Things To Do
in Ban Pet
Ban Pet is a small agricultural village in northeastern Thailand (Isan) characterized by rice paddies, low-lying tropical landscapes, and a close-knit rural community. Life moves at a relaxed pace here, with local temples (wats), seasonal markets and traditional Isan culture prominent in daily life. The village is a good base for experiencing authentic local food, morning markets, and scenic rural sunrises.
Visitors should expect basic services in the village and travel a short distance to larger towns for more amenities and transport links.
Day Trips
Spend a day exploring around
Arrive at Ban Pet and check into your cozy accommodation surrounded by lush greenery. Take a leisurely stroll around the village to get a feel for the traditional Thai lifestyle. Enjoy a light breakfast at a local café while soaking in the serene atmosphere.
Explore the nearby rice paddies, where you can learn about local farming techniques from friendly locals. Engage in a short cooking class to prepare popular Thai dishes using fresh, local ingredients. Relish your homemade lunch alongside new friends at a community center.
As the sun sets, gather around a communal fire with locals to share stories and traditional songs. Savor a delicious dinner featuring local delicacies cooked by your hosts. End the night with a peaceful meditation session under the stars.
Visit the nearby elephant sanctuary to observe and learn about the magnificent creatures living in harmony with nature. Participate in an ethical feeding and bathing experience that connects you with these gentle giants. Enjoy a breakfast picnic amidst the lush backdrop.
Travel into the heart of Ban Pet and visit the village's traditional market, where vibrant colors and enticing aromas await. Try mango sticky rice and other local snacks while engaging with friendly vendors. You can shop for handcrafted souvenirs to take back home.
Return to your accommodation for a refreshing rest and preparation for the evening's festivities. Participate in a traditional Thai dance class showcasing folkloric styles and movements. Conclude the night with a local dinner enjoying performances from your fellow travelers.
Prices
| Item | Price |
|---|---|
| 🍜Meal at inexpensive restaurant | $1.50-3 |
| ☕Coffee / Tea at café | $1-2.50 |
| 🛵Motorbike rental (day) | $5-12 |
| 🚕Short songthaew / local taxi ride | $0.50-3 |
| 🏨Guesthouse / basic room (per night) | $10-25 |
Strengths and Weaknesses
- Authentic rural Isan culture and cuisine.
- Peaceful landscapes and good sunrise/sunset photography opportunities.
- Low costs and friendly local hospitality.
- Limited tourist infrastructure and nightlife in the village.
- Basic healthcare and payment options—cards often not accepted.
- Some roads can be rough or impassable in heavy rain.
- "สวัสดี (Sawasdee)" - Hello / Goodbye
- "ขอบคุณ (Khob khun)" - Thank you
- "ใช่ / ไม่ใช่ (Chai / Mai chai)" - Yes / No
- "ห้องน้ำอยู่ที่ไหน (Hong nam yuu tee nai?)" - Where is the bathroom?
- "ราคาเท่าไหร่ (Raa-khaa thao-rai?)" - How much does this cost?
- "ไม่เผ็ดได้ไหม (Mai ped dai mai?)" - Can you make it not spicy?
Places to Visit in Ban Pet
Visit one of these nice places.
Colorful murals, ornate gables and quiet courtyards provide cultural portrait and detail shots—best in soft morning light.
Wide, flat fields reflect the sky when irrigated—ideal for sunrise and misty-morning landscapes.
Vibrant scenes of vendors, produce and street food make for dynamic candid and food photography.
Waterfowl, reflections and fishermen at dawn/dusk offer tranquil nature images.
Elevated views over farmland and distant ridgelines—good for panoramas and sunset shots.
Food in Ban Pet
Ban Pet Famous Food
Signature dishes, delicacies and famous food
Spicy green papaya salad; try the local Isan style with fermented fish sauce (pla ra). Found at markets and roadside stalls.
Must-Try!
Sticky rice paired with grilled chicken. A staple meal available from morning markets to evening grills.
Minced meat salad (often pork or chicken) with lime, chili and toasted rice powder; a signature Isan dish sold in small restaurants and food stalls.
Grilled beef or pork salad with a spicy, tangy dressing and herbs; frequently on menus at casual restaurants.
Simple rice porridge or boiled eggs served at morning stalls—great for breakfast.
Food Markets
Explore local food markets
A compact market where villagers buy fresh produce, sticky rice, grilled meats and breakfast porridge. Best for early-morning atmosphere and quick, inexpensive meals.
Seasonal or weekly night stalls serving grilled skewers, som tam, noodle soups and desserts; great for sampling several dishes in one place.
Weather
How to Behave
Tips on cultural norms and respectful behavior
The traditional greeting (wai) is widely used—return it politely, especially to elders, monks and shopkeepers.
Cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples, remove shoes before entering wats and avoid loud behavior in sacred spaces.
Women should avoid physical contact with monks; be mindful when offering items and follow local protocols for almsgiving.
Avoid touching people's heads and do not point feet at people or Buddha images—feet are considered the lowest part of the body.
Smile and use polite particles like 'khrap' (ครับ) or 'kha' (ค่ะ) to show respect; patience and a calm demeanor go a long way.
Safety
Tipping in Ban Pet
Ensure a smooth experience
Tipping is not obligatory in rural Thailand but is appreciated for exceptional service—small amounts (20–50 THB) or rounding up at restaurants; hotel staff and guides may expect modest tips.
Cash (Thai baht) is king in Ban Pet—carry small notes and change for markets and stalls. Cards are accepted at larger shops, hotels and some restaurants in nearby towns, but not reliably in the village.
E-wallets and PromptPay are common in Thailand but less used with small vendors—use them where displayed; otherwise rely on cash.
Best Time to Visit
And what to expect in different seasons...
Temperatures climb and days become hot and humid; bring sun protection, light clothing, and plan outdoor activities for early morning or late afternoon.
Frequent afternoon storms and muddy rural tracks: green landscapes and rice fields at their most dramatic, but some dirt roads can become impassable—pack quick-dry clothing and waterproof footwear.
Most comfortable time to visit with cooler mornings and low humidity; ideal for outdoor exploring, sunrise photography and local festivals (e.g., Loy Krathong in some years).
Ban Pet at Night
Hiking in Ban Pet
Immerse in an unforgettable hike.
Network of trails and viewpoints in the Phu Phan foothills offering forest walks, waterfalls and panoramic views over the Isan plains; trails vary in difficulty and are best during the cool season.
Easy, flat walking routes around buengs and irrigation canals—great for birdwatching and short nature excursions close to the village.
Small parks and seasonal waterfalls near the district center provide short hikes, shaded picnic spots and swimming opportunities when conditions allow.
Airports
How to reach Ban Pet by plane.
Small regional airport serving Roi Et province—limited flights to Bangkok and regional hubs; from the airport it’s usually a drive by taxi or bus to district centers near Ban Pet.
Larger regional airport with more frequent flights and better road connections; about 1.5–2.5 hours’ drive depending on exact location—good for reaching Ban Pet from major cities.
Regional airport with national and some international flights, useful for travelers combining Ban Pet with a wider Isan itinerary; onward travel by bus or car is required.
Walkability
Demographics
Explore demographics in this area.
The majority population are ethnic Isan people who speak a Lao dialect, practice wet-rice agriculture and maintain distinct cultural traditions.
Many villages have a higher proportion of older adults due to youth out-migration to cities for work.
Young adults and families engaged in farming, seasonal work and small-town trades form the backbone of the local economy.
Popular Sports
Explore popular sports in region.
Thailand’s national sport—training gyms and occasional local matches are common in towns and cities.
Popular at community and school levels with local matches and neighborhood teams.
Traditional Southeast Asian sport (kick volleyball) often played informally in villages and schools.
Traffic
Accomodations
Find the best place to stay when visiting Ban Pet.
Dietary Restrictions
Tips for restricted diets.
Vegetarian options exist but can be limited; ask for 'jay' (เจ) dishes at markets or request no fish sauce/anchovy. Many vegetable and tofu preparations are available—carry a translation card to explain dietary needs.
Trickier in rural areas because fish sauce and shrimp paste are common; request dishes without these or stick to plain rice, fried vegetables, and fruit.
Common allergens (peanuts, shellfish, soy) are widely used; if you have severe allergies, bring necessary medication and a Thai allergy card explaining what to avoid.