Si Sa Ket
ศรีสะเกษ · Si Sa Ket Province
Population
45K
Budget / Month
$220
Internet
35 Mbps
Best Season
November to February (cool season)
About Si Sa Ket
Si Sa Ket sits in the far south of Isan close to the Cambodian border, in a flat agricultural landscape of rice paddies and shallot fields. The city itself is small, functional, and entirely lacking in tourist infrastructure — which is precisely its appeal for those seeking unvarnished Thai provincial life.
The main draw is the surrounding province: the Pha Mo I Daeng cliff viewpoint offers dramatic views toward the Preah Vihear temple perched on the border escarpment, though access from the Thai side depends on political conditions. Several smaller Khmer ruins, including the well-preserved Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai, dot the countryside.
For budget travelers, Si Sa Ket offers perhaps the lowest cost of living of any Thai city. The morning market is huge, the Isan food is authentic, and the Suay (Kui) people in the southern districts maintain distinct cultural traditions including elephant-handling heritage. English-language services are minimal, making this a destination for the adventurous.
Historical Note
The Si Sa Ket area was historically part of the Khmer Empire, evidenced by numerous ruins. The modern city was established during King Rama V's administrative reforms. The Preah Vihear temple dispute between Thailand and Cambodia, settled by the ICJ in 1962 and revisited in 2011, has been a defining issue for the province.
Best time to visit: November to February (cool season)
At a Glance
Thai Name
ศรีสะเกษ
Province
Si Sa Ket
Region
Isan (Northeastern)
Population
45,000
Area
8,840 km²
Elevation
130 m
Postal Code
33000
Local Language
Thai (Isan dialect), Khmer-Suay in south
Cost of Living
budget
/month7,800 THB
~$220 USD
comfortable
/month16,000 THB
~$455 USD
luxury
/month30,000 THB
~$855 USD
food
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Street food meal | 30 | 45 |
| Local restaurant meal | 40 | 70 |
| Western restaurant meal | 120 | 250 |
| Specialty coffee | 40 | 70 |
| Beer (large bottle) | 55 | 65 |
accommodation
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Budget guesthouse per night | 200 | 500 |
| Mid-range hotel per night | 500 | 1,200 |
| Best hotel per night | 1,200 | 2,500 |
transport
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Tuk-tuk across town | 30 | 60 |
| Motorbike rental per day | 150 | 200 |
| Car rental per day | 800 | 1,200 |
| Bus to Bangkok | 350 | 600 |
utilities
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Mobile internet (monthly) | 300 | 600 |
entertainment
| Item | Low (THB) | High (THB) |
|---|---|---|
| Thai massage (1 hr) | 150 | 200 |
| Movie ticket | 120 | 160 |
Internet & Connectivity
Speed Test Averages
vs Bangkok Average (200 Mbps)
18% of Bangkok speed
Providers
Coworking Spaces
0
Weather & Climate
November to February for cool, dry weather. Avoid March to May when temperatures exceed 40C. Check border access status before planning a trip to the Preah Vihear viewpoint.
| Month | High °C | Low °C | Rain (mm) | Humidity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jan | 31 | 17 | 5 | 58% |
| Feb | 33 | 19 | 10 | 55% |
| Mar | 35 | 23 | 30 | 57% |
| Apr | 36 | 25 | 70 | 63% |
| May | 34 | 25 | 180 | 73% |
| Jun | 33 | 25 | 150 | 74% |
| Jul | 33 | 24 | 160 | 75% |
| Aug | 32 | 24 | 200 | 78% |
| Sep | 32 | 24 | 260 | 80% |
| Oct | 31 | 23 | 140 | 76% |
| Nov | 31 | 20 | 20 | 63% |
| Dec | 30 | 17 | 5 | 58% |
Things to Do
Pha Mo I Daeng Viewpoint
ผามออีแดง
Cliff-edge viewpoint on the Thai side with panoramic views toward Preah Vihear temple across the Cambodian border.
Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai
ปราสาทสระกำแพงใหญ่
Well-preserved Khmer sanctuary ruin with intricate carvings, much less crowded than Phimai or Phanom Rung.
Si Sa Ket Morning Market
Huge local market with Isan produce, fermented foods, insects, and local snacks.
Wat Maha Phuttaram
วัดมหาพุทธาราม
Si Sa Ket's main temple with a revered Buddha image and peaceful grounds.
Khao Phra Wihan National Park
อุทยานแห่งชาติเขาพระวิหาร
Thai-side national park at the border escarpment with hiking trails and dramatic cliff views.
Cycling Through Rice Paddies
Flat terrain makes for easy cycling through the agricultural landscape surrounding the city.
Food & Dining
ไก่ย่างศรีสะเกษ
Kai Yang Si Sa Ket
Local-style grilled chicken with a distinctive marinade, served with sticky rice.
40-70
Street vendors and the morning market
ส้มตำปลาร้า
Som Tam with Pla Ra
Papaya salad made with fermented fish paste, the authentic Isan way.
30-50
Som tam vendors throughout the market
ลาบ
Larb
Spicy minced meat salad with roasted rice powder and fresh herbs.
40-60
Any local Isan restaurant
ข้าวปุ้นน้ำยา
Khao Pun Nam Ya
Rice noodles in spicy fish curry sauce, a Khmer-influenced dish popular in the province.
30-50
Morning market stalls
ไส้กรอกอีสาน
Sai Krok Isan
Fermented pork and rice sausage, tangy and grilled over charcoal.
20-40
Street vendors throughout town
Night Markets
- Si Sa Ket Night Market
Accommodation
Hostel Dorm
150 - 300
THB / night
Budget Hotel
200 - 500
THB / night
Mid-Range
500 - 1,200
THB / night
Luxury
1,200 - 2,500
THB / night
Studio /mo
2,000 - 4,000
THB / night
1BR /mo
3,000 - 5,500
THB / night
Best Areas for Tourists
Best Areas for Long Stay
Booking Tip
Kantary Hotel is the most upscale option. No luxury accommodation exists. Some of the cheapest rooms in Thailand.
Getting There from Bangkok
Bus
8-9 hours
350-600 THB
Train
8-10 hours
250-1200 THB
Fly to Ubon + bus
1.5h flight + 1.5h bus
1200-3500 THB
Getting Around
Songthaew
LimitedShared trucks on main routes
10-15
Tuk-tuk
LimitedNegotiate for trips within town
30-60
Motorbike rental
LimitedEssential for ruins and border area
150-200/day
Neighborhoods
City Center (Market Area)
Quiet, functional Isan townCompact commercial district around the fresh market and main road. Most hotels, banks, and restaurants.
Best for: Accommodation, food, convenience
Kantharalak
Very rural, basicSmall district town 80 km south serving as the base for Khao Phra Wihan and Pha Mo I Daeng.
Best for: Border area visits, cliff viewpoint
Festivals & Events
Si Sa Ket Shallot Festival
Annual celebration of the province's famous red shallots with local food and cultural shows.
Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
บุญบั้งไฟ
Bamboo rockets launched to bring rain, with parades and music.
Songkran
สงกรานต์
Thai New Year water festival celebrations.
Practical Info
Hospital
Si Sa Ket Hospital
Best SIM Provider
AIS
ATM Availability
Common
Language Tip
Thai, Isan dialect, and Khmer-Suay in southern districts. Almost no English anywhere.
Drinking Water
Drink only bottled water
Tipping Culture
Not expected
7-Eleven Density
Common
Emergency Numbers
191 (police), 1669 (ambulance), 1155 (tourist police)
Day Trips
Pha Mo I Daeng & Khao Phra Wihan NP
Dramatic cliff escarpment with views toward Preah Vihear temple. Check border access status.
Prasat Sa Kamphaeng Yai
Impressive Khmer ruins, much less crowded than Phimai or Phanom Rung.
Ubon Ratchathani
Larger city for shopping, dining, and Mekong River access.
Nearby Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Si Sa Ket worth visiting?
Only for travelers interested in deep Isan immersion, Khmer ruins, or the Preah Vihear border area. Not a conventional tourist destination.
Can I visit Preah Vihear temple from the Thai side?
Access depends on Thai-Cambodian relations. The Thai-side viewpoint (Pha Mo I Daeng) is usually accessible. The temple itself may require entering from Cambodia via Siem Reap.
Do I need a car?
Strongly recommended. Attractions are spread across the province with no public transport connections.
Is it safe near the Cambodian border?
Generally yes, but the border area has been sensitive historically. Follow local advice and posted warnings.
How many days do I need?
1-2 days. One for the border cliff area, one for Khmer ruins and the town.
Can I combine Si Sa Ket with Surin or Ubon?
Yes. Both are within 2 hours by road. A lower Isan road trip combining all three works well.