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Introduction
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.
How to get there
By Car
From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) and turn onto
Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) at Saraburi Province. Then take the
Chok Chai-Det Udom road (Highway No. 24) pass Biri Rum and Surin and
turn left onto Highway No. 220 to Amphoe Muang Si Sa Ket. The total
distance is approximately 571 kms.
By Bus
From Bangkok, bus of the Transport Co. leave the Northern Bus
Terminal ( Mo Chit 2) daily. The traveling time is about 8 hours.
For details, please contact Tel. 2710101-5 (regular bus) and Tel.
2794484-7 (air-conditioned bus) or joint private-public buses
run by Siri Rattanaphon Co. (Tel. 2791976) and Kitchakan Ratchasima
Co., (Tel.2712390)
By Train
From Bangkok Railway Station (Hua Lamphong) there are regular, rapid
and express trains on the Bangkok-Si Sa Ket route, covering a
distance of 551 kms. Please contact the Travel Service Section,
State Railway of Thailand at Tel. 2237010 and 2237020.
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.
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