Northeastern Literature Botanic Garden

The Northeastern Literature Botanic Garden — known locally as the Dong Ma-ei Botanical Garden of Thai Literature — sits inside the Dong Ma-ei National Forest Reserve in Nong Phok district, Roi Et province, roughly 90 km from Roi Et city itself. It was founded in 1987 by the Office of the Permanent Secretary for the Ministry of Agriculture and Cooperatives to mark the King’s 60th birthday that year, and covers around 1,000 rai of forest reserve land. Entry is free; no fixed opening hours are posted, so plan a daylight visit.

The premise is straightforward: native Isan trees and plants are grown and labelled according to their appearances in classical Thai literature and northeastern folk poetry, with a knowledge pavilion on site tying the plantings back to the texts that reference them. It’s a low-key, government-run reserve rather than a manicured show garden — expect forest paths through reserve land rather than formal flowerbeds.

Because it sits well off the main tourist circuit — 21 km beyond Nong Phok district town along the Roi Et-Nong Phok highway — visitor numbers are low most days. That’s part of the appeal if you want an unhurried walk through northeastern forest with a literary hook, but it also means facilities are basic and English signage is limited.

Insider Tip: This is a destination for people already exploring rural Nong Phok district (for the nearby waterfalls and viewpoints), not a standalone day trip from Roi Et city — the drive alone is close to two hours each way.

Watch out: with no posted hours or on-site staff to confirm, call ahead through the Roi Et provincial tourism office if you’re making a special trip, since forest-reserve access can be affected by seasonal conditions.

Bring water, sun protection, and insect repellent — this is working forest reserve land, not a paved municipal park. Comfortable closed shoes are worth it if you plan to walk the fuller trail network rather than just the areas near the pavilion.

If you’re building a Nong Phok itinerary, this pairs with the district’s forest viewpoints; for a very different kind of Roi Et sight, the giant standing Buddha at Wat Burapha Phiram is back near Roi Et city itself.