Whether it’s planned or a surprise, a layover in Roi Et gives you a genuine shot at exploring somewhere new. The trip from ROI to the city takes roughly 50 minutes by Taxi/Shared Van, and we’ve put together this guide to help you spend your time wisely.
Important Details Before You Go
Stepping out of the airport during a layover takes a little preparation. Here’s what to keep in mind at ROI:
First, verify that you can enter Thailand — visa requirements depend on your nationality and can change. Second, know your timing: the Taxi/Shared Van takes about 50 minutes into Roi Et, so add that up for the round trip plus security buffer. Third, have your payment sorted — THB is the currency here. Avoid exchanging money at the airport if you can — city-center ATMs usually give you a better deal.
Getting from ROI to Roi Et
From ROI, the Taxi/Shared Van gets you to Roi Et in around 50 minutes. That’s the option most travelers with a time constraint should pick.
Taxis and ride-hailing services are available too (expect roughly 70 minutes), but they cost more and are at the mercy of traffic. Unless you’re traveling with heavy luggage or in a group, the Taxi/Shared Van offers the best balance of speed, cost, and reliability.
Where to Leave Your Bags
Dedicated luggage storage at ROI may be limited. Your best bet is to check services like Bounce or Stasher for verified storage locations near the airport or in Roi Et’s center.
Some hotels and shops near transit hubs also offer storage for a small fee — worth asking about if you’re headed into town.
Layover Budget Breakdown
Quick budget math for your Roi Et layover:
| Expense | Estimated Cost (USD) |
|---|---|
| Round-trip transport | ~$5 |
| Meal | ~$5 |
| Buffer / extras | ~$10 |
| Total | ~$20 |
Cards are increasingly accepted in Roi Et, but cash is still useful for smaller purchases.
Things to Do During Your Layover
For a layover visit to Roi Et, we’d suggest Wat Burapha Phiram (Phra Phuttha Rattana Mongkhon Maha Munee) and Bueng Phlan Chai (Roi Et City Lake). Neither requires a full day, and both give you a real taste of the area.
Accessible and enjoyable even on a short visit. Worth checking out if your schedule allows.
Staying airside? That’s fine too. Inside ROI, you can spend time at ROI Airport Souvenir Shop or try ROI Departure Lounge. Sometimes the best layover is a calm one.
Food Worth Trying
- In the city: Krua Isaan Baan Pak Bung (à¸à¸£à¸±à¸§à¸à¸µà¸ªà¸²à¸ à¸à¹à¸²à¸à¸à¸±à¸à¸à¸¸à¹à¸) and Lay Lao Restaurant (à¹à¸¥à¸²à¸¥à¹à¸² à¹à¸£à¸ªà¹à¸à¸à¸£à¸à¸à¸à¹) are both worth a visit if you’re exploring Roi Et.
- At the airport: ROI Airport Coffee & Snacks and Local Noodle & Rice Stall will get the job done without leaving the terminal.
Staying Connected
You’ll find free WiFi at ROI for basic browsing. If you plan to navigate Roi Et or use ride-hailing apps, having mobile data is much more convenient. Consider setting up an eSIM through a provider like Airalo or Holafly before your trip — it takes a few minutes and saves you from hunting for SIM card kiosks.
Resting at the Airport
Not every layover involves sightseeing. If you’d rather rest, ROI has seating areas throughout the terminal, though comfort levels vary. Grab a neck pillow and stake out a quiet corner.
Airport lounges — accessible via day pass, credit card perks, or services like Priority Pass — typically offer reclined seating, showers, and a quieter environment.
Final Thoughts
There you have it — everything you need to make a layover in Roi Et count. The hardest part is usually just deciding to leave ROI. Once you do, you’ll be glad you did.
Keep your flight info handy, budget a buffer for the return, and enjoy the ride.
Nearby Layover Guides
Disclaimer: Visa rules, transport schedules, and prices change. Always verify details with official sources and your airline before leaving the airport.