 4571 4211, 0 4571 2722 Provincial Police Station Tel. 191, 0 4571 1684 Mueang Yasothon Police Station Tel. 0 4571 1572 Yasothon Hospital Tel. 1669, 0 4597 3900 Dr. Hann Hospital Tel. 0 4571 1356, 0 4571 2546 Tourist Police Tel. 1155 Highway Police Tel. 1193 The3T8oad MuYasesuomthon

TOURIST INFORMATION CENTRES TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND (HEAD OFFICE) 1600 Phetchaburi Road, Makkasan Ratchathewi, Bangkok 10400 Tel. 1672, 0 2250 5500 Fax 0 2253 7440 www.tourismthailand.org E-mail: [email protected] Open daily 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. SUVARNABHUMI AIRPORT Passenger Terminal, 2nd Floor, Exit 3 Tel. 0 2134 0040 Open daily 24 hours. TOURISM AUTHORITY OF THAILAND, UBON RATCHATHANI OFFICE 264/1 Khueanthani Road, Tambon Nai Mueang Amphoe Mueang Ubon Ratchathani, Ubon Ratchathani 34000 Tel: 0 4524 3770, 0 4525 0714 Fax: 0 4524 3771 E-mail: [email protected] Open daily 8.30 a.m. - 4.30 p.m. Area of Responsibility: Ubon Ratchathani, Amnat Charoen, Yasothon. Updated June 2020 Yasothon 39

Yasothon Bun Bang Fai Rocket Festival Information by : TAT Ubon Ratchathani email [email protected] Tourist Information Division (Tel. 0 2250 5500 ext. 2140 - 6) www.tourismthailand.org Design & Printed by : Marketing Service Department The contents of this publication are subject to change without notice. No commercial reprinting of this material allowed June 2020 40 Yasothon