Si Sa Ket was originally called
Muang Khu Khan with its origins in the Khmer empire between
the 10th and 12th century. Its modern history dates back to
1759, during the Ayutthaya period, when it was upgraded from
a town to city.
It was officially named Si Sa Ket in 1938. Twelve restored
Khmer ruins have secured this province a place in the popular
lower Isan itineraries that start in Nakhon Ratchasima and
conclude in Ubon Ratchathani, 75 km to the east.
The province covers 8,839 square kilometres and is divided
into 14 districts and six sub-districts. Located 517 km from
Bangkok, the town is on the Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani railway
line and 55 km north of Highway 24 on Highway 22.
Si Sa Ket Attractions: Somdej Phra Srinakarin
Park was established to commemorate the Princess Mother's
80th birthday. Teh 100-acre park is located at the Si Sa Ket
Agriculture College, 2 km from town. From early March, when
the city celebrates with a festival, to late April the park's
Lamduan flowers are in full bloom.
Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Noi is an ancient Khmer
building dating back to the reign of the Khmer King Suryavaraman
in the 12th century. The sanctuary, which may have served
as a hospital at one time, is located 10 km from town on Highway
226.
Prasat Hin Wat Sa Kamphaeng Yai in Uthumphon Phisai
district, 28 km from Si Sa Ket on Highway 226, is believed
to have been built in the 11th century. The original Khmer
sanctuary was used for Hindu ceremonies before becoming a Hinayana
Buddhist temple.
Prasat Prang Ku is made up of three ancient Khmer pagodas
located 10 km from town is Prang Ku district. Once the site
of Brahman rituals, the pagodas probably date back to the
11th century.
Prasat Done Tuan stands on a high cliff on the Thai-Cambodian
border, 38 km from Kantharalak district. It was built in the
11 century.
Prasat Khao Phra Vihan, 106 km from Si Sa Ket town,
is a splendid Khmer ruin just across the border in
Cambodia.
Perched on a 600 metre-high hill, the complex was built by
a succession of Khmer kings between the 10th and 12th centuries.
Constructed in Papuan and early Angkor styles, Khao Phra Vihan
originally served as a Hindu temple.
Even though Thailand and Cambodia have concluded travel agreements,
tourists should consult the TAT before making any plans to
visit Khao Phra Vihan. The nearest town in Si Sa Ket is Kanthralak,
11 km from Khao Phra Vihan.
Festival
Dok Lamduan Festival
is held every year on the first weekend of March at Somdej
Srinakarin Park.
The festival celebrates the culture of Si Sa Ket with art
and dance performances, exhibitions and shops selling local
products.
The highlight is a light and sound show depicting the history
of the province.
