The city of democracy, rockets, watermelon, Kwan pillows, Khit cloth, and jasmine rice.

Yasothon is the smallest province in the lower northeast of Thailands Isan region. It is famed for its Rocket Festival, which is celebrated each may at the commencement of the Rainy Season. The home-made rockets, some capable of firing hundreds of feet into the sky pay homage to the god of rains. The celebration lasts for days with elaborately decorated floats paraded through the town and live music performed for those interested in dancing or partying late into the night.

In Yasothon town, the main attraction is Phra That Yasothon a greatly revered Lao-style Chedi believed to be over 1,200 years old. It enshrines holy relics of Phra Ananda, one of the Buddha's chief disciples. Other historic temples include That Kong Khao Noi, an ancient Khmer Chedi with a brick and stucco Buddha that is ritually bathed during the Thai new years celebrations in April. For those interested in handicrafts, the village of Ban Si Than is renowned for the triangular pillows found in most Thai households and beach bungalow bars.

Yasothon is the smallest province in the lower northeast of Thailands Isan region. It is famed for its Rocket Festival, which is celebrated each May by the firing of home-made rockets, a showcase of elaborately decorated floats, and live music and dancing.

In Yasothon town, the main attraction is Phra That Yasothon a greatly revered Lao-style Chedi, and That Kong Khao Noi, an ancient Khmer Chedi. Just outside of Yasothon town, the village of Ban Si Than is renowned for producing the iconic Thai triangular pillows.

As a province somewhat off the typical tourist route, Yasothon is best reached via private car or public bus. However, it is possible to take a train or plane to nearby Ubon Ratchathani an then a short bus to Yasothon. Once there, it may be easier to get around with your own car, but there are standard forms of local transport available for visitors: i.e. songtaew, motorbike taxi, and tuk tuk.

Getting to and from Yasothon

• By Train:
  There is no direct train service to Yasothon. Visitors can take a train to Ubon Ratchathani and then continue to Yasothon by bus. Call 1690, or 02-223-7010 to 20 for more information.
• By Car:
  From Bangkok, take Highway No. 1 (Phahonyothin Road) to Saraburi and Highway No. 2 (Mittraphap Road) to Ban Phai, then take Highway No. 23 to Yasothon via Borabue, Maha Sarakham, and Roi Et, a total distance of 531 kilometers.
• By Bus:
  Bangkok-Yasothon buses depart daily from Bangkoks Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2). Contact Transport Co.Ltd at Tel: 0 2936 2852-66 or visit www.transport.co.th for more information.
• By Air:
  There are no direct flights to Yasothon. Visitors can fly from Bangkok to Ubon Ratchathani and continue the trip by bus to Yasothon.

Getting Around Yasothon

As in most rural Thai provinces there are typically songtaews that follow established routes around the provincial capital and between towns within the province. Songtaews, motorbike taxis, and some form of tuk tuk are usually available for private charter as well.